Author: Peter Holdway-Bradley

Coldharbour Mill receives King’s Award for Voluntary Service

Peter Holdway-Bradley

Coldharbour Mill receives King’s Award for Voluntary Service  

Volunteers at Coldharbour Mill have been presented the prestigious King’s Award for Voluntary Service at a ceremony held at the Mill. The accolade, which is the highest award given to volunteer groups across the UK, was presented to the mill’s dedicated volunteers by HM Lord-Lieutenant of Devon, David Fursdon, in a ceremony that celebrated their extraordinary contributions.

Over 60 volunteers attended the celebration, marking a significant milestone for Coldharbour Mill. The award recognises the mill’s outstanding commitment to benefiting local communities through its voluntary work. This achievement highlights the vital role that volunteers play in preserving the historical and cultural heritage of Coldharbour Mill, which continues to thrive due to their tireless efforts.

“We are incredibly proud of our volunteers whose hard work and dedication have earned us this distinguished recognition,” said Bryher Mason, chair of the Board of Trustees. “This award is a testament to the profound impact that our volunteers have on the community, and we are deeply grateful for their unwavering support.”

The King’s Award for Voluntary Service highlights the exceptional contributions made by Coldharbour Mill’s volunteers, whose passion and dedication ensure the preservation and promotion of this historic site. The mill remains a vibrant part of the community, providing educational opportunities and preserving an important piece of local and industrial heritage.

Coldharbour Mill extends its heartfelt gratitude to all its volunteers and looks forward to continuing its mission with their invaluable support. 

Letters from the Archive

Peter Holdway-Bradley

Letters from the Archive

Here we will be exploring the numerous letter books which can be found in Coldharbour Mill’s Fox Business Archive. After many years, these fascinating business records have been stabilised and conserved by our volunteers, in order for us to better understand their contents.

Our archive volunteer, Peter, has been transcribing these letters. Keep checking this page as we delve deeper into the rich history of the Fox brothers business.

The Mill is very fortunate in holding a set of Letter Books dating from 1807 to 1827,  the early period of Thomas Fox’s manufacturing business and not long after the Mill began work in 1799.

Before computers, or even type writers and carbon copies, all the letters sent out of the firm’s office (or Counting house as it was known) were copied into a letter book, so we have a record of the business activities of the period: we do not have any of the in-coming correspondence, but it is still possible to build a fascinating picture of Fox’s business at this time.

The first relates to the important matter of buying suitable wool.

Page 1

Respd. Friend                                                          Wellington 27th: 5th mo: 1826

                        John Elliott

                                             Since thou wast here the price of wool has declined considerably, so that we should not now incline to give more than 6d plb 21lb for 20lb for thy lot, and then only on condition of our J. Mullett’s throwing out any that may be found at the time of packing to be injured by damp or lying on the ground or against the wall. We conclude that good 2 months Bills would suit thee for part of the amount, but if thou accept our offer we shall expect thy reply in course of post ~ We should expect to have the wool delivered part of the way to Exeter ~                                                             Ugborough nr. Ashburton

 

 

Elliott was a wool stapler; he purchased wool from his local farmers (or growers), sorted it and then sold it on.  John Mullett worked for Thomas Fox as a wool buyer and would often be tasked with visiting the staplers to assess the wool before it was purchased.  Note the attention to price and the conventions of receiving a pound of wool more than is paid for and the stapler having to pay part of the transport cost of bringing the wool to Wellington.  The Bills mentioned are Bills of Exchange, much like a cheque, except that they were used many times in succession without actually being cashed.

Page 1

Bowring & Son                                                Wellington 29th: 5th mo: 1826

                          Exeter

                                      We send herewith 8ps. Serges to be dyed exact to pattern, & sent home rough dryed ~ The 5ps. Serges are to be pressed & are much wanted    By Chadwell’s waggon we also send 69 Worleys in the raw state ~ you will be pleased to hear that with the exception of the 4ps. returned to you, the whole of our Worleys are passed up to No.73.    We are not at present inclined to take more of your Oil at £38 – as Genuine Gallipoli is offered to us at a lower price  ~  Your 

This letter is addressed to a merchant in Exeter.  The Bowrings were manufacturers too, but the Foxs used them to supervise their cloth finishing as they had direct access to dyers, fullers pressers and packers and so on.  This particular batch includes serges to be dyed and pressed and the local carter is delivering worleys (a very similar fabric) to be finished: felting of the fabric using fulling stocks in a basin of water and raising a nap in a gig mill (a process that had used teasles to produce a soft fluffy surface, which is then cropped with shears to make it even).

The reference to worleys being passed, shows that they were destined for the East India Company, which had a very strict quality control system.

 

Gallipoli oil is olive oil, which was used in wool combing.

