Introduction
- From 1 January 2026, the Mills Section will become part of a unified SPAB membership structure. This change simplifies how membership works while protecting the Mills Section’s distinct role within SPAB, specialist expertise, and programme of publications, events and advocacy.
- Members will still be able to focus on the mills content that matters to them, with no reduction in activity or emphasis. The intention is to strengthen the long-term sustainability and visibility of the Mills Section: nothing is being taken away, and more people will be able to discover and support mills work.
Why is SPAB proposing a unified membership structure now?
- The move will simplify the membership framework, make mills content more visible to those who may be interested, and ensure the long-term sustainability of the Mills Section. The change is based on membership survey feedback, membership data, and discussions across the Mills Committee over the last several years.
Why is this beneficial to the Mills Section?
- At present, mills content is largely accessed only by those who already know to seek it out and pay for it. This means that many SPAB members who might be interested in mills never encounter the work of the Mills Section.
- A unified structure removes that internal barrier and allows more members to discover mills content for the first time. The 2025 SPAB Membership Survey responses show a strong appetite for this — many non-mills members indicated they would follow mills updates if they were easier to access. This wider engagement helps strengthen advocacy, increase volunteer interest, and support the long-term visibility of historic mills.
What exactly will change for me?
- Your membership will sit within a unified SPAB membership structure. However, the core mills offer remains the same. Mill News will continue, the Mills Committee will remain in place, the Mills Officer will stay in post, and casework and advocacy will continue as they do now.
- The change affects how membership is administered, not the work of the Mills Section itself.
Is Mill News staying as a dedicated publication?
- Yes. Mill News continues in its current form. It will not be replaced or reduced.
Will Mills-related content be reduced?
- No. The level of content, advocacy, events, and casework activity will continue. Mill News will continue to be produced as normal, with the same specialist focus.
Will I have to receive updates and publications from SPAB that I am not interested in?
- No. Members will continue to be able to set their own subscription preferences. If you prefer to receive mills-only communications, you will be able to do so. No one will be required to receive content outside their interests.
What if I only want mills-related newsletters and updates?
- You can choose to receive mills-only communications. Members retain full control of their mailing preferences and can update them at any time.
Will the Mills Section lose its specialist expertise or unique role within SPAB?
- No. The Mills Committee will continue, and the Mills Officer will remain in post. The Section will continue to lead specialist casework and campaigns. The knowledge, focus and distinct role of the Mills Section within SPAB remain unchanged.
Will membership fees change?
- Membership fees are reviewed annually for the whole organisation, to ensure membership fees are position to support the work of SPAB in the service of our mission and vision. The goal remains fairness to our members and the sustainability of our Society.
Will Mills Section events and activities continue?
- Yes. The Mills Section will continue to organise its own events, campaigns, casework, and activities. This includes maintaining its programme of meetings, visits and specialist engagement.
- A wider audience makes it easier to grow attendance, participation, and energy at these activities.
Will I still be able to volunteer for the Mills Committee?
- Yes. Opportunities to participate in the Committee and other volunteer roles will continue as before.
Does this mean the Mills Section could be absorbed or phased out later?
- No. The purpose of this change is to protect and strengthen the Mills Section. Its leadership structure, identity, casework and specialist focus will continue - and this is a critical and long-established aspect of SPAB's mission.
Will this help attract new or younger members?
- Yes. The 2025 SPAB Membership Survey results show strong interest in mills content among wider SPAB members. Making content more accessible helps new audiences discover and engage with issues facing historic wind and water mills, supporting future involvement and renewal.
How will the unified membership structure help strengthen and grow the mills community?
- The unified structure allows mills content and activity to be more visible across the whole SPAB membership. Survey results show that more than half of SPAB members who are not currently Mills Section members would choose to receive mills updates if they were easier to access.
- Making mills content more discoverable increases the number of people who can engage with, support, and advocate for historic mills. This broadens the supporter base, encourages new volunteers, strengthens advocacy efforts, and helps to sustain the Mills Section into the future.
Will the Mills Section have the capacity to deliver this renewed activity?
- Yes. The unified structure places the Section on a more sustainable footing for future planning. It also widens the pool of potential volunteers, contributors, and advocates, and enables better use of SPAB’s organisational support in areas such as communications, membership engagement, and events. This strengthens the Section’s ability to coordinate activity, support volunteers, and deliver long-term projects that benefit the mills community.
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If you have further questions, please contact the SPAB Membership Team or the SPAB Mills Officer.