Events in Britain and Europe August 2009

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Summary - click on links to go to full details:

 

Saturday 1 August 2009
FREE AND OPEN GORSEDD OF CAER ABIRI
Avebury, Wiltshire

Lughnasadh rite
The rites are facilitated by members of the Glastonbury and other Orders of Druids and the Loyal Arthurian Warband. They are held on the nearest Saturday to each date of the festive wheel. Midday for One, (although we don't usually start much before 1.30pm, sometimes later) meeting at and in the garden of the Red Lion.

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Saturday 1 August 2009
LUGHNASADH CELEBRATION
Stanton Drew Stone Circles, Somerset

The DOBUNNI GROVE of OBOD hold a celebration of each Fire Festival at this Sacred Site. These are suitable for Pagans and friends/children of Pagans.
We meet at 11am.
FFD Email ninahare [at] yahoo [dot] com( Ninahare) or ring her on 07962 781146.

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Saturday 1 August 2009
THE SACRED LANDSCAPE: a free lecture tour with David Rowan
Avebury Wiltshire

Yes, you did read that correctly in the title; this lecture tour is completely free of charge …

Saturday the 1st of August. 10.00am - Avebury, Wiltshire.

Once a year, around the 1st quarter Moon as we draw closer to the Stonehenge by Moonlight tour, I offer a free 7 hour lecture tour exploring the sacred landscape of Avebury and the areas surrounding Stonehenge.

Anyone is welcome and all you need to do is let me know you wish to come along, so I have a rough idea of numbers. People sometimes bring children and dogs and it’s a great day out too; people make new friends …

The day comprises of visiting a number of related ancient monuments across Salisbury Plain, exploring the ancient history, astronomy and culture of the peoples that created this extraordinary landscape. There is a fair bit of walking, and driving too; if the weather is fine we’ll have a picnic – if not, a warming pub lunch (watch the weather and bring what you think you will need).

There is a tight schedule to the day – we have much ground to cover.. The day starts at exactly 10.00am in the car park opposite the post office in Avebury; suggest you either park in that car park or the pub – do NOT park in the main public car park or you might loose us … it does involve each driver following the car in front, like a convoy, so be careful not to take a wrong turn …

The day ends at approximately 5.30 pm.

Full details, including a driving map and photographs can be found on my web page, here.

I would highly recommend this free tour to those coming on the Stonehenge by Moonlight evening tour. It places Stonehenge in a wider context and sets the scene for a very magical evening …

In kindness,
David

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Saturday 1 to Sunday 2 August 2009
LUGHNASA FAIR
Carrickfergus Castle, Northern Ireland

Event category: Family Fun
Event time: 12pm - 5pm
Admission Fee: Adults £3, Children / Senior Citizens £1.50, Family (2 adults, 2 children) £8. Group rates available (10+ must be pre-booked)

Medieval fair centred around tradition local crafts & food, workshops and entertainment with a historic twist.

For more information please call (028) 9335 1273 or see website.

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Dydd Sadwrn 1 i Ddydd Sadwrn 8 Awst 2009
Saturday 1 to Saturday 8 August 2009
EISTEDDFOD GENEDLAETHOL CYMRU - MEIRION A'R CYFFINIAU
NATIONAL EISTEDDFOD OF WALES - MEIRION AND DISTRICT
Y Bala, Cymru - Bala, Wales

Am fwy o wybodaeth am Yr Eisteddfod ei hun cliciwch yma.

For more information on the Eisteddfod itself click here.

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Sunday 2 August 2009
THE GORSEDD OF BARDS OF CAER ABIRI
Lughnasadh Gathering
Avebury, Wiltshire

Muster at Noon beside the Café before making the God and Goddess walks to the Sun Circle.
This is an open Gorsedd that welcomes all who come with good intent whatever their personal path.
Do feel free to bring your songs and poetry, as well as contributions of bread and mead if you wish. But most of all bring your heart.
Please contact Morgan 01458 835518 if you have any queries.

For further details see our Caer Abiri page.

For information about accommodation around Avebury see our Accomodation page.

