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Open 24 April to 26 September 2010 |
Touchpaper...
The Newsletter of the Royal Gunpowder Mills Friends Association
Touchpaper is the Newsletter of the Royal Gunpowder Mills Friends Association. Published quarterly since March 1992 by the Friends Association, Touchpaper gives details and news of the development of the site and articles of historic and scientific interest. Touchpaper is published in March, June, September and December each year, and is included as part of the annual membership fee. If you would like to become a member of the Friends Associsiation, please see our Friends Association page for information on how to join.
Back Issues Index
An Index of past issues is published here...
Free Sample Issue
You may download a free sample issue here...
Background
The town of Waltham Abbey has bad a long association with the manufacture of and research into explosives. From at least the 17th century the site to the north of the town was a gunpowder factory which was taken into public ownership in 1787 to become the Royal Gunpowder Factory and supplied the country with gunpowder for the Napoleonic Wars. Subsequently, the output expanded to include other, more powerful explosives and, for many years was the prime supply of cordite gun propellant. Expansion took place in the 19th century and a second site was opened to the south of the town.
At the end of WWII it became the country's prime research establishment for explosives, gathering together many scientists and engineers from allover the British Isles. Following rationalisation of the Government Research Establishments, both sites finally closed in 1991. The South Site had by this time been handed over to Royal Ordnance PLC and this site is currently being developed for housing, commercial and leisure use. The northern part was retained by the Ministry of Defence and was recognised as an unique site of significant historical and scientific interest. In addition, because of the closed nature of the site for the last 200 years, there is a very diverse ecology of flora and fauna which is to be protected. For example, within the site is one of the largest heronries in Essex. A decision was been taken to develop this site as a national interpretative centre for historical and educational purposes and an Heritage Lottery Grant was obtained for its development. The first phase of development opened to the public in 2001 and further development phases will continue for some years.
Friends Association
It is recognised that many people have an interest in and could give valuable assistance to the project. To this end, a Friends Association has been set up and you are invited to join. All Friends Association Members visiting the site will be eligible for a substantial discount, on production of their membership cards.
Objectives
To bring together those sharing a common interest in the Waltham Abbey Royal Gunpowder Mill Site. Such interest may include historical, archaeological, educational, social and technical matters associated with the site. To promote the site as a national interpretive centre and, where possible, to render assistance to the Operating Company in the development and running of the site. I hope that you will join us and share in this exciting venture.
Volunteer Programme
The Operating Company also runs a Volunteer Programme for all those wishing to assist in the general running of the site, general site maintenance and special development projects. If you have any time to spare, no matter how infrequent, we hope you will join this programme.
If you would like to become a Volunteer, please see our Volunteer Programme pages for more information.
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© 2009 Royal Gunpowder Mills |  |
Registered Charity No. 1062968 |  |