Spring Gathering 2026 is now completed!
Thank you all for joining us, we hope you had a lovely weekend filled with good friends and amazing demonstrations.
The Committee will now be working toward the plan for the 2027 Spring Gathering.
Watch this space for more information...
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Plans for the SPA Spring Gathering in Millport (13–15 March 2026) are shaping up brilliantly! The committee has been working hard to keep the weekend as affordable and inspiring as possible.
We’re especially thrilled to welcome three fantastic experts – Tom Knowles Jackson, Susan O’Byrne, and Joseph Morgan – who will be with us all weekend, sharing their skills, discussing their creative processes, and, of course, fielding all our enthusiastic questions!
Demonstrations are just one highlight of the Spring Gathering – there’s so much more to enjoy! Alongside our guest experts, you can look forward to all your favourite activities:
- Mug Swap
- Anne Lightwood Award
- Members’ Display Area
- Raffle
- Saturday Night Ceilidh (with optional fancy dress!)
- Supplier Shops
One of the very best parts of the Spring Gathering is the chance to relax, chat, and connect – whether you’re catching up with old friends, meeting new faces, or talking yourself hoarse about all things pottery. It’s a warm, welcoming weekend full of inspiration and community.
To help you get ready, here’s what to bring and how each activity works:
Mug Swap
Bring along a handmade mug to join the fun! When you arrive, place your mug on the table in the main communal room and pick up a pair of matching raffle tickets. Pop one ticket into your mug and keep the other. Over the weekend the tickets will be shuffled between mugs, and after the AGM you’ll get to collect the mug containing your number – a mystery surprise to take home!
Anne Lightwood Award
We invite everyone to bring their best pot to display. Before the AGM, our three demonstrators will select the winner, who will receive a certificate and prize. There will also be a Members’ Choice Award, so be sure to vote for the piece that inspires you most.
Members’ Display Area
If you’d like to showcase or sell your work, feel free to bring a small selection along with business cards or flyers. If items are for sale, please include clear contact details so members can arrange payment directly with you.
Raffle
We encourage each member to donate a piece of pottery or a pottery-related item to the raffle. Tickets will be available from Friday onwards, with the draw taking place after the AGM.
Home Bakes
Please remember that Millport Field Centre has a strict no nuts policy, including for home baking. We welcome a selection of gluten-free, lactose-free, dairy-free, and vegan treats, alongside any other bakes you'd like to share. Please label everything clearly.
Ceilidh
Our wonderful ceilidh band will be hosting an informal music session on Friday evening – feel free to bring along your instrument and join the jam! Saturday’s ceilidh fancy dress theme is “The Wild West”, so dust off your cowboy boots (or your most creative interpretation!) and get ready for a lively night.
Suppliers
Shannon Tofts will also be returning to offer professional ceramic photography.
Demonstrators: Tom Knowles Jackson
Get ready for an inspiring masterclass from acclaimed functional potter Tom Knowles Jackson, known for his beautifully refined, wood- and gas-fired stoneware rooted in the Leach tradition. A full-time potter since 2017 and founder of two thriving ceramic maker spaces, Tom brings a wealth of skill, experience,...
Demonstrators: Joseph Morgan
Meet Joseph Morgan, the Aberdeenshire-based potter behind the much-loved Claybots—quirky, characterful ceramic robots inspired by classic 1980s sci-fi. With over 20 years of professional experience, a solid grounding in ceramics from UCLan and the CCoI Pottery Skills Course, and a lifelong love of “robots and beasties,” Joe has developed...
Demonstrators: Susan O'Byrne
Demonstration Spotlight: Susan O’Byrne
Step into the enchanting world of internationally acclaimed ceramic artist Susan O’Byrne, known for her beautifully expressive, allegorical animal sculptures. With work held in major collections across Europe and the US, Susan blends traditional craft, delicate surface design, and inventive ceramic processes to tell layered, human stories through...
Prices & Accommodation
Single room
£240
Twin room
£195
Triple room
£180 (£160 student/low income)
Campervan
£155 (£135 student/low income)
Partial attendance (including lunch):
Day attendance, one day
£75 (£65 student/low income)
Day attendance, both days
£110 (£90 student/low income)
Dinner
£14 per day
Breakfast
£7.50 per day
Student discountStudents get a discount on some of the tickets. We have extended this to other people who...
Booking Process
Some notes:You need to be an SPA member to book for the Spring Gathering. You use your normal website login to access the booking system. Make sure you get your membership...
Travel
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Google Maps
Apple Maps
Please consider travelling by bus, train or car share where possible. There is parking at the Field Centre, however it is limited and priority will be given to disabled badge holders.
Car share - please offer to share if you can or to take luggage and pottery for...
Accessibility
The venue has a number of separate buildings with short walks between them.
We have...
T&Cs
The Field Studies Council Have asked us to share their Booking Terms and Conditions with you. They can be found here:
https://www.field-studies-council.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Booking-Terms-Conditions-Updated-November2022.pdf
They also ask us to draw your attention to the following Customer Information:
https://www.field-studies-council.org/our-policies-and-procedures/
Adverse Weather The SPA has taken out travel insurance...
Volunteers
Some need to arrive early on Friday (from ca. 2pm), some need to stay a bit later on Sunday (until ca. 5pm), and others...