1. Monthly Payments, Cancellation Policy and Membership Fee Reviews

Monthly Payments and Payment Method

All membership fees must be paid on the 1st of each month. If you join part-way through a month, your first payment will be calculated on a pro-rata basis for the remainder of that month. Subsequent monthly payments will be due on the 1st of each month.

Payments for Standard Membership are processed by Direct Debit through the TeamUp app, which you will need to download to manage your membership payments.

Members are responsible for ensuring that their membership fees are paid when due. If payments remain outstanding, Cardiff Pottery Workshops reserves the right to pursue recovery of the debt through appropriate legal channels.

Cancellation Policy

12-Month Membership

By choosing a 12-month membership, you commit to the full 12-month contract term.

If you wish to terminate your membership before the end of the initial 12-month term, any applicable adjustment to your membership fees will be calculated using the 3-month rolling membership tariff for the period of membership already undertaken, in accordance with the applicable membership terms.

You must provide at least 30 days' written notice by email to info@cardiffpotteryworkshops.com to terminate your membership at the end of the contract term.

At the end of your initial 12-month contract, your membership will automatically renew for a further 12-month term unless you give at least 30 days' written notice of your intention to cancel.

3-Month Rolling Membership

By choosing a 3-month rolling membership, you commit to an initial 3-month term. Your membership will then automatically renew for further 3-month terms unless you give at least 30 days' written notice of your intention to cancel at the end of the current term.

Cancellation notices must be sent by email to info@cardiffpotteryworkshops.com.

The cancellation terms above do not apply where a member cancels in accordance with the Annual Membership Fee Reviews provisions below.

Annual Membership Fee Reviews

Cardiff Pottery Workshops may review membership fees once every 12 months to reflect changes in the costs of operating and maintaining the studio, including rent, utilities, materials, equipment maintenance and other operating costs.

If a membership fee increase is proposed, members will receive written notice at least three months before the new fee takes effect. The notice will explain the reason for the increase, the revised monthly fee and the date from which it will apply.

If you do not wish to accept the revised fee, you may cancel your membership by notifying Cardiff Pottery Workshops in writing at least one month before the new fee takes effect. Where cancellation is requested under this clause, no early termination fee or charge for the remaining contractual term will apply. You will remain responsible for membership fees due up to the effective date of cancellation, but you will not be required to pay the increased fee for any period after cancellation.

If you choose to continue your membership after the revised fee takes effect, the new monthly fee will apply from the date stated in the written notice.

2. Membership Options and Benefits

Our membership plans provide different levels of tuition, studio access and firing allowance.

Compulsory 2-Month Taught or Supported Membership — £240 Total

Before progressing to a longer-term membership, members must complete either a 2-month Taught Membership or a 2-month Supported Membership. You may complete one of these introductory options, not both.

Taught Membership

• Includes a 6-week beginners' course in either throwing or handbuilding.

• Includes 12 hours of studio access per week for personal practice.

• Following the 2-month membership, you will automatically be enrolled onto a 12-month contract unless you notify us otherwise by emailing info@cardiffpotteryworkshops.com.

Supported Membership

• Suitable for members with some pottery experience who require additional support.

• Includes three 30-minute one-to-one tuition sessions. Please book through the sign-up sheet on the members' noticeboard in the glaze area.

• Includes 12 hours of studio access per week for personal practice.

• Following the 2-month membership, you will automatically be enrolled onto a 12-month contract unless you notify us otherwise by emailing info@cardiffpotteryworkshops.com.

Both introductory memberships have a minimum 2-month commitment. Taught and Supported members are not eligible to attend Members’ Skill Share Sessions, but they may attend the Technical Sessions available to all members.

Standard 12-Month Membership — £110 per Month

• A 12-month contractual commitment.

• 12 hours of studio access per week.

• Personal storage space.

• Access to studio glazes.

• Two kiln shelves of firing space per month.

• All the Standard Membership benefits listed below.

• Automatic renewal for a further 12-month term unless cancelled with at least 30 days' written notice before the end of the current term.

Standard 3-Month Rolling Membership — £145 per Month

• An initial 3-month contractual commitment, renewing for further 3-month terms.

