Blue Beetle Ceramics Studio, Thatcham celebrates 2 years in business

A THATCHAM business has celebrated two years and has been giving out lockdown mementos to parents.

Blue Beetle Ceramics Studio, based in The Courtyard off the Broadway, opened in June 2019 offering "a painting experience for all to enjoy."

The studio allows people to paint their own pottery to be glazed and fired in their kiln, as well as offering a meeting place for artists and families.

Owner Lorna said they had enjoyed a really good start as the business grew, but had had to adapt to keep going through the coronavirus pandemic.

She said: "It's my home town. I knew it was the right location for the business and I have been really well received. We have got quite a good following on Facebook, which is our man source of communication with customers."

Blue Beetle has handed out coasters containing footprints, names and ages of babies born during lockdown, between March 2020 and May 2021.

Lorna added: "We've had 120 babies through for that. It's a gift to them, no strings attached, for children that have missed out over the last year."

She said the offer had been extended to babies born since October 1, 2019 as "even though they were born before lockdown they too have missed out in many firsts, including first birthday celebrations."

The business has grown online offering paint at home kits and Lorna said that additions were coming to the studio, including glass fusing and clay workshops.

She added: "We have only been allowed to open the last three weeks because we follow the same rules as pubs and cafes. It's been a slow reopening really, it's been quite quiet."

The business also offers refreshments, including locally made cupcakes.

Blue Beetle Ceramics is open 10am to 5pm Wednesdays to Saturdays. It can currently take 20 people at once, and bookings are preferred.

For more information on sessions call 01635 292539, email bluebeetleceramicscafe@gmail.com or visit the Blue Beetle Ceramics Facebook page.