As I write this report there is a very bad storm with lashing rain and thunder and lightening, not quite the weather we need during the summer months. It is hard to think that it is now July and we are well into the Open Season but in spite of the weather visitors have still managed to visit the Mill even if not in the numbers we would like. However all our guides and helpers are working hard to maintain a presence on all our advertised dates which brings me to the question of helpers. If there are any members of the Friends who may have some spare time at weekends perhaps you would like to spend it at the Mill to see how we all operate. You never know you may enjoy it.

In addition to the above we have been busy with many weekday visits from schools, local clubs and organisations. The Mayor of Havering also brought a party of 24 Mayors from other London Boroughs to support her charity and apparently they all enjoyed the visit so much they have already booked another visit next year.

I must also mention the Tuesday working party who work hard throughout the year and at the moment are working on the fan tail gallery and cleaning of the line shaft and belts on the Stone floor.

Lastly I must not forget that Bob and Sheila Sharp are now moving to Hampshire and to show our appreciation of all their hard work over 40 years at the Windmill, the Friends held a farewell party for all those who knew them through these years. This was well attended and the Mayor and Angela Watkinson MP also found time to attend what was in fact an unforgettable evening. To show our real appreciation we unveiled a plaque noting Bob’s dedication and presented then both with an engraved crystal bowl so they will not forget us at Upminster Mill. We wish them all the best for the their new life in Lymington.

Roger

What a wonderful evening it was on 30th June. Many of Bob’s friends gathered at the Mill for a farewell party before their move to Lymington the following week.  We are sorry if more of you would have liked to come, but the Mill is not very big and we had to be careful when we were planning the party as if (and it was) the weather was wet there was no way people could stand outside.

Among our guests were these two people who were involved in the first opening of the Mill by the Hornchurch Historical Society.   On the left is Florence Caldwell who was publicity officer of the Historical Society and was much involved in organising the first opening and later became the Secretary of the Society.  On the left is George Berry who was the guide who showed Bob round at the first opening infecting him with the “Mill Bug”, and the rest, as they say, is history.

[If anyone has memories or pictures of any openings before the Friends were formed please let me know. - JW]