Everyone associates water and wind mills with flour production and yet all our mills have had varied uses adapting to changes as / when fashion or necessity demands.  So, in this and the next couple of issues, textiles take centre stage and even in this field the products are as varied as the types of textile manufactured “through the mill”.  Our last general meeting was held at Hampshire’s famous Whitchurch Silk Mill which gave members the opportunity to see close at hand how that delicate fibre was transformed into cloth. Here you will find the focus is on flax, wool and horse hair – all three organic properties worked using intriguing machinery (originally water driven) into consumer products to wear, furnishings or contain things.  Crux Easton Wind Engine has enjoyed a humdinger of a year which you can read all about; Andrew Rutter follows up Tony Yoward’s article on eels with an amusing family tale amongst an eclectic mix of mill news.  Grateful thanks go to all the contributors. And remember Everybody – keep it all coming in my direction!

Bursledon Windmill Hampshire County Council announced drastic spending cuts affecting Hampshire’s only working windmill. 

Calbourne Watermill, I.O.W. This 17^th century watermill produces and sells flour every day; take a break from the mainland, pop over for a super lunch there.  www.calbournewatermill.co.uk  There will be a visit report with photographs in the next HMG newsletter.

Durley, Nursling, Poland, Sadlers and Upper Mill, Longparish  All these watermills have been put on the property market plus, just over the border in Berkshire, Eddington joins Cookham and Tidmarsh Mills for sale.  We certainly hope that we retain current Hampshire owners as members and recruit all new owners to our membership.

Hockley Mill  Concern has been expressed over a press article revealing that the mill’s owner has sold his house – but not the mill -  and is moving away.  The mill is due to be opened to the public by HMG on January 2^nd 2011.

Shears Mill, Bishopstoke.  On their website, in the Projects Section, Bishopstoke Parish Council announced the intention to restore the turbines. The page carries three illustrations depicting the mill in the early 20^th century. Collaboration is acknowledged between the Eastleigh Borough Council., Hampshire Mills Group,  the Bishopstoke Society and the Community Association.  The Environment Agency also placed a Notice to impound the water for the turbine restoration and erection of a fish pass.