A dedicated group of potters have reopened the doors to The Pottery Club Māniatoto, revitalising the local arts community with their creative passion.

The club was once a popular offering in Ranfurly, but as time went on membership dropped off due to age and eventually its doors were closed.

However, local residents keen to see the group reformed have brought it back to life.

Among them is Nina Healey.

She said the idea of reopening the club has been on the cards for a couple of years, with those behind the concept working out the best way forward and completing a feasibility study.

It was decided after “quite a period of time” that the group would start off gently, work out how many were keen to be a part of the group and ascertain what equipment was available.

She was one of 13 who attended the first fortnightly session, earlier this month.

Participants used polymer clay for the first couple of sessions because of its ability to be air dried, instead of having to rely on firing their creations in a kiln.

Nina said it also meant everyone managed to make something in the first session, which was ready for the next stage of the process when they attended last night on Tuesday, June 25.

Traditional clay will be used in the coming weeks.

“Some of us have a tiny bit of knowledge so we’ll be learning together as we go along.”

Eventually, someone will be trained on how to use the kiln, one of the many pieces of equipment that was still available from when the former group retired.

Nina said other pottery groups around the district would also be approached to see if anyone wants to pass their knowledge on to the Māniatoto group.

The sessions are held at the The Maniototo Arts Centre in Reade St, Ranfurly, every second Tuesday from 6.30pm to 8.30pm throughout winter.

“Once we get to about October we’ll start possibly going weekly, depending on how everyone is feeling.”

For more information text Nina on 027 271 3399.