Tide Mill reaches £60,000 fundraising target

A mill has stood on the site in Woodbridge since the 12th Century

The restoration of a Grade I listed museum will begin after a fundraising campaign reached its target.

The Woodbridge Tide Mill Museum, in Suffolk, began raising money in March to reapply weatherproof paint to the river frontage.

A September target of £60,000 has been reached, with donations topped off by grants from the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Postcode Lottery.

"It was heartwarming to see a wide range of donations from local donors, including local family trusts, estates, and businesses," said Tide Mill Charitable Trust president and instigator of the project, John Carrington.

The fundraiser was set up in September to try and fund the needed restoration work

The tide mill was built in 1793 and is the fourth to be located on the site.

A Heritage Lottery grant in 2011 was spent rebuilding the mill's structure and replacing machinery.

In 2012, the mill and museum underwent some work – completing an estimated £1.25m renovation project.

Mr Carrington said it has been rewarding to see the support for the "historic local legacy" and the trust looked forward to "a gleaming mill".

"The Trustees are extremely grateful to all donors, regardless of amount, and will ensure that 100% of the donations are put to the mill's restoration for the community."

The renovation is planned to take about three weeks, during which time it will be remain open between 11:00 and 17:00 daily, although the riverside boardwalk will be closed.

Tide Mill charitable trust president, and instigator of the project, John Carrington, said it was really heartwarming to see the donations come through