Whitchurch Silk Mill

04/06/2026

Learn a new craft this summer with one of our workshops, developing new skills or refining existing ones! 🪡

Here's just a selection of our exciting upcoming sessions:

☀️Saturday 13th June - Beginners' Crochet Workshop: Granny Squares
☀️Wednesday 17th June - Weave a Wall Hanging
☀️Tuesday 23rd June - Chicken Sculpture Willow Weaving
☀️Friday 24th July - Creative Patching Workshop
☀️Monday 27th July - Silver Ring Workshop
☀️Monday 24th August - Silver Stacking Ring Workshop

There's even more to discover on our website, with workshops available throughout the year! It couldn't be easier to book, just head to our website at whitchurchsilkmill.org.uk/events. If a date doesn't fit your schedule, we'll try our best to accommodate - just get in touch, we'll see what we can do!

Support the future of heritage crafts and learn a new skill here at Whitchurch Silk Mill! 🧵

03/06/2026

Job opportunity! ⭐

We are looking for two motivated and enthusiastic individuals to join our busy Mill Host team in our shop and café. As the first people to welcome our visitors, our Mill Hosts play a vital role in creating an excellent first impression.

If you have a passion for hospitality and enjoy working as part of a friendly, hardworking team, we would love to hear from you.

Full role details and how to apply can be found here: https://whitchurchsilkmill.org.uk/opportunities/

Both vacancies are 20.25 hours and include weekday and weekend working.

Closing date for applications: 12th June at 5pm Please note: the listing may close early if sufficient applications are received or if a suitable candidate is appointed.

View the latest job opportunities avaliable here at Whitchurch Silk Mill.

03/06/2026

Always wanted to learn to crochet? This is your moment 🧶

Join us at Whitchurch Silk Mill on Saturday, 13th June, from 11 am to 2 pm, for a beginner-friendly crochet workshop, where you’ll learn how to create classic granny squares, perfect for blankets, cushions, or simply enjoying a new creative skill. Spaces are limited, so early booking is recommended.

🧶 No experience needed
🧵 All materials provided
🌿 Set in the peaceful surroundings of the historic Mill

👉 Book your place: see link in first comment

🎟️ Your workshop booking also gives you full access to explore the Mill for the rest of the day.

02/06/2026

Fourteen years ago, in June 2012, Whitchurch Silk featured in a commemorative fan presented to Queen Elizabeth II for her Diamond Jubilee. Painted by Charles Summers with oak leaves, shamrock, thistles, roses, daffodils, and London Pride, the fan had holly wood sticks by Malcolm Cox, white gold and diamond crest and “LC”, and a .60 carat diamond in the hallmark loop. It was gifted to the Royal Collection, where it is a permanent part of the collection, by the Worshipful Company of Fan Makers.

© The Worshipful Company of Fan Makers. Photograph: Royal Collection Trust https://www.rct.uk/collection/search #/1/collection/212989/the-queens-diamond-jubilee-fan

01/06/2026

Today is the start of Volunteers' Week, a week-long celebration of the outstanding impact of volunteers! 🌟

Here at Whitchurch Silk Mill, our volunteers are truly an asset to the team, working across departments to ensure things run smoothly here at the Mill. Whitchurch Silk Mill wouldn't be the same without their kindness, time and generosity. Thank you, volunteers! 🧵

31/05/2026

This June, take time to experience something different at the Mill.

At Whitchurch Silk Mill, history surrounds you. Watch working looms in motion, discover the stories behind the craft, and enjoy a truly peaceful riverside setting.

With half term behind us and summer just beginning, now is the perfect moment to plan something special:

🎟️ Book your place at the Regency Picnic (6 June)
🌸 Plan a visit to our first-ever Flower Festival (19–21 June)
🧵 Try a hands-on workshop or behind-the-scenes tour
🚶‍♀️ Or simply enjoy a relaxing day at the Mill

Whether you're looking for a creative experience, a unique day out, or a moment to slow down, there’s something waiting to be discovered. Plan your visit and explore what’s on this June - link in first comment

We look forward to welcoming you.

📸 Paul Colley (c)2025

31/05/2026

We're welcoming in the season with some bold new colours! 🎨

Winding for a new project is an exciting time, laying the important foundations for a successful weaving future. Beyond design and calculations, winding is the first physical stage of silk production, where we start to see the project come to life! These colourful shades show radiant glimmers of the new design that will now begin to manifest itself.

We hope you're as excited as we are - keep following to find out more! 🧵

28/05/2026

Less than 10 years ago, silk weaving in Whitchurch almost disappeared. Our last weaver had retired and morale was low. Time was running out.

Then, there was hope. A new trainee began, with our retired weaver returning to teach her the weaving techniques that spanned generations here at the Mill. This trainee had the future of Whitchurch Silk in her hands.

Fast forward to the present day - Whitchurch Silk Mill's weaving team is now up to 4. That young trainee is now our Heritage Weaving Manager, teaching her team the vital skills that were taught to her, day-by-day.

This has been made possible through the generosity of our dedicated supporters. 🌟

Interested in supporting our future? Become a Patron of Whitchurch Silk Mill and preserve these rare crafts. To find out more about your impact, and even what's in it for you, visit whitchurchsilkmill.org.uk/become-a-mill-patron.

Don't let our iconic British heritage become lost in history. 🧵

Image Credits: Kirsty Bowen Photography

26/05/2026

Watch as this skein of silk is wound onto bobbins on our historic winding frame! 🧵

Now primarily used to wind cones of silk onto bobbins, this winding frame can also be used for winding skeins, using rotating swifts to lay out the silk. As the swift spins, the silk unwinds and is guided up the machine onto a bobbin. We time the winding of each bobbin, allowing us to calculate exactly the right amount of silk on each bobbin, ready to move to the creel for warping.

Make sure you're following us to see each stage of the weaving process as it progresses! 🧵

25/05/2026

There's less than one month until Whitchurch Silk Mill's first-ever Flower Festival! 🌸

Join us at this fun, fresh and floral event, with a weekend full of activity! Take a trip around Whitchurch Silk Mill, exploring fabulous arrangements and displays, intricate crafts, local produce and floristry. There'll also be appearances from SoilSmiths, Greening Whitchurch, Jasmine Watts of Art-K, Whitchurch In Bloom, Four Seasons by Sarah, and our very own gardening team. There's even more yet to be announced! Where could be better to celebrate the beauty of nature than right on the banks of the River Test?

This festival runs from Friday 19th June-Sunday 21st June 2026, with all proceeds in aid of Whitchurch Silk Mill. For only £10, you can preserve the future of heritage silk weaving and enjoy a glorious day out, celebrating the beauty of the natural world here in Hampshire! 🧵

Buy your ticket here: whitchurchsilkmill.org.uk/event/flower-festival 🌻

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