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Sunday 2 August 2009
ANDERIDA GORSEDD – LUGHNASADH RITUAL
The Long Man of Wilmington, Sussex

Long Man

The Anderida Gorsedd is a Druid group, facilitated by Damh the Bard and Cerri Lee, that has been holding regular open rituals at the Long Man of Wilmington since Spring Equinox 2000.

Anderida Gorsedd open Lughnasadh ritual. Meet 1.30-2pm near the Long Man of Wilmington car park, for a walk up the hill at 2pm. Then after retire to the Giants Rest pub for a social drink.

FFI anderida [at] BardicArts [dot] com( Email)

Website

See also our Directory entry.

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Wednesday 5 to Sunday 9 August 2009
DRUID CAMP 2009 : THE OVATIC JOURNEY
The Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire

At The Druid Camp this year we are thrilled to have with us 'the renaissance man of English folk', the extraordinary and uncompromising singer-songwriter Chris Wood. Also playing is the internationally renowned Austrian harper, Monika Stadler, the dark mellow tones of Jim Faupel, the sharp bounce and tenderness of the Rachel Gittus Band, and more.

Blessed by the full moon, this will be a gathering focusing upon the Ovatic arts. There will be areas at camp for those exploring healing, divination, art and colour, nature and natural philosophy. There will be sweat lodge, plenty of ritual, and the creation an astrologically-aligned circle: our own woodhenge. For those who wish to learn, there will be many glorious opportunities to think and do with Druid teachers and writers, wildcraft teacher James Watson, the exceptional dance teacher Dawn Morgan. For those looking to relax, the fireside gatherings and cafe scene offer perfect opportunities, together with the beautiful surrounding countryside of the Forest of Dean.

Tickets will be on sale from Rainbow 2000 in the late spring.

Druid Camp Website.

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Thursday 6 August 2009
RITUAL OF PROTECTION
Hill of Tara, Ireland

The next "Ritual of Protection" for and on Tara will be on the Full Moon on Thursday 6th of August, 16 days before the Sun has entered Virgo. We will start our Full Moon Ceremony by 8ish and finish by ten (approx.) Dress in layers and meet on the gravel patch beside the Rath of the Synods at 8pm. We will use our native Celtic Irish language during this ceremony with explanations in English. All are welcome to attend this free and open ritual ceremony on and for Tara.

Website

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Thursday 6 August 2009
THE MOON AND MADNESS
Science Oxford Live, 1-5 London Place, St Clements, Oxford. OX4 1BD

7.30pm
Price: £3 (SO Friends Free)

The ancient concept that the moon can influence human behaviour continues to captivate popular imagination. But is there any scientific background to the idea? Niall McCrae, from Kings College London, discusses historical accounts and reviews recent scientific studies which look at the link between human behaviour and the lunar cycle.

Contact: Rebecca Salvesen
01865 810016
Website.

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Saturday 8 August 2009
ARBEIA FESTIVAL
Arbeia Roman Fort & Museum, Baring Street, South Shields, NE33 2BB

See the Fort come to life in this exciting multi-period living history event. From Romans to World War II soldiers, arts and crafts to BBQs, there is plenty to see and do for all the family!

Built around AD160, Arbeia Roman Fort once guarded the entrance to the River Tyne, playing an essential role in the mighty frontier system. Based four miles east of the end of Hadrian's Wall at South Shields, the Fort was originally built to house a garrison and soon became the military supply base for the 17 Forts along the Wall.

Today, the excavated remains, stunning reconstructions of original buildings and finds discovered at the Fort combine to give a unique insight into life in Roman Britain.

Arbeia Roman Fort & Museum is managed by Tyne & Wear Museums on behalf of South Tyneside Council.

For further information see Website.

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Sunday 9 August 2009
TURNING THE WHEEL – CELEBRATING THE WHEEL OF THE YEAR
Derbyshire

A Workshop with Glennie Kindred - The underlying energy of Lammas - also with Rosemary Greenwood, Marion McCartney & Annie Keeling.

