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A History of the Central Coast Potters' Society. Much clay has passed through many hands since CCPSI was born 36 years ago when four local potters - Harry Arnall, Killy Orvad, Joan Matthews and Margaret Kean called a public meeting to form a potters' society.
When the first meeting was called on the Saturday afternoon of Australia Day weekend in 1968, about 30 people responded to the advertisement. Some at the first meeting continued to be active in the society for many years.
The aim of the CCPS written into the constitution is to increase the knowledge, experience and skill of members and students in the craft of pottery and to promote a greater appreciation and understanding of pottery by the general public. To achieve these aims workshop premises to house pottery making equipment were sought.
In 1969 Miss Topsy Thomas, who was secretary approached Mr. Ralph Mortimer, Commissioner for Scouting on the Central Coast, for help. He referred her to the old scout hall at Terrigal which had been vacated by the scouts. The hall had power supply but was without doors, steps, lighting and had a damaged roof. Our lease was conditional to the potters bearing cost of repairs which were carried out enthusiastically by the members.
Application was made to Gosford Shire Council for assistance with toilet installations and durable filling for the 'water Crossing' from the parking area. In reply the Council advised that the society was occupying the hall illegally as the hall had been constructed for the use of young people and was therefore unable to meet our application. Dismay at this reply was alleviated soon after by the offer to sponsor CCPS as an applicant to the Lands Dept. for a block of land in Terama Place, Gosford. though the land had a very steep grade ideas grew for a split level workshop among the trees. Further complications arose when the Council planned to build a car parking
station in William Street and resumed the blocks of land in Terama Place for access. Land in Althorp Street, East Gosford (now Russell Drysdale Street) was offered in exchange for the combined use by groups of people interested in artistic pursuits.
The completion of the Workshop at 10 Russell Drysdale Street, East Gosford, NSW in 1980 was the realisation of an objective raised in 1972.
2004 brings us to the continued use of this building by the Central Coast Potters' Society Inc. It contains kilns, wheels, a small gallery, library, kitchen, and even a shower, if you need it after working. We are a very active group holding monthly
social meetings, potting weekends away, excursions, classes, weekend workshops, multi-firing days, exhibitions. If it is to do with pottery, we are interested.
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