Coldharbour Mill in Uffculme welcomed visitors for its first steam event of 2021 on Bank Holiday Monday.

Volunteers were thrilled to be able to run the event and see visitors enjoy the wonders of steam power once more after over a year of the boilers and engines lying dormant.

The mill re-opened to public visits in June but had not been able to ‘steam up’ due to delays in servicing caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Visitors stepped back in time and discovered the sights and sounds of a working woollen mill at the height of the industrial revolution.

They learnt about power generation, textile and wool production, and the local and social history of the museum from mill volunteers.

The event also included activities and trails for children, and tours of the site, with the chance to explore the grounds and other exhibit spaces.

Coldharbour Mill’s chief executive Martin Halse said:

“After over a year without big event days it felt great to be welcoming visitors back to interact with Coldharbour Mill.

“Whether they were new visitors to the mill, or returning visitors who have enjoyed out steam days in the past, we are sure our first steam day of 2021 did not disappoint.”

Coldharbour Mill is back in steam on Sunday, September 26, and tickets can be booked in advance at www.coldharbourmill.org.uk

More photos in today’s WWN