 | | National Mills Weekend 9th & 10th May 2009
National Mills Weekend is held on the second weekend of May each year. The weekend is organised by the Mills Section of the SPAB. As many wind and water mills as are able open on one or both of the two days of the weekend. Following 2008's record weekend, when over 400 mills opened, more mills than ever are expected to take part in National Mills Weekend 2009.
The mills that are open to the public during this national festival do not only produce flour, but include a silk mill at Whitchurch in Hampshire, a woollen mill at Trefiw near Conwy in Wales and the country's largest water-powered cotton mill at Styal in Cheshire. Some of the working mills are more than 300 years old, yet are still efficiently doing the job they were built and designed for into the 21st century.
Many mills taking part run special family events and activities during the weekend, including demonstrations and the chance to buy flour and other produce made on the premises.
This event has grown year on year. We are delighted that so many mills took part in 2008, and more are expected in 2009. The popularity of National Mills Weekend shows how important these wonderful buildings are, both in terms of our national heritage and our landscape. And, with increasing interest in natural food production and sustainable power sources it's hardly surprising that people want to find out more.
This site can be used to discover how to find these mills. Further information is to be found in our publication Mills Open, which is available direct from the Mills Section at £5.50 post free. | |
