on the button Issue 58 | Page 13

In 1992, the Grade II listed building was destroyed when a devastating fire broke out at the mill, however the iron hursting frame and waterwheel survived. An extensive restoration programme has led to the mill being saved and it is now open to the public at certain times of year. A charity was set up and The Stotfold Mill Preservation Trust set out to restore the mill to working condition and transform the adjoining meadows into a nature reserve. Corn was once again ground in 2006 after many years dedicated work by volunteers and specialists to restore the mill. The Nature Reserve was officially opened in June 2011. Today the Mill and Nature Reserve have over 165 active volunteers who work in specialist teams, helping to keep the wheels of history turning. The Archive Group was formed in April 2009 to seek museum status for the mill. Artefacts and memorabilia from the mill’s heyday can be seen alongside some tools and agricultural items with local connections. On a visit to Stotfold Mill with its long history you can see the work done by the team to bring this jewel in the local area back to its original working condition. A Collection of objects and memorabilia is currently being compiled by the Archive Group and is available to see on the website: www.stotfoldmill.com www.facebook.com/groups/onthebutton/ | #infoonthebutton | on the button issue 58 June 2017 13