Our first ever coach trip turned out to be a resounding success for the 26 members who joined.  Leaving Helmshore we headed to the Gladstone Museum in Stoke on Trent where both refreshments and toilets were in great demand!

Following an introductory video which showed scenes reminiscent of East Lancashire during the early part of the 20th century; in terms of smog, poverty and slum areas.  With two guides we were then lead through the many stages of pottery making in what were once working areas in a thriving pottery manufactory.

Perhaps the most fascinating buildings were the bottle ovens of which there were originally over 4500 in the area but now less then 50 remain.  To walk inside these remarkable constructions and hear how the saggers (containers in which the pottery was placed during firing) were tightly packed by men carrying them on their heads was quite an experience.  The titles of the workers carrying out the individual tasks was remarkable but our favourite was the Sagger Maker’s Bottom Knocker!

After one and a half fascinating hours we adjourned to a private room to enjoy and excellent buffet lunch which received many favourable comments.  With a few minutes to spare until the coach transported us to the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, several members enjoyed the Flushed with Success Exhibition (it hopefully needs no explanation).

Our second museum allowed us the freedom to view the beautiful and outstanding Anglo Saxon Staffordshire Hoard, a WW2 Spitfire, pottery through ages (including the 18th century Ozzy the Owl Pot valued on the Antiques Road Show at £20,000 and subsequently bought by the museum) and many other artefacts.

Finally we returned, arriving in Helmshore at 6pm as planned.  A great day out but now the planning starts for the next trip so keep an eye on those emails for more details.