Beaulieu Tide Mill: David Plunkett writes: I was at Beaulieu Tide Mill on the last Sunday of September, as chairman and organiser of the Mills Research Group Conference of 2013.  With fewer numbers than I was expecting, our band of molinologists from across England were treated to an excellent conducted tour with much explanation of the past years since the fire of 2006.  Andy Phillips, as clerk of works for the Beaulieu Estate, was most knowledgeable and fended questions and queries with expert intent.  The revised reuse of the mill and the additions is very sympathetic and the projected boat design company, as tenants, looks very promising.  HMG members will have the opportunity to visit when final fitting out works are complete in the coming months.  Prepare to be surprised.  We may even be allowed to hold a Hampshire Mills Group meeting here next year!   See David’s full MRG report on page 9.

Eling Tide Mill: Is recruiting for a new miller and will hope to be starting 2014 in better shape altogether. See a report on page 6.  ETM has many outlets to supply, including a recent addition of Gordleton Mill Restaurant at Sway which prides itself on using local produce.  ETM’s shop remains open for sales of flour and many other goodies too.  I bought the wheatsheaf (pictured above) fashioned from salt dough there a few years ago and it still looks good on my Welsh dresser. The Eling Experience Manager, Helen Robinson, would love to receive any photographs for he archive she is compiling of Eling Tide Mill through the years and if you have any anecdotes too that you can relate, contact her at Totton & Eling Town Council by email:   Helen.robinson@totton-and-eling-tc.gov.uk.