Respd. Friends                                                                                    Wellington 12th: 6th mo: 1826

                        Harrison & Brazier

                                                         We have recd. your several letters of 30th Ulto: and 3rd & 8th inst: and note the further purchases advised in the last ~ Some of the fleeces have been waiting so long for a vessel, that before they can arrive, even if ship’d immediately, we fear we shall be considerably inconvenienced, having of course depended on them as part of our supply; and in a falling market the detention is the more serious ~ Your’s of 30th Ulto: mentions 10 days from that date as the probable time of shipment, but we are uneasy at obser ving that no definite time whatever is named in your last, which, of course, leaves us at great uncertainty, and induces us to request, that should not the Polly have commenced loading on your receiving this, you will immediately ship 20 bags of the fleeces for Wool Quay Wharf, London – with directions to reship them on the first vessel for Exeter; when this is effected, advise us p first post. As the freight from London is charged by the bag, you should put as much as possible into each sheet by that route ~ We presume that in the agreement with the owner of the Polly, you made some stipulation as to the time, otherwise we shall be at his mercy: pray reply to this p first post ~ According to the advices from Yorkshire &c. we are on the wrong side in the purchases you have made for us, and we have now to request you will not exceed £9 ppk for the prime lots of Kent fleeces, at this price you may purchase 30 to 40 packs ~ Since some of our firm saw your T. Harrison, we have learnt that Morgan & Co. of London have been obtaining Kent head & Skin Combing in Kent, one with the other in about equal quantities, or the whole pulls at £7..10 – to £7..15.. You may purchase a little more Kent head at £7..5.. and Fine Head @ £8..5.. say 10 to 15 pks of each. Should any more skin Combing be offered, you may send us samples with the lowest prices ~ Presuming that the skin wools are to be paid for in bills @ 60ds. we enclose £350 at that date and £350 at 15ds. Should you purchase any fleeces at £9.. we wish the period of packing to be so arranged as that our remittances may be in Cash on, or at any time after the 29th inst: either through Willis & Co. or any other house you may direct – this will save the expence of stamps, which in such short dated bills, makes the rate of discount come high ~ You do not invoice any locks, we could now use some, and presume that they might be bought low ~ Relying on receiving advice of the shipment of a pack, at least of our wools, in a post or two after you receive this, we are                                                                                                                   Rye

Continuing the wool buying theme, this letter demonstrates the care taken over more distant purchases.  Kent was a source of wool for the Foxs from early days in the firm’s existence and Harrison & Brazier longstanding suppliers.  However this did not prevent detailed inst-ructions being given, particularly regarding price, with worries that Yorkshire wool was cheaper. An additional difficulty was transporting the wool to Wellington.  Land carriage was out of the question, but it is noteworthy that shipping from London is preferred to a more local port; the amount of wool passing through the city justifying a dedicated wharf.

It is also noteworthy that the volume of wool is great and the money required consequently considerable.  The comments about packing reflect the need to pay farmers cash in hand for their wool  before removing it from the farms and those about stamps, the requirement to pay stamp duty on bills of exchange (our cheques) passing through the banks.

Finally, the ‘locks’ mentioned were a product of the wool sorting, being the lower quality wool from the more peripheral parts of the fleece; generally coarser not of such good colour.

Respd. Friend                                                                                  Wellington 12th: 6th mo: 1826

                       John Caffrey

                                            We are in receit of thine of 8th inst. inclosing a bill amt. £72, which with freight of yarn to Liverpool balances thy accot. & for which we are obliged ~ As the warps are required to be spun smaller, it would add to the cost: our present price is 1/10½plb deliver’d in Liverpool, terms as before, but our machinery being fully employed, we could not undertake to execute an order for 10 packs in less than 6 à 8 weeks from receit of thy order &

 

This is an unusual letter, demonstrating the reach of Fox yarn.  The output of the manufactory was generally intended for local consumption, as the firm were principally concerned in producing cloth.  However this letter reveals a yarn side line, with sales to a Lancashire manu facturer  and of a considerable quantity!  The reference to warp yarn suggests that previous orders were for weft yarn (that is the yarn in the shuttle being woven into the warp, which being under tension in the loom, needs to be stronger – hence spun more tightly).

Delia walks 100 Miles in her 80th year to raise funds for the Mill

Peter Holdway-Bradley

Delia walks 100 Miles in her 80th
year to raise funds for the Mill

Our friend Delia, a local resident and
champion of Coldharbour Mill’s work, has embarked on a 100-mile local walk in
order to celebrate her 80th year and in order to raise funds for Coldharbour Mill in May, and other local causes throughout the rest of 2024.

We are so grateful that Delia has
decided that she will be raising funds for Coldharbour Mill Trust throughout
her May walks and she will be setting out from Coldharbour Mill on 1st
May.

This is what Delia said about her walk:

“We
are off again during May – my little celebrity companion, (TTT) who rides in
the pouch on my backpack and I are walking another 100 miles locally raising
funds for our important local historic Mill.

Seems suddenly, I find myself in my 80th year and so having reached this
milestone I would really like to celebrate my many blessings and am so grateful
that I am able to ‘walk with a purpose’.

As always, my little companion who rides in the pouch on my backpack
accompanies me.  He is a very well-travelled little bear particularly in
Scotland and around this local area.  His main claim to fame however is
when he accompanied a trio of cyclists who rode from London to Glasgow to
attend COP 26 summit in Glasgow in November 2021.

I had read the book ‘Cold Hands, Warm Heart’ by Tess Burrows and was so amazed
by her story of courage and adventurous determination that I contacted
her.  Since then we have kept in touch and I wondered if she would take my
little companion with her to Glasgow on the back of her bike!  What a
story he would have to tell!

I was delighted when she said she would take him and indeed it was she who
named him TTT – Team Together Ted! Hence, I feel very honoured to have him as a
little companion on my various fund-raising travels. 

So, we will be pleased to be able to
walk again for the Mill and particularly if the weather is a little more
amenable than it has been in recent weeks.”

We want to send a huge
thank you to Delia (and TTT!)

