New Hall Mill is a remarkable place and I recommend you visit when you get chance.

Last Monday, I popped out on the overcast, grey afternoon and rode to New Hall Mill for their open day – this is the working flour mill reader Alan Dawson recommended to readers last weekend – and as a result, I’ve fallen in love with this remarkable place.

The Mill is a lovingly restored relic of Sutton’s rural past, and is a thing of beauty and joy for mechanical geeks, historians and those curious folk who want to see a bit of life from times gone by.

The open day was free to enter, and there was loads to see and do – a lovely tea shop, fascinating grounds and an old-fashioned Miller’s garden. There is a wonderful meadow and millpond, teaming with birds and wildlife. The place is a treat.

Alan Dawson wrote to me on Monday evening:

Hi Bob,

Many thanks for promoting our bank holiday Monday open day, some 500 visitors attended which is quite considerable as the weather was cool and we were competing with the Lichfield Bower and the half term holidays when many people go away.

We endeavour to improve the experience on a year by year basis and have many visitors who return just to see what’s new. This year we managed to clear considerable vegetation from alongside the stream and by laying wooden chippings from the recovered branches we were able to provide a lovely brook side walk with favourable reviews.

Do I see a grey wagtail on the roof of the cartshed in your biking blog today?

Many thanks again and hoping that you may be able to give us a mention prior to our future openings.

Best regards,
Alan Dawson – A friend of Newhall Mill

The next open days are as follows:

Sunday June 14th – Wild Flower day
Sunday July 12th – Nature day
Sunday August 9th – Hobbies day
Bank holiday Monday August 31st – Arts and Crafts day
Sunday September 13th – History day

Access to the mill is off Wylde Green road, Sutton Coldfield, B76 1QU, some 200 metres from the National cycle route.

More details can be found on our website – www.newhallmill.org.uk

I can’t believe I never realised this place existed – it’s a national treasure and I commend it to everyone. Thanks to Alan and all the friends for doing such a wonderful job.