Historic watermill wheel restored

The historic water wheel at St John's Mill has been officially opened, following a lengthy restoration project.

A group of Manx volunteers came together six years ago to return the wheel and wheel pit at the former woollen mill to their original state.

Eric Wilkins, a former Manx power station designer, said it was a tremendous challenge.

He added that the wheel was one of a number of historic ones on the island.

"People look at this and those who don't know much about it, think it is just a Meccano set.

"This water wheel weighs five tonnes. It's been a challenge to repair, now it's not making any noise while it runs and it will run forever," he said.

RELATED INTERNET LINKS
Tynwald Mills
Isle of Man government
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites