Initially, one
water mill could grind only six to seven kgs of flour per hour.
The Domesday Book recorded 5,624
water mills in England and by the 18th Century the figure was 20,000.
SPARKS FLY: Above, Bill Bates (left) and Alan Phillips at work and, right, taking a break at Wellesbourne
Water Mill.
Path Head
Water Mill in Blaydon, which is run by the Vale Mill Trust, has been chosen as the best UK community improvement project funded in 2003 by SITA Environmental Trust.
As well as a charming, period house, there are beautifully laid-out water gardens with a running mill race and pools, providing marvellous opportunities for both family life and holiday letting, with a separately-accessed
water mill and a three-bedroomed cottage.
Bunbury Flour Mill, near Tarporley, Cheshire, is a perfectly restored working
water mill where not only do school parties flock to learn the rudiments of physics, design and technology, they get to see the process from start to finish by baking their own goodies from the flour it produces.
The working
water mill is situated in the picturesque New Hall Valley Country Park.
Sixty of the Tyne and Wear photographs are on show at Path Head
Water Mill in Summerhill in Blaydon until November 30.
Mike Crabtree, conservation manager with United Utilities' environmental and community team, said: "A highlight will be the two superb
water mills, while new technology will be used alongside the old to bring the past alive.
VISITORS to Wellesbourne
Water Mill in Warwickshire will have the chance to see five new attractions.
The replica village of 78 properties, including the church, pub,
water mill and shops, has attracted hundreds of thousands of visitors since it was built by Mr Morris's father, Bo.
A river which is home to otter and kingfisher powers the
water mill which produces stoneground wholemeal flour.
