Heritage Open Days weekend (12-13th September) was ‘bonanza time’ for lovers of mills and machinery with Higherford Mill, Weaver’s Triangle, Oak Mount Mill Engine, Haslingden Grane Mill Engine, Queen Street Mill and Bancroft Mill Engine all open to the public. As well as being shown around the historic building, visitors to Higherford Mill could also see complex old machinery being restored by Anthony Pilling of Pilling Looms. These included a Hattersley 1880s 6 shuttle twill check loom, a Hacking 1930s 4 shuttle terry towel dobby loom – possibly the only Hacking loom in existence – and a Schweiter single head Pirn Winder. The Mill is also the home of Higherford Mill Artists collective.
