Historic Hampshire mill receives cash boost
The postcode lottery has awarded £50,000 to Whitchurch silk mill
Whitchurch Silk Mill in rural Hampshire has received £50,000 in funding from the Postcode Society Trust.
The industrial heritage museum is the oldest working silk mill in the country and still produces silk fabrics using historic Victorian machinery. Both silk ribbon weaving and silk weaving are, however, endangered crafts, requiring significant funds and expertise to keep the collection maintained and operational.
Sue Tapliss, Mill Director, said:
“We urgently need help to preserve living weaving heritage. There are now only four silk ribbon weavers in the UK, one of whom works here. It’s a profession that cannot be taught at college or university.”
“The funding raised by the People’s Postcode Lottery players will allow us to conserve this endangered craft and educate a future generation, inspiring them to preserve living weaving heritage at the Mill.”
Free Admission for the ‘RG’ Postcode
Now, the Mill team would like to thank all of the “RG” postcode players for playing the People’s Postcode Lottery.
They're offering free admission from Saturday, 30th December, until the 31st of January for everyone living in the RG postcode area. All you need to do is bring a utility bill or another form of identification with your address printed on it to take part, there is no need to book.