Anyone can throw a pot, says Katie Harris. Who wouldn’t agree, except she’s a professional potter encouraging us newbies preparing for a stint at a potter’s wheel. Incredibly, in less than an hour she was proved correct: all four of us had produced an earthenware pot we were overtly proud to put our names to – we may paint them later when fired.

Katie’s demonstration made it look easy. She explained the essential instructions very calmly, so we sat at our wheels with excitement more than trepidation. It turned out to be unexpectedly exhilarating and calming at the same time, first pressing the wet splodge of clay in the centre to create an inside, then carefully giving height to the outside of the bowl taking shape. And what a sense of pride – and joy – as our various bowls evolved.

Katie has a veritable talent for spotting where to give advice which will nip a mishap in the bud, while all the time appearing simply to encourage. She never stopped smiling; she loves her work. The studio is open seven days a week for courses. The space – upstairs and downstairs – is an airy gallery for local artists, too. Unreservedly recommended.