Visit by Belgian millers
Extracts from reports in SPAB Mill News No 108, July 2006
In September 2005 a group of Mills Section Members spent a weekend in Flanders as guests of Levende Molens, the regional Mills Society of Flanders, and  a return visit was suggested.  This took place on the 7th to 9th April and was organised by Simon Hudson and John Silman.
Jeff Hawkesley of SPAB Mills Section reports:
The tour began on a rather unusual note.  With unexpectedly easy driving on both sides of the channel and by driving straight onto a waiting shuttle they managed to arrive at their first destination, Upminster Windmill, some two hours early.  By phoning ahead (actually from Upminster, Bob) they arranged for Bob Sharp and Trevor Watts to open the mill early.  As a result they had completed the visit before Simon arrived (having travelled by C2C) even though he was ahead of the original, pre-arranged time.
Frans Brouwers of Levende Molens, also reports:
Friday morning 7th April had come.  De impatient millers from Turnhout boarded the bus and were ready to go some 20 minutes before the agreed departure time.  There were no traffic problems en route to the tunnel and even the M25 and the further travel to Upminster was without delays.  The group of 43 Flemish millers (correction: 41 Flemish, one German and one Dutch miller) arrived at Upminster two hours in advance of the schedule.
One phone call and a few minutes later Bob Sharp and his crew arrived at the mill. After allowing the millers to invade the mill, Bob and his people constructed a tent.  Water was boiled for coffee and tea so that the Flemish visitors could be offered something to drink.  Strawberries, apples and biscuits and specially the friendly welcome by the ladies were very much appreciated.
My thanks to all who supported me that day.
The full reports make interesting reading especially when comparing the impressions of the visitors and the SPAB members.  - Bob Sharp
Chairman's Letter
Dear Friends,
Many thanks to Jane Moorey and her supporter Richard for organising the Country Crafts Fair on the 18th June.  This was a very successful event which was enjoyed by all who attended and all those who participated.  Thanks also to the many Friends who helped from 7.30 am onwards with the erection of the tents and many other un-noticed jobs.  Also thanks to those who manned the side-shows, sold soft drinks etc.  The  proceeds of the weekend including generous donations from the stall holders, sales and donations in the Mill amounted to approximately £1,000.

Our open week-ends continue to be supported by the public, although attendance has generally been lower than in previous years.

The rota system introduced this year does not seem to have worked very well so far.  People have turned up when not rota'd and then not turned up when they are, not arranging substitutes.  With our small number of regular guides, sales staff and other helpers we are very thin on the ground and last-minute emergencies cause problems.  The bottom line is that we need more guides so that we can spread the load better. Union Mill, Cranbrook, have 80 or 90 guides who may well be called on only once a year.  I do not think we should aim at such a number as the friendliness would be lost, but another five or six would be very welcome. - Bob Sharp
Annual autumn mill trip
Due to the fact that we were unable to secure the Ford minibus in time for the annual mill trip, I’m afraid it has had to be cancelled  The only date possible, would have been 9th September, because of mill and other activities and I will be on holiday later in the month. October is not favourable as the weather may turn. Therefore, I may rearrange it for spring next year, before our main opening season gets underway. Destination to be determined but may be Buckinghamshire. This is a popular event, so anybody interested please let me know in good time as spaces are limited.
Sorry for the disappointment. - Trevor Watts
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