ROB Overell might not have known it at the time, but he was the inspiration to form the Beaudesert Potters in 1975.
He was in the crowd at the group’s 50th anniversary celebrations when Foundation President Hilary Rains thanked him for agreeing to teach pottery all those years ago.
Mrs Rains also made special mention of early potters Barbara Henry, Pam Fox, Sue Atherton, Maureen Shay, Margaret Rodwell, Pat Stuhmcke, Denise Summers, Robbie Drew, Chris Grimmett, Val Venz, Janice Hohl, Jenny Harris, Debbie Oberhardt and Helen Thompson who were at the celebrations. She also acknowledged potter Wendy Witten, who was unable to attend due to illness.
Today the group has 40 members led by President Ruth Armstrong and they regularly meet at the Potter’s Den at the Beaudesert Community Arts and Information Centre.
It is a tight knit group, bound together by a love of pottery and decades of friendships.
Early potters and newcomers alike proudly exhibited their work at the 50th anniversary celebrations at the Arts and Information Centre.
The place was filled with family and friends and, after sharing an abundant supper, everyone took home a plate created by the potters for the occasion.
Local legend Garth Weatherall, best recognised from the local cattle sales, had the crowd in stitches as he auctioned off 47 pieces of unique pottery to guests.
Mrs Rains reminisced about the group’s beginnings.
“In 1971 Sheila Harrison persuaded Rob Overell to teach pottery through TAFE at the high school. He organised a Raku firing at night. We had never seen anything like it – so spectacular and hot work until someone produced a Coolabah cask of wine,” she said.
“Rob was our inspiration to form a group, and so in 1975 we were constituted, and I was the Foundation President 50 years ago – I was 38!”
She said she had no doubt the group would last another 50 years.
“The Beaudesert Potters have survived this long because of their love of pottery and the friendships they have forged and like good wine, we keep getting better with age,” she said.