Connecting to the rhythm of the seasons through each of the Celtic festivals and its underlying energy.
Sunday 10am – 4pm in a village hall in Derbyshire.
Each celebration will include co-created ceremony, a variety of deep and fun ways to bring connection and renewal to our relationship with the Earth, sacred craftwork, drumming, singing and community networking, so that we become alive to our selves and the world around us and feel inspired to be fully present and active in these changing times.

Cost £35.
Please send a SAE for booking forms and further info to:
Glennie Kindred, Lea Moor, Derby Rd, Wirksworth, Derbyshire DE4 4AR
Tel: 01629 825 675 or glenniekindred [at] w3z [dot] co [dot] uk( Email).

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Six week course starting Monday 10 (evening) or Thursday 13 (daytime) August 2009
HEARTH MAGIC
Newton St Loe, near Bath

Beginning a spiritual practice ~ Developing the Art of Seership ~ Unfolding your Mystery

This six week course is a foundation course for those interested in developing the Art of Seership. Whatever your background, you will find this course useful. It acts as an introduction to developing your own safe, spiritual practice.

  • Develop the Art of Stillness
  • Learn to be present in the Eternal Now
  • Learn to listen to your Inner Energy Body
  • Learn to create Sacred Space
  • Develop a deep connection to the Divine
  • Learn to Cleanse & Bless
  • Learn to listen to your own Soul Song

Both daytime & evening courses available:
Mondays 7.00 - 9.00pm
Thursdays 1.00 - 3.00pm

Evening classes begin: Mon 10 Aug, 2009
Daytime classes begin: Thu 13 Aug, 2009

Cost: £10 per session
PLEASE BOOK IN ADVANCE

NB: This course is a prerequisite for Hearth Magic 2

For further information and booking: see Hearth Light website.

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Monday 17 to Thursday 20 August 2009
‘ELEMENTAL’: Storytelling
Launde Abbey, Leicestershire

What is simple, what is essential, in stories as in life? Exploring these questions through myth and folktale, is the focus of the 2009 storytelling retreat.

Launde Abbey, a conference and retreat centre in idyllic rural Leicestershire, is the venue for this ‘retreat workshop’ which runs from teatime Monday to lunchtime Thursday. The work will involve both the development of oral storytelling skills as well as an exploration of creation myths and stories in which the earth and the elements are central. Questions of simplicity and essence are likely to underpin our stories, conversations, creations and reflections. The work of this retreat will be valuable and applicable at both personal and professional levels.

There will be seven aspects to the programme:

  • working with the healing nature of creation myths and traditional folktales
  • refreshing and developing storytelling skills including weaving the nature of the four elements into our telling.
  • group storymaking and storywalking both outdoors and inside
  • ‘bodywork’ – exploring stories through movement
  • reflection and ‘downtime’
  • optional pre-breakfast tai-chi and meditation
  • stories under the stars

The cost of ‘Elemental’ is £260.00 for a basic room or £275.00 for accommodation with en-suite facilities. All meals, materials and the facilitation of the story work are included. The retreat is led by Chris Corps, an experienced storyteller, trainer and workshop leader. The work, however, is very much collaborative and open to the opportunities of the moment.
To make a booking, or ask more questions please call 01664 560920 or story [at] phonecoop [dot] coop( email). Cheques for deposits or full payment should be made out to Chris Corps and sent to 46, Main Street, Great Dalby, Leicestershire, LE14 2ET.

Conditions of payment:
Deposit (non-returnable) is £50.00 at point of booking. Full payment is due by 18th July and full payment may be made on booking if you wish.
Cancellation
From 18th May to 17th June - full fee less deposit is returnable.
From 18th June to 17th July –50 % of fee less deposit is returnable.
No refunds are payable after the 17th July.

Full programme and venue details will be sent to participants nearer the time. It will be helpful, at this stage, to look out for a ‘star story’. This could be a myth or story related to the stars, a personal story of stargazing, or a biographical story of the studiers of stars. Just think, some of the stars we see in the night sky are no longer there! Their light has taken so long to reach us, that by the time we see them… they have gone!

