The Leach Pottery is joining organisations across the country in June in recognising the invaluable contributions of its dedicated volunteer community.
Volunteers’ Week, at the start of June, is a national campaign that highlights the vital role volunteers play in supporting charities, cultural institutions, and community initiatives.
From supporting exhibitions, events, and community workshops, to helping to keep outside spaces well cared for, volunteers contribute their time, passion, and expertise across all areas of the pottery. They will be integral when the newly-refurbished museum opens next year.
“Volunteers are integral to everything we do,” said director Libby Buckley. “Their generosity, knowledge, and enthusiasm help bring the pottery to life. During Volunteers’ Week, we are especially proud to celebrate their achievements, and thank them for the difference they make every day.”
The Leach Pottery’s volunteers are rooted in the local community and passionate about local heritage, pottery, and inspiring creativity. Many bring specialist knowledge or develop new skills through their involvement.
Thanks to the funding from the National Lottery’s Heritage Fund, the Leach Pottery has a dedicated volunteer co-ordinator to ensure volunteers get the most out of their experience at the pottery.
The Leach Pottery seeks regular feedback from volunteers. Recent responses include:
- “Everyone at the Leach Pottery is so warm, welcoming, and supportive, it makes volunteering a pleasure.”
- “I enjoy meeting and supporting people who attend the workshops, and learning new skills alongside them, as well as engaging with other volunteers.”
- “[I enjoy] meeting and working with other like-minded people. Volunteer events and treats like pottery making, wreath making and the Christmas meal.”
Many of the volunteers are helping behind the scenes of the three-year capital project which is transforming the Leach Pottery Museum and growing capacity to welcome more apprentices in a new Learning and Production centre. This space also creates three new dedicated learning spaces, enabling the organisation to provide free, thoughtful, and engaging workshops for local children and community groups, who would otherwise face barriers engaging with the Leach Pottery.
The pottery continues to offer adult courses to deepen knowledge and skill in the Leach tradition. Projects volunteers have been involved in include collecting oral histories for the archive and carefully packing away museum exhibits while the museum undergoes its redevelopment.
The Leach Pottery will be celebrating Volunteers’ Week with a volunteer social at the beginning of June, with Neil, a Make with Leach co-ordinator (schools and families) leading a workshop in Hakeme slip brush making using locally-foraged grasses and coffee and cake on the beach (weather permitting).
