Re-Form Heritage | Localgiving

Re-Form Heritage

Re-Form Heritage
An independent Stoke-on-Trent based charity which specialises in the restoration and rejuvenation of heritage buildings at risk of decay or demolition. Re-Form Heritage’s objective is to transform these historic buildings into local assets, creating job opportunities and catalysing wider social and economic benefit.
Re-Form Heritage owns and manages Middleport Pottery in Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent. Middleport Pottery was built by Burgess and Leigh in the late nineteenth century and is the home of Burleigh pottery. It is the oldest working pottery in the United Kingdom. The pottery was acquired by the charity in 2011 through a mixture of public and private funding and was fully restored by the charity and opened to the public in 2014.

The business developed by Re-Form Heritage ensures the long-term sustainability of the site, which, in addition to the production of the Burleigh pottery range, encompasses heritage and craft-based operations, including a visitor centre, café and other activities. Middleport Pottery is a model for future regeneration and preservation projects, having a significant and beneficial impact on the local community.

Current appeal:
"Create with Clay" for adults with disabilities and complex needs

After researching and conversations with daycare centres and carers, we have understood the need for alternative learning activities within Stoke-on-Trent and the surrounding areas. We have recognised a need and would like to extend “Play with Clay” to local adult daycare centres and carers who care for adults with disabilities and complex needs. We want to run "Create with Clay" activities throughout the year and create an opportunity for adults to experience the joy of creating with clay and learn new techniques from working with clay – allowing them to explore and express themselves in a truly enjoyable and inclusive for all environment, creating a different way of learning that isn’t offered anywhere else within Staffordshire and Cheshire. Providing adults with a safe and secure place to express their inner selves. At Middleport Pottery, we have several disabled bathrooms. One is dedicated to facilities for carers to maintain the duty of care for adults. It includes an electric hoist and an adult changing platform in case it's needed, this is a consideration that all daycare units consider when going out on day trips. This new group would support the day centres and carers within the community for a new learning experience and help improve mental health and wellbeing.

We are on a mission to launch this new activity to share and support our wider community within Stoke-on-Trent. We need your support to help us raise £3000 to cover extra staff, equipment, and materials.

Words from our volunteers and visitors

"Middleport Pottery is a second home to me. Having Paintresses, a Cup Handler, a Lithographer, a Cod Placer and even a Saggar-Makers-Bottom-Knocker in my ancestry, the pottery industry and the Middleport Pottery factory brings me closer to family members whom I was never able to meet. Now as a volunteer, I feel proud to be continuing their stories and sharing local heritage for future generations" - Volunteer

"Stoke-on-Trent had a huge impact on the world a hundred years ago. Middleport Pottery is making sure that people remember our important heritage.... As someone born in Stoke that makes me very proud." - Visitor

"I feel that we are providing a tangible insight into the past for the public to see and understand what it was like back in the day and how things were done then... I for one am proud to be part of the team as we educate and inform our guests as to the old ways of canal life." - Volunteer

"Having been to Middleport Pottery a number of times, I have seen it develop into a wonderful history lesson of what made the Potteries so successful in the past but also how, with its ability to showcase its activities and protect a valuable site, it has become an important part of the new Potteries." - Visitor

What your gift could provide

£3

to cover the cost of offering a free "Play with Clay" to a disadvantage child in Stoke on Trent

£10

to cover the cost of materials for our education programs

£60

to cover the costs of keeping the Steam Engine running each week

Fundraise for us!