A lot has been happening behind the scenes over the last few months, and much of it has been thanks to our steering group. So a proper introduction seems well overdue.

Our ten steering group members are Steve Batt, Pauline Dodsworth, Tara Fraser, Matt Hayes, Peggy Heuer, Lisa Kill, Tom Knight, Michael McAndrew, Matt Melksham and James Vigne. You can read more about them on the steering group page.

Between us, we have a pretty broad mix of experience: running businesses, hospitality, finance, architecture, project management, technology, community development, sustainability, fundraising and more. Many of us have lived in and around Bickleigh for many years; others have arrived more recently and bring a fresh perspective. It’s quite a group to have assembled in such a short space of time. What brought us together was our shared love for the Mill and our desire to see it open again.

We’ve met four times in person so far. After the open meeting we decided to create three subgroups to help us move things forward more quickly. Our subgroups are focused on:

• developing the business plan
• putting together a sale agreement
• registering as a community benefit society

We’re making good progress in these groups and will post updates here shortly.

Much as we are enjoying the work, we won’t be here forever. Our role is to provide some continuity and guidance during the early stages of the project. In time, we will be replaced by more formal roles: directors of the community benefit society, members of staff, volunteers and so on.

It’s also worth recognising that the steering group is only one part of the picture. Lots of other people are helping out with specific pieces of work, offering advice, volunteering their time, and sharing their ideas. The amount of help we have received so far has been quite mind-blowing.

A big thank you to everyone who has already contributed time, ideas and support to the project. If you’d like to get involved, we’d love to hear from you. Please email info@bickleighmill.org.uk.