Autumn is upon us. damp and cold has arrived. Path Read Water Mill is full of new green with further grassed areas around the Reed Bed and Reservoir. Hardcore is being spread on footpaths to keep our policy of disabled access throughout the site.

We have had a very successful Heritage Open Days. Saturday was not very exciting. it rained till lunchtime, but the afternoon cleared up and a number of visitors came to see us. Sunday was a different day altogether, the sun came out and so did the people. Our visiting Alpacas were a great success as were our regular visitors from The Tvnedale Dyers, Spinners and Weavers. Great networking was the order of the day and many friendships were seen to be established.

Later in the month we had a day with the Knightsbridge Art Club. from Gosforth. Some of their pictures are now hanging in The Mill for sale - would any body like a bespoke Christmas present?

Our Sita funding is now coming to an end. We receive our last sector of funding in December. This will complete the grant of £25.000 that they gave us for support in 2005. Thank you Sita, you have made a sect ion of the voluntary community very happy. Without this funding about 30 Service Users and 10 students with learning and behavioural difficulties would not have had a placement in their local area.

Our funding for salaries is agreed with The Big Lottery Fund and this comes on stream in January 2006. how nice to go through a Christmas without a financial crisis, this is a first for the Trust and Trevor and family will really have a Happy Christmas!

Regards Trevor & Ben, October 2005