Spring at the Saw Mill
Plant pots, pom poms and puzzles are in store for local children at Gayle Mill this spring. Despite the chilly weather spring has most definitely sprung in the Dales. Lambs are appearing in the fields and the flower beds are in bud.
Traditionally Gayle Mill had an important role to play with dales farmers at lambing time. Specially designed wooden gates with 6 bars were made at the Mill. With the 3 bottom bars closer together they were the perfect barrier; keeping the adventurous new lambs’ safe and sound in their fields. Gayle Mill is now a restored Victorian Saw Mill, open to the public as a historic visitor attraction.
Saturday 5th May is a special open morning when families can come to the Mill to take part in arts & crafts activities, learning about the history of the Mill and the Dales farming roots. With hammers and nails at the ready children can assemble their own wooden plant pot holders to take home, as well as making a lamb shaped wool pom pom key ring.
Samantha, Education Co-ordinator at the Mill said “Children love to play with wood and bash around to make things. Some children struggle at first, they would be great at playing a computer game version of the task but in real life it’s much harder and requires more hand eye coordination. Making a simple plant pot holder is a challenge for some; teaching them basic hand tool skills for the first time. Our family events are always great fun and we hope some young people will be inspired to be craftspeople and work with wood in the future”.
The event takes places 10am – 12pm at Gayle Mill; entry is £2 (under 5’s free) and includes a hot drink and pom pom activity. Wood working activities are £3 each. Booking is advised to avoid disappointment. Call 01969 667320 for more information or visit www.gaylemill.org.uk and see the events page.