SUNDAY.One of my presents was a box of Turkish Delight. On opening, a selection of Rose and Lemon flavours met my eye; they were cut into cubes of about ½ inch which I had not previously seen. We were impressed as we find the usual size a bit big. Having eaten a few, we untied Martlet and moved through Fishpond lock heading for the Thwaite Mills Waterwheel Museum where we breasted alongside NB ‘Carpenter’ which was unoccupied. We had met the owner before and knew he would be happy about the arrangement. There would have been space alongside on the mooring for two boats, but it was prevented by the overgrown bush and tree.
The museum was well worth a visit. It is very interesting and the staff are friendly and their knowledge and passion for the Mill come across easily. It was interesting to learn that a lot of the putty needed in London for repairs during the blitz was made in this mill and that they were one of the places developing the mastic sealant in widespread use today.
Most of the original mill machinery is still in place and a lot of it is working, I was particularly impressed with the workshop large lathe and milling machine; it was good to hear that they are in use making replacement items for the wheels and other gear when needed. It is a small museum well run by Leeds City Council; let us hope that they continue to support their excellent staff by the allocation of sufficient funds for the future restoration projects.
Weather overcast and a few showers, not many bright intervals today.
The 2008 journey thus far: 203 Locks & 325.5 Miles & 19 Swing\Lift Bridges
Journeys using bus pass: 13