If you wish to sponsor Delia on her walk you can donate via the button or
if you wish to donate in cash this can be dropped in to the Grist Mill Café Bar.
Cheques can be made out to Coldharbour Mill Trust Ltd

‘Team Together Ted’ in his packet – ready for the 100 mile walk

Delia on her 2023 walk

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Catch up diary (1) on 100 mile walk for Coldharbour Mill

 Wednesday 1st May and we were hoping to start the walk this morning especially after the rather nightmarish weather we have been experiencing, so we started by meeting at the Mill for coffee to see how the weather was going to plan out.   

 Having enjoyed our coffee and chat, I decided to chance our luck although the sky didn’t look too promising.  We can cope with rain if we really have to, but definitely can’t deal with the possibility of thunder and lightening.  Actually, it would have been very easy to have remained seated and then wandered home having scanned the black clouds and threatening skies, but decided to make a move in the hope and faith we would make it around the circuit.  

 It was with great relief that we made our first 8 miles safely and it turned out to be quite a pleasant walk.  The small woodland area in Willand is now white with wild garlic scenting the air and the small weir is still very much in full spate.  It is interesting to think that this section of the river is such a short distance away from the Culm in Uffculme.   Even walking through the Hitchcocks estate the trees are so heavily laden with their beautiful spring-time blossom. 

 So, the first 8 miles have been safely completed and am pleased we chanced the weather and didn’t let it stop us – this time!    

 We will be back very soon with the next report. 

 

Delia and TT
———————————————————————————————————————

Catch up diary (2) for
100 mile walk for Coldharbour Mill

Tuesday 7th May
and the strange old weather is still playing tricks with the seasons.  I
cautiously looked at the sky to try and sense it’s mood and decided to make a
start and see how we fared.  

Five miles into the walk
and all was well – thankfully! so decided to carry on and notch up the 10
miles. 35 miles completed so far and hope to make better progress this
week. 

Will be back to report
progress a bit later.

 

Delia

————————————————————————————————

Catch up diary (3) on 100 mile walk for Coldharbour Mill

Since our last catch-up we have experienced a mini-heatwave for 3 or 4 days but it is now Monday 13th May and it has rained all day resulting in wet and bedraggled waterproofs and, for the first time, ‘leaking’ shoes!  I have been waiting for it to happen I have to say, and after they have kept my feet dry for well over 2 ½ thousand miles, plus ‘normal’ wear, it is now going to force me into Exeter to reluctantly replace them!

I am thankful TTT doesn’t have any of these problems!  – so is he! 

During the mini-heatwave, it was wonderful to step out of the front door wearing sandals and shorts, and not have to consider ‘do I take ….. ?’, but just be able to go!

These were the few days when the wonderful natural world looked vibrant with the young leaves on the trees a glorious shade of vivid green and shining in the bright sunlight.   The ‘candles’ on the horse chestnut trees proudly displaying their delicate colours so intricately designed before they are replaced by the seeds of the next generation.   How incredible nature is.

Whilst taking a few moments to drink in the healing silence and watch the river making it’s way along the valley, I was fortunate to capture the brief visit of an Egret searching for it’s mid-day snack.        

Tuesday 14th, and our total mileage is now 71 so not too much further to go until I can report ‘Mission Accomplished’. 

Delia and TTT

———————————————————————————–

Final ‘diary’ (4) for Delia’s 100 mile walk for Coldharbour Mill

It has certainly been a bit of a challenge weather-wise to complete the last few miles this week. 

On Thursday we set out to do a longer circuit as there were only 19 miles to do, but the weather looked very unsure of itself and so thought we could try and knock a few miles off.  Walked just over 2 miles, and watching the sky which showed unfriendly signs, decided to catch the bus home as one happened to be due.  Thankfully I made the right decision as just minutes after arriving home, it started raining and then carried on for the rest of the afternoon!   Oh dear!! 

Thankfully Friday was a bit better and we were able to complete 10 miles, so only another 10 to do.  One lovely little bright spot which caught my eye was a wonderful golden fungus growing on a tree stump very close to the ground, and hidden in the undergrowth.  It was such a brilliant colour in the depths of the dark surroundings.

Saturday 18th – was really looking forward to completing today, but ……. it was not meant to be!   However, we did manage to walk 5 1/2 miles before there was yet another downpour (just after we arrived home – again!)   Thought about venturing around another 5 miles after lunch but as thunder was forecast, decided to call it a day and hope we can finish on Monday.   It is all a bit frustrating but feel the weather patterns are going to be more challenging with climate change, and we must learn to deal with it and adapt accordingly.  

So, here’s to the last 5 miles in the next couple of days!  Sunday 19th – it was such a beautiful morning I felt it would be good to get out, so left home about 9 am to get this 5 miles finished.  It was perfect – sun, blue sky and lovely breeze and – MISSION ACCOMPLISHED – finally!  102 miles completed – and thank you for your donations to help our historic Mill.

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Wild Garlic in the Woodland

Springtime Blossom

Springtime Blossom

A snacking Egret

Golden Fungus

Coldharbour Mill Celebrated in Ordination

Peter Holdway-Bradley

Coldharbour Mill Celebrated in Ordination

Tartan woven at Coldharbour Mill in Uffculme, has been included in a deeply personal celebratory stole commissioned for the ordination of a Church of England priest.

