On our sightseeing trip around the Ohiwa Harbour we stopped off at the Cheddar Valley Pottery. Potters Stuart and Margaret Slade purchased the old Cheddar Valley Co-op Dairy Co building 25 years ago. They busily work their magic turning lumps of Nelson White clay into pots, plates, platters and garden ornaments.
Entrance to Cheddar Valley PotteryOur friends Pauline and Geoff had recently placed an order, and were keen to show us the wonderful work done by Stuart and Margaret. Pauline and Geoff are keen caravan enthusiasts, just like us, and wanted plates showing their current and previous caravans. Their order was ready and waiting for them, and they were thrilled with the results.
Artist Stuart, with Geoff and Pauline, and potter MargaretMargaret “throws” the clay to make the items, and Stuart hand paints the image using photos provided. The plates are then fired in the kiln, clear glaze is added, then they are fired again. Geoff and Pauline’s special one-off plates and platter will certainly be treasured for ever. (There is no doubt about it, we will have to get a Romany Rambler plate made for us). As well as making individual orders, there is a large range of items to buy “off the shelf”. We spent a while just browsing to see what else was on offer, and we particularly liked the beautiful New Zealand native bird plates.
Some of the items on displayStuart and Margaret are keen travellers too and like to get away in their motor home from time to time. They also offer a “pop stop” at their property for NZMCA members who wish to spend a night or two in the area.
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