New Hall Mill 1940s Open Day 12th July 2026

We welcomed a staggering record-smashing 1724 visitors to our 1940s-themed Open Day. Many of our volunteers, exhibitors, and visitors were dressed up in 1940s costume and looked absolutely marvellous! Thankfully the weather was a little cooler than the previous few days.

Key Visitor Information

• Entrance free, open from 10am to 4pm.
• Assistance dogs only, please.
• For last-minute updates, please see our Facebook page.
• For additional visitor information, please see this page.

Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Flypast

Due to circumstances beyond our control, the planned BBMF Dakota flypast at our Open Day had to be cancelled. We were all very disappointed, but it was still a great day with lots of interest for everyone!

Our Usual Attractions

• The Mill and its working waterwheel was in full working order, with plenty of freshly milled wholemeal flour available in return for a donation.

• The Tearoom with cream teas, cakes, ice creams, and hot and cold drinks available

• The Stable - our Gift Shop and Museum with second-hand fiction books

• New Hall Mill Raffle (with the lovely Rafflettes)

• Plants and produce for sale in the Miller’s Garden

• Auntie Wainwright's bric-a-brac sales

• Grounds and exhibits
• The Boat Path

1940s and Vintage Vehicle Displays

• Austin Sevens (Three Spires Historic Vehicle Club)

• Aldridge Transport Museum
• S Nickless Vintage Cycles

• Period picnic display

• Laurel and Hardy

• Staffordshire Regiment Museum
• Staffordshire Tommies

• Miltaria displays
• The Little Grey Fergie tractor and plough

• Hay wagon restoration (in the cart shed)

(N.B. Pre-booked vehicles only in the exhibition meadows)

Other guest stalls and displays

• Alan Grice Rustic Crafts

• Beads and Bling
• Beekeeper - Leonie

• The Boujee Peacock
• Bournville Bread Basket
• Dotty Lottie
• Erdington Historical Society
• FOSPA
• Friends of New Hall Valley Country Park
• Maidens Fayre Jams and Chutneys
• Middleton's Corndollies
• Military Chef Chocolates
• Shane Wiseman Artist
• The Fabl3d Grove
• Trinity Quilters

• Trinity Photography Group
• West Midlands Wood Turners

Music

• Kevin Mack

• Coleshill Town Brass Band

Many thanks to PPL/PRS for discounting our music licence.

Raffle Thanks

Thanks to everyone who donated raffle prizes.