• 12 hours of studio access per week.

• Personal storage space.

• Access to studio glazes.

• Two kiln shelves of firing space per month.

• All the Standard Membership benefits listed below.

• Automatic renewal unless cancelled with at least 30 days' written notice before the end of the current term.

Advanced 12-Month Membership — £165 per Month

• A 12-month contractual commitment.

• Unlimited studio access, subject to studio opening hours, booking availability and studio rules.

• Personal storage space.

• Access to studio glazes.

• Three kiln shelves of firing space per month.

• All the Standard Membership benefits listed below, with the enhanced access and firing allowance.

• Automatic renewal for a further 12-month term unless cancelled with at least 30 days' written notice before the end of the current term.

Advanced 3-Month Rolling Membership — £200 per Month

• An initial 3-month contractual commitment, renewing for further 3-month terms.

• Unlimited studio access, subject to studio opening hours, booking availability and studio rules.

• Personal storage space.

• Access to studio glazes.

• Three kiln shelves of firing space per month.

• All the Standard Membership benefits listed below, with the enhanced access and firing allowance.

• Automatic renewal unless cancelled with at least 30 days' written notice before the end of the current term.

Benefits Included with 3-Month and 12-Month Standard Memberships

Our Standard Memberships offer more than just studio access. They provide the facilities, resources and community to help you develop your pottery practice.

Both 3-month and 12-month Standard Memberships include:

• 12 hours of studio access per week to work independently and develop your own pottery practice.

• Opportunities to exhibit your work.

• Opportunities to sell your work at our exclusive summer and festive makers markets.

• Personal storage space for your pottery and materials.

• Two kiln shelves of firing space per month included in your membership.

• Over 20 online instructional videos to support your learning and development.

• Weekly Technical Sessions, open to all members.

• Members’ Skill Share Sessions, exclusively for members on 3-month and 12-month rolling-contract memberships. These sessions are free but must be booked in advance through the Members Area.

• Discounted clay from our clay store.

• Discounted glaze for your pottery.

• Discounted classes and masterclasses to help you expand your skills.

• Exclusive online pottery supplier discounts available to members.

• A friendly and sociable community.

• Free Wi-Fi to use while at the studio.

• Free tea and coffee to enjoy during your studio sessions.

Additional Benefits of Advanced Membership

Advanced Membership includes all the benefits listed above, with the following enhanced allowances:

• Unlimited studio access, subject to studio opening hours, booking availability and studio rules, rather than the 12-hour weekly limit.

• Three kiln shelves of firing space per month included in your membership.

All benefits are subject to the studio rules, booking arrangements, firing procedures and applicable terms set out in this contract.

3. Studio Access and Booking

The studio is available only to members who have completed the full induction process.

Studio time must be booked through the Members Area of the website using the online booking system. Bookings are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Family members and friends may not use the studio under your membership. Membership access is for the named member only.

Booking Rules

• Reserve your studio session through the Members Area using the relevant password.

• Membership bookings are divided into Wheel Slots and Handbuilding Table Slots. Select the slot that best suits your intended activity.

• Please book no more than two slots at a time to ensure fair access for all members.

• Limited availability may indicate that a class is taking place in the studio. You may wish to choose another session if you prefer to work without a class in progress.

• Be mindful of class schedules. Members will be notified of events or classes that limit studio access.

• Please check that no demonstration is taking place before using the studio hairdryers.

• Ensure that you have completed your cleaning and are ready to leave by the end of your booked session.

Important information about classes, events, studio procedures and closures will be shared by email, newsletter or the Members Area. Members are responsible for reading these communications.

For booking issues, please speak to a member of the team or email info@cardiffpotteryworkshops.com.

4. General Rules and Studio Etiquette

 Cleanup

At the end of each session, allow at least 20 minutes to clean your work area.

To minimise airborne clay dust:

• Use a damp sponge and clean water to wipe down surfaces.

• Wipe up any water, slip, slurry or clay on the floor using the cloths provided.

• Place used cleaning cloths in the basket by the washing machine.

• Clean your workspace thoroughly before leaving.

