Date/Time: Tuesday, 21st May 2024 at 11:00
Location: Whitchurch Silk Mill, 28 Winchester Street,, Whitchurch, Hampshire, RG28 7AL
Price: £23 per person. Member and guest £46.
Event Organiser: Pauline Schurer. 23 Ellwood Rise, Chalfont St Giles, Bucks HP8 4SU
The Whitchurch Silk Mill is a Grade II listed building sitting on the banks of the River Test in the village of Whitchurch in Hampshire. It is the oldest Silk Mill in the UK that is still working in its original building.
Making silk is a very old craft and the equipment used looks quite ancient but very interesting. We will see the Victorian winding and warping machinery, looms and the water wheel.
The timetable is:
- 11:00
- Meet for refillable tea/coffee coffee and a selection of shortbread.
- 11:45
- Guided tour of the Mill featuring a silk weaving demonstration.
- 12:45
- Lunch – sandwiches, crisps, a slice of cake and refillable tea/coffee.
- Post lunch
- After lunch browse in the shop, enjoy the seating areas within the Mill grounds and chat to friends.
- 14:00 onwards
- Meet friends in the outside seating area by the waterside or take a walk in the nearby area (if the weather permits). Pauline will send a link showing a series of local walks from between 1 and 17 miles. Why not have a final cup of tea and more cake!!!!
The cafe and gift shop will remain open in the afternoon for further refreshments and browsing.
Car Parking
The village of Whitchurch is quite small and is accessed through several country lanes. On your arrival, please park your car in the free car park which is next door to the Silk Mill. Pauline will email a link showing the nearby location of additional car parking facilities.
There are two disabled vehicle spaces sited outside the front of the shop and cafe building. If these are full there are an additional two spaces in the neighbouring public car park.
Mobility Considerations
The Mill is very old with uneven flooring which may be unsuitable for some.
The Mill has winding staircases between each floor, but it is also fitted with a platform lift. This allows visitors to reach the middle and top floors without using the stairs. The platform lift cannot accommodate mobility scooters but one wheelchair is available if required.
Event Booking
Please note that all bookings are subject to our Event Booking Rules.
The standard, printable event booking sheet is downloadable here.