R J Read (Millers)

Business reminiscence page

No-one who visits Norfolk can escape the sight of a Norfolk Windmill on a flat landscape. These windmills were used to grind flour, among other things.

1875: Robert John Read, a Miller by trade, started his own Mill when he purchased Ingate Mills at Beccles this year.
1889: His business flourished and as a result, a new building was purchased and a four-sack capacity Plant was installed.
1895: During a storm, the chimney was blown down, causing great damage.
1896: The entire Mill was destroyed by a fire. New premises were needed and Mr Read purchased an Old Mill at Westwick Street. A Flour Mill was purchased and he was back in business again.
1906: Robert Read started to produce self-raising flour. By this time more property had been acquired to accommodate an expanding business.
1912: 6 inches of rain fell in 12 hours, causing the Great Norwich Flood. This was followed by a severe gale. After 24 hours of this rain, the water level reached over 7 inches and all low-lying areas were threatened with flooding. The river Wensum burst it's banks and flowed out over the streets of Norwich - thousands of people were put out of work and the Read Mill was under 9 feet of water. Much flour was spoiled.
1914 on: Up to this time, the Mill was steam-powered however following a broken crankshaft, the steam engines were replaced by electric engines. These were so much superior and were used from that time onwards.
1920: Robert Read died this year.
1921: Read's Flour Mill became a limited Company. The Directors were Robert John Read (a son), Lewes Hector Read and F G Turner.
1932: The Albion Mills (previously a yarn mill) were purchased this year due to the accessibility from the river Wensum. A maize flaking plant was built to process maize coming from Argentina. The brad 'Recero' flaked maize became well known.
1934: By this time production quadrupled and a two new 1,000 ton silos were built and a ten-sack milling plant was installed.
1942: Richard Lee Barber replaced Mr F G Turner as Director this year.
1945 circa : An office block was built.
1947: Bryan C Read, son of Hector Read joined the Company. The import of grains continued due to the need for animal feed and a Downham Market business, John Lee Bennett was purchased.
1965: The business of Woodrow flour was merged and became R J Read (Holdings) Ltd and also Read Woodrow Ltd.