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Readers might remember that earlier this year, ECN reported (in the February-March issue) that Millend Mill had been given an award for the ‘best creative re-use of an industrial building’.


This is one of the awards given annually by a prestigious national body with a particular interest in Britain’s industrial past – the Association for Industrial Archaeology (AIA).


Millend’s success was announced at the Association’s conference held at the Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester.

A few months ago, a small gathering was held at the mill where a beautiful bronze plaque was officially presented. The award was given by Keith Falconer OBE, formerly Head of Industrial Archaeology for the Royal Commission on Historical Monuments of England, and Industrial Archaeology for English Heritage. He is now chairman of the AIA.



Also represented was the architect responsible for the mill’s restoration and conversion, and the developer’s project manager. They were joined by Amber Patrick, an advisor to English Heritage, who nominated the mill for the award. I was invited as sort-of ‘historical advisor’ for the project. After the ceremony, there was some discussion as to where the plaque should be located. It was finally decided that it would go proudly by the mill’s main entrance. Actual fitting should take place shortly, then everyone passing by will be aware that this humble local mill, once perilously close to collapse, is now considered to be of national importance. I call that a success!


Some of the attendees at the ceremony in front of Millend Mill’s new water wheel.

Left to right:

Stephen Mills, Didier Ryan of Undercurrent Architects, Project Manager James Lovett, Keith Falconer of the AIA, and Amber Patrick


Stephen Mills

No. 159  Oct - Nov  2016

Eastington Community News Magazine.  Community news for and by the people of Eastington, Gloucestershire