Ramblings
RECENT EVENTS AT THE MILL . . .
The old apple tree by the side of the Barn has had to be cut down, old age has taken its toll. Millers over the years must have eaten from this tree, small boys must have scrumped, and miller's wives, hopefully, rested beneath its branches. Two new trees have been purchased from Brogdale Farm (where they sell our flour); a Worcester Pearmain cordon, and a Laxton's Superb upright. In this small area we also have Cecil's pear tree which although showing its age never fails to produce an amazing crop of fruit, and Ray Carlton's twisted hazel - with the additon of a couple of benches and tables it will become a pleasant resting place for visitors.
Simon Hudson and his father together with the new SPAB Chairman, James Waterfield, paid us a recent visit, checking us out for a visit in September when a party of mill enthusiastic SPAB mill members have included us in their tour of sites in Kent.
Ashford Music Society held their AGM in the Barn and members were entertained by Trio Nova - Suzie Knuckey, Caecilia Dance and Emma Clay - three very talented young musicians from Highworth School. Delicious buffet by Gordon Russell.
We were the proud recipients of a Pride in Ashford & Tenterden Tourism Award - Willesborough Windmill was Highly Commended in the Voluntary Group of the Year section. We would like to say a 'thank you' to our visitors for voting for us.
We were taken unawares one Saturday by a visit from a classic car outing - Morgans and Bentleys - stopping off at the mill for tea, cake and tours. Lovely to see them.
We had the piano in the Parlour tuned by Chris Pearson from Chandlers of Rye. This lovely piano, donated by Dorothy Buckingham, bears a label showing it was sold by Burnages of Ashford. Chris thinks it must be at least 120 years old, and feels it is just the right piano for this Victorian setting. One of our visitors who no longer has access to a piano, having married and left the piano back in her parents' home, comes along now and then to play. She is a lovely pianist and on Sunday while taking a tour it was lovely to hear the music drifting up from the depths of the mill.
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