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Monday 17 to Sunday 23 August 2009
Goddess Retreat in Delphi, Greece: RECLAIMING THE ORACLE
Delphi, Greece

With Kathy Jones, Georgina Sirett-Hardie & Isabella Weber

Blue Lotus Healing 0790 3939 487

Kathy Jones Website

Explore the ancient practices of Oracling that was initiated in this very sacred place. The Oracle at Delphi had an enormous influence on Greek civilization, and has been scrutinized over the centuries by scholars of religion and science. The earliest Oracles at Delphi spoke for the Earth Mother Gaia. Later Priestess Oracles consulted the Sun god Apollo on everything from state matters to human affairs with the aid of mysterious vapours emanating from a chasm beneath the temple. They were revered by the greatest of Greek philosophers.

This retreat is a call to all those who desire to know all about their life and its meaning, and to explore their connection to Mother Earth, to open up to Her healing and hearing Her voice at this time of great change. This will help you to find your life purpose on earth and take your innate personal power into the world and express the love of your spirit and passion into all areas of your life.

When you call the Oracle into your life you are asking the questions about your life. This is the journey of the Seeker.

For more details please isabelle [at] lotushealingcentre [dot] co [dot] uk( email).

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Thursday 20 August 2009
SOME SECRET PLACE: Pagan Ceremony Evening
Treadwell's Bookshop, 34 Tavistock St., Covent Garden WC2E 7PB

Gemma Jones, Peter James and Friends
7.15 for 7.30 start. £5 in advance.

Monthly beginner's pagan ritual evenings, perfect for those starting out on the pagan path, or as solitary witches. Some Secret Place is made up of some talk, some small group discussion on devotion, ceremony, spirituality, and relationship with deity. Most of all, though, it is experiential. It's about doing and feeling rather than theorising. We hope that people who come along will deepen their personal relationship with the pagan gods. This is for people who have done some reading on witchcraft, Wicca and/or paganism, and who are familiar with at least its general theological tenets. We assume you are pagan and want to practice it, but we don't presume you are experienced. Group size is small - maximum 17 people. The organisers want this to be a gentle, intimate and thoughtful experience. You can come once, come regularly, or come intermittently - whatever suits you best. Future dates: Friday, 11 Sept, Friday, 9 Oct, Friday 13 Nov.

To sign up for an event, ring with card details, 020 7240 8906. Payment in person to the shop in opening hours also welcome. All evening talks are followed by drinks. info [at] treadwells-london [dot] com( Email). More events and shop info on Website.

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Thursday 20 to Sunday 23 August 2009
SUNRISE WITCHCAMP
Coed Hills Rural Artspace, Vale of Glamorgan, Wales
Canolfan Gelf Wledig Coed Hills, Bro Morgannwg, Cymru

Join us for a family-friendly Reclaiming WitchCamp as we work with story and the spirits of the land with teachers Chelidon, Raven Edgewalker, Fortuna, Cassandra, Halo and Margit

The Dragon’s Egg

Awake, it is light!
In times long past, when the world was young, an ancient dragon left a last precious egg, filled with every hope that can be fulfilled...
Weaving a nest, a stair between earth and sky, a web made of starlight and wonder and laughter, we will nurture this egg and birth something new and wonderful into the world, and into our lives.
The dragon within us is awakening - in the fiery courage in our hearts, a new power to transform ourselves and the world around us.

The Dragon rises!

Come join us in song, story, play, and magic, as we work with the dragons, the elemental powers of the earth, and with our ancestors, the wise ones and the spirits of the land to guide us.

This is a new camp, and a new beginning. We will celebrate the beginnings that are possible when hope, excitement, desire, and those who believe in the possibility of a better world come together and make real magic together.
We each, young and old, have an essential piece of the story to tell, and we will create this tale together.
We can learn from the old ones, our ancestors, our families and our descendants, and then carry home new dreams, new tales, and new skills and abilities, to help us bring the power and wisdom of the dragons, and the earth, into our daily lives.

The Dragon calls!

The earth is calling.
The time is now, for all to awake, rise up and create the world that is to come, the world which our children will inherit.
Will you come, waken the dragon, and waken yourself, through the power of song, story, dance, laughter, and deep, powerful magic?
The dragon stirs...do you hear the call?

