The
last three months have brought about big changes to the mill. The water wheel
is fully operational with all the stone work and water courses complete. Internally
the balcony is floored, the mill ground floor is paved and electricity is connected.
In
the interpretation centre, all the walls have been lined, the floor is paved and
all water pipes are laid for washing and toilet facilities. Footpaths and ramps
leading to the interpretation centre are soon to have a finishing surface applied.
A
video showing the progress of the mill up to and including the official opening
is in the making and will eventually be on sale to the public.
In
December a business plan was sent to Northumbrian Water Environmental Trust which
resulted in a grant of £65,500.
The
presentation of the cheque was covered by BBC and ITV and mentioned on radio and
in the press. This grant will make a great difference to our plans and help towards
our ultimate aim.
An
inscribed millstone has been positioned at the bottom of Summerhill showing the
name and direction of the mill site.
In
preparation for the public opening at Easter weekend part of the land has been
grass seeded and we will soon be looking towards planting flowers etc.
Tickets
for mill visits will be on sale in the shop which is within the Interpretation
Centre.
As
from April Mr Trevor Underwood (Co-ordinator) will become an employee of the Vale
Mill Trust and will be in attendance every week from Tuesday to Sunday to welcome
visitors. We will of course be open on Bank Holidays.
The
official opening of the mill will take place at 2pm on 18th May 1998. We are looking
for a good response from all members and non-members as the opening ceremony is
being performed by the Duke of Northumberland.
We’ve
done it again!
Further funding has been confirmed by the Lloyds TSB Foundation.
£5,000 is on it’s way, it should be received within the next few weeks.
Vale
Mill Trust acknowledges support of main funders; The European Regional Development
Fund, Lottery Heritage Fund, Northumbrian Water Environmental Trust & Lloyds
TSB Foundation
Architects
and Design Advisors: High Massey, Architects, Upland House, View Lane, Stanley,
Co Durham, DH9 0DZ
