Charles Runcie visited the mill to find out  how the renovation  has put Meopham Windmill back at the centre of activity in Meopham village. This was another exciting opportunity for Dave Denman and Victoria Sheridan to go into detail about the many ups and downs of the 18 month project to restore the mill to its former working order. Charles was particularly interested in the numbers of volunteers involved not just in the restoration but also he maintenance of the garden and grounds as well as the facilitation or the Guided Tours for almost a thousand visitors so far.

U3A Matters is a National Magazine that goes out to members of the U3A through the UK. It was thrilling to be included in a double page feature discussing how the windmill’s successful restoration, and subsequent opening to the public, was largely due to the huge efforts and good will of so many volunteers, who had mostly been drawn from Meopham U3A .

It was a wonderful acknowledgement of the importance of maintaining this beautiful heritage site for future generations and to be featured in a national publication such as the U3A Matters which is issued by the U3A Learning Centre. was very much appreciated

During the closed winter months, the Base  Room renovation began with some ruthless decluttering as volunteers gathered to prepare the room for re-painting. Some areas needed damp-proofing and we decided to expose some of the brickwork around arched window and the centre post was treated to a make over and fresh stain which revealed some amazing graffiti with dates and names and some measurements; all part of the fascinating history of this interesting mill.

After a week of hard work by a dedicated team of volunteers and new lighting was also installed with dimmer switches for  a choice of ambience.  The whole place now looks smart, clean and bright; This  much loved mill is still cosy and welcoming but now gives a greater impact on entering.

Huge thank you to all volunteers including Dave, Rob  and Nigel and everyone who donated so much of their time to achieve these important jobs to maintain the mill.  With a special shout out to professionals, Matt Crunden and Tony Argent.

In support of the Rotary’s campaign to eradicate polio throughout the world, we set aside a beautiful spot in the windmill garden dedicated to Purple for Polio.

The pretty purple crocuses have bloomed already along with hundreds more that volunteers planted in abundance around the garden and grounds. 
Each Spring, when the crocuses rise and bloom, we will think of those that need our support to eliminate polio.

Affiliating with the Wheels of Time, means children who visit us can now participate in the Kent Roamin’ Rex’ Award Scheme.

Every time children visit a heritage venue in the scheme their adults can claim a badge for them.
Once the children collect a certain number of these badges, they can claim either Bronze, Silver or Gold Awards. Its all very exciting and encourages children to visit a rich variety of heritage sites in Kent.

Members of the U3A Photography Group came along to the windmill to gather fresh images for their portfolios.

A diverse group of varied interests and equipment were enthusiastic and keen to get some unusual images.

It was chilly weather but the intrepid photographers climbed and clambered their way around and found ways to capture the windmill in all her glory in a variety of angles and lighting,