Wow, it's been a busy time again. If any of you read my other blog or follow Handmade Haven on fb you will know about the fabulous William Blyth Heritage and Craft Centre in Barton. For those that don't know, I have been asked to supply my soaps, scrubs and melts so they can be stocked in the shop. An amazing sense of pride/achievement for myself. I was also asked whether I would like one of the workshops that are on site. Unfortunately the rent is quite high for me at the moment, but I was invited to have a look round the site yesterday so that I could get a feel for the place, and what they hope to achieve. The hubby and I also booked to view premises that are actually available in the village where we live as the mortgage on that would be half the cost of the rent at William Blyth.
First off then was the William Blyth site - it's still being finished, although all the buildings are built. What an amazing place, the sense of heritage on the site is amazing. Tiles are still made here, the original (1840s) kiln was burning away (the tiles are fired for 4 days continuously!), the builders/fitters/potters/green oak specialist was working away. The chef was overseeing the kitchen being fitted. They are hoping a blacksmith will come and take one of the workshops, there is already a florist seriously interested. The aim is to keep the heritage of the site to benefit the whole community, while promoting local talents/produce/skills. The plans for the place are huge and the enthusiasm of Katherine (the woman heading everything) was infectious. I came away buzzing.
Home for lunch then off to look at the other premises. Centuries old stables that have been converted into a big room with office space off, a porch, a small storeroom and a loo. I have dreamed about owning this place since it came on the market a few months ago...a workshop for me where I could work without taking over the house (as I do at the moment), a place for craft groups, a place to sell my things too, a place for demonstrating soap making, and a 5 minute walk from the house.
My heart is aching today...I feel drained. I would so love to have a workshop at the William Blyth Heritage and Craft Centre. The whole feeling of the place, what they hope to achieve, their ethos, the future plans of which I am privilaged to be aware of....
I don't really know why I'm posting this...I think I just needed to get it down on paper...to make my feelings 'solid'...seeing them in print. Blooming heck...I don't want to pull in the reins...I want to go for it!!
5 comments:
Shell, Wow!! Exciting times ahead, hope the right decision makes itself clear to you soon, how wonderful to even be contemplating such a step. So pleased for you. xxx
Wow that is very exciting. Remember you can haggle with rent, I would go back to the one your instincts are telling you to with an offer to them and see where it takes you :-) xxx
Excuse the pun, but "Giddy up hon"!
What a fabulous opportunity, hope you can come to some sort of deal, perhaps a trial period at lower rent, something to help you realise your dream.
Good luck as always xxx
Dawn x
Agree with the others. Try not to be overwhelmed. Look how far you've come and what you've achieved already in such a relatively small period of time. The right choice will present itself. It's really exciting, so enjoy the journey and feel very proud. xx
both options sound wonderful shell. i wish you all the very best whichever you decide to go for. and look forward to hearing more about it. very exciting :)
xx
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