ABOUT US
Brian has lived at Gants Mill since he was eight. Helping his father on the farm led to a degree in Agricultural Science. In the years when he had a proper job he was a Nutrition Chemist advising farmers.
When his parents retired, Brian and Alison moved back to take over the small family farm, running a flock of around 150 Suffolk ewes.
Alison, originally a city girl, met Brian at university. Her career has included teaching French and
German. Four years were spent in Australia, raising three children with Brian,
and her last proper job was as an export sales manager.
When the garden was finished, it made sense for mill visitors to enjoy that too.
Before this, thirsty mill visitors would ask in vain for a cup of tea.
This all changed, and now Alison and Brian are in the happy position of sharing
their hobby and interest with the visitors.
|
 |
 |
Alison's love of plants has grown over the years, and now hours in the garden and visits to garden centres are no longer a distraction and drain on the wallet, but honourable and legitimate.
She enjoys talking to visitors about the garden, and often learns more than she imparts.
(Left: Brian edging new flowerbeds.
Right: Alison weeding.
Below left: Alison pruning roses.) |
 |
 |
Sculpture has been Alison's lifelong interest and was the subject of her thesis for her French degree - hence the garden sculpture exhibition.
She belongs to a discussion group and various plant societies, and is chairman of Bruton Horticultural Society.
Normally a technophobe, she produced and maintains this website.
Brian's mill is his great interest, and he enjoys taking visitors round and answering their diverse questions. He researched the mill history, teaching himself medieval Latin to read the old documents.
The plan to put in a new turbine to generate green electricity was his
consuming interest for several years. Full details are on the Hydropower page of this website.
Brian is secretary of the South Somerset Mills Group, and does all he can
to smooth the way for other mill-owners to start generating too.
Brian is a keen bellringer, and Tower Captain at Bruton church. He is also a member of an internet family history group - it helps to have an unusual surname.
|
 |
| Above: Elaine coming out of the mill with a bag of meal for
the sheep.) |
|
Greg and Elaine live in the Cottage at Gants Mill with their three children.
Elaine is Alison and Brian’s daughter, and grew up at Gants Mill. After university she qualified as a chartered accountant and moved to London, where she met Greg. In 1994 they married, celebrating their wedding reception in a marquee at Gants Mill. Since returning to Somerset Elaine has become active in the local community. She is a member of the PCC, and has set up and now runs the Sunday School. In addition Elaine works selflessly, but not alone, to promote the aims of the Bruton Ladies Wine Club.
|
 |
Alison’s horticultural abilities are rubbing off on Elaine, who supports her mother in the main visitor gardens, as well looking after the planting areas around the gazebo.
(Above: Elaine putting in pots of lilies.)
|
|
Greg (also a chartered accountant) escaped corporate life as a Finance Director in London to set up the Gants Mill Weddings business. He is originally from Liverpool, which explains why the children can sometimes be heard singing “You’ll Never Walk Alone”, or “The Fields of Anfield Road”.
His main hobby is music. He plays guitar and sings, both as a solo act at local venues such as the Bruton Acoustic, and with his band, the oddly named “Jahn Teller and the Distortions”. One of his songs, “I Love Radio 4”, achieved national radio coverage when it was played on “You and Yours” in March 2008, and can be heard and seen on
YouTube.
He claims Elaine has prohibited him from singing at other people’s weddings!
(Right: Greg with mike in hand.)
|
 |
 |
Since moving to Bruton Greg has become a keen member of the local amateur dramatics society, The Bruton Players. His Albert the Horse in “Wind in the Willows”, complete with
Brummagem accent, was an unforgettable debut.
He is also part of the management team which produces the parish magazine.
(Left: Greg hammering in pegs for marquee guy ropes.
(Right: Putting up a centre pole in the wedding marquee. Greg
centre, Brian right.): |
 |
|
So that's us. Well done for getting down this far.
|
|
|
