The well attended Spring meeting was held at Warnford Village Hall.  Reports on mill repairs included mention of successful stitching carried out on Hockley’s waterwheel (viewable by the public on the January 1^st Open Day). However, the wheel, set up with wedges (almost complete), needs de-calcining to get it balanced correctly. Woodworm treatment of the mill and replacement of the Hockley sluices needs to be carried out; negotiations are taking place with the property owner, residents and farmer who all have interests in the projects.  Bishopstoke Turbines: it is understood that contracts on fish ladder design are being sought by Eastleigh Borough Council.  Broughton Manor Farm Barn Mill: Health and Safety paperwork is still to be completed before work can commence although  work is needed to start as soon as possible. Gavin Bowie said that the Hampshire Field Club’s Historic Buildings Group had done some research on the barn and think it is the largest staddle stone barn in Hampshire. 

The meeting was followed by a visit to the Warnford Waterwheel and Pump in Warnford Park which the Heavy Gang had restored many years previously. Photographs recording various works carried out were displayed in the hall.  We went on to Warnford Paper Mill;   the building we saw being a rebuild on the same footprint of the original which burned down.  A delightful sojourn.  Thanks are due to Alison Stott for organising and the Paper Mill owner, Mr. L for allowing us free rein over his property.

Specific Mills – recent news.

City Mill  Winchester:    Bob Goodwin said they had 32,500 visitors last year and milled 8 tons of grain (despite two months when the sluice was under repair).  A grant had been received from DEFRA as they had participated in “Eat into Green Living”.  They are running new courses, with baking activites and events; they are opening up the downstairs area for better viewing; they have had an exhibition of Martin Gregory’s sewing machines and are now licensed to sell bottled beers from local breweries.  On 1^st January they were visited by 300-400 people as part of the King Alfred Buses running day. A visit by Hilary Benn had generated press publicity.