The Brill Society
AGM & Chairman’s Report
April 15th 2026

Election of Officials 

The meeting started with voting in:

Treasurer’s report

£27,000 in assets with a float of £8 cash.

Currently working on transferring cash from Co-operstive account to CAF Bank and setting up gift aid so that we can claim back 25p for every £1 donation.

Chairman’s Report

This past year has been a strong and encouraging one for The Brill Society. We are financially stable, supported by a committed and capable team, and most importantly full of ambition for what comes next.

For over 60 years, The Brill Society has been part of the fabric of this village. That legacy matters. But preserving it is not something that happens by accident it requires care, effort and nvestment.

To ensure we are fit for the future, we are taking the important step of transitioning to a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). This will strengthen the charity and provide greater protection for the organisation and its trustees, while preserving everything that defines us our name, our purpose, and our values.

Brill Windmill

At the heart of our work sits the Windmill.

We’ve made real progress. We completed essential work on the two sails that had not previously been replaced, saving over £44,000 in the process. That was a significant achievement and one we should all be proud of. But the reality is, the job is far from finished.

The body of the mill now requires careful restoration. Previous work used the wrong materials, and we must now put that right stripping it back and returning it to traditional linseed oil finishes. The sails will need to come down again for redecoration, and the stocks must be fully assessed to ensure their long-term integrity. This is not cosmetic work. It is essential preservation. We are currently finalising a programme of works and building a clear picture of the costs involved, with the aim of progressing next year, subject to funding.

And this is where I want to be clear: If we want to protect the Windmill properly if we want to hand it on in better condition than we found it then we will need support. Not just goodwill, but real, practical backing. Because every pound raised goes directly into preserving something that belongs to all of us.

We have already seen what this community can do. Although we were unable to complete the purchase of Hartwell’s Barn, the level of generosity shown was exceptional and a clear demonstration of the strength behind this Society. That same spirit is visible in everything we do.

Other projects

Our Oral History Group continues to thrive, preserving the stories that define Brill. Our Community Markets and Christmas Market are not only bringing people together but actively supporting local causes from the Lunch Club Christmas meal to SEN equipment for BrillSchool.

And we are not standing still.

We continue to work towards securing a permanent home for the Museum, and we will soon begin discussions with the Parish Council to explore the possibility of rebuilding ParsonsMill as a fully operational post mill an ambitious vision, but one that reflects what thisSociety is capable of achieving.

But ambition alone is not enough. To deliver these projects to protect the Windmill, to secure the Museum, to realise the future we are talking about we need the continued support of this community.

Your help needed

So, this is the moment where I ask: If you value what The Brill Society stands for, if you want to see the Windmill properly restored, if you believe in preserving Brill’s heritage for the next generation, then please consider how you can support us.

That may be through a donation, through volunteering your time, or simply by spreading the word and bringing others with you. Every contribution matters. And together, those contributions make these projects possible. The future of The Brill Society is full of opportunity, but it will be shaped by what we choose to do next.

Thank you to all our members, our supporters, and those who continue to stand behind us. And my sincere thanks, as always, to our Trustees for their dedication and hard work. Together, we have achieved a great deal.

Now let’s take the next step - together.

The Brill Society is a registered Charity No 1085234 The Old Library 19 Church St Brill HP18 9RT