Local oak for Mill repairs

In early 2025 it was clear that Woodbridge Tide Mill required good, local oak to replace some of its teeth and paddle components in the ancient machinery. Patrick Bowden-Smith was contacted by Chair Ian Jacob and suitable trees were identified, felled and cut to transportable sizes. We are very grateful to Mr Bowden-Smith and his sons Douglas and Angus for their generosity in undertaking the hard work required.

Matt Lis, General Manager Woodbridge & Waldringfield Boatyards also helped out by transporting the oak to his Woodbridge yard by boat up the Deben. Here he also shaped the wood into useable blanks for Pit Wheel teeth and waterwheel paddle boards. Like the Bowden-Smith’s, an outstanding local contribution much appreciated by the Mill’s Trustees.

Engineers Gary May and Alex Hunter of Hunter & May Mill Engineers will use this valuable, local and appropriate material to maintain the Mill machinery over the coming years.