Currently the Mill is the only working tide mill in the UK producing flour. The grants will enable vital work to the Hurst Frame. The frame supports the impressive oak and iron machinery that harnesses the river Deben’s tides to mill local grain. Due to rising sea levels the Frame, which used to occasionally flood, now spends long periods submerged in salty river water. A timber survey recommended work to ensure the frame remained structurally adequate. Sections of the lower part of both Hurst Frame legs need to be cut away and replaced by engineering brickwork.
The crucial work will be done during winter when the Mill is closed. Repairs to the Hurst Frame will interrupt milling, which will continue to supply commercial contracts, and rotating the millwheel to avoid it becoming waterlogged.
A retired structural engineer joined the management team to oversee and provide expertise and a consulting structural engineering firm was commissioned to produce the scheme. The team approached local builders to quote for and schedule the work, indicating which areas of the Mill would be shut off to staff, volunteers and trustees. With this information an application was made to the Local Authority for permission to carry out the work and funding bids prepared.
The Trustees of The Woodbridge Tide Mill Charitable Trust are extremely grateful to East Suffolk District Council and National Lottery players for awarding grants to cover the cost of the work. The cost of the preparatory work involved in investigating the repair and the tender process have been paid by the Mill.
Cllr Caroline Topping, Leader of East Suffolk Council, said: “Woodbridge Tide Mill is one of the most iconic and important landmarks in our district – and a jewel in the crown of the River Deben. What makes it particularly precious as an attraction is its rare distinction as a working, flour producing mill, performing the same function it was built for hundreds of years ago.
“I’m delighted that this grant will help protect and enhance the internal framework that supports the machinery used to keep that tradition going.”
John Carrington, Chair of Woodbridge Tide Mill Charitable Trust said: “We are delighted to have received the support from National Lottery players through The National Lottery Heritage Fund, and East Suffolk District Council.”
“This enables us to do this essential work without dipping into our reserves. The Mill is of national importance and because of its age and location needs continual maintenance. Our reserves mean that we can respond quickly if an urgent repair is needed.”
The work is scheduled to be carried out in November 2024 and will, according to the approved schedule, take until mid-December 2024 to finalise and clear the site.
