The Team
Who We Are
Tim Whiting
Owner and Principal Millwright
Tim began his career by working for a family-based firm making chairs in Suffolk, including commissions from The Royal Family, after completing an advanced course in woodworking at Suffolk University College. Tim’s interest in mills began when he grew up in the shadows of Friston Mill in Suffolk and learned from the last miller there, Bob Wright. With his workshop still on the site of the mill, Tim was asked to undertake some timber repairs in 2005 with Vincent Pargeter, who taught Tim all about mills. In 2011, Tim began millwrighting and set up Suffolk Millwright.
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Tim now leads an ever growing team, maintaining over 20 windmills across the country and restoring and repairing private and public windmills and watermills.
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"I'm incredibly proud of the business we've created. Millwrighting is an incredibly important but dying craft, it is vital to keep it going for the protection of all the beautiful mills around the country. I'm privileged to be able to pass on my skills and knowledge to the next generation."
Clare Whiting
Co-owner
Clare started working in the family business in 2017, but was woodworking with Tim in their workshop in Friston many years before.​ As the business grew Clare took on responsibility for the office of Suffolk Millwright.
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"I've enjoyed seeing the business grow from strength to strength, and am looking forward to spending more time in the workshop and on site as Veronica and Sarah look after the office."
Taliesin Woolsey
Millwright
Talie trained as a tree surgeon alongside working with Suffolk Wildlife Trust habitat management team, before joining Suffolk Millwright in the summer of 2019. Talie enjoys the fact that no two jobs are the same, each with their own challenges and surprises.
He also loves the diversity of the work we do from wood processing and timber framing to engineering and fabrication.
"I like to keep my mind occupied and challenge myself which is why I like being part of the Suffolk Millwright team as it allows me to get hands on large heavy timber and steelwork structures with intricate and complex design and components."
Although a large portion of my interests are based around the work we do my other interests include, mechanics, CAD and target shooting."
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Talie has been awarded two certificates to acknowledge his achievements in Millwrighting after completing his 5 year apprenticeship.
Daniel Cheetham
Apprentice Millwright
Dan met the Suffolk Millwright team whilst taking part in the 2023 S.P.A.B Fellowship. He is enamoured by the working practice and dedication to preservation. Much to his excitement, Tim invited him to join the team after the Fellowship.
After leaving a career in the fire service to move into conservation a number of years ago, Dan had always envisioned working on mills, it is the perfect career for someone with his interests in carpentry, metal fabrication and engineering (and of course mills themselves). Since joining the team Dan has travelled nationwide and worked on an incredible number of machines/buildings, each project different to the last, the work is always engaging both physically and mentally.
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"I feel both proud and fortunate to be part of a team dedicated to the working preservation of this vital part of our vernacular history."
Steve Green
Craftsman
Steve is one of the older members of the team (some might say wiser ??) and chief tea/coffee maker. Steve came into Millwrighting after a career of lorry and coach driving. Steve thoroughly loves the job due to the diverse jobs to complete and the wonderful settings we have the privilege of working on.
Whilst not working Steve can be renovating his house in France or volunteering at Framlingham Castle as a tour guide.
Andrew Smith
Craftsman
Andrew has been in the woodworking and carpentry industry for nearly 50 years. Andrew met Tim whilst working with Albert Lain, Tim was an apprentice at the time. Andrew splits his time between working at Suffolk Millwright and other carpentry projects.
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Andrew is a great music lover and in his spare time likes to travel the country with his partner to attend gigs and festivals.
Bob Paterson
Craftsman
Bob Paterson is a lifelong windmill fan having visited over 1000 windmills in the UK alone. He joined the team at Suffolk Millwright in March 2021 on a part-time basis when his own live music booking agency and consultancy was badly affected by the COVID lockdowns. He is still there, and loving the variety that comes with the work.
"I enjoy starting new projects. The delivery of new timber to the yard which will, in time, become a set of windmill sails is very exciting. Finishing projects off is excellent too as it makes way for the next one. You can’t beat the hands on approach and every windmill is different with their own idiosyncrasies."
Veronica Thomas
Personal Assistant and Health & Safety Manager
Veronica joined Suffolk Millwright in April 2024 and is based in the office helping Tim and the team with the ‘behind the scenes’ side of the business – making sure they have everything they need to carry out their work, liaising with clients and suppliers and looking after the Health and Safety aspects. Veronica's working background has been mostly in the creative businesses.
"Having taken time out to raise my family; I am really enjoying being back and involved with such a skilled team delivering such dedicated work."
Sarah Fisk
Project Manager & Accounts
Sarah worked in the brewing industry for nearly 13 years, before taking a leap into the world of self employment. Starting a small holiday let business with her husband, and pursuing opportunities to work in small businesses offering all round support services from marketing to finance. Sarah started with Suffolk Millwright in May 2024, and whilst focussing on accounts, also oversees marketing and logistics.
"I have to say I knew absolutely zero about the world of millwrights and mills, and I'm finding it fascinating. It's like learning a whole new language. I'm in awe of the skills and dedication to the traditional methods Tim and the team use."
Mabel
Head of Security
Mabel is head of security. She will check any new person arriving on site vigorously. She is by far the youngest and most energetic member of the team and will do the odd trick in return for a treat.
