Visits to mills sure to turn out well

2:48pm Wednesday 16th July 2008

VISITORS have the rare opportunity to visit two of the finest mills in the Stroud Valleys on Sunday, July 27.

St Mary's Mill in Chalford and Stanley Mill, King's Stanley are open for booked tours in the afternoon at 2pm, 3pm and 4pm. Contact 01453 766273 to reserve places.

St Mary's Mill has been described as one of the best preserved mill groups in the Stroud Valleys. Visitors can now enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the setting but the history evokes a past when hundreds worked there, the waterwheels strained to drive lines of machinery and the steam engine belched smoke and soot over everything. The surviving waterwheel and steam engine are still imposing but are now at peace.

Stanley Mill is wholly exceptional because of its cast iron columns which are unique in Britain. It also has veteran machinery for preparing woollen yarn. Ken Staddon demonstrates the imposing carding engine and the spinning mule, one of the few still in working order in Britain - a fact entirely due to his skill. One might say that he and the machines have grown old together.

Visits are by booking only. Parking is possible for cars at Stanley Mill but only disabled parking is available at St Mary's Mill. People should park at Chalford and walk about a kilometre down the canal towpath.