Whitworth Historical Society were our hosts for 12 members on a walk around Cowm Reservoir on a scorching hot July afternoon (yes, in Rossendale)!  Built to supply water to the rapidly growing town of Rochdale it’s now used as a water sports venue.

Walking along the North West side and passing the memorial to James ‘Treacle’ Sanderson, ‘one of the greatest distance runners this country has ever produced’ we walked on to Dules Mouth Mill.  Probably established in the late 18^th century, it sawed, planed and polished stone flags but what was most remarkable was its water management system, the tail race of which appears to exit at 90 degrees to the wheel pit!  A further visit with an industrial heritage specialist is planned.  The mill ceased production approximately 160 years to prevent contamination of the reservoir water.

Returning on the opposite bank via the ruins of the hamlet of Cowclough, where in 1917, Pallotine nuns, none of whom spoke English, only German, rented one of the cottages.  Remember this was towards the end of World War 1!

The ladies at Whitworth Museum had kindly arranged cool drinks, cakes and biscuits for the weary party.  We were each given an 8 page synopsis of the history we had just seen.  Wonderful hospitality.  Thank you to all concerned.