Wednesday, 19 March 2025

 Cindy McLEISH (Eildon) (09:47): There are always plenty of mad things happening in Mansfield. On the long weekend the Mansfield & District – MAD – Potters pottery festival was held. The local effort, talent and creative thinking to make this event a success are to be commended. I was delighted to open the event at the Clay Stables, the community pottery studio named in memory of Joy Forrest. Bill Forrest was there to unveil a plaque dedicated to Joy, a keen potter. The stables, which are the old police stables, were opened on the night as well. Mansfield shire saw the need to retain the stables and had them lovingly and authentically restored. Once they had done that, they needed a tenant, and the MAD potters were the perfect fit. The exhibition held there showcased the incredible talents of our local potters and visitors from afar. It was so good to see activities in the main street – hands-on activities – and the primary school had also got involved and made pottery things for sale. I wish them the best there. There are so many wheels in Mansfield it is unbelievable.