Your booked time includes the time needed to clean your workspace and put away equipment.

Pottery Wheel Care

Clean the pottery wheels thoroughly after every session, paying particular attention to:

• The wheel head.

• The foot pedal.

• The back wall and surrounding area.

Use clean water and a sponge to remove all traces of clay and slurry.

Tools and Equipment

All tools and equipment must be cleaned and returned to their designated places after use.

• Store your work on your personal shelf to prevent damage or accidental disposal.

• Studio tools must not be taken home.

• Return tools to a member of staff or place them in the designated blue box.

• If you need additional tools, ask a member of staff.

Induction and Equipment Training

All members must complete a full studio induction before using the facilities.

Before using the slab roller or wall-mounted extruders, you must attend and complete the relevant technical session on studio equipment. These items must not be used until this training has been completed.

If you are unsure how to operate any studio equipment safely, please speak to a member of staff before use.

Safety Measures

For everyone's safety, the following rules must be followed:

• No dry sanding or scraping of clay or glaze. Wet sanding is permitted.

• Wipe down surfaces with damp cloths to minimise clay dust in the air.

• The kiln area is restricted to trained staff only. If you have a problem, have placed work on the wrong firing shelf or need to retrieve work, speak to the Studio Manager or the staff member on duty. Do not enter the kiln area yourself.

• The restricted back area of the studio is out of bounds to members for health and safety reasons.

• Avoid using sharp objects, such as razor blades and craft knives, when working as these can easily be incorporated into reclaim and cause potential harm.

• Closed-toe shoes must be worn at all times in the studio.

• When mixing dry ingredients, such as plaster or glaze components, you must wear an appropriate respirator. You are responsible for providing your own respirator.

• Gas blowtorches must not be used anywhere in the studio.

• Do not bring or use your own electrical equipment, including fan heaters or paint strippers.

• Hairdryers and heat guns must never be used at the pottery wheel. If you need a heat gun elsewhere in the studio, ask a member of staff first.

Studio Etiquette

• Book all studio time through the Members Area.

• Treat all members, staff and visitors with respect and courtesy.

• Be considerate of classes, demonstrations and other activities taking place in the studio.

• Keep shared workspaces and walkways clear.

• Return equipment and materials to their designated places.

• Report any hazards, accidents or near misses to a member of staff.

Technical Assistance

Standard Membership is self-directed, meaning you are responsible for developing your own work and techniques independently.

Staff are available for brief conversations and general guidance. If you need more detailed instruction or ongoing support, please ask about the available technical sessions or chargeable private one-to-one sessions. Further information is available in the Members Area.

If you are unable to work independently after attending the relevant technical sessions, the Pottery Director may recommend a more suitable membership or additional tuition.

5. Opening Hours and Studio Closures

Monday to Friday: 10 am–9 pm

Saturday: 10 am–8 pm

Sunday: 10 am–5 pm

Cardiff Pottery Workshops reserves the right to close the studio temporarily when necessary, including for essential maintenance, repairs or major events, such as the Cardiff Half Marathon. Wherever reasonably possible, advance notice will be provided.

The studio will be closed for both the summer Makers Market and Merry Makers Market, and over the Christmas and New Year period. Some bank holidays may also affect opening hours.

Planned closures and changes to opening arrangements will be communicated through the members' newsletter or Members Area.

6. Toilets

The studio has separate ladies' and gender-neutral toilets. Please leave these facilities clean and tidy for other members.

If you notice any issues with the toilets, please notify the duty manager immediately.

Important: Do not wash hands covered in clay in the toilet sinks. Please use the buckets or sump sinks provided.

7. Coat and Bag Storage

You may leave your bags and coats on the designated coat stand or store them on your allocated shelf at the back of the studio, where appropriate.

Please keep personal belongings organised and avoid obstructing walkways or shared work areas.

Cardiff Pottery Workshops Foundation CIC does not provide general insurance cover for members' personal belongings, bicycles or pottery. Members should consider whether they require their own insurance.

8. Designated Eating Area and Kitchen

For health and safety reasons, food must be eaten only in the designated eating area. Food is not permitted in the main studio. Drinks, including tea and coffee, are permitted in the studio.

