About the Mills Charity

The history of Thomas Mills

(1623-1703)

Thomas Mills, a wealthy businessman and a prominent member of the Baptist community, is one of the two great benefactors of Framlingham, the other being Sir Robert Hitcham, lawyer. 

Thomas Mills’ Tomb

A Suffolk man, but not a native of Framlingham, Thomas came to the town in 1640 when he became an apprentice to one Edward Smith, wheelwright. Thomas obviously impressed his master, for in due course he inherited the business (1660).

In 1662 he increased his fortune considerably by marrying Alice Groome, the widow of a wealthy Pettistree landowner. The marriage appears to have been a happy one but sadly Alice died in 1691, leaving all her estate to her husband.

Thomas was a prominent member of the local Baptist congregation. In those days of religious persecution, this was a dangerous course and he narrowly escaped imprisonment on several occasions. Clearly, he was a man of principle as well as a man of business.

When he died, Thomas left his fortune for good causes in Framlingham and other locations where he had had business interests. His will ordered the building of almshouses for the elderly poor which still stand.

 Unlike Hitcham's almshouses, Thomas wanted people to be accepted whatever their religious convictions - a remarkable thing at that time.

“Since we started Hour community in 2011 we have worked very closely with the Mills Charity and they have supported us with a number of grants towards our work in the community. Two of the grants have been towards funding for Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles that we use on a daily basis for our medical transport. We in return have been able to offer support to the residents of the Almshouses over the years with gardening, drives to medical appointments and furniture for their Almshouses.

The need for community collaboration has never been greater than it is now and having two charities in the town that compliment each other is a real bonus and we look forward to continuing, and expanding, this relationship.”

Nick Corke - CEO HOUR Community

The Mills Charity today

Under the terms of Thomas’ will The Mills Charity was established. The influence of Thomas Mills on Framlingham over the years has been extensive.

Thomas Mills’ Tomb

Through Thomas Mills’ generosity the charity has helped many organisations and people over the last three centuries. Eight Trustees now administer the scheme, the same Trustees also administer the Mills Educational Foundation, assisting education in Framlingham children or children at school in Framlingham and adjoining villages. He funded:

  • The building of the Unitarian Meeting House and the adjacent house.

  • The Mills School, which became The Mills Grammar School and which is now Thomas Mills High School in Saxtead Road.

  • Eight Almshouses in Station Road were built in 1703

  • Fourteen Almshouses at Mills Crescent were built in 2018

  • Six Almshouses at Mills Piece were built in 2021

Our Trustees

James Tanner

Chair

James was born in Melton, outside Woodbridge, and grew up in Framlingham, attending Thomas Mills School. After studying at University in Bristol, followed by a 15-year stint working in London, James returned to Framlingham where he now lives with his wife and two children.

He works as a Surveyor in a Framlingham based practice and in his spare time enjoys spending time with his family, cooking and messing about with motorbikes.

James
Robbins

Vice-Chair

James is the Senior Partner is an East Suffolk based solicitors practice and has a property specialism.

He works for various Registered Providers in acquisitions and disposals so has an insight into affordable housing.

Born and raised locally he has never felt the need to move far, rather he prefers to work for, help and look after those in his local community. A keen cyclist and football coach.

Mark
Donsworth

Managing Director of an Agricultural Supplies company based in Framlingham employing 12 people.

Outside Organisations: Chairman Suffolk Horse Society, Chairman Framlingham Livestock Association, Director Woodbridge Horse Show, Senior Steward Heavy Horses Suffolk agricultural Association, Trustee Mills Charity (Almshouses)

Born / went to school / lived all my life in Framlingham.

  • Hobbies include country sports/heavy horses/rugby.

    I am passionate about Framlingham and putting something back to the community, my business and entrepreneurial attitude hopefully helps all the organisations I support, and we can provide support to members of the community in various ways.

Jane Blore

Jane brings a wealth of knowledge to the Mills Charity with a real estate career spanning over 30 years.

She is currently an Asset & Investment Manager at M7 Real Estate where she manages the Alternative Income REIT PLC. Previously at East of England Co-operative Society, as a Portfolio Manager, she managed circa 650 assets across all commercial real estate sectors.

  • Prior this Jane has run her own business, headed Business Space at Henderson Global Investors, cut her teeth at CBRE and started her career at Strutt & Parker.

    Jane’s wide experience across all sectors of real estate investment, acquisition, valuations, fund and asset management from both an investor and occupational viewpoint gives her a unique perspective to deliver service and performance as a Mill’s Trustee.

Dr Ruth Bushaway

Ruth is a GP and medical director of the Suffolk GP Federation a not for profit organisation delivering a number of services for Suffolk and North Essex communities while supporting general practice.

Her experience as a doctor in a variety of hospitals and communities brings an understanding of compassion and the impact of social circumstances on health and well being to her role as a trustee.

She is a GP trainer and is committed and active in supporting young people to pursue careers in medicine, health and care, particularly with her links with TMHS sixth form.

  • . She has lived close to Framlingham for 13 years with her family and is a lapsed Framlingham flyer and part time Framlingham netballer.

Paula Slater

For the past 14 years Paula has worked for the Suffolk Agricultural Association.  Her role as Trade, Catering and Contractors Manager for the Suffolk Show, brings a wealth of experience in project management, new business ideas and savings, and overall event logistics. 

Previously she worked as the Regional Manager for Make-A-Wish Foundation (UK), both in Scotland and East Anglia and she has an extensive background in event management and fundraising.

Other organisations supported are Framlingham Livestock Association as Hon Secretary, Saxtead Parish Councillor, Art for Cure Event Supporter and as a Suffolk Horse Society Member and Judge.

  • A keen horse rider, occasional cyclist, with an interest in local food and history, travel, and is a keen hobbyist farmer. Born in Ipswich, Suffolk and now living on a small holding in Saxtead with her husband Matt and their two girls and two boys.

Phillip Hurst

Philip is Headteacher of Thomas Mills High School.  He was appointed in 2012 following a career largely in Essex.  His background is education, and he has worked in a variety of different contexts.

The school always commemorates Thomas Mills Day on the 8th January which is an opportunity to share the wonderful legacy with students.

Philip is supportive of the charity’s work and appreciates the chance to contribute to the wonderful local community. 

In his spare time, he undertakes policy work on safeguarding for a national charity.  To switch off he occasionally plays tennis.