Prices:

  • Campers aged 18 and over: booked before 9th July, £175-£250 (sliding scale)
  • Carers/translators etc. who will be attending camp solely to provide a service to a disabled camper: £50
  • We have made the prices for children flexible, as we know that their needs vary:
  • Campers aged 5 to 17 who will be attending path on their own account: booked before 9th July, £175-£250 (sliding scale)
  • Campers age 3 and up, who will be coming to path solely so they can be with their parents/primary carers: £50
  • Campers under 3: free

These prices cover camping space, three meals a day, and teaching throughout camp.

Booking
For a booking form, write to 1st Floor Flat, 83 Redland Road, Bristol, BS6 6AQ, England, or sunrisecamp [at] yahoo [dot] com( email us).
For news updates, visit Website.

We look forward to sharing the magic!

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Midday Friday 21 to Midday Monday 24 August 2009
EXMOOR PAGAN CAMP - HARVEST 2009
Exmoor

Wonderful weekend of community workshops, crafts, music, feasting, friendship, healing and ritual, all centred around a private stone circle and communal fire pit.

Camping in a private field bordered by woods and streams in the midst of some of the most beautiful countryside in Exmoor.

Ticket only event. Only 50 tickets available. Book early to secure your place.

Cost: £20.00 per adult, £10.00 per school age child. Free entry for preschool children.
Well behaved dogs kept on a lead welcome.
Ticket price includes all workshops, events, crafts, healing and readings along with a communal meal during the weekend.

Information and booking forms available from:
Yarrow by yarrow.taunton [at] googlemail [dot] com( email) or telephone 01823 283742 or pick one up at Taunton Pagan Moot.

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Saturday 22 August 2009
WYLDWOODS-TOCK - Wyldwoods' Festival of Music
Dean Corner Farmhouse, Broseley, Shropshire TF12 5JH

Due to unforeseen circumstances, Wyldwoods charity music festival has had to be CANCELLED.

Please accept our sincere apologies.
We are focussing on what we do best which is to provide creative arts and crafts for well-being (and more) for the benefit of people experiencing mental health problems, people with learning difficulties and the community.
Our annual fundraising event will be the Wyldwoods Green Fayre to be held on the first Saturday in May 2010.
We are sorry for any inconvenience caused.

Wyldwoods-tock

Due to unforeseen circumstances, Wyldwoodstock is CANCELLED.

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Saturday 22 August 2009
ROMBALD'S REVELS
Ilkley, Yorkshire

Olicana History Society and Friends of the Manor House are currently running a ‘Rombalds Revels’ event. With roots in the Middle Ages the theme will include music, street circus and dance with a big event on August 22nd 2009. Medieval music by Steven Tyler and his Hurdy Gurdy will feature and a sample can be heard on myspace.

At Ilkley, jugglers,stilt walkers, fire eaters, magic and the rocks, that are the remnants of Giant Rombald’s walk over the moors, will be on display. Funding has largely been provided by the Big Lottery Fund so most events will be free.

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Saturday 29 August 2009
SACRED AND ANCIENT SITES WALK
Cow and Calf pub, Ilkley Moor, Yorkshire

Dave (Coryllus) is planning a walk around sacred and ancient sites on Ilkley Moor, Saturday 29th Aug 09. Meet at the Cow and Calf car park under the rock, 11:30am. Focal point is a man wearing a deer stalker with an Awen badge on it. Bring along a packed lunch, any input on archaeology or relevant lore you may care to share, and the ambience of heart that encourages fair weather. Lift available from Otley. Message me for further info, or telephone 07956616079.

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Saturday 29 August 2009
EXPLORING HERBS
Springfield Sanctuary, Wynyards Farm, Upper Slaughter, Cheltenham GL54 2JR

We shall be looking at ways of preserving herbs through drying and tincturing. Please bring several small glass jars with screwtop lids to take your products home with you plus some cider vinegar and/or vodka if you want to make your own infused herbal vinegar or tincture

Springfield Sanctuary is reached by walking through two wild flower meadows which can get very wet during rainy periods. Please bring sensible footwear, rain gear (cagoule and overtrousers), warm clothes in layers and a packed lunch. If you have gardening gloves please bring them and if you have time to spare to help with weeding, that would be much appreciated!

