We visited Oatlands and the mill in April,2010, and were unaware of the extent of the restoration project, or of great great grandfather Thomas's role within the town.  We later watched ABC Stateline programme which revealed a depth of information about the project and the intention of using the mill as a tourist experience.

We also found the family crypts in the St Peter's Anglican Church graveyard, and were quite concerned to see the way that the family crypt is crumbling.  Given the importance of the history of Thomas's family to the town and the area, we are trying to source funding to get the gravesite restored, as it is Heritage listed.

Added to that, since returning from Tasmania, we have researched the Thomas Jillett family extensively to the stage that a website is nearly completed which will provide a wealth of information from the convict backgrounds of Thomas and his wife Mary Ann, and the struggles of life in Norfolk Island and then resettlement in Tasmania.

Thomas''s mother arrived free in 1799.  She had land on Norfolk Island, and may be one of the first true free female settlers to have been granted land in Hobart.  Research is continuing on that item.

The grave was built in honour of Thomas's 3 young children who died of scarlet fever all within 4 weeks of each other in 1859.  His brother John lost 4 of his in the same time frame.  How devestating for the family the loss of 7 children between January and February.  Fortunately John's family crypt is in good repair.

I have found this website by mistake, and obviously good fortune.  Great photos of the sails.  We plan to be present at the opening in October.    Kris Herron