POTTERY enthusiasts are throwing a party as well as clay this week, as they celebrate the opening of their new community studio.

The Pear Tree Pottery Group, who were thrilled to secure a wad of National Lottery funding, have transformed an old Tailor’s cottage in Sprouston, near Kelso, into a brand new ceramics studio which they hope will become a valuable resource for budding potters across the region.

Chairwoman of the group, Hazel Morris told the Border Telegraph: “We are excited to be opening up the first pottery studio in Sprouston. Pottery is great fun. 

“We will be holding classes and hope that lots of people in the local area will come along and have a go.”

The official opening will be from 10am-1pm on Saturday, May 28, and members of the public are invited to come along for some cake and coffee and a chance to ‘potter’ around. Parents are also welcome to bring children for a try at painting on ceramics.

The Pear Tree Pottery studio is the dream of local amateur potters who met through a ceramics class run by Stow Ceramicist, Marianne Finlayson. 

Hannah Jefferson, who is a member of the group, explained: “When Marianne decided to stop running the class we were going to, we were all already totally hooked on pottery but couldn’t find anywhere to go and keep practicing. 

“The Pear Tree Pottery really is dream come true. It’s a fantastic space and everyone is really friendly. 

“I would recommend anyone interested to come along to the opening morning and take a look.”

The funding through Awards for All has paid for two brand new throwing wheels as well as ceramics equipment and clay to start things going. 

The studio will be run as a not-for-profit community organisation and will have open sessions every Saturday morning, where members will pay £10 for use of the equipment. 

The group also plan to hold workshops run by professional potters to build up skills and encourage new members to come along and give pottery a try. 

It is hoped that this will become a well-loved hub in the wider Borders community where local people can come to learn new skills and meet new people. 

An annual membership will cost £25.

Anyone wanting to find out more can look up the Pear Tree Pottery on facebook or phone 07936149421