Celebrating Tillingbourne Tales

Tillingbourne Tales, is an exciting Heritage Lottery funded project that has delved into the history of the Tillingbourne Valley.  Lots has been discovered and on Sunday 16 October you can find out more at a special event aimed at families which will give an insight into some fascinating local history.

The Tillingbourne, in the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), was one of the most industrialised river valleys in 17th century England. With approximately 50 water wheels at its height, powering 32 mills and supporting 12 different industries, including weaving, tanning, iron-working, paper-milling and gun powder production, the valley’s idyllic landscape held a significant legacy of cultural heritage.

Celebrating Tillingbourne Tales is a FREE event which takes place from 1-4pm in Shere Village Hall. Seven puppet characters have been created to help bring the stories of the Tillingbourne to life, a corn miller has been selected for Shalford, a gunpowder worker for Chilworth, a weaver for Shere, a tanner for Gomshall etc..  Come and hear professional storyteller Jim Munro tell you fascinating facts about each of the puppet characters and enthral you with tales from bygone days.

The Yvonne Arnaud Youth Theatre Group will be performing throughout the afternoon helping to paint a picture of what life and industrial work in particular would have been like over the Centuries. See demonstrations of traditional  industrial skills, take part in arts and crafts activities and watch a Pageant featuring all of the Tillingbourne puppets.

Dr Anne Sassin comments:
“This is a great opportunity to find out more about this fascinating project. There’s lots on offer for families and we want everyone to go away knowing a bit more about our local heritage so that the rich history of the Tillingbourne Valley is safeguarded for future generations”.

For further information on the event, contact tillingbournetales@gmail.com or click here.