Heritage Engagement and Participation Programme

Throughout the project we are running workshops to enable the local community to get involved, these range from informative heritage details of the weaving shed, the restoration materials and the architecture to creating lasting legacy pieces that will serve the community as a learning resource for schools and local organisations. Dates will be announced soon but below is an idea of some of the workshops and opportunities to be involved directly with this exciting project.

Threads Weave Stories...A Community Quilt

Threads Weave Stories – A Community Quilt, is about capturing those stories — some of which are in danger of being lost or forgotten.

Over several months, we’ll run a series of free, welcoming textile workshops, where local people can come along — once, or many times — and create small fabric squares. We’ll provide materials, resources, and inspiration, and for anyone who wants to explore further, we’re happy to share our passion and research into the textile heritage of this region.

Each square will capture something personal about our textile heritage:

• a memory of mill life

• a family story

• a saying, a skill, a rhythm

• or simply what growing up in a mill town has meant to you

You don’t need sewing experience.
You just need a story, a memory, or a curiosity.

All the squares will then be brought together to form one large community quilt — a shared piece of living heritage.

The Fabric of the Shed

This theme focuses on the building itself and its unique architectural features.

In particular the iconic saw-tooth roof, the Northern Light sections in the roof and how these design features where led by the processes taking place in the weaving shed.

Construction and Materials

We will host guided site walks focused on the coursed and squared rubble curtain walls and the use of lime mortar.

Participants will learn about the breathability of traditional materials and the importance of preserving the gritstone heritage of the Tame Valley.

The Design of Light

Special access sessions will highlight the engineering of the four-bay saw-tooth roof and its Northern Lights. These sessions will explain how the single-storey design maximised natural light for weavers.

Landscape and Power

A series of walking tours will trace the mill’s position between the Huddersfield Narrow Canal and the River Tame, demonstrating how geography dictated the industry.

The Global and Regional Story

This theme connects Woodend Mill to the wider world and the rise of the North West.
The Supply Train: Talks and displays will trace the journey of raw cotton from international plantations to the Port of Liverpool and finally to Mossley, addressing the complex history of the trade.

Cottonopolis... & Mossley

We will explore how Manchester and its satellite towns, including Mossley, formed the first industrial metropolis.

This helps residents see their local mill as a vital part of a global network.

The Life of the Loom

This theme focuses on the people and the technical process of making cloth.
The Weaving Process: Using the renovated shed as a backdrop, we will offer hands-on workshops in weaving, demonstrating the importance of the selvedge edge and how menders and finishers ensured quality.

Roles and People

An oral history project will record the memories of those who worked in the industry, bringing the social history of the power-loom era back to life through soundscapes and storytelling.

Weavers became accomplished lip readers to communicate over the noise of the looms.

Legacy and the Modern World

This theme looks at the demise of the industry and its relevance today.
Sustainable Textiles: We will lead discussions on the transition from the durability of locally woven cloth to modern fast fashion, encouraging participants to consider the environmental impact of their shopping habits.

The Mill Today…and beyond…

The programme will conclude with an exhibition of the work created and the stories collected, during the restoration of the Weaving Shed.

Heritage crafts by modern makers will be on show, reflecting how the mill continues to support the modern local economy.