Shropshire's last working water mill seeking helpers

The iconic image of the Severn Valley Railway's steam trains passing over Oldbury viaduct above the mill has seen the attraction feature in the opening credits of The Chronicles of Narnia, as well as appearing on Escape to the Country. It has also been visited by enthusiasts from across the world.

Major damage caused during the summer floods of 2007, when the mill was almost lost, almost put a premature end to the 18th century mill's proud existence.

A trust was set up soon after to preserve it and after a period of stability the mill is now looking for new trustees.

Anne Dingley, co-ordinator of the Daniels Mill Trust, said: "The present trustees and volunteers have an ongoing passion to maintain the working mill and its surroundings.

"We're always on the lookout for volunteers to bring their skills and learn new ones, to keep Bridgnorth's hidden gem alive.

"The trust is currently lucky to have a small but wonderful team of volunteers who have turned up throughout this year to keep the place ticking over and looking great.

"But we'd love some more local support on our board. We'd particularly welcome those with practical, historical, social and environmental passions to move things forward and ensure the mill stays viable and operational."

The mill operates all year round and supplies flour to Maximum Healthfood in St Marys Street, Bridgnorth, and Bridgnorth Delicatessen in High Street for bread.

Ideas are already being considered to bring more tourists to the mill when it reopens for the new season in Easter.

Running with the theme of heritage artefacts, the trust is considering hosting an display of vintage sprayers and, continuing the agricultural and countryside theme, debuting Britain's first vintage chainsaw exhibition.

"Years ago infrastructure for a water powered electricity generating system was installed adjacent to the huge 18th century wheel," said Mrs Dingley.

"The trust would also love to get that work completed and see our own electricity generated and used on site.

"As well as routine maintenance, the trust also plans to reinstate some more of the internal milling features and systems, which have disappeared over the year.

"These include a sack hoist, flour bolters, graders and sifters, and maintaining and enhancing the mills traditional integrity."

Work never stops at the mill, even with no visitors during the closed winter months when crucial maintenance and repairs will be undertaken.

Tonnes of wheat are ground through the mills large French Burr stones all year round.

A biscuit maker from North Wales is also making an 180 mile round trip to get his corn ground by traditional methods at Daniels Mill, after the last mill in Anglesey, North Wales, was no longer able to grind the corn supplied by the local farmer.

"Despite the economic gloom, there has been a steady interest in visitors wanting to see the mill in action," said Mrs Dingley.

"This year several thousand visitors have been through the mill, enjoyed its surroundings and relaxed in its tea rooms.

"They have come from all over the world – Canada, Australia and Germany.

"But those who are most surprised to see the mill and wheel are those who come from nearer to home, who have driven by hundreds of time and never had time to call in."

The trust is chaired by Councillor Les Winwood, deputy portfolio holder and representative for Bridgnorth West and Tasley on Shropshire Council.

Sadly the trust lost one of its founder trustees Elizabeth Yeomans, a respected supporter, who died on September 27, aged 68. Another long serving trustee, Heather Walters, is also standing down.

To arrange a visit to see the mill working out of season, ring Peter George on 07812 733223.

Anyone wishing to be more involved with the mill is asked to call Mrs Dingley on 07813 172781.