Rev Zoë Braven-Giles, originally from Uffculme, was ordained as a priest in the Church of England in June 2023, and commissioned the deeply personal stole in celebration shortly afterwards. Zoë, née Pollard, lived in Uffculme until 2002, her children were all dedicated in St Mary’s Church in the heart of the village, and the village remains an important part of her life. Zoë explained why she chose the tartan to form part of her clergy uniform.

“Including a piece of tartan in my stole, woven at Coldharbour Mill, was
very important to me. It reminds me of my history, my childhood, and that
I wouldn’t be where I am now without the support growing up of so many
people in the village. I now have a piece of the village which will be with
me whenever I preside wearing it.”

Stoles are worn ordained members of the church to show their office. A deacon wears their stole across their body, right to left, and a priest wears theirs hanging straight down. Zoë’s stole was designed and created by Bournemouth textile artist Katalin Horváth, and depicts the changing of the seasons and creation.

Zoë plans to visit Uffculme, and Coldharbour Mill with her stole in the near future.

Coldharbour Mill receives The King’s Award for Voluntary Service

Peter Holdway-Bradley

Coldharbour Mill receives The King’s Award for Voluntary Service

Volunteers at Coldharbour Mill have just been awarded The King’s Award for Voluntary Service. This is the highest award a local voluntary group can receive in the UK and is equivalent to an MBE.

Coldharbour Mill, is one of the oldest working woollen mills in the UK having been in constant production since 1797. Originally owned by world-renowned textile producers Fox Brothers, the Mill took fleece from all over the world and transformed it into yarn, cloth and textiles.

Largely unchanged since this time, today the rich heritage lives on as one of the best-preserved examples of a textile mill complex in the country. Now run as a charity, Coldharbour Mill welcomes visitors to experience not only industrial revolution, but also a unique opportunity to see artisan men and women making textiles, beautiful knitting yarn and hand-woven rugs on traditional looms.

Coldharbour Mill is one of 262 charities, social enterprises, and voluntary groups from across the UK to receive the prestigious award this year since its inception in 2002. Their work, along with the other recipients, reminds us of all the ways fantastic volunteers are contributing to their local communities and working to make life better for those around them.

The King’s Award for Voluntary Service aims to recognise outstanding work by local volunteer groups to benefit their communities. It was created in 2002 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee and, following his accession, His Majesty The King emphasised his desire to continue the Award.

Recipients are announced annually on 14th November, The King’s Birthday. Alongside Coldharbour Mill Award winners this year are wonderfully diverse and include volunteer groups from across the UK, such as a social support network for disabled adults in Banffshire; a charity using a refurbished pool as a community hub in south Wales; volunteer doctors providing pre-hospital care across rural Cumbria and a village renewal organisation promoting sustainability, equality and social inclusion in County Antrim.

6 representatives of Coldharbour Mill will receive the award crystal and certificate from David Fursdon HM Lord-Lieutenant of Devon, later this year.  In addition, two volunteers from Coldharbour Mill will attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace in 2024, along with other recipients of this year’s Award.

 

Bryher Mason, Chair of Trustees at Coldharbour Mill Trust says: “We are delighted that our dedicated and committed volunteers have been recognised in this way and is a real testament to their hard work and commitment to preserve and share our national treasure. We now have over 85 volunteers donating their time to Coldharbour Mill – supporting everything from running the steam boilers to gardening, hosting groups and schools and creating the national archive of woven patterns. Each one of these we are privileged to call friends.”

Vision 2032

Peter Holdway-Bradley

Your invitation to Coldharbour Mill Vision 2032

What will Coldharbour Mill look like in 2032?

Saturday 24th September 2022 – 10.30am

Bryher Mason, Chair of Trustees warmly invites you to join us for a presentation of our vision for 2032 on September 24th September 2022, 10.30am at Coldharbour Mill in the Fox Gallery.

The morning will give insight of how we plan to take the Mill through the next decade together with a opportunity to discuss the plans with the Board of Trustees.

If you would like to join us, please book your place by clicking the button below as early as possible as tickets are strictly limited. There is no charge for your ticket.

BOOK NOW
VIEW OUR VISION ONLINE

Vision 2032

Peter Holdway-Bradley

Coldharbour Mill Vision 2032

What will Coldharbour Mill look like in 2032?

Thursday 12th May 2022 – 12:30pm

Bryher Mason, Interim Chair of Trustees warmly invites you to join us for a presentation of our vision for 2032 on Thursday 12th May 2022, 12:30pm at Coldharbour Mill in the Fox Gallery.

The presentation will give insight of how we plan to take the Mill through the next decade together with a opportunity to discuss the plans with the board of trustees.

ITINERARY

12:30 – 13:30  –          Arrival Drinks & Buffet Lunch

13:30 – 14:15  –          Welcome – Bryher Mason, Interim Chair of Trustees

Vision 2032 Transformation – Martin Halse,

MRH MS Ltd, Chief Executive Services Provider

14:15-15:30  –             Tours of the Mill
15:30 –                         Depart

 

If you would like to join us, please book your place by clicking the button below as early as possible as tickets are strictly limited. There is no charge for your ticket.

Coldharbour Mill Museum to receive £96,115 from second round of the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund

Peter Holdway-Bradley

Coldharbour Mill Museum to receive £96,115 from second round of the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund

  • Coldharbour Mill Museum among more than 2,700 recipients to benefit from the latest round of awards from the £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund 
  • This award will fund Coldharbour Mills reopening costs and secure this Nationally significant Heritage sites future, allowing the Charity to adapt to a new business model and improve the accessibility and the visitor experience.  

Coldharbour Mill Museum in Uffculme has received a grant of £96,115 from the Government’s £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund, in addition to the £230k received from this fund in the first round to help the organisation recover and reopen.

More than £300 million has been awarded to thousands of cultural organisations across the country including Coldharbour Mill Museum in the latest round of support from the Culture Recovery Fund, the Culture Secretary announced today.

This award will secure the recovery of the Mill following the pandemic until we can fully re-open on the 31st May, the award also allows for the Mill to develop a sustainable business model going forward, allowing better use of resources and space to improve the visitors experience.

Over £800 million in grants and loans has already been awarded to support almost 3,800 cinemas, performance venues, museums, heritage sites and other cultural organisations dealing with the immediate challenges of the coronavirus pandemic.

The second round of awards made today will help organisations to look ahead to the spring and summer and plan for reopening and recovery. After months of closures and cancellations to contain the virus and save lives, this funding will be a much-needed helping hand for organisations transitioning back to normal in the months ahead.

Culture Secretary, Oliver Dowden, said:

“Our record breaking Culture Recovery Fund has already helped thousands of culture and heritage organisations across the country survive the biggest crisis they’ve ever faced.
Now we’re staying by their side as they prepare to welcome the public back through their doors – helping our cultural gems plan for reopening and thrive in the better times ahead.”

Martin Halse Coldharbour Mill’s Chief Executive, said:

“The Cultural Recovery Fund has been a lifeline to Heritage sites such as Coldharbour Mill in the last year, this latest award will enable Coldharbour Mill to reopen and cover costs until visitors return to something like pre-pandemic levels, at the same time the award funds a complete overhaul of the charities business model setting the groundwork for a sustained and resilient recovery and a dynamic future for Coldharbour Mill.”

Sir Nicholas Serota, Chair, Arts Council England, said:

“Investing in a thriving cultural sector at the heart of communities is a vital part of helping the whole country to recover from the pandemic. These grants will help to re-open theatres, concert halls, and museums and will give artists and companies the opportunity to begin making new work. We are grateful to the Government for this support and for recognising the paramount importance of culture to our sense of belonging and identity as individuals and as a society.”

The funding awarded today is from a £400 million pot which was held back last year to ensure the Culture Recovery Fund could continue to help organisations in need as the public health picture changed. The funding has been awarded by Arts Council England, as well as Historic England and National Lottery Heritage Fund and the British Film Institute.

Coldharbour Mill’s Strategic Review

Peter Holdway-Bradley

“probably one of the best-preserved textile mill complexes in the country. It retains the full range of buildings and power system features which characterised the development of the 19th century textile mill with much of the machinery that was used at the site in the 20th century.” – Historic England

This year we are celebrating 40 years as a Museum and next year in 2022 we will be celebrating 225 years of Coldharbour Mill.

The Staff and Trustees at Coldharbour Mill Trust are working through the process of a strategic review. It had been increasingly difficult to secure resources to maintain our heritage pre-pandemic, which is no different to many, many other heritage sites. Then having been faced with the challenge of guiding the trust through a pandemic and into a world which will be very different, it is important we review the strategic direction for the Trust for a long and sustainable future and to balance this against the change in the heritage landscape we have seen in the last year.

This process will involve a wide range of contributors ranging from our staff and volunteers to our visitors, neighbours, community, special interest groups and all other stakeholders of Coldharbour Mill Trust, and we have reached the point where we need more voices to join the conversation to broaden relevance to drive sustainability.

Our Board and Staff meet regularly not only to guide the Trust through the here and now, and the many challenges we are all facing, but to discuss the mission and vision of Coldharbour Mill Trust and we have developed new statements which encapsulate what we feel the Trust is now and what we aspire to be to secure this historic site for another 200 years.

As a leading industrial heritage site, Coldharbour Mill’s mission is to educate and inspire future generations.

Our vision is to be innovative with our heritage in developing a relevant and sustainable future for Coldharbour Mill.

Though only short, these are the words on which the larger strategy will be built and we hope that our contributors feel that these are both realistic, aspirational and inspirational.

On the back of this the next phase of our work is to consult as many current or potential stakeholders as possible to ensure we have a broad view of the Mills future potential.

What are we asking?
Heritage estates and museums are costly to run. In order for Coldharbour Mill to thrive and deliver a sustainable future, we need to diversify and find new ways of increasing participation and generating income. We want to develop the Mill with the support and involvement of the community, our supporters, our visitors and anyone who already has or could have a connection with the Mill.

Whether you are a long-standing supporter, or someone who has yet to visit; whether you live locally, many miles away, or are an organisation, community or special interest group we value your opinion on the potential future of Coldharbour Mill.

With that in mind we ask you to complete the questionnaire by clicking the button below. This should take between 5 and 10 minutes to complete.

Blackboard / chalkboard texture. Empty blank black chalkboard with chalk traces

British Empire Medal awarded to volunteer of 30 years John Jasper in the Queens New Years Honours List

Peter Holdway-Bradley

British Empire Medal awarded to volunteer of 30 years John Jasper in the Queens New Years Honours List

 

John Jasper has made a considerable contribution to Devon’s industrial heritage.  His knowledge, expertise and commitment has been invaluable to the development of Coldharbour Mill Working Wool Museum in Uffculme, Devon. His work as a volunteer since 1990 has left a remarkable legacy of heritage conservation and restoration for visitors to learn from and enjoy.

