Helen Clarke

A swarm has just landed at our empty hive, we just love our beekeeping hobby, honey bees are amazing @BBCSpringwatch @StJosBarlick

I need 100,000 signatures to win a parliamentary debate about the ownership of the water industry. Do your thing internet. petition.parliament.uk/petitions/7626…

So pleased to have been invited to show my #handbuilt #ceramic #vessels alongside #textiletuorgroup and #sarahburgess at Ivy Cottage, Upper Lumsdale, Matlock DE4 5LB as part of #ArtsTrailMay2026 on 23 -25 May 10am-4pm. If you're in the area do come along, you will be most welcome

@JamesWD29 Well done! This is what running teaches you . The pain is only temporary. The post run feeling is fantastic. Keep at it one run at a time

That hurt 😭. But finished 😁

@KyzerChef Not good enough yet. Have you seen Trawden Pottery ? He makes some wacky pots as well as everyday wares . Bentham pottery too.

@AllotmentHelen Can I put an order in

Bisque firing was a success. Made for a happy Sunday. #pottery #ceramics

@246calm Brilliant. Happy Easter Alex .

Happy Easter from Alex: The Black Knight, Lincoln, PC Boot, Pooh on a bad day, Beverley, General Chick and Chocolate Pot

@JamesWD29 Brilliant. Keep at it! It’s the best for mental and physical health.I’m in my 50s I’d never run in my life until 2 years ago .I did C25k . I ran Great Manchester 10k last year & the Great North Run half marathon . This year I’m running Jane Tomlinson York 10 miles . Book a race!

Start of week 4. Kept running at end of final 5-minute set and ended up running for 15 minutes straight, and for just over a mile. I thought I would never run a mile ever again #couchto5k

Remembering my recent holiday in clay. #pottery #ceramics #RSPB

Oyster Catchers on the beach. Chicks eye view.

@IanGordonCraig Thanks. Happy accident. I got the transparent glaze on a bit thick but it works well .

@AllotmentHelen Very nice, appropriately "gothic" mood.

I love Whitby . So it’s ended up on a plate . #Whitby

Beekeepers, have you lost many hives to damp this winter? Hearing of losses of 40-70% in my area. If replicated across the country, could be one of the worst years for hive losses in years.

@JamesWD29 Yes . We’ve lost 50% . We aren’t out of the woods yet.The remaining ones look weak . We are in the Pennines . It’s not starvation as there are still plenty of stores on. It’s the damp. We are on commercial hives. We’re thinking of putting a protective jacket on for next winter.

Grrrrr! I’m going to mount this sculpture of hubby by the front door to deter cold callers . #ceramics #pottery

Latest figures from Alex: Gengar, Stormy Cloud9, Tutan Cobra, Bad Custard, Cherry Bomb, Bert Barracuda and Hogwitch.

I’m liking this one muchly so far. I’m talking to it nicely as I make it hoping it turns out like my minds eye sees it. Kiln gods do ya stuff! #ceramics #learning #selftaught

My fave things out of the glaze firing today.I was getting pinholes. I researched why. I then programmed the kiln to do a drop hold. It worked! Pottery is complex. Learning by mistakes. It challenges my brain. I learn by myself & I love the solitude of making. #pottery #ceramics

@annbates15 @carl_thompson70 Ann that is a marvellous photo. I love Lowry’s work. First seeds are in! Don’t know whether bees have survived winter yet. March can be the toughest month. Hope you are still busy potting

@carl_thompson70 @AllotmentHelen Thought you might appreciate this marvellous image, as I do! Hope all is well and plans afoot for planting/growing in the allotment, also that Bees are thriving.

L.S. Lowry died on this day 50 years ago. I recently read a biography of this wonderfully ordinary chap. He turned down five major honours including a knighthood (more than anyone else). He couldn't do with the mither. He owned just a couple suits, one of which he painted in.

@GylesB1 Box ticked . And it cost nothing!

Many years ago, my wife said to me “Make our Valentine’s night dinner memorable.” I did my best.