THE funeral will take place later this month of Owen Rush, who had spent the past 30 years restoring the historic Cowbridge Sawmill, in Timberscombe.

Mr Rush and his wife Angela were looking for a retirement project when they bought the run down 14th century mill and its house in 1995.

The couple then spent the next three decades restoring and renovating the house, three-storey mill, waterwheel, and watercourse to a high standard.

A museum, workshop, and forge were later added and the site was opened to the public on National Mills and National Heritage weekends.

Mr Owen’s sister Myra Barratt said: “There has been a commitment by all to leave a milling history for successive generations.

“They found a home and welcome in the community immediately and many villagers have given years to the enterprise, from technology, blacksmithing, engineering, woodworking, and catering. 

“It is testament to Owen and Ange that 21 volunteers helped and led guided tours when the mill was last open to the public.”

Mr Rush was predeceased by his wife in early 2023, and then last week he died from a heart condition in Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton, on May 6.

His funeral on Thursday, May 30, takes place at 2 pm in Taunton Deane Crematorium, retiring after to Rumwell Farm Shop Cafe.

Mr Rush’s ashes will be interred privately at Stoke Poges Memorial Garden, in Buckinghamshire, during the summer.

The Grade 1 listed gardens are open to anybody who wishes to visit and pay their respects.