Devon & Cornwall Group's run to Coldharbour Mill

The lineup of Standards at Coldharbour Mill

The spring run for the Devon and Cornwall section was to the restored working woollen mill at Coldharbour.

The weather proved changeable but it didn’t detract from the excellent trip arranged by Ray Horne. The route started in Tiverton and took us through a number of lovely little villages, on back roads most of us haven’t travelled before, before arriving at the mill.

The trip had been arranged to co-inside with “steam up” day which occurs each public holiday weekend and added to the visit. Volunteers to the mill arrange for the boilers to be lit so visitors can enjoy the sight of the huge beam engine, powered by steam. The group enjoyed looking around the factory and finished up with lunch in the small café on site.

Thanks go to Sue, Steve and Sophie Troke for bringing along their 1955 8, Lynda and David Swallow with their 1947 14 CD, Ray and Julie Horne with their 1938 12 Drophead coupe and us with our 1934 Avon.

As we prepared to leave the mill, Steve and Sue invited us back for a cup of tea which was also the cue for the sun to come out. We all accepted their kind offer and enjoyed a visit to their lovely home and gardens. The visit to Steve’s workshop also proved very popular, with lots of envious comments on all that available space.

Below: On the run to Coldharbour

Report by Linda Bowden

June 2011