The opening day photos - why and how they were taken,
from Pam Woolliscroft (nee Bott)
There was great excitement when the staff at Gladstone Pottery Museum heard that The Duke of Gloucester was going to open the first phase of this new and ground breaking working pottery museum in 1975.A lot of work went in to getting the museum looking perfect for the event. And after last minute touches everyone was prepared to welcome this special visitor. In our best clothes (1970s style!) the team of staff waited its turn to be presented, as rehearsed, to the Duke.
But he spent so much time looking around the museum that the event ran late. He left for his special lunch, in the Potter's Club in Federation House in Stoke, without us even meeting him.
We had missed out on our special handshake and meeting with the Duke.
Seeing our disappointment, after all our hard work and anticipation, our boss, David Sekers, the Museum Director, was not accepting this. In a flash, a plan was devised and we were swiftly transported to Stoke from the Museum.
On arrival at Federation House we were lined up to be introduced and shake hands with a slightly bewildered Duke who was then allowed to go for his lunch!
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| Left to right : Pam Bott (shaking hands with The Duke of Glouscester), Sally Cole, who is this? who is this?, Alma Scarratt, and, far right, David Sekers, Museum Director making the introductions. |
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| Left to right: Pam Bott, David Sekers, Sally Cole, who is this? Hilda Morris (with cigarette), Lady Mayoress (?), Lord Mayor, Alma Scarratt, Audrey Taylor, who is this? and Muffi Fox, right. |