THE historic silk mill in Whitchurch has won a national award.
Whitchurch Silk Mill has won a national Engineering Heritage Award, recognising its success as a hub of heritage, engineering and craft.
The Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) established the Engineering Heritage Awards in 1984 to identify and promote artefacts, locations, collections and landmarks of significant engineering importance.
Whitchurch Silk Mill produces silk products in its living museum on the River Test's banks using historic machinery.
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Whitchurch Silk Mill has produced silk for more than 200 years and has operated as a living museum for the last 35 years.
It is the UK's oldest working silk mill and the only place visitors can see woven silk.
The Mill conserves and operates a range of historic looms, ensuring the survival of traditional crafts such as weaving and winding.
The Mill is currently undertaking the essential conservation of Loom 10, a dobby loom manufactured in 1960, with thanks to the players of the National Lottery.
The Institution of Mechanical Engineers recognised the work performed at Whitchurch Silk Mill, saying: "With a rigorous approach to repair and conservation, the Mill has become an inspiring and atmospheric place to learn about its past."
Whitchurch Silk Mill has also focused their conservation efforts on the specific skills required for silk weaving.
The Mill employs one of four silk ribbon weavers left in the UK, and is committed to keeping endangered heritage skills alive.
Through this award, the Institution of Mechanical Engineers acknowledges this commitment, stating that the Mill is "a heritage site of national importance, passing on silk weaving skills to future generations of Weavers and Tacklers".
Whitchurch Silk Mill was presented with this prestigious award by John Wood, chair of the Engineering Heritage Committee within the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.
In his speech, he noted: "Here you have relevant historic artifacts in their original location, and context, and capable of working so that one can understand the skills of the weaver and tackler.
"The site is beautifully cared for, looked after and presented. The future of the Mill is clearly in good hands and the work that the Trust does to promote the message to young people is to be applauded."
Whitchurch Silk Mill can be visited by the public from Tuesday to Sunday each week to see the historic machinery and the talented Weaver-Tacklers in action as they help preserve the future of heritage crafts.
Readers can find out more about Whitchurch Silk Mill by visiting https://whitchurchsilkmill.org.uk/
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