News from Stotfold Mill

News from Stotfold Watermill

What a fantastic weekend….

There can be no doubt that last month’s Steam Fair and Country Show was the most successful ever. Our Major Events team were determined to organise an event to ensure that after two year’s absence would give great value day out for everyone. The public response was overwhelming and thanks to some glorious weather crowds were drawn in from far afield. It can be recognised that the weekend has become a major event on the Bedfordshire attractions calendar that the Stotfold community can be proud of. We hardly dare suggest that we would like to make it even bigger and more successful in the future as to do so would need more volunteers – unless of course you are willing to come forward and help us!

We are pleased to be open to the public again on Sunday afternoons. In June we will be open on 12th and 26th and on every Sunday throughout July. Many of our visitors enjoy afternoon refreshments in Randalls Tearoom and seeing the working mill in action producing flour and porridge oats, but much time can be also be spent viewing the artefacts and displays that have been produced by the Archive team. One item of particular local interest has been the Document of the Week featuring letters from pupils to Sam Randall, the last miller, from pupils at Roecroft School who were shown round the mill in 1979. Did Lisa Myhill and Stephen May, as well as their classmates realise that their letters would be displayed in the mill over 40 years later? Do Lisa and Stephen still live locally? In the display cabinets the Archive group have mounted a fascinating collection of items and information illustrating the transformation of Stotfold from a hamlet in 1700 to our large dormitory town today as well as artifacts relating to the arrival of the railway to the area around 1750. During the recent Steam Fair and Country Show Phil Radford and Ray Kilby mounted a display of the wonderful models of steam ships and vintage vehicles they have created. If you missed seeing this superb exhibition you will have the opportunity to see it again in September when we hope to show it as part of our contribution to the England’s Heritage Day event

At the AGM of the Stotfold Mill Preservation Trust Ray Kilby had indicated that he no longer wanted to continue as a trustee as he wishes to focus his time and effort on the work that he does in maintaining and running the mill. Whilst fellow trustees regretted that his contribution to the future planning by the Trust would be missed, they expressed their extreme gratitude that he would be continuing to run the working mill as his role as the miller is essential to achieving the Trust’s objectives. At the same meeting the appointment of Sarah Murdoch as a new trustee was welcomed. There is still scope for more volunteers with an interest in forwarding the aims of the Trust to join as a trustee. If you feel that you are able to make a contribution, please visit our website or contact the Secretary to SMPT at Stotfold Mill, Mill Lane, Stotfold, SG5 4NU. Visitors to the nature reserve might have noticed that a high security fence has been erected on the Baldock Road boundary. This was at considerable expense but it is hoped it will deter unwanted intruders whose late evening revelries have been a nuisance to nearby residents. Teasel have created a natural play area for children in the section behind the car park known as the JohnStan Wood. It is hoped to develop this further and that the bird hide will once more be opened to add to family visitors’ experience. Please do join the many people who enjoy a stroll around this notable community asset. All we ask is that in order to protect the environment and the wildlife, that you do not leave litter and if you are accompanied by a dog that it remains on a lead at all times.