John Taylor
Caretaker
Biography
- What is your favourite Mill memory?
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I've only been part of the team here at The Mill for a relatively short period of time but I've enjoyed every minute so far. One of the best days I can remember is when I helped the reception team with one of their regular charity breakfast bbq days. I was on cooking duty alongside Gaynor and we had a very organised system going to feed the many hungry tenants who kindly donated on the day in exchange for a bacon butty. We raised around £75 which was given to Bluebell Wood as we were doing a bag collection for them at the time. Thankfully the sun was shining which made it all the more enjoyable. - What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? I'm a keen golfer and spend most weekends on the golf course but also enjoy fishing, walking and going to the gym.
- What is your greatest achievement? I was Blacker Hill Junior Angling Champion in 1975 and managed to retain the title in 1976!
- Your favourite concert? That would be The Sounds Of The 80's concert at Scarborough Open Air Theatre in 2012. The weather, music and surroundings were all perfect for my taste!
- What would you put in Room 101? Having fished many local rivers and canals, my pet hate is river pollution. It kills the fish and
other river life, looks unsightly and deters people from using the rivers for leisure use. - What is your favourite food? That's an easy one, I love chicken fried rice from my local takeaway.
- Finally, there are many heritage items on show in Aizlewood's Mill, describe one of them. There is a picture on display in Reception which we think is dated early 1900's. Its a really interesting picture, for a number of reasons. It shows a steam powered truck being used alongside a horse & cart on Nursery Street. The chimney is higher in the picture than it is today, we are not aware of why this is so. It also shows the overbridge where grain used to be brought in from the railway line to the top of the building. To the front of The Mill where our visitors car park is now located, there used to be the transport offices and caretakers house for The Mill, these are still in place on the picture alongside The Manchester Hotel which still stands but has been renamed The Harlequin. I often stand and study this picture and can spot something new of interest everytime.