We opened to the public on 9 & 10 May 2026 for our Spring open days. Saturday was warm and sunny so we needed our parasol, Debra made a new vent cloth for the top as the old one was beyond repair, she and Ryan fitted it first thing Saturday morning. Sunday was breezy and cooler so we had the fire alight in the wagon.
Our model of the mill showing how it looked in its working days was on display in our visitor centre along with the many finds discovered when digging the site in the early days. We had our water wheel turning both days using our pump.
Many people said they enjoyed their walk to the mill along the riverside track, we had our wildlife signs and way markers out to inform visitors of their progress, as its 0.75 miles to the mill. We had Ryan's Land Rover and our Gator and trailer with seats taking visitors between the mill and car park for those who found the walk too much. At open days the mill can also be accessed from the Nar Valley Way public footpath by crossing our footbridge, giving walking access from Pentney and Marham as well as from River Close in Narborough.
We gave out our self guided maps which show the location of facilities and features. Our catering team working from the railway wagon put out sausage rolls, cheese straws, biscuits and home made cakes, and made tea, coffee or soft drinks for everyone. On Sunday Janis and Keith were making teas and were able to see the display cabinet they gave us in use in the visitor centre full of finds discovered when digging the site.
We were given a lovely painting of the water wheel by Annie Bird which we will put on display, the artist is Brian Woods of Fakenham.
From our seating area we could see several roe deer in the field on the other side of the river which visitors and volunteers managed to get photos of. Our sign about the elevator came loose and blew into the river, Ryan got the ladder and a rake and retrieved it and I stapled it back onto the board. A lot of visitors used our swinging footbridge to cross the river and view the water wheel turning from the other side.
The volunteers enjoyed talking to our visitors, some had been to previous open days as well as new visitors this year. We hope everyone enjoyed their day at the bone mill. Thanks to everyone who filled in our Visitor Feedback Form, we had lots of positive comments and a 5 star review on Google.
If you are interested in volunteering at the mill, see the volunteering page and volunteer blogs to see what you could get involved with and Contact Us.
Mills 2025 HOD 2025 Volunteering Wheel Turning Video Blog 7/5/26
