Quarry Bank Mill have put together a month of holiday activities enabling visitors to get to know how Europe's most powerful water wheel works and see it in action.
They have planned 4 weeks of activities during August, each week has a different theme which focuses on a different part of the Mill and estate.
In the first week, from 1st to 5th August, the theme is 'Feel the Force' which concentrates on how the Mill is powered by waters and demonstrates the massive water wheel in action. Drop-in activities include making your own whacky windmill and, on Tuesday 2nd and Thursday 4th August, you can try a water experiment exploring the forces of water and wind in the Water Gallery.
The second week 'Design a Day', from 8th to 12th August, links back to Quarry Bank's textile history. Using patterns, shape, colour and texture you can make your own bookmark with patterns and inks, whilst on Tuesday 9th and Thursday 11th August there are design and print workshops for making a bag or pencil case with your own personal design. Workshops are £3 per child and booking is essential.
Ellen Fenton, Quarry Bank's Learning and Interpretation officer, explains "In week three we head out onto the Styal estate as 'Eco-Explorers', (15 – 19 Aug) taking a close look at the very smallest insects and wildlife that live at Styal.
"Drop in to our daily activities which include making and growing a mini insect monster with real hair! Outdoor Eco-Explorer workshops will take place on Tuesday 16th and Thursday 18th August when you can join our great minibeast hunt!"
During the final week, from 22nd to 26th August, you can discover what it was like being a child apprentice at Samuel Greg's mill in Victorian times.
Ellen explains "Apprentices were often very young and worked incredibly long hours which would never be allowed today. They also had to fit in schooling, meals and growing their own food in the Apprentice House vegetable garden around their work. In the daily drop in activities you can meet the Mill owner's wife, Mrs Greg, and lend a hand at the Apprentice House wash-day!"
Most activities in the themed weeks are included in the standard admission Mill ticket, with small additional charge for some events. For further information call 01625 445896.
