Forty six delegates gathered on a warm sunny day at Clare College, Cambridge, for the first Art Clay World UK Guild Conference. The months of planning had been hard work but by the time final goodbyes had been said, we felt that it had all been marvellously worthwhile - and we could not wait to do it all again! Many thanks to everyone who came - the happy friendly atmosphere; the excited discussions to be heard all round; the fascinating demos; the new friends made - it was all a magical day. We have had several lovely emails from members saying how much they enjoyed it all - and giving us some good suggestions for even better things next time. Many thanks if you emailed in - feedback is vital to help us grow and improve.

Many thanks to John Cheney who took most of the photographs of the conference that appear here.  A fabulous record of a special day.

I would also like to thank the Art Clay dealers and suppliers who brought their goods to display, demonstrate and sell. Petra Wennberg and Glyn Mitchell who gave seminars free of charge. And Anwa Essien, and many others, who worked so hard to help us on the day.

But most of all, we have to thank Aida Chemical Industries Co. Ltd, for sending over Seigo Mukoyama, Toshi Ueeda and Dice Minagawa. The demonstrations they provided were a fantastic highlight to the conference.

Read on for accounts and a gallery of photos!

Sue Heaser

Director, Art Clay World UK