From the Chairman
The Friends of Upminster Windmill was formed several years ago to support the Upminster Windmill Preservation Trust. The intention was for the Trust to lease the Mill from the Council and raise money for its restoration, primarily through lottery funding.
This objective has not yet been achieved, though the Friends have continued their supporting role of maintaining the Mill and opening it to the public. Over the last few months the Friends have been working with both the Council and the Trust to see if progress can be made. We believe that it now can and we are aiming to identify and resolve the remaining issues shortly. We hope to be able to report real progress at our Annual General Meeting to be held on Wednesday 12th May.
In the meantime, if you have not visited the Mill recently we hope you will do so in the coming season to view the many improvements that have been made. - DC.
Vera Spencer 1925-2009
An appreciation by Joyce Hall
I was very sad to hear of the death of Vera as I had known her for nearly fifty years. She had been in hospital for a few weeks and was expected to come out and go into a home but, sadly, she deteriorated and died.
She was born in Lambeth in 1925, then the family moved to Dagenham and it was there that Russell met her and they were married in Dagenham Parish Church and they have one son, Martin.
I first met Vera at Suttons Primary School on the Parents’ Committee where we worked together doing all the usual things - Sports Days, refreshments, jumble sales, leavers parties, etc. Then Russell was involved with the Cub Pack at St George’s Church which my sons attended and Ray and I joined the Parents’ Committee working with Russell and Vera, which started an association with them both, working together for many years.
When Robin went to the newly built Coopers School in Upminster, he joined the School Scouts Troop. We joined the Parents’ Committee and Russell and Vera were still on that Committee so we worked together on many different things there.
When the Upminster Windmill was first opened Russell and Vera worked there, Russell as a guide and Vera working on the stall. When I retired 20 years ago, I joined the Windmill and then, of course, worked with them both, until Russell had to retire because of Vera's health.
Our association did not end there as we belonged to the Hornchurch Historical Society and it was only a few months ago that Vera was unable to attend. Russell has been a devoted carer over the past few years and they only just missed out on their 60 wedding anniversary.
Vera has been a part of my life for so long, that I shall miss her. Rest in peace, Vera.