THE recent Restoration TV programme featured Gayle Mill which came third in the voting, missing out on a monetary award.

For those readers who are not quite sure where Gayle Mill is, it is near Hawes in Wensleydale. Gayle village is just past the Hawes cheese factory.

Gayle Water Mill was built in 1776 originally as a cotton spinning mill, then flax and then wool.

In 1878 it was converted for use as a saw mill and it was in that use until 1988, still using the same machinery driven by the water turbine using the flow of water from the nearby stream.

This same turbine when not in use by the sawmill has, and will again, also be used to produce electricity for use in the local area.

The mill needs financial support to repair and maintain this Grade II Listed building.

It is estimated that £300,000 will be required. If any of your readers would like to become Friends Of Gayle Mill for only £10 a year they can help in the restoration.

I shall be pleased to send any of your readers a form, or they can write directly to the treasurer enclosing payment of £10: Mr Roger Emmins, Treasurer, FOGM, Ella Farmhouse, Appersett, Hawes, North Yorkshire, DL8 3LN.

Stuart Wilson,

Vesper Drive,

Acomb, York.

Updated: 11:55 Friday, August 13, 2004