Please sarah [at] headology [dot] co [dot] uk( email me) to book your place and receive travelling directions. There is a train service to Moreton in Marsh and Kingham railway station on the Worcester to Paddington line. Each station is about 8 miles from the Sanctuary up some very steep hills. There are no bus services.

If you have not attended a workshop before and want to read about previous workshops, take a look at the diary pages on the Sanctuary Website. You can also keep up with my herbal and other exploits here.

Workshops are free, but donations are welcomed to support the upkeep of the Sanctuary.

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Monday 31 August 2009
WILLEY FURNACE POTTERY - Open Day
Willey Furnace Pottery, Barrow Road, Broseley, Shropshire. TF12 5JQ

Elspeth Soper

On Bank Holiday Monday August 31st, potter Elspeth Soper will be opening the doors to her workshop for an 'Open Studio' event.

Elspeth, who was born in Oxford to an English father and a Canadian mother moved to Shropshire during the early 80's and set up Willey Furnace Pottery in 1985.

From her "very basic but homely" pottery in the woods on the Willey estate near Broseley, Elspeth Soper creates distinctive and very individual pieces of practical pottery.

Take the lane from the main Barrow Road, and suddenly you are transported to a very different place; a place that time and technology hasn't yet grasped. The sunlight of the summer day shining through the mass of lime green tree leaves, and the wren flits from its nest in the kiln shed, as Elspeth checks another warm load of freshly fired pots and bowls.

"It is incredibly basic here" says Elspeth, "but I have everything I need. Solar panels provide electricity to charge the batteries that run the lighting, there is no water supply so that is brought from home, and my loo is a traditional 'earth closet' located in a far corner of my plot".

Elspeth, inspired by country pottery from England and Eastern Europe says "many of my designs result from when I kept chickens, ducks, geese and guinea fowl here at the pottery some ten years ago" says Elspeth, "until foxes came and steadily stole them away".

"The pots I make are very rooted in pots made in the past which I love. These include English medieval pottery and later slipware – especially European and particularly Hungarian 'peasant' pottery".

Hungarian Pottery has been a major influence for Elspeth. Like most "peasant" pottery, chickens and guinea fowl feature in the decoration of Hungarian pots - they are good motifs. Elspeth says "drawing a fat chicken on the base of a plate works very well." Elspeth is also attracted to the culture and artifacts of North American Indians so sometimes makes hangings which combine clay with other materials - wood, leather, string and feathers.

Another striking design for Elspeth is Three Hares. "This is an ancient design that occurs in many 'roof bosses' (carved wooden fixtures) in the ceilings in many medieval churches in Devon, but the earliest known appearance of this motif is in the Mogao caves near Dunhuang, China, which were created during the Sui to Tang dynasties (581-907 AD). Along the Silk Road other sightings of the three hares (and sometimes four hares) were found."

The aim at Willey Furnace Pottery is to produces functional, honest pottery which is distinctive and decorative. The earthenware is made out of red clay and is decorated using coloured slips (liquid clay) often built up in painted layers over a poured or dipped base colour. The pots are then raw-glazed using a transparent or a honey glaze and then fired in a gas kiln to around 1120C.

The stoneware is also raw-glazed using an ash glaze (using ash from the pottery wood stove), and is fired in a kiln to around 1260C.

Elspeth continued "I pick out certain details of the final design before firing to emphasise particular elements, such as a bird's feathers or a fishes tail, these lines are called 'scraffito' which means to scratch in Italian". Working with earthly glaze colours such as soft blues, greys, muted terracotta's, ochre's and greens, Elspeth's finished pieces would sit happily in any home.

The Open Day is on Bank Holiday Monday August 31st from 11am – 3pm, and Elspeth invites all to attend and receive a complementary drink and nibbles.

Willey Furnace Pottery is at Barrow Road, Broseley. TF12 5JQ and will be well signposted on the day.

For more information please telephone Elspeth on 01952 885759 or mobile: 07790347007
elspeth.wfpottery [at] hotmail [dot] co [dot] uk( e-mail)