A Staffordshire entrepreneur on a mission to create a new passion for the Potteries is hosting the latest in a series of heritage walks aimed at inspiring other business people.
The event on March 21 is the fifth walk in a series that Simon Davies, Managing Director of successful Newcastle-under-Lyme-based pet fencing business Protectapet, has hosted over recent months.
It will start from Stoke Station and explore the Etruria Valley to Middleport.
The walk, guided by local heritage podcaster Jenna Goodwin, will take in the Etruria Industrial Museum, the only surviving section of Josiah Wedgwood’s original factory (the Roundhouse close to the canal), atmospheric potbank wharves and the site of the former Shelton Bar steel works and much more.
Afterwards, guest speaker Andy Spinoza, acclaimed author of ‘Manchester Unspun’, will give insights from the regeneration of some of Manchester’s industrial heritage sites.
Simon said: “This is all about getting together forward-thinking people who are passionate about the area and who want to see a bright future for the Potteries.
“The Etruria Valley’s importance to local industry can’t be over-stated, and the canals themselves have been the lifeblood of Stoke-on-Trent – although their history and their unique heritage have often been sadly overlooked.
“Having set up my own business in Burslem, I saw just how much potential the area had, against such a stark backdrop of decline.
“I want to see that decline reversed, and I firmly believe that working together the business, creative and resident local communities of Stoke-on-Trent can achieve great things for the area – including, importantly, for the Etruria Valley.”
Simon has set up a community interest company, The Teapot Factory CIC, to take on key projects breathing new life into industrial heritage sites, with more details to be announced shortly.
The Etruria Valley walk is free to attend, but anyone wanting to join can register in advance via EventBrite here.
