Since 1985 when the mill was demolished, the engine and boiler house have been maintained by the Ellenroad Trust. The enthusiastic and committed volunteers lovingly restoring and preserving the steam engine, furnace and the bright red pump streaming frothing water into what appears to be a bottomless bucket.
On the day I visited we were met by Zoe, an extremely charming, helpful guide and mine of information whose enthusiasm for the site was reflected in the many volunteers, more than a few wearing greasy overalls and happily tinkering, monitoring dials and polishing with genuine affection. For over thirty years Victoria and Alexander have been tended by the same two ladies; a pretty notable achievement by anyone’s standard.
One of the long serving ladies of the Ellenroad Trust