Pottery

We run pottery sessions in the centre. These are creative, theraputic and fun. Wendy Andrew facilitates the sessions. We've used different methods for making pots, including pinching, slabbing, press moulding and coiling. We've made pots for house plants and a larger planter for the centre, which 10 people contributed tiles, gargoyles and tubes for. We've made practicle things like ashtrays and have produced decorated plates and mugs.

Wendy Andrews also runs The Pottery Project which is about introducing pottery to homeless people and supporting thoses who gain an interest in it to gain some qualifications and eventually find employment in a related activity. It is based at the Salvation Army residential hostel Wilmott Street, Manchester. It has been running since 2005 during this time; there have been trips to Stoke on Trent to visit the Wedgewood Factory, Moorcroft and the Gladstone Pottery; an exhibition of work was held in August 2005; a number of people qualified to receive a GMOCN certificate for work done; in October 2005 several people commenced a 60 hour level 1 NCFE course in ceramics. Here are some comments;

Chaz – "I thought it was just something to do, but I got interested and took it up every week and attended the MANCAT level 1 course. I enjoyed making everything. My favourite pot is my gourd because I mixed the stains myself.

Steve – “This has been a new thing. I enjoyed both trips to Stoke on Trent. I have done a level 1 course and want to progress to the next level of pottery.”

Brian -"I have enjoyed the experience. It's a hobby. I like making heads."