I was delighted to hear that a group of volunteers at Allen Smelt Mill have been nominated for a Historic England Angel Award in the category of Best Craftsperson or Apprentice on a Heritage Rescue. The Allen Smelt Mill is a rare remnant of the lead mining industry of the North Pennines. Until 2014 the mill was all but lost beneath piles of rubble and thick vegetation. However, the volunteers have worked incredibly hard to rescue and restore the industrial heritage site, conserving our local heritage and providing a vital boost to the Allen Valley economy. https://historicengland.org.uk/get-involved/angel-awards/best-craftsperson-or-apprentice/allen-smelt-mill-volunteers/ The Angel Awards are run by Historic England and supported by the Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation. Their aim is to celebrate volunteers, local groups and unsung heroes who have made a lasting difference to their local heritage, historic buildings or places. Voting is now open. To cast your vote please visit HistoricEngland.org.uk/AngelAwards.