 

Historic England describe Coldharbour Mill as ‘one of the best-preserved textile mill complexes in the country.” The Mill was a commercial enterprise between 1797 and 1981. Upon closure, although the fabric and power machinery were in a poor state, a local independent trust was established to save the grade II* listed site and open it to visitors (Coldharbour Mill Trust Ltd – registered charity no:1123386).

 

In 1990 the whole steam complex including the 1888 and 1910 Lancashire boilers and the 1910 Pollitt and Wigzell engine were not working nor had they been for several years. John assessed their condition and set about gathering a team of volunteers to restore the boiler to get it back into commission.  Without him, it is doubtful that anyone would have had the knowledge or commitment to return the steam plant to operation. John’s substantive contribution has been as the driving force to return the Mill’s rare and original steam plant and associated engines to full working order, to lead a team of volunteers to operate the complex for the public at regular steaming events throughout the year; manage the labour-intensive annual insurance inspection process, continue the improvements to the museum by managing regular work days of volunteers and, continuing that commitment over a prolonged period of time as a volunteer.

 

Undoubtedly, his greatest achievement has been the rescue, installation and restoration of the 1867 Kittoe and Brotherhood Beam Engine in the Beam Engine House, (replacing the original beam engine that had sadly been scrapped in an earlier era). Having discovered the abandoned and unwanted beam engine in Wiltshire where it had lain in a transport yard with a ripped tarpaulin over it, neglected for many years. John realised its potential significance to the steam collection of the Museum. John gave his time to draw the plans for the foundations, working out how it would fit and then overseeing the haulage and delivery. John built the form and reinforcements for the substantial concrete slab and led the volunteers in installing the heavy parts such as the 8 ton cast iron base plate (which would be irreparable if it broke), safely lifting the rest of the massive parts into position. There was no manual, no ‘You-tube’ video, no jig-saw box picture to show how it would all fit together. To not only assemble it but then for it to successfully steam for the public to enjoy into the future and long after John is no longer with us is a terrific legacy and an amazing achievement.  John has recounted the full five-year story in ‘The Beam Engine Story’ published on the Mill website.

 

Not only has he overseen the return of immobile, rusty and static engines such as the stationary fire pump and Marshall engine to running order, and installed a boiler feed pump and re-seated the 1910 boiler for use, he has also created policies, procedures and operating documents, taking responsibility for Health and Safety. He has written the Statement of Significance for the Steam Collection at Coldharbour Mill, testament to his enormously valuable expertise and knowledge. His achievements are all the more remarkable given that most of this volunteer activity has happened while he was working a demanding full-time job as an engineer.

 

In addition, for 30 years John has contributed his remarkable talents to many other aspects of museum operations. He led a team to clear the waterways and rescue the pipes from the Gas Retort House from the millstreams. He provided technical information to the contractors who restored the Mill’s unique waterwheel. As volunteer Steam Curator, he has continued to train and lead volunteers in the ‘Steam Team’, who not only maintain and operate the restored steam engines, but also assist with the maintenance and display of the Mill’s collection of textile machines, both working and non-working exhibits. This exceptional collection includes a full set of Taylor Wordsworth combing machines – unique as they are apparently the last remaining examples in the country – which were restored  for display in the Mill’s Combing Shed as part of a Heritage Lottery funded project in 2015/16. John drafted the interpretation for visitors.

 

He has built up a reference library to assist with solving problems with the old machinery and has learned, and passed on, traditional skills such as being able to splice rope to keep the Rope Drives in operation.   He has given tours to the public and promoted Coldharbour Mill in broadcast documentaries and in print media.

 

Upon retirement, he took a course of independent study to increase his knowledge and keep abreast of modern museum practice, gaining a postgraduate qualification in Heritage Management from Birmingham University in 2013. In the last few years, he has served as interim Volunteer Coordinator, and also joined the Board of Trustees and stepped in as Acting Chairman in 2018.

 

 

Since retiring he has also given his time and skills to the Wellington Arts Association using his initiative, expertise and leadership qualities to solve existing problems.  He set about recruiting and leading a team to make improvements to the Art-Deco Wellesley cinema, a rare example of a 1930s single screen cinema that is virtually untouched, to improve back of house facilities for performers and to undertake structural alterations to allow for proper scenery changes.

 

His many admirable qualities include unflappability and complete dedication to the tasks he undertakes. All this is testimony to a most remarkably modest man who has continued to quietly donate his skills, energy and ingenuity in the service of heritage for a sustained period of 30 years.  As such, he is richly deserving of this national honour.

Coldharbour Mill launches Rural Skills Training Programme

Peter Holdway-Bradley

Rural Skills Training Programme

Coldharbour Mill is delighted to announce we will be continuing our Rural Skills Programme. Our Rural Skill Programme has been running throughout 2021 and which will help candidates learn new rural work skills including estate, countryside and land management along with practical work-based skills which trainees will be able to take on into employment. They will also have the opportunity to learn wider heritage attraction skills.

The Programme will offer free training opportunities for unemployed or inactive people who are looking to learn new skill and improve their employability. The programme is fully funded by the European Social Fun (ESF) and the Education and Skills Funding Agency, who are working with Petroc in Devon and Somerset to deliver the funding.

