New Hall Mill is a splendid place, restored and run by wonderfully dedicated volunteers.

Theres a lovely thing to visit locally this Sunday (14th May 2017), that’s close by, free and absolutely fascinating…

New Hall Mill is open again next Sunday for their first open day of 2017, for National Mills Weekend. I can heartily recommend the place – it’s fascinating and I had a great time there on 2015 Spring Bank Holiday Monday – not enough people know about this wonderful building.

There’s also an appeal ongoing for people who may be interested to join the friends of New Hall Mill and help in all sorts of ways – the team need all kinds of expertise from guides to engineering types who may have time to spare. See the message at the door to the post.

The open day is free to enter too (although donations are welcomed).

The Friends of Newhall Mill said:

Hi Bob,

Following extensive work in the grounds over the winter months, “The Friends of New Hall Water Mill” are proud to open the 2017 season this coming Sunday, May 14th, 10:00 – 16:00, being the first of our seven open days this year.

You will be able to see and access the 3 storey fully working water mill and witness flour making demonstrations, visit the gift shop, be entertained with live music, see the many side stalls in the grounds and experience lovely walks alongside the streams and through the meadows.

There is an exhibition room and a small tearoom selling cakes and beverages along with a garden shop where produce may be purchased from the millers garden. Don’t forget to visit Auntie Wainwrights to find that bargain that you always wanted.

Today’s entertainment will be provided by The Lichfield Lighthouse company.

In the grounds, there will be Displays & Demonstrations by –

Sutton Coldfield Amateur Radio Society,
The Beekeeper,
Steam Models,
Handmade Crafts & Gifts,
RSPB,
Face Painting,
Maidens Fayre Jams,
Eco Sutton,
Bournville Bread Basket
The Birmingham & Black Country Wildlife Trust

…and individuals will be displaying their various collections.

I totally geeked out over this wonderful place.

Two guided walks will take place at 11:15 (Birds in Spring) led by the RSPB and 14:15(History of the buildings at New Hall Mill) led by historian Roger Lea. The walks last for approx 45 minutes

Entry to the site and Parking is free, donations are always welcome in order that we raise funds to maintain the buildings for all to see in the future.

Access to the mill is off Wylde Green Road, Sutton Coldfield, B76 1QU some 200 metres from National Cycle Route 534.

Hope to see you there

Alan Dawson – A friend of New Hall Mill

More details can be found on their website – www.newhallmill.org.uk or their Facebook page here.

Alan also explained that his group is currently seeking more volunteers to get involved with this wonderful and unique project. He said:

Our biggest concern is having enough individuals to man these events, thirty five volunteers will be on site this coming Sunday.

Unfortunately four of our event day volunteers have passed away during the last twelve months and we are having great difficulty in recruiting new membership. For safety reasons there is a minimum number of volunteers required to operate inside the mill, we are now operating at that crucial level putting a strain on other areas of the site.

We need assistance on Open Days and Work Days when work is undertaken both inside and outside of the mill. We require additional staff in all areas, in particular we require car park attendants as we have greatly increased our car park capacity during the winter months. Any training for new recruits in any capacity will be provided where applicable.

Any person interested in becoming a ‘Friend of New Hall Mill’ should make themselves known to a volunteer on an Open Day, we are a friendly bunch of individuals!

Many thanks again,
Alan Dawson – A friend of New Hall Mill

This is certainly a project worth visiting and supporting – please do pop along if you can.  You can check out a gallery of my photos taken there last year below. I had a great time.