Reed Family Linens is a sponsor of Bancroft Mill Engine Trust which was founded in 1980 with the purpose of preserving the steam engine at Bancroft Mill in Barnoldswick, Lancashire. The engine formerly powered the mill of James Nutter & Co. Limited - who was Mark Reed's maternal great grandfather. The cross compound engine was commissioned in 1920, and was christened by Eliza Nutter who is a direct descendant of Alice Nutter, the infamous witch of Pendle Hill fame.

Since 1980 the trust has succeeded in preserving the engine in full working order, and is currently restoring a second tandem compound beam engine from Bradley Mill near Skipton. The engine is steamed for the public 10 times a year, and is open by special invitation to visitors.

Some of our customers who have visited us here in Lancashire have been fortunate to include Bancroft Mill in their itinerary. The accompanying picture shows Mr Robert Reed OBE and Mrs Susan Reed JP during a recent visit to Lancashire in September.

The large cylinder on the left of the picture bears the nameplate 'Mary Jane' after Mary Jane Nutter.

See: www.bancroftmill.org.uk for more details.