Historic mill draws crowds

7:33am Monday 12th May 2008

Comments (1)   Have your say »

THE Rye's historic Pann Mill site opened to let the public see its inner workings yesterday.

And the warm sunshine brought visitors flocking to the last operating water mill on the river Wye.

The Victorian building was almost demolished in 1971, but the remains of the site were saved and the High Wycombe Society is involved in its continuing restoration.

Visitor had the chance to look inside the mill building, and see the working waterwheel produce flour.

They could also buy bags of flour, browse through stalls and stop for a cup of tea.

The volunteers during the day were proud of the site's importance to the town's heritage.

Robert Turner: "It's keeping alive a piece of history that we really need to keep in Wycombe.

"The river is so important to the town's development.

"I think its important that we keep it going. There's a number of children who come down who have no concept of where food comes from these days - it's a great revelation to them."

There will be more open days throughout the year, and the organisation is keen to recruit more volunteers. For more details, go to www.pannmill.org.uk