The world famous Woodbridge Tide Mill is likely to have a makeover in 2007. The chairman of the Woodbridge Tide Mill Trust, Mike Weaver, said that the restoration of the Tide Mill Quay, in 2004, had improved the quayside dramatically but the Tide Mill itself needs a
new image, to attract new visitors but that it would remain a symbol of historic Woodbridge. The aim is to improve and modernise the 'museum' content of the Tide Mill and to reinstate the process of grinding corn into flour, an activity which was taking place on the site since from 1170 until 1957. The plan is to mix old-style stone grinding with modern technology and safety, with cameras showing the process on a 42-inch video display.
Mike Weaver added that, through the enterprise and energy of Tide Mill trustee Fred Reynolds, the trust has received a £43,000 grant (75% of the cost) for project planning. The remaining 25% had been raised through private donations and other grants.
It is hoped that late in 2006, a further application can be made for the £500,000 that is expected to be required to carry out the works.