With a coach full of explorers and another fine day we leave punctually from our various pick-up points between Swanage and Sandford for the little town of Whitchurch on the river Test to the west of Basingstoke. Our first destination the historic silk mill and working museum. The Victorian machinery and the traditional processes still turn the finest silk yarns into shimmering luxury
The Mill was built on the River Test during the reign of George III nearly 200 years ago. Silk has been woven here since the 1820s. The Mill's skilled weavers produce high quality silks to order for theatrical costume, interior decoration and historic houses.
The several stages of preparing the bobbins with their load of silk fibre are very labour intensive and no longer economic on machines of this vintage.
Our party of 50 people was divided into two groups and here on the highest of the three floors of the mill we are learning about the conversion of a single cocoon of silk into a mile of fibre. Pity the poor silk worm who having spun this lot is then boiled in hot water to ensure the cocoon is not eaten!
With all the bobbins loaded onto this machine weaving is ready to start. Apart from the theatrical costumes that are made from the fabrics produced here the National Trust commissions material for its various restoration projects on its estates. Another outlet is the supply of barrister's silk gowns!
Here on the ground floor of the mill the final rolls of fabric come off the looms.
The middle floor of the mill housed the tea room where after a busy morning we refreshed our selves before the next 30 min journey on to The Vyne for lunch and the afternoon's experience.
PANTM's next excursion is to UPPARK on October 4th. We continue to enjoy these great excursions to the properties in our area.