A 4-page report summarising the principle operations of Phase II of the restoration project. The report notes the donation of considerable resources including free shipment of equipment from the UK by Geest Line. Disappointment at having to reject some of the timber from Guyana (and consequent delays to the project) is noted. Likewise, disappointment at having to import a UK blacksmith to the project team is expressed, there being "no able blacksmith of an acceptable working age" remaining on the island despite a previously "strong tradition of superb workmanship". Allowing students from the local college's carpentry and joinery classes to join in aspects of the repairs had been a success, "and potentially of use in the ongoing repair of historical structures on the island".

The Chiltern Partnership's 44-page report on the Morgan Lewis Sugar Mill based on Nicholl's January 1994 survey.
The report describes the background to the project, the mill's location, layout and its structural condition and that of the machinery. A recommended programme of repair is provided which takes into account limitations in resources and the unique nature of the mill's machinery. Aspects of funding are also considered, including the need to secure an income stream from visitors/additional facilities but retaining the "unique atmosphere of the complex". A conditional budget/estimated costs for the total project is given, the total assessed cost being BBD 196,074.00. The report concludes with a proposed maintenance schedule and suggestions for the future development of the site.

A 10-page narrative account of the Morgan Lewis sugar mill restoration project including principal areas of work carried out at each stage, from the initial survey in January 1994 up until 1999.
Nicholl's ascribes the awakening of his interest in Caribbean sugar mills to a Newcomen Society paper written by Rex Wailes on, "Windmills and steam power in Barbados". Other influences include "A Windmill in Barbados", a film shot in the 1920s at the Corbin family's Mount Pleasant mill (Barbados). The important roles of the Barbados National Trust (and especially Penelope Hynam Roach and Richard Goddard) and Nicholl's hosts, the Choate family, are also acknowledged.
Adjacent topics include: the history of milling on the island and its importance to the Barbadian economy; the end of steam-powered sugar milling on the island; the mill's listing on the World Monuments list 1996; the various local trades used in the project (including the recommissioning of an old lime kiln to supply lime mortar) as well as the rotating team of craftsmen from the Chiltern Partnership in attendance; consultation on additional restoration projects including at Six Men's plantation mill (St Peter's); a visit to view the Boiling House at the River Antoine watermill (Grenada) and another to the Essequibo River (Guyana) for timber-sourcing; meetings with the Barbadian Ministry of Education for the Amy Nicholls Mill Wall recording project; a list of 42 mill remains/mill walls visited by Nicholls for research purposes.

Stored with Nicholl's formal reports and correspondence on Morgan Lewis Sugar Mill, these research materials comprise:
(1) a photocopy of a late 18th c. to early 19th c. return listing enslaved persons working on Scawen Kenrick Gibbon's estate, the Morgan Lewis sugar plantation.
(2) a faxed copy of a page from a late 19th c. order book showing an order for "Morgan Lewis, Est Barbados" for two "vertical roll 23 ¼ x 35" in 1880 and 1881 and an order for "Windmill gear" dated 1892.
(3) a short booklet on the Morgan Lewis Sugar Windmill produced by the Barbados National Trust (undated).
(4) 5 editions of "Our Heritage", the Newsletter of the Barbados National Trust (March 1994, September 1995, June 1996, September 1997 and December 1999), all of which referencing the Morgan Lewis restoration programme.
(5) 3 newspaper/magazine clippings/copies relating to the progress of the Morgan Lewis restoration programme (1997-1998).

Correspondence between Nicholls and the High Commission for Grenada beginning by referencing a recent meeting concerning the future of the River Antoine Estate which Nicholls feels should be maintained " as an essential part of the history of Grenada. Further, it is a prime example of a water powered sugar mill, unique now in the whole of the Caribbean. It can be compared in importance with the huge Morgan Lewis Sugar Wind Mill in Barbados".
A visit from a television crew (Carlton Televsion) to the estate is arranged (December 1999), the crew extending a visit to film the completion and commissioning of the Morgan Lewis sugar mill. A previous visit by Nicholls to the River Antoine Estate with D.M.Simpson & Co Limited in 1997 is also referenced.
Arrangements are made for a visit to the estate by Cyril McCombe who Nicholls describes as "a consultant to our business in the UK and is a world wide authority on cast iron".

26 colour photographs in a wallet labelled, "Grenada. River Antoine Estate. First visited c.1996. David Nicholls". Images show both the exterior and interior of the distillery, some of which showing the equipment in use.

55-page report addressed to the Caribbean Development Bank by D.M. Simpson & Co (1984) Limited, a firm of mechanical engineers based in Bridgetown, Barbados. The report is entitled "Technical assistance mission to RDF Enterprises Limited at River Antoine Estate, St. Patrick, Grenada" and provides an assessment of the engineering and technical requirements for upgrading operations and increasing production at the estate's rum distillery. The report contains maps, plans, technical drawings and a photographic survey of the current distillery equipment and processes. This includes an evaluation of the canal, millpond, water course and waterwheel, the latter described as "in fair condition and in working order". An engineering and technical recommendations are made and a summary budget of likely expenditure given.

