Awards for all in Grayshott!

**news 13th may 2007**
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Awards for all in Grayshott! Pictured left to right Sue Fisher, Phil Bates and Dave White of Grayshott Pottery with their award for 'Most Pro-Active Business in the Community' 2007 Celebrations took place this week at Grayshott Pottery after receiving the exciting news that they had won the first ever 'Most Pro-Active Business in the Community' Award 2007. Phil Bates, Chairman and Trustee of Grayshott Pottery was delighted to have picked up the award on behalf of the pottery and strongly supports what has become the pottery ethos. '"It was a very nice surprise for us. The business is a family business but it is different because it is run by many families, some of whom have husbands, wives and grown up children working for the pottery. All these people are important stakeholders and get a real sense of pride in seeing the support that the Pottery is giving to the wider community. We are delighted to lend a hand wherever we can". The leafy village of Grayshott that snuggles neatly beside Hindhead in Surrey is a thriving business centre and the pottery based on the site of the 'Old Laundry' is tucked away behind the local church and school. But although much of the work is traditional the business also employs a modern fresh approach. The company produces local homeware pieces as well as artist created limited edition 'works' for the collector market. In addition they also create special bespoke lines of plates and earthenware for some very famous names in the catering industry. The pottery that will later this year be celebrating its 50th birthday has important roots that connect it with Compton Pottery, based at Watts Gallery in Compton Guildford. Watts Gallery was featured on the BBC Restoration Village TV programme last year. However the Pottery was rehoused many years ago and has now been operating in Grayshott for around 40 years. If you were to ask around within the Grayshott village community you would soon realise the breadth of support that the business has given, not only to its local community but much further a-field and it is this that the judges were most impressed with. Newly appointed President of the Haslemere & District Chamber of Trade, Simon Labrow who presented the award said, "The Pottery's contribution to the community is immense and has been for over 40 years. Their entry included over 20 active projects that they have been involved in." Over the years the pottery has actively supported local schools, clubs and societies within a wide circle from Normandy near Guildford, through to Bordon, Liphook, and Haslemere and the many communities in between. Like many businesses it has provided hundreds of raffle prizes that 'go with the territory of retailing' but then they have gone much further. Providing direct funding in support of projects large and small has been a fundamental part of the business. From supporting initiatives like the Grayshott Millennium sculpture and the Haslemere 'Elizabeth' bust in Charter Walk Haslemere, through to the supply and firing of clay pieces for schools and organisations and for arts festivals and events. In addition the pottery has actively supported community projects, literary and food festivals and carnivals and is an energetic supporter of sports societies and ventures. For the local residents, the loyal customers and for those who know the staff and owners of Grayshott Pottery, the announcement that they won award was met with delight. "I was thrilled to hear that Grayshott Pottery won this award," said Marian Orchard-Webb, Director of Gallery One, "They are very much a part of the Grayshott community and are extremely good at working with others, developing new initiatives to make Grayshott an attractive visitor destination and a great place to live" Posted by Janet McWilliam McW Project Initiatives Ltd Real People * Real Places * Real Solutions

Celebrations took place this week at Grayshott Pottery after receiving the exciting news that they had won the first ever 'Most Pro-Active Business in the Community' Award 2007.

Phil Bates, Chairman and Trustee of Grayshott Pottery was delighted to have picked up the award on behalf of the pottery and strongly supports what has become the pottery ethos. '"It was a very nice surprise for us. The business is a family business but it is different because it is run by many families, some of whom have husbands, wives and grown up children working for the pottery. All these people are important stakeholders and get a real sense of pride in seeing the support that the Pottery is giving to the wider community. We are delighted to lend a hand wherever we can".

The leafy village of Grayshott that snuggles neatly beside Hindhead in Surrey is a thriving business centre and the pottery based on the site of the 'Old Laundry' is tucked away behind the local church and school. But although much of the work is traditional the business also employs a modern fresh approach. The company produces local homeware pieces as well as artist created limited edition 'works' for the collector market. In addition they also create special bespoke lines of plates and earthenware for some very famous names in the catering industry.

The pottery that will later this year be celebrating its 50th birthday has important roots that connect it with Compton Pottery, based at Watts Gallery in Compton Guildford. Watts Gallery was featured on the BBC Restoration Village TV programme last year. However the Pottery was rehoused many years ago and has now been operating in Grayshott for around 40 years.

If you were to ask around within the Grayshott village community you would soon realise the breadth of support that the business has given, not only to its local community but much further a-field and it is this that the judges were most impressed with. Newly appointed President of the Haslemere & District Chamber of Trade, Simon Labrow who presented the award said, "The Pottery's contribution to the community is immense and has been for over 40 years. Their entry included over 20 active projects that they have been involved in."

Over the years the pottery has actively supported local schools, clubs and societies within a wide circle from Normandy near Guildford, through to Bordon, Liphook, and Haslemere and the many communities in between. Like many businesses it has provided hundreds of raffle prizes that 'go with the territory of retailing' but then they have gone much further.

Providing direct funding in support of projects large and small has been a fundamental part of the business. From supporting initiatives like the Grayshott Millennium sculpture and the Haslemere 'Elizabeth' bust in Charter Walk Haslemere, through to the supply and firing of clay pieces for schools and organisations and for arts festivals and events. In addition the pottery has actively supported community projects, literary and food festivals and carnivals and is an energetic supporter of sports societies and ventures.

For the local residents, the loyal customers and for those who know the staff and owners of Grayshott Pottery, the announcement that they won award was met with delight.

"I was thrilled to hear that Grayshott Pottery won this award," said Marian Orchard-Webb, Director of Gallery One, "They are very much a part of the Grayshott community and are extremely good at working with others, developing new initiatives to make Grayshott an attractive visitor destination and a great place to live"