TRIP TO STOTT PARK BOBBIN MILL

I am busy editing Douglas Philipson's memoir of the bobbin mill at Sparkbridge. Sadly, Douglas died some years ago and I am having to do a bit of research to make sure I have understood the details of a working mill correctly. Luckily, English Heritage have preserved the Stott Park Bobbin Mill near Lakeside and opened it to the public. (www.engheritage.org) It is the only one of its kind. I went over there last Monday. It was a beautiful day, the mill looked just as it does in this photograph. Visitors are given a guided tour and shown the old machinery still in operation. It really is worth a trip and I was particularly pleased to discover that the Sparkbridge Bobbin Mill book will be a valuable contribution to the history of bobbin making in the south lakes. There is very little available on the subject and Douglas's memoir, as well as being technically detailed, paints a fascinating portrait of the everyday lives of the people who worked there in the early days of the 20th Century.

IRVINE HUNT INSPIRES A CHILD TO START READING

Irvine Hunt's novel for children (and adults too!), The Drover's Boy, is loved by everyone who reads it and we have had some really good reviews. The most gratifying compliment of all however, came from a parent at Croftlands Junior School in Ulverston after Irvine visited there to talk about The Drover's Boy and his life as a writer. She has given us permission to quote from her email.

'Just wanted to write and thank you for giving your reading at my son’s Junior School this week. My 10 year old son, Sam, has no interest in reading whatsoever, as he believes it to be "stupid and boring"………. So, imagine my surprise this morning when he asked me for the money to buy your book! Even more surprisingly, when I told him that I had no cash on me he took the money out of his piggy bank and is buying it himself! This really is a remarkable turn of events, so I would like to sincerely thank you for whatever you said or did that has aroused this interest in reading. Long may it continue!'

It's lovely to find an email like this amongst all the day to day stuff in your in-box and wonderful to think that Irvine's talk has made such a difference to a child.

School visits vary. Success depends on good preparation by class teachers beforehand. The Drover's Boy, with its tale of Cumbrian geese drovers in the early 20th Century is an excellent subject for a talk. The children love to hear about the battles between Henry and Torse, the cantankerous Irish drover. They particularly enjoy the practical jokes Henry plays on Torse. Cumbria Magazine, reviewing The Drover's Boy this month, suggest it is a must for school libaries.