A POTTERY business in North Warnborough is marking its 50th year by hosting special events this month. 

Bartley Heath Pottery is celebrating the milestone during the Hampshire Open Studios week from August 17 - 26.

The business's journey began in the early 1970s when the founders, Lesley and Michael Dixon, moved to North Warnborough and found employment in other pottery establishments while teaching on the side.

Lesley said: "Meanwhile we bought our first wooden shed which we put up in the garden. It was freezing in winter but we made, fired and sold our pots from there and also took them to craft fairs to sell.

READ MORE: Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra to return to The Anvil

Lesley and Michael Dixon of Bartley Heath Pottery (Image: Supplied) "Our lovely daughters were born. We carried on with one in one out parenting, while we went out to sell the pots to shops, the least popular job, often soul destroying. We wrapped them in newspaper and packed them up, lugging the heavy boxes to pack into the minivan.

"In winter we drove round the countryside to markets, often returning home cold and disappointed, and in the summer to local and county shows. Gradually customers started to find us in our shed."

Bartley Heath Pottery developed to more than just a business; it became a way of life.

Teaching classes, both to adults and children, became a part of their offering.

These classes proved to be enjoyable and afforded more time for Lesley and Michael to indulge in and perfect their craft.

SEE MORE: See inside this 'stunning' two-bedroom house converted from 1840s chapel

"Gradually the energy ran down and the classes had to stop, the last ones being the children’s classes which were perhaps the most fun of all," Lesley said.

"We finished in the summer, and as an ending we made a ‘totem pole’ together with the students and their families, followed by fruit tarts and drinks in the garden.

"The pole still stands outside the studio, covered in messages, names and images, a bit chipped now, but holding happy memories."

As part of Hampshire Open Studios, the business has teamed up with other local artists under the Odiham Villages Art Trail, covering seven locations for the public to explore.

For their 50th anniversary, Bartley Heath Pottery is planning open workshops, pottery demonstrations, coupled with tea and cake in the garden during the Hampshire Open Studios event.

The owners, extending a warm invitation, are keen to answer questions and introduce their latest creations.

Those unable to make it to the August event are welcomed to visit at another time, although visits should ideally be pre-arranged.