The Journal of Australian Ceramics Vol 49 No 3 November 2010

Co m m unity
Early in 1975, through the energetic efforts of the then president, Megan Purvis-Smith (now
McNicholl), and original member, Beth Ford, the current site was allocated by the Mount Isa City
Council. The Claypan, present home of MIPG, was erected in early 1976. Bill Parks was instrumental in
securing the building from Mount Isa Mines and sourced all the volunteer labour needed for its erection.
Everyone worked exceptionally hard to bring the building to its present standard.
We have had a wonderful list of tutors over the past 40 years - Ian Currie, Ivan Englund, Kevin Grealy,
Betty Crombie, Jeff Shaw, Janna Parmeijer, Rowley Drysdale, Jeff Mincham, Janet De Boos, Dianne
Peach, Janet Mansfield, Joan Wesbter, Connie Hoedt, Rick Ball, Jess Gibson, John Johnson, Greg Daly,
Chris Harford, Bryan Trueman, Rick Wood, Len Cook, Johanna DeMaine, Kevin Boyd, Tim Strachan, Joan
Campbell and Pippin Drysdale.
MIPG's capacity for endurance and survival has proven itself against the forces of mass produced
wares and a dwindling membership of active artisans.
A retrospective exhibition, a collection of works from past and present members, was held at The
Potters' Gallery during July 2009 to commemorate the 40th anniversary. We displayed the name of every
office bearer and the 229 1 members, as well as presenting anecdotes and media clippings of the day.
Sincere gratitude goes to those who have paved the way before us - Anne Collins, Beth Ford, Gary
and Verna Drummond, Noni and Steve Sipos, Dot Rowland, Kathy Genocchio, Anne Dank and Dorothy
Adams. Thanks also to the dedicated core - Michele Savoye, Anne Dank, Jan Bizzozero, Cheryl Ahnfeldt
and Sue Carson - who keep the club going.
Deanne Ivers, President, Mount Isa Potters Group Inc.
Parkes Potters Group turns 40
Sue Smeaton marks a special anniversary
Among the founding members of Parkes Potters Group (PPG) were Kath Maquire, Judy Kinsela, Joan
Cole, Jan Hunter, Claire Chapman, Shirley Harrison, Kath Pollock, Barbara Field, Betty Nicholson, Shirley
Stewart Noble, Christine Nicholson, Win Morris and Pam Egan. Some of the more experienced potters
attended Orange TAFE under the tuition of Peter Gibson. They made beautiful and unusual pots and,
following this, Kath Maquire had a photo of one of her pots included in Pottery in Australia, Vol. 30
no.4 in 1991.
The PPG were instrumental in forming the Combined Craft Group 36 years ago, which still continues
today, trading as Craft Corner in Dalton Street, Parkes. Recently Kath Magui re and Judy Kinsela,
founding members of this group, were awarded life membership in recognit ion of their years of
dedication. Many young people were introduced to pottery during the spring school holidays when
potters conducted workshops for school children. Unfortunately these were discontinued when
insurance became too expensive.
THE IOURNAL OF AUSTRALIAN CERAMICS NOVEMBER 2010 91