Hi there

Thought I would just pop in to say hi. It’s been a pretty hectic couple of weeks, so I won’t apologise for not blogging. Last week was a bit of a blur, to be frank!

Rolled from Hobbymaker on Tuesday straight into Clarity Open Day mode. Grace landed on Wednesday. We picked her up from Heathrow in the evening – and then went over to Maidstone for the next four days. We all stayed in a hotel this time, in a bid to spare ourselves the hefty commute through Tunbridge Wells each day. That was a smart move.

So much time and effort goes into the Open Days and the Sunday workshops beforehand. Weeks and weeks of planning and preparation. But I’ve got to tell you. From where I’m sitting this evening – it was all worth it.

Every year, we worry. We are apprehensive about whether visitors will come, whether visitors will enjoy etc etc etc. And every year, it is a resounding success. I have to say, this year was no different. There were a few key people missing, which was a shame, like Glynis and Pete, Tina Morris, Ken Kilminster. But aside from those friends not being there, it really couldn’t have been better. Everything was just right. It was brilliant to see so many familiar faces, hook up with old friends, be able to have proper conversations. So many new friends too! From all over the place! Maria came all the way from Dresden in Germany, Mary came all the way from Scotland, lovely Beryl Sheppard made it ON HER BIRTHDAY, even though she has moved out of the region now – seriously, people came a long way to attend. And my dear old Mum was in full swing again too – which is just magic.

Folks enjoyed the demos, the make n takes, the good weather, the good energy, my pottery, the raffles, the banter. It was just all round excellent. A load of people rocked up at the door without tickets, so I needn’t have worried about low numbers either.

The workshops went down very well too. Linda Williams and Louise had a great session next door, and the guests who were with me seemed to really enjoy our mixed media day too. The new format was very well received.

Here we see Linda’s crew single-filing out of the big hall, in the direction of their own parchment room.

So all in all, a great weekend.

But by Monday, the Clarity crew was absolutely cream-crackered. No SHAC, no 2pm Clarity TV on Monday. It was all we could manage to unload the van and cars. The demonstrators had had to drive all the way home, up north, to Wales and beyond. A huge thank you to them for all their hard work and help. And we had to dismantle everything.

By Monday, Grace said she could feel her heart beating in her feet, Paul and Jilly couldn’t speak properly, Dave was hobbling, and I was zapped. Even young Jazz had trouble remembering what she was supposed to be doing at work on Monday morning! Me? I never even made it there!!

All worth it. Teamwork makes the dream work, eh.

Did you attend?

Did you enjoy it?

What was a highlight for you, if you did?

Answers below please… Facebook has been full of lovely feedback, which is so gratifying – makes it all worthwhile.

Thank you so very much for making the effort to come down and support Clarity if you did attend. And on a personal note, Dave and I really would like to thank everybody who like our arty Clay-Wood artwork enough to invest, too. Our little Raku birds on their yew and oak plinths literally flew out!

As Corrine Bailey Rae once sang, ‘three little birds, sat on a window, and they told me I don’t need to worry’

Worry doesn’t work, does it. We live in abundance, and I just have to keep reminding myself of that. Thanks again for keeping us going. Without you, what would be the point?

Love always,

Barb x x x