New faces at mills, new mills (to me at any rate) in the latest, absorbing, Volume 2 Mills and Millers of Hampshire and sad news at our iconic silk mill which will hopefully be resolved by the time your next newsletter comes out. 

I hope you enjoy this edition, I think you’ll find plenty of interest, whether you read online or on paper. Thank you to all those who have responded to the request for feedback on emailing; on the whole it has gone well.
Cheers, Sheila.

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Beaulieu Tide Mill’s restoration is at last nearing completion after very extensive works to the structure following the fire, and here is the evidence.  Many thanks to Dave Plunkett for the photos above and update: “Externally:  Roof tiling in progress after last of over-roofing removed, viewed from road. Internal :  Ground Floor & First Floor - selected views.  Mid September is the timescale Andy Phillips of Beaulieu Settled Estate is hoping to ask HMG members to attend to assist the next stage of the restoration.  The mill is designed to be let to tenants in part but the ground floor will largely be opened up to the underside of the roof with a minimum of flooring between.  The waterwheel is unrestored and not in current plans.  The new structure is insulated from the roof down to the ground floor.  With still a lot to do, it is in my view, very smart at this stage - as I hope the pictures will testify.”  

Helen Robinson, Manager of the Eling Experience, has announced that Eling Tide Mill has found a new miller to continue the production of their Flour of the Forest and Canute brands of flour.  With an engineering background, which should stand him in good stead, James Lucas has been put ‘through the mill’ training by HMG’s David Plunkett. (Yes, he does get everywhere – Ed.)  

Renovations, restorations and ground clearance are well underway at Laverstoke Mill,  which you may well have seen en route to Bere Mill’s Open Day in May if you travelled from the Basingstoke direction. 

New wedges secured and stones cleaned, back on track of it’s monthly milling programme from July 22, Longbridge Mill is at last working again thanks to the ministrations of millwrights, OwlesworthIJP under the leadership of Paul Sellwood – a man well known to many of our members and who was instrumental in the overhaul of Longbridge’s machinery in 2006, assisted by millwright’s mate, Alan.  The restaurant’s shelves are well stocked again for custom over the counter. Mildred Cookson has been welcomed to our regular milling team although she missed out in August due to the Reading Rock Festival traffic hemming her in at home! Next milling date is 22 September.