Coldharbour Mill

More on Devon. On the Wednesday of our first week we went up to Coldharbour Woollen Mill
at Uffculme . There we met John Arbon who spins the most gorgeous Organic Merino Wool.We had a look round the Mill and saw all the old spinning machines , which are still used today . It was very interesting , particularly as I love to spin.

This is John amongst some old machinery that he has rescued from a woollen mill in Yorkshire that has closed down. He's hoping to restore it and use it in the mill .

Some of the spinning machinery used in the mill. Unfortunately most of the pics I took there are rather dark. This was one of the best.

There is a World War Two exhibition on at Coldharbour as well which is very interesting .Also on show is a huge tapestry of four of the surrounding villages which was made to celebrate the Millenium . It shows all the the fields and farms in the area . The picture above does not do it justice .
When we'd had a look round the exhibition and Mill we had a packed lunch on the picnic table on the left , by the mill stream. Part of the mill is still run using the water wheel to power the machines. I bought some Merino 4ply which had been spun using water wheel power.

All in all it was a great day out and I would recommend anyone to visit . It doesn't cost an arm and a leg to go round the mill , only £3-50 , and you can take a packed lunch or go in the lovely cafe they have on site . We sat for quite a while by the stream it was very peaceful.

Holiday pic. This was taken at sunset , over the caravan field at Pidgeon's Farm , on our last night . It looks like all the trees are on fire .

Father's Day yesterday DD and No. 3 son came with pressies . No. 2 son had dropped his pressie off Friday night as he was working . DH was well chuffed with his gifts a Bobby Vee Cd from DD , Mackisons and Turkish Delight from No 3 son and and outdoor plug socket extention and DVD from No 2 son. The outdoor socket extention is for DH pond then there won't be wires all over the place . DH hasn't heard from No 1 son yet but you never know there's time yet with him. !!!!!!!

Today I have been catching up in the garden while the weather still holds . I've pulled out all the wallflowers and forget me knots but not before I gave them a good shake to spread the seeds for next year. I've replaced them with a load of cottage garden perrenials and a most special Devon buy , Pinks , my favourite flower ,named after my all time favourite song ever Waterloo Sunset , how cool is that. They've got a lovely perfume . The smell of pinks takes me right back to when I was little girl and I used to visit a neighbours garden and she used to send me home with armsful of pinks that her husband had grown . lovely memories.

Something I forgot to mention yesterday . On our way home I got the best news I've had in absolutely ages . My eldest brother text to say at the ripe old age of 73 he is going to be a Grandad at last . He is absolutely thrilled . Just goes to show you should never give up hope .

On that happy note . Night night .