The goal of the programme is to aid unemployed or inactive people to gain new skills and move into work, but trainees will also be helping Coldharbour Mill improve and manage our community space as part of our Project Splash! There will be two rounds of the programme, each running for 1-day a week for 3 months starting from January. There will also be opportunities to join Museum & Heritage Attraction training which will focus on administration, Marketing, Retail and Customer Service skills.

To find out more about the programme or to register interest go to: https://www.coldharbourmill.org.uk/ruralskills/

New Trustee for Coldharbour Mill Trust

Peter Holdway-Bradley

New Trustee for Coldharbour Mill Trust

Coldharbour Mill Trust are excited to announce the appointment of our newest Trustee Director, Elizabeth (Beth) Crockett. Beth has joined the charity at a pivotal time in Coldharbour Mill’s development and brings a new dynamic to the Board, along with a passion for the work of the charity.

Chair of Trustees, Jackie Dawkins commented that “Beth’s appointment was as a result of the Boards succession planning and widening access. Coldharbour Mill and the Board are learning to adapt to the challenging cultural landscape and Beth will come with new and exciting ideas which will help us secure this nationally significant site’s future.”

At 22, Beth is our youngest Trustee and is currently studying with the Ironbridge International Institute for Cultural Heritage in Birmingham where her research focuses on the benefits that heritage can bring to communities.

Beth said “I thoroughly enjoyed my time as a volunteer and believe the estate is a vital asset for the local community’s history and a significant contributor to its wellbeing. I want to make a positive contribution as a young trustee, offering a different perspective going forward and believe my education and volunteering have given me the insight to do this, particularly around the engagement of young people within the sector and working with communities.

This appointment marks the next step in the Boards planned evolution, Beth joins two other recent appointees; Rachel Tyler, who is currently completing AHRC-funded doctoral research on the geography of London’s fashion Industry and Bryher Mason, recently appointed Vice Chair, who has 16 years of experience in collection management, curatorship and conservation management.

Having grown up in Wellington Beth is aware of the significance of the Fox Brothers’ Mills to the community’s social and economic history with many of her ancestors working at the mills. Chief Executive, Martin Halse said that “Beth’s appointment will be of real asset to the charities strategic future bringing current heritage thinking to the benefit of the organisation and its visitors.”

Coldharbour Mill Trust continues to seek new Trustee Directors, the Board is particularly interested in hearing from underrepresented groups across society to ensure the charity can continue to increase access and widen participation, many of our quarterly trustee meetings are held via Zoom allowing our trustees to join us from anywhere in the world.

Uffculme Bus Shelter Makeover

Peter Holdway-Bradley

Uffculme Bus Shelter Makeover

Uffculme Green Team triumph with the approval of their plans to renovate the bus shelter in the heart of the village.

The bus shelter in Uffculme has been in a state of disrepair for a while, adorned with graffiti, it has been creating a bit of an eyesore in the village. The Uffculme Green Team, who have already created many worthwhile initiatives in the village in the hope to fight the Climate Crisis, have now succeeded in winning approval to renovate the Bus Shelter.

This project was approved by Uffculme Parish Council at their meeting on Thursday 1st October and they have agreed to support the project going forward.

Coldharbour Mill, a nationally significant Museum and Visitor Attraction in Uffculme will also be supporting the project. The renovated shelter will highlight both the History of the Mill in the village as well as their upcoming events and activities for visitors and the community.

The proposal put together some suggestions on how the bus shelter could look after the renovation as well as ways in which to make the structure vandal-proof. The Uffculme Green Team’s volunteers will commence work over the winter period and the renovated shelter should be ready for unveiling by spring next year.

Culture Recovery Fund Announcement

Peter Holdway-Bradley

Culture Recovery Fund Announcement

Coldharbour Mill has received £230,169 from The Culture Recovery Fund for Heritage which is part of the £1.57 billion rescue package announced by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. The aim of the fund is to safeguard cultural and heritage organisations across the UK from the economic impact of COVID-19 and the funding will help support the ongoing costs of maintaining Coldharbour Mills nationally significant heritage site.

Since the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown began Coldharbour Mill Trust has been working hard to keep up with maintenance of the heritage buildings, re-introduce its team of volunteers and start progressing projects put on hold by the pandemic. Although it has been raising funds through its emergency appeal, it has been in dire need of extra support to guarantee that the site is protected for future generations to enjoy.

Martin Halse, Chief Executive of Coldharbour Mill said: “Thanks to the Culture Recovery Fund we will be able to make the dramatic changes needed to re-open the estate, factory and museum next season as well as support the ongoing projects which are vital to the success of Coldharbour Mill going forward. The Board of Trustees and I are extremely grateful for this lifeline in a continually challenging situation and these funds will be pivotal in continuing to sustain Coldharbour Mill.”

Despite reducing costs where possible and utilising government schemes such as furlough, Coldharbour Mill were still facing a losses in visitor income for this season on top of the additional costs required to make the site Covid Compliant. This funding will allow Coldharbour Mill to continue to provide volunteering opportunities to over 100 volunteers as well as educational experiences for schools and visitors locally, nationally and internationally.

A Sad Goodbye

Peter Holdway-Bradley

A Sad Goodbye

Today Coldharbour Mill says a sad goodbye to Susan Meads who passed away on 12th July 2020 at the age of 83.

Susan spent over 30 years involved with Coldharbour Mill playing an instrumental part of our Trustee Board from it’s inception. She played a vital role in the transition from a trust to  an incorporated body following the financial crisis of 2008/09 and then again in 2011 and she remained on the Board until 2016.

