17 April 2026

Millers’ Love in Kinderdijk Sealed with a Diploma

With earning their miller’s diploma, Mandie Noorlander (18) and Arjan Hoek (22) continue a tradition that has lived on in both their families for generations. They grew up in a windmill, are active in the Kinderdijk mill area, and, as a couple, form a close-knit duo with a shared passion for the milling craft.

Arjan lives in the fourth mill of the Nederwaard in Kinderdijk. Mandie grew up at the polder mill of Beneden Haastrecht near Gouda and has been working as a miller (then still in training) in Kinderdijk since July 2024. Through the millers’ network and her contact with Arjan, she ended up at our World Heritage site. She remembers her first season fondly:

It was one of the best summers I can remember.

Mandie Noorlander

Generations of craftsmanship

The milling profession is deeply rooted in both families. In Arjan’s case, the history goes back more than 280 years. He is now the eleventh generation of the Hoek family to live and work in the mill.

For Mandie as well, the craft has been passed down for generations on both sides of her family. They have been working mills in the region for centuries. After the restoration of their own mill in 2022, she decided to fully focus on the profession. She hopes to take over the family role herself in the future.

Raised with the craft

Life in a mill shaped them from a young age. For Arjan, the beauty lies in the surroundings: every day is different, and the landscape is constantly changing.

Mandie especially experiences a strong connection with nature. “You notice the seasons so much more and are automatically engaged with them,” she says. “The best feeling remains when the mill is turning in all weather conditions, and you are working with the forces of wind and water that have been used for generations.”

Young, yet millers

Their young age stands out. People their age are often surprised when they hear what they do. At the same time, it sparks curiosity and changes how people view the profession.

Their advice to other young people who are unsure about becoming a miller is simple: visit a mill and experience it for yourself. It takes some time, but it is definitely worth it.

Walking the same path together

Mandie and Arjan met through a network of young millers. What started as a shared interest grew into a relationship and a joint journey toward their miller’s diploma.

They supported each other while studying, went through the material together, and worked toward the same goal. The fact that they passed just days apart makes the experience even more special.

Looking ahead

With their diplomas in hand, they are looking to the future. Both want to continue developing their skills and become even better at working with the mill and the elements.

Their dream is to one day live and work together in a mill. Which mill that will be remains to be seen. That is the ‘downside’ of both coming from miller families. In addition, they hope to inspire other young people to pursue the milling profession.

With young millers like Mandie and Arjan, this centuries-old craft remains very much alive. And that is something we at Kinderdijk UNESCO World Heritage are incredibly proud of!