FORMER employees at what was once one of the largest water powered cotton mills in Europe are being invited to meet up prior to a tour of the mill in August.

Greenholme Mill in Burley-in-Wharfedale, which at its heyday in the late 19th century employed more than 1000 people, will be visited as part of the walking programme during the Burley Summer Festival.

The walk to the mill from the centre of the village will be followed by a tour of some of the buildings.

It will be one of thirteen walks organised by Burley-in-Wharfedale Walkers are Welcome during the festival, which runs from August 17 to 24.

David Asher, chairman of the Burley Walkers are Welcome said: “The idea of the visit to the mill arose from a conversation with Sarah Fisher, who worked at the mill until 1964, two years before it closed following a major fire.

“Walkers are Welcome have included in many Festival walks over recent years, the opportunity to walk and talk with people with a local story to tell. These have included farmers, gamekeepers, architects, poets, engineers, archaeologists and many others who don’t normally get a chance to share their particular passion or interest.

“Talking with Sarah about her time in the mill, particularly given the imminent plans to redevelop the site for housing, led to the idea of her leading a walk in and around the buildings before building work starts and sharing some of her memories.

“We hope the walk may also attract other ex-employees and people with some links to the mill when it was still operating. This will be a unique opportunity to remember the mill as it once was.”

Permission has been given by the mill owner for the walk and tour to take place on Wednesday, August 21.

Also present will be a representative of the company developing the site who will provide information about their proposals. Numbers are strictly limited due to health and safety considerations.

Anyone who used to work at the mill or who has some personal connection is being encouraged to book a place on the walk and tour, and to make contact with Sarah Fisher beforehand.

She can be reached by email at malcolm.fisher0@gmail.com. Alternatively contact David Asher on 07551 959494.

If there is sufficient interest, Sarah will organise an informal get together prior to the walk during week beginning August 12.

Booking for all festival events opens on Saturday, July 20.

They can be made in person at Burley Community Library between 10am and noon and then on line from 2pm at www.burleysummerfestival.com.