Water way to spend the weekend
They were once the engine room of our county, today they are a haven for wildlife. And people are invited to explore Shropshire's historic watermills in all their glory during a weekend celebration of water power.
Six of the county's best-loved watermills will be open to the public during National Mills Weekend on Saturday and Sunday.
The event, organised by the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (Spab) since 1984, celebrates windmills and watermills across the UK. The nearest windmill taking part in the event is the Broad Eye Mill in Stafford, but there are plenty of watermills in Shropshire, north Herefordshire and mid-Wales.
The programme in the area has been organised by Alan Stoyel, who became involved in 2006, although he says next year will be his last as he looks for somebody to take over.
Among the mills featured this year are Dinham Mill in Ludlow, which was lovingly recreated in 2009 after falling into disrepair.
Josh Crouch runs the cafe which now occupies part of the building that dates back to the 14th century. A new waterwheel was installed as part of the renovation, which also includes a hydroelectric power plant providing electricity for the business.
"The wheel is fantastic, it is a big draw with visitors," he says.
Keith Thomsen, who was one of the driving forces behind the project at Dinham, says there was a real danger that the mill could have been lost forever before the trust to restore the site was formed.
"There used to be a swimming pool here, and when that closed there were plans to build six houses on the site, which would have cut off access to the river," he said.
Also taking part in the event is Daniels Mill in Bridgnorth, a working flour mill powered by a huge waterwheel, fed by water from two levels.
Just south-east of Ludlow, Rockhill Mill at Greete has been in the same family since 1640, and Mr Stoyel said it had been brought back to full working condition using secondhand parts.
This year's event aims to focus on the contribution mills make to the natural world.
Owing to their setting, many mills are havens for wildlife , and using natural power they do not pollute or blight the environment.
Last year, more than 320 mills across the UK took part, with an estimated total of 40,000 visits over the weekend.
Mildred Cookson, chairman of the Spab mills section, said: “The weekend is a wonderful family event, an opportunity for everyone to explore their local windmill or watermill, to learn about our rich milling heritage and its place in our landscape.
Full details of the activities can be found on the website: nationalmillsweekend.co.uk
