Today 4 Pine braved the cold weather and visited Path Head Water Mill in Blaydon. We had a great time learning about the restored water mill and its past uses. We also saw examples of other renewable energy sources such as a wind pump and hydraulic ram. Our guide Trevor kept us informed and entertained.
This is what the children thought:
We learned:
“How the watermill was used in the past – for making flour” Cameron Richardson
“The mill was built by the Townley family to provide flour for their large house” Benjamin Jewers.
“How the mill ran by water power, not electricity” Hannah Thompson
“The mill was built in 1728 and it worked for 100 years.” Kayleigh Knight
“The wind pump and hydraulic ram pump water to a reservoir.” Niamh Renwick
“The mill was restored and opened to the public in 1998.” Rachel Tindale

What surprised us:
“The mill machinery was run by water power.” Matthew Stephenson
“How the sensory garden can be used by blind people.” Lewis Davis
“How quickly the water wheel could turn.” Lenny Dunn
“That the old machinery still works.” Olivia Binns

Our favourite parts:
“Being able explore the site.” Sophie
“Seeing the old water wheel turning.” Rachel Tindale
“Dipping my hands in the reed bed.” Niamh Renwick
“Making the wheel go faster.” Matthew Hadnum