by Peter MacFie, 26 March 2018
The Miller’s Cottage at Richmond was attached to the now-lost Tower Windmill, both of which are visible in early paintings, drawings and photographs.
The story of the Miller’s Cottage and the Tower Windmill
I had just been appointed as a member on the Richmond Town Planning Committee in 1982. Its role was to comment on proposals before going to the former Richmon Municipal Council for final decisions. Other members were Libby Jones – National Trust member and local historian, and architect Jim Moon.
At my first meeting the committee was asked to approve the demolition of the Miller’s Cottage – which had been lived in up to four years earlier. I was appalled. The above photo resulted from contact with the Mercury newspaper, and was my first foray into heritage protection and politics. The photo below had the desired result – with the Richmond town clerk ringing me at Dulcot in a panic.
A well-attended meeting followed in the Richmond Town Hall in 1983, plus several letters of support including one from Peter Mercer, then historian with the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, and a steering committee was established.
Cutting from The Mercury, 3 March 1982. The above photo resulted from contact with The Mercury newspaper, and was my first foray into heritage protection and politics.
Above photo is of the restored Miller’s Cottage 2011 – Peter MacFie with visitor when it was in use as a Teddy Bear shop. (Peter MacFie)
1983 Millers Cottage Steering Committee:
Jan & Bevis Ross
Justin Nichols
Andrew Jones
Wayne & Roslyn Johnson
Mike & Julie Arnold
David & Jenny Rouse
Tony & Liz Coleman
Tim Jacobs
Stephen walker
Mike & Annie Swinson
Kay & Chris Broughton
Peter & Lorraine MacFie
John Blaine & Diane Smith
Chris Cowles
Eileen Youldon
Dixie Brodribb
Other Richmond townsfolk who joined soon after were:
David & Ginny Ralph
Jon & Maryan Guerson
Allan & Robyn Brown
Eventually a small management committee was established & a $40,000 CEP grant was successfully applied for. A carpenter and 2 trainees were employed in the restoration work which was overseen by the committee.