Tributes paid to Ifield Watermill’s Ted

Ted, who lived in Langley Green, died on December 13, aged 89.

The mill will be run in his honour on the day of his funeral.

Ted’s relationship with the mill started when his son pointed out its abandoned remains in the early 1970s.

The land, mill and millpond were bought by Crawley Urban District Council in 1973 and restoration work started one year later.

Nick Sexton, the mill’s Honorary President, wrote the following:

The mill was in a severely dilapidated state at the time but because of the historical importance as part of Crawley’s Industrial history, Ted realised the importance of preserving the mill and bringing it back to working order and as a museum for the public to enjoy.

A lease was acquired from the council and Ted’s team of skilled volunteers began their arduous task of restoration.

By the late 1970s the mill was deemed safe for monthly openings to the public.

Until Ted retired two years ago, he was the expert, in charge of the maintenance and restoration of the mill.

Ted’s pleasant and friendly manner, combined with his expert knowledge of engineering earned him an MBE for his voluntary service to the public and in particular the Ifield Watermill restoration.

He was a member of The Sussex Industrial Archaeological Society and had a wide knowledge of Mills in the Wealden Iron Industry.

Ted realised the importance of keeping records of the restoration over 40 years.

He collected photos and postcards and historical documents concerning the mill and invited local historians to record the history of the iron and flour mills that existed at the present site.

The Mill Guide, which can be purchased from Crawley Museum, Ifield Watermill and online describes the workings of the mill, the artefacts, the history of past mills which existed on the site, and items of local history.

Ted is one of the main authors of this informative document, along with Pat Brasher.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, Ted’s funeral will be limited in numbers. We will be running the wheel in his honour on Friday January 8 at 2:45pm.”

Ifield Watermill is open to the public on selected Sundays from April to September.