Fundraiser for Shoreham pottery business facing 'enormous' moving costs

Shoreham Pottery, in New Road, is set to move to a unit within Shoreham Port this month.

The community pottery workshop has been based in the town centre for more than a decade, having been founded by local potters Alice Maplesden and Katy Harris in 2015.

With more than 40 years experience between them, Alice and Katy run weekly pottery classes alongside one-off sessions and short courses. They said the business has been ‘going from strength to strength’ since opening, but it is now facing a ‘huge financial strain’ due to the move.

In a joint statement, Alice and Katy said: “Sadly our lovely space in the heart of Shoreham is being redeveloped and it's our time to leave.

"Although we love this space and will be leaving with heavy hearts, we are very excited to have the fantastic opportunity to move to the newly redeveloped units at Shoreham Port.

“We truly believe that this will be an ideal and accessible new space for our business to grow and can’t wait to get settled in.

"However the cost of moving our community pottery is enormous and is putting a huge financial strain on our business. We are looking for support to help contribute to funding our move and set up costs.”

A fundraiser launched by Alice and Katy has raised more than £750. However, the pair said moving could cost more than £5,000, even while ‘calling in all the favours’. They said donations of any size are ‘gratefully received’.

Half of the money raised will also be used to help fund classes for local charities and community groups, according to Alice and Katy.

For more information, and to make a donation, visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-us-fund-our-move-and-charity-classes-in-the-new-year.

Shoreham Pottery is set to open in its new location on September 21.