Unfortunately the problems with milling at Eling Tide Mill continue; New Forest District Council, as owners of the Mill, have organised various repairs to sub-tidal areas over the past twelve months and, although the Mill was back producing flour in October, it is not at the rate it once was, which is rather sad.

We have a smart new pit wheel which functions well and a decent waterwheel which has stood the test of time in our abrasive, salty conditions and which worked rather effectively in our tidal regime in the past.  However the levels of the breastwork behind the waterwheel, the level of the cill which the sluice gate closes upon, and the toe to bottom board of the sluice gate have been changed and consequently we cannot get the newly formed sluice gate to the waterwheel to work effectively.

In the past few weeks I was asked to inspect and prepare a report on the sub-tidal areas and advise Totton & Eling Town Council (who operate the Mill) on the effectiveness of the repairs carried out to date which I have done.  I am now looking to provide them with the necessary further details to enable discussions to take place with NFDC on how best to return the wheel to its former performance.

In the meantime, the mill is open to the public and limited fresh flour is on sale once more.  With the loss of miller, James Lucas, we are seeking a new miller in the coming month.  I had better get my Practical Tide Milling, training manual out once more.