Whitchurch Silk Mill in rural Hampshire has received some ‘weavey’ good news this week after being awarded £50,000 in funding from the Postcode Society Trust.
This 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.
People’s Postcode Lottery has raised more than £1.2 Billion for thousands of charities and local good causes. Each week, players of the People’s Postcode Lottery in a winning postcode share £1 Million in the Millionaire Street prize. This prize is split between tickets in the full winning postcode. Charities based in the Millionaire Street winning postcode areas can also be awarded a share of £1 Million. The winning postcode in Whitchurch, Hampshire, announced on the 23rd of December 2023, is close to the Mill, so it has been selected to receive a grant too.
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.”
Now, the Mill team would like to thank all of the “RG” postcode players for playing the People’s Postcode Lottery and giving the Mill such great news this Christmas.
They are 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.
From the 2nd January, the Mill will be open Tuesday to Sunday 10.30 am to 5.00 pm. For opening hours between Christmas and New Year, please see the website.
Thanks to the People’s Postcode Lottery players, Whitchurch Silk Mill has already had a happy Christmas!