The Survival of the charity had been in no small part due to Susan’s wealth of experience, skillset and contacts.

Susan had an exceptional whit with a thirst for life which saw her fulfil a lifelong ambition of a World Cruise in her late 70s and she made sure to keep her fellow trustees updated with her escapades by email as she sailed the world.

We are very sad to hear of her passing and will look back with fondness at the care and support she gave to Coldharbour Mill.

 

Martin Halse – Chief Executive

Important Notice: Continued Closure

Peter Holdway-Bradley

Important Notice: Continued Closure

In common with many other museums, visitor attractions and heritage sites the current Pandemic has had a huge impact on life at Coldharbour Mill with the enforced closure hitting just as we were preparing to re-open for our season back in March.

Now that government guidelines have been put in place to allow for the re-opening of organisations such as ours, we are starting the process of preparing for the return of our staff, volunteer teams and visitors. This process is challenging for smaller charities like ourselves and we will need to raise approximately £12,000 to become Covid-19 compliant for visitors. We are also starting to take our first tentative steps to re-engage our volunteer teams.

Volunteers are at the heart of Coldharbour Mill and the work that we do here. They are also vital in running the mill on a day-to-day basis as well as being involved in progressing the many projects which were put on hold due to the pandemic. Some of these are projects which it is important to progress further with before we can allow visitors back as they are pivotal to our visitor offering and are not yet fit for public display.

In light of the current situation, the Trustees and Staff of Coldharbour Mill believe that we need to continue to focus on reintegrating our volunteer teams into the Mill and aim to complete some of the ongoing projects whilst raising funds to enable the safe return of visitors.

The decision has been made not to re-open for the remainder of 2020 as we are beyond halfway through our season, and to come back in a stronger position in 2021. We are aiming to be re-open for Easter 2021.

We want to thank everyone who has supported Coldharbour Mill through this difficult time and we hope that you will all continue to support the Mill into the future.

If you would like to donate to our emergency appeal please visit www.coldharbourmill.org.uk/donate

We hope to see you all at the Mill when we welcome you back in 2021!

Thank you.

Martin Halse. Chief Executive.

Stories of Lockdown Lives

Peter Holdway-Bradley

Stories of Lockdown Lives in Uffculme and the surrounding area

We at Coldharbour Mill Museum showcase a huge portion of the rich industrial and social history of the local area over the last 220 years. It inspires the local community, national and international visitors with stories of the regions industrial heritage as well as engaging a large volunteer workforce who continue to create new stories at the Mill every day.

Coldharbour Mill is now looking for our communities’ stories of life during the pandemic and how it has impacted everyone’s lives. We feel as a local depository of history it is important for us to continue to record the lives of people at and around the Mill for posterity.

Our aim is to create an archive of the current times that can live on in the Mill’s history for others to reflect upon in years to come, with a goal of one day creating an exhibition of these stories. Although these times have been extremely hard for a lot of us, many have also found new passions, honed creative skills and already created wonderful pieces of writing, poetry and artwork which we would love to include in this project along with recordings of conversations, written stories, diaries, blogs or local crafts you have created that have significance of these times and you would like to be a part of our shared history.

If you are interested in having your memories, stories, artwork, writing, conversations or poetry included and shared please send us your work for consideration.

You can email digital works and stories to gm@coldharbourmill.org.uk

Or you can post us work to Coldharbour Mill Museum, Uffculme, Cullompton, Devon, EX15 3EE.

Please see our terms & conditions before entering your work.

Thank You to Arts Council England & The National Lottery

Peter Holdway-Bradley

Thank You to Arts Council England & The National Lottery

We are pleased to be sending our thanks to Arts Council England and The National Lottery for granting Coldharbour Mill Trust relief funding in light of the current Covid-19 Pandemic.

The Covid-19 crisis hit just as the Mill was planning its re-opening for our season at the end of March – putting a halt on the huge amount of work being undertaken by our staff and volunteers. The Mill is still closed to the public though we may be seeing the light at the distant end of the tunnel.

Arts Council England have granted Coldharbour Mill Trust funding to cover some of the most urgent costs. The funds cover:

  • Redirecting our Business model to take into account the impact of the pandemic
  • Some Staff costs – to protect our small team and ensure we can continue with preservation of Coldharbour Mill
  • Covering some income losses due to the current closure to the public
  • Allowing for new IT equipment to allow safe, remote working

These costs will also allow us to start reengaging our volunteer teams and working on projects like our Mill Pond Restoration (Splash!), which will benefit the Mill in the future. We will also start laying the stepping stones to re-opening to the public and educational groups.

Our aim is to come back from this crisis in the best possible position so that we can push the Mill on to an even more exciting future.

 

500 Club

Peter Holdway-Bradley

 

The aim of the 500 Club is to provide a painless way of raising much needed funds for The Friends of Coldharbour Mill who use it to support Coldharbour Mill.

Each month there is a draw, and half of the prize pot is currently distributed between 3 lucky members with the other half paid to the Friends. Currently £120 is distributed each month, but the more entries we get the bigger the prize pot becomes, so do join us. Please email Lin Tarrant lin@saintvictor.plus.com to request a Standing Order Form.

Lists of winners are published in the monthly Uffculme Spotlight magazine and the Friends of Coldharbour Mill’s quarterly Newsletter.