What's going on at Town Mill?
Well, the simple answer is, as a heritage jewel and a community hub there's always something going at the Town Mill.
Follow our TOWN MILL DIARIES to find out the huge variety of activities that are keeping us busy here. Let's share with you what has been going on this winter.
We'd like to start our Winter newsletter with a huge THANK YOU to our amazing volunteers. Although visitor-friendly, the Mill is a particularly tough, physical environment in the Winter - unheated, open to the elements, uneven floors and heavy machinery. Milling is a cold and physical business! But in-spite of the many challenges, our wonderful volunteers turn up smiling every single day and always deliver a fantastic visitor experience, so often praised by visitors for their knowledge and passion who often can't quite believe they can visit the Mill for free! We keep telling our volunteer team - and we should tell you too - we could not keep the Town Mill running without them, and we are so very grateful for every hour of their time that they choose to spend with us at the Mill in so many different capacities. THANK YOU - from the very bottom of our pit-wheel!
TWO GOOD STORIES - "FLEECE TO FLOOR" & "GRAIN TO LOAF"
On a crisp November day we were very pleased to welcome the volunteers from the AXMINSTER HERITAGE CENTRE to the Mill for a volunteers day out! As a volunteer-led group ourselves, there was something particularly warming about opening our doors to welcome fellow volunteers, who give their time and care to keep local heritage alive. We were struck by how naturally our two stories intertwine. At the Heritage Centre, their work celebrates the journey of the world-famous AXMINSTER CARPETS telling the story of "fleece to floor." Here at the Mill, we tell the similarly satisfying story of "Grain to Loaf." Both are tales of process, patience and skilled hands, reminding us that the things we cherish most, often begin with the simple raw materials. Bringing our two groups together felt like a meeting of kindred spirits - and a little celebration of craft, community and the volunteers who work so hard to keep these traditions alive - whatever the season.
BIG QUEUES FOR THE ANNUAL "POP-UP VINTAGE" IN THE MALTHOUSE GALLERY
Hotly anticipated every year, we welcomed the POP-UP VINTAGE extravaganza to the Malthouse Gallery this November, curated by Jan Calow and Mandy Wiscombe. These two ladies - with their discerning style and an eye for a bargain - brought to the Malthouse Gallery a year's worth of carefully sought out vintage and preloved items that people never knew they needed…but just have to have! POP-UP VINTAGE has now established itself as a destination exhibition for many people to source unique, quirky and affordable Christmas gifts and like every year, there was a queue at the door for launch because those that know….know - it's the early bird that catches the worm! In an environment of ever increasing commercialisation and perceived pressure to buy in the festive period, Jan and Mandy remain a breath of fresh air with the philosophy of rehoming with a whole new generation, vintage items of quality, style and meaning.
WE WELCOME THE SEATON U3A "MEMBERS ON THEIR OWN" GROUP
In the embers of November we welcomed the SEATON U3A MOTO GROUP (Members On Their Own). The MOTO group specifically offers opportunities for people who may be on their own, socially isolated or those maybe only able to come out on their own perhaps because they are caring, to come together, connect and enjoy new experiences - and we were thrilled to play a small part in that mission. Our visiting ladies enjoyed a guided tour of the Mill with very experienced Miller, Gary, exploring the heritage of the Mill and seeing it in action - and told us that they really enjoyed some of the very humorous stories underpinning our history. Making heritage accessible, welcoming and enjoyable for everyone is central to our vision for having "community at our core" and hosting groups like MOTO reminds us exactly why that matters.
We were honoured to host the WELDMAR HOSPICECARE "LIGHT UP A LIFE" Remembrance Ceremony at Town Mill, a poignant service to remember lost loved ones and attended by the CEO of Weldmar, Caroline Hamblett, COO Matt Smith as well as Reverend Fi Budden, rector for the Golden Cap Benefice as well as the Mayor of Lyme Regis, Philip Evans and Lady Mayoress Jackie Evans.
The Lyme Regis ceremony here at TOWN MILL marked the start of the 2025 Light Up A Life events - the first of several remembrance services which took place right across Dorset through December enabling communities across the county to come together and support each other.
The ceremony offered a moment of pause, connection and remembrance - a reminder that winter festivities can bring mixed emotions as loved ones no longer with us are remembered.
In the Courtyard the lights were completely dimmed creating a quiet moment of contemplation before the tree lights were turned on for the first time, each light having been dedicated to a loved one.
Those that gathered enjoyed hot mulled drinks and delicious mince pies - and each others company and comfort.
We are thankful for the serene winter evening that brought the local community together in such an meaningful way - and to Weldmar Hospicecare for the incredible work they do across the county.
Remember what we say - "Where there's a mill.....there's a way".
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Credits:
Created with an image by Nitr - "wheat ears and grains"