117, Page 3


Page 3	Newsletter 117, Summer 2017 � Hampshire Mills Group

Whitchurch Silk Mill Changes

Mick Edgeworth

I recently went to Whitchurch Silk Mill as I had heard that some changes were afoot after their Lottery Grant application. �Changes� is an understatement the majority of the mill�s layout will be altered.

A very brief summary of the changes follows:

	The shop building will turn into a Welcome Building incorporating the caf� and an introductory area.
	The weaving shed will remain on the ground floor but with many changes so that the weaving looms are more visible also the water wheel will be more visible.
	The shop on the 1st floor will become an exhibition room with also a small meeting room.
	There will be a lift to all floors.
	There will be many other smaller changes.

Obviously, all of this will cost a lot of money so the mill is asking for donations, as some grants depend on matching funds being raised by the mill.

The mill has been granted National Museum Accredited Status so giving it the same status as the British Museum and the Victoria & Albert Museum.

I advise all to tour the mill before building works start and to view the plans which are on display in the caf�.

Whitchurch Silk Mill is a Grade II* listed textile mill built in 1815 on the River Test in the small Hampshire town of Whitchurch. It was in continuous use until 1985, when it was saved from inappropriate development and refurbished. It opened to the public in 1990 under the management of Whitchurch Silk Mill Trust. It is one of only four working silk mills in the country and the only one open to visitors, who can see silk being woven on historic machinery.

For more details, see the mill�s website whitchurchsilkmill.org.uk .

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