This Beginner’s Ceramics Course is perfect for anyone wanting to learn the basics of hand-building with clay. Over the course, you’ll explore essential techniques such as coiling and slab building. You’ll be introduced to a range of methods and processes to help you build a strong foundation, and then encouraged to develop your own ideas and create unique, personal pieces. The teaching approach is informal and flexible, responding to the needs and interests of each participant. Many members of the group have been coming to Clay Club for some time, helping to create a welcoming, supportive, and relaxed environment where everyone feels comfortable learning, experimenting, and sharing ideas. Whether you’re looking to start a new hobby or develop your existing skills, this is the place for you — and it’s lots of fun. (Please note: this course does not include using the potter’s wheel and the location is at the Ragtag Pottery in Mealbank. WHEN Tuesdays 6 - 9pm Sessions are booked in half-term blocks. Clay Club follows the school term dates, so the length of each course varys from 5 - 7 weeks. COST £22.50 per session, paid in half termly blocks. All materials and firing costs are included.

Come and spend a chilled morning getting creative with clay and make your very own trio of ceramic flowers. In this relaxed adult workshop, you’ll be shown a range of simple ceramic techniques to shape, texture and build your flowers. There’ll be plenty of time to experiment and put your own spin on your creations. No previous experience with clay is needed — just come along, get your hands messy and enjoy some creative time. Once you’ve made your flowers, we’ll take care of the rest. Your work will receive a bisque firing, then you can choose one of our house glazes to finish your pieces. We’ll dip your flowers in your chosen glaze and fire them again, ready for you to collect once they’re finished. Why not add a metal rod to your flower? You can display it in the garden, pop it into a plant pot, or use it to add a splash of colour wherever you fancy.

Carnival Club is a monthly adult workshop, funded by Arts Council England and The National Lottery Awards for All. Once a month, we host two hands-on creativity sessions where everyone—whether you’re a seasoned maker or just curious—can help build the visual heart of the Ragtag Parade. We’ll be working together on puppets, props, costumes, and more, using recycled materials, imagination, and plenty of glue. These sessions are collaborative, relaxed, and open to all skill levels—no experience needed, just enthusiasm and a willingness to have a go. You’ll also have the chance to connect with others, make friends, and be part of something amazing. WHEN Second Wednesday of every month.  Morning session: 10:00–12:30 Evening session: 18:30–21:00 COST FREE. Carnival Club is funded by the Arts Council and The National Lottery Awards for All. If you are able to contribute, your support will help us reach and benefit more people. LOCATION [VENUE] [ADDRESS1], [ADDRESS2], [TOWN/CITY], [COUNTY] [POSTCODE] [MAP] ACCESS INFO We want everyone to feel welcome at Carnival Club. If you have disabilities, neurodivergence, or other access needs, we’ll do our best to support you. Please provide this information when you book your place, or get in touch to discuss how we can help. Our building is all on the ground floor, and we have a accessible toilet. WHAT IS RAGTAG PARADE? Ragtag Parade is a joyful, inclusive carnival project celebrating creativity, community, and sustainability. Running from September 2025 to November 2026, we’ll work with a diverse group of people to co-create giant puppets, spectacular costumes, site décor, and performances, all made from reclaimed materials from our Scrapstore. Everything we make will come together in parades at festivals across Cumbria, with a final exhibition showcasing our creations. Click here to fing out more. ​

ABOUT A relaxed creative session for mums, dads, and grandparents who are caring for preschool children—and fancy a morning of making! Your little “munchkins” can enjoy free play in our loose parts area, get stuck into cutting and sticking activities, and explore our scribble space, while you spend time with other like-minded crafty people getting creative yourself. This month’s project: Hand-stitched tote hangings We’ll be making beautiful hand-stitched tote hangings, inspired by Indian traditions. You can design your own theme and create a vertical hanging, embellished with stitching, tassels, pom poms, buttons, and beads. These can be kept for yourself, gifted to someone special, or used to decorate your munchkin’s bedroom or nursery. COST £20 Ticket includes: All materials for your craft project A hot drink for you Access to the Scrapstation, scribble area and loose parts play area for your child A warm, welcoming space to create, connect, and play.

A relaxed and friendly creative session for mums, dads and grandparents caring for preschool children who fancy a morning of making, chatting and getting creative. This month, we’ll be making beautiful felted purses, tablet cases or small bag — perfect for keeping or giving as a special handmade Christmas gift. We’ll be using the wet felting process, laying out colourful wool fibres and using warm, soapy water to gently work the fibres together and create a strong piece of felt. It’s a lovely, tactile process — and one that little hands will enjoy too! While you get creative, your little ones can enjoy free play in our Loose Parts Play Space and explore our Scribble Space. There’s no pressure to keep them sitting still — they can play, explore and get involved with the making whenever they fancy. It’s a lovely opportunity to make something special, have a bit of grown-up creative time, and meet other parents and carers in a relaxed and welcoming space. Come along, get your hands messy, have a cuppa and enjoy a creative morning together.