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Page 3 |
Newsletter 114, Autumn 2016 © Hampshire Mills
Group |
Royal Visit to Whitchurch Silk Mill
Pam Moore, with photos by
Frank Kenny
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Claire Isbester (right) welcomes the
Duke
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On Friday 3 June, HRH The Duke of Gloucester visited
Whitchurch Silk Mill, accompanied by the Lord
Lieutenant of Hampshire, Nigel Atkinson. They were
greeted by the Chairman of the Silk Mill Trust, Town
Councillor Mrs Claire Isbester, and the Mayor of
Basingstoke and Deane, Cllr Mrs Frankum. The Duke
was taken first to see the waterwheel before touring
the mill interior where he met staff and volunteers.
A demonstration of weaving was taking place. His
Royal Highness was accompanied by Mrs Christine
Beresford, Deputy Chairman of the Silk Mill Trust (a
former Mill Manager).
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Christine Beresford accompanies the
tour |
As a former architect, His Royal Highness found the
plans for the works to the Silk Mill, which it is
hoped will be undertaken as part of a Heritage
Lottery Funded Project, of particular interest. He
also saw the Royal Blood exhibition, a Hampshire
Cultural Trust inspired display on the role of
royalty in influencing the production of silk. The
visit continued for about an hour. This was a very
welcome boost to the Silk Mill, which is currently
raising its profile to generate matching funds for
the HLF Project. |
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