One folder labelled, " Grenada. River Antoine Estate. Producing Rum. Original Wheel for all power (crushing). David Nicholls involved, 2000".

Assorted photocopies of reference materials including: (1) two copies (one partial) of a map of Guyana (note on reverse, "showing forested areas for sourcing greenheart timber (and other materials)"; (2) photographs of three unidentified Caribbean mills; (3) two cross-section diagrams of sugar mill machinery (taken from unidentified reference books); (4) photograph of a detail from the Grenada mace depicting a sugar mill in operation; (5) a photograph of the sugar mill on Thibou's estate, Antigua, in use.

Letter to Nicholls from David Pym regarding the possible supply of a rum still for the Morgan Lewis sugar mill by John Dore & Co Ltd, Surrey ("engineers and suppliers to the distillation industry"). A brochure and photograph of their fire-heated rum still is enclosed.

A 83 cm x 96 cm photocopy of "A topographical map of the island of Barbados, based on the survey taken by William Mayo, in 1721, corrected and improved to 1859 by A. Taylor". The map shows the location of sugar works on the island (denoted by a windmill in the map's key) as well as "steam works" and other landmarks on the island. The map was published by Thomas Fox Cross in London, 1859, and engraved by Lewis Becker.

Pamphlet (with colour photographs) giving a brief overview of the history of sugar cultivation in Antigua, the impact of Betty's Hope plantation owners, the Codrington family, and The Government of Antigua & Barbuda's plans to create an open-air museum and educational facility there. Plans to restore the north windmill into fully operable condition are also referenced.

Photographs, negatives, reports and research notes on UK wind and watermills. Photographs and research material on sugar mills in the Caribbean by David Nicholls and Cyril McCoombe. Micro tapes of conversations with mill workers in Barbados. [3.3.1 To be completed]

Photocopy of an account of Haynes Hill Plantation, written by Frances Greenidge, relative of Haynes Hill's owners from 1902 to1961. 13 pages of double-sided A4, the document contains a poor quality image of the plantation's sugar mill. Focussing mostly on the Greenidge family and the house and its gardens, there is a brief description of the mill and sugar production pp. 7 to 9.

20-page account containing A.D. Ward's recollections of his working life in various Barbados sugar mills and plantations including in chronological order: 1929 - Haymans (Cane Weigher), Mount Prospect Plantation (Acting Manager), Sion Hill, Taitts and Alleynedale (Chief Overseer), 1934 - Portland (Manager), 1937 - Todds, comprising Lemon Arbour, Airy Hill and Belle Farm Plantations (Manager), 1940 - Alleynedale, comprising Six Mens and Farrs (Manager). Ward remained at Alleynedale until his retirement in 1971.
At the time of writing, Ward describes himself as currently working as "Attorney" for several (listed) plantations. He remarks, "When everything is going good, the Managers are in full charge, but when things go wrong, I am in full charge. I am responsible for all bad luck".
Ward also details:
(1) The "Conditions of Work in Jobs" describing his working hours, duties and relationships with his co-workers and employers (the Chandler family of Alleynedale, in particular).
(2) The circumstances that led to ceasing sending sugar cane to the windmills at Alleynedale and Six Mens in 1945, preferring to send the cane direct to the factories. These mills were dismantled in 1946.
(3) The various books/accounts that Ward was required to keep.
(4) A comparative log of acreage, usage, rainfall and soil type over the years at Alleynedale.
(5) The structure and machinery of the windmills, as well as the processes and employees required, noting that an estate using windmills and animal drawn vehicles required, "a Carpenter, a Painter, a Mill Carpenter, a Plumber, a Copper Smith, a Wheel Wright, a Sail Maker, a Black Smith and a Saddler....".
(6) Ward's subsidiary trade as a horse-breeder during his time at Alleynedale.

Taken from a paper, presumably by Rex Wailes, Nicholls notes "R.W.'s" observations on wind power in Antigua, Barbados, Curacao, Montserrat, St [Vincent], the British Virgin Islands, Grenada, St Kitts & Nevis and Jamaica. Steam power in Cuba is noted as being in use in 1797.

Bundle of correspondence, minutes, notes and background information relating to the Amy Nicholls Mill Wall project, much of which being with or concerning the Barbados National Trust. Topics include:

(1) A draft address/speech concerning the launch of the competition which rehearses Nicholl's career (including his preference to be referred to as a "practical conservationist, or a conservation or historical engineer" rather than as a "millwright"; his early interest in industrial archaeology (encouraged by his mother, Amy Nicholls); his ongoing working relationship with former business partners.
(2) Efforts to secure funding for the maps required for the project from the British High Commission and Barbados Land and Surveys Department and to find sponsors for prizes.
(3) Response/engagement levels with the competition and correspondence regarding the judging and awarding of prizes.
(4) Integration of the project with appropriate sections/levels of the national curriculum/engagement with the Ministry for Education.

Also included is an excerpt from 'Windmill Whispers' (Oct/.Dec. 1995) about milling in Barbados with particular reference to job titles/roles at 'Morgan Lewis Sugar Mill.