Kitchen Station and Hot Drinks

• Free tea and coffee are available at the hot drinks station under the stairs in the main studio.

• Please wash your cup in the sink or dishwasher after use.

• Keep the hot drinks station clean and wipe down surfaces using the cloth provided.

• A microwave is available for reheating food. Wash and return any plates or bowls you use.

• Take your food containers and drink bottles with you and dispose of food packaging in the bins provided.

• Please leave the dining table clean and tidy after use.

Donations

To maintain a safe and organised studio environment, please do not bring in unsolicited donations or items for communal use, including books, magazines and packaging materials, unless agreed with a member of the team in advance.

9. Technical Sessions and Support

Technical Sessions — Open to All Members

Technical Sessions are available to all members, regardless of membership type, including Taught and Supported Memberships.

These sessions cover practical topics such as clay, glazing, reclaiming clay and other pottery techniques. They provide an opportunity for members to develop their skills and knowledge.

Sunday Technical Sessions take place from 2–3 pm. Details of upcoming sessions are available on the members' noticeboard in the glaze area and online in the Members Area.

Please check the relevant session information for details of topics and attendance arrangements.

Members’ Skill Share Sessions

Members’ Skill Share Sessions are available exclusively to members on our 3-month and 12-month rolling-contract memberships. Members on Taught or Supported Memberships are not eligible to attend these sessions.

Skill Share Sessions are free of charge, but booking is essential. All sessions must be booked in advance using the booking link provided in the Members Area.

Please ensure you have booked your place before attending.

Additional Technical Support

If you need help with a specific technique, materials or firing temperatures, please speak to a member of staff.

If you require more detailed instruction or individual support, chargeable private one-to-one sessions may be available. These can be arranged by emailing info@cardiffpotteryworkshops.com. Further information is available in the Members Area.

10. Clay, Glazes and Studio Purchases

Purchasing Materials

Clay, glaze, coloured slips, tools and additional kiln space can be purchased at the studio.

Please ask a member of staff for assistance with purchases. Payment must be made immediately using the card machine at the till area. We do not operate an IOU system.

Storing Clay and Materials

• Clay must be labelled with your name.

• Keep clay on your personal shelf when not in use.

• Do not store clay on the floor.

• Keep lids on clay and glaze containers to prevent drying out and contamination.

• Any unlabelled container may be disposed of.

Glaze Use and Testing

All glazes used in CPWF kilns must be tested on test tiles before being applied to work intended for firing.

Test tiles must be placed on a bisque tile for firing. These are situated underneath the members' collection shelves.

Glaze prices and usage limits are displayed in the glaze area. Please follow the instructions provided and ask a member of staff if you are unsure about a glaze or its firing temperature.

In-House Glazes

Low-fire glazes are labelled white, mid-fire glazes grey and high-fire glazes black. Please use the corresponding labelled glaze containers and follow the guide in the glaze area.

Glazing Prices

Payment must be made before applying glaze.

• Full shelf: £12

• Three-quarter shelf: £9

• Half shelf: £6

• Quarter shelf: £3

Please pay for any additional materials or kiln space at the time of purchase.

11. Kiln Use and Firing Procedures

Kiln Allowance and Limitations

Cardiff Pottery Workshops Foundation CIC is not a production studio and cannot accommodate large volumes of work due to limited kiln space.

Standard Membership includes two shelves of kiln space per month.

Advanced Membership includes three shelves of kiln space per month.

If you exceed your monthly firing allowance, additional kiln space may be purchased through the card machine. Please speak to a member of staff for assistance.

Additional kiln space costs:

• Full shelf: £20

• Half shelf: £10

Your monthly allowance is intended to support personal practice within the available kiln capacity. Please be considerate of other members when planning your work.

Firing Guidelines

All members must follow these firing procedures:

• Always bisque fire your work before glaze firing.

• Place your items on the appropriate shelves and follow the studio's firing arrangements.

• Clearly stamp your work so it can be identified.

• Low-fire clay must never be fired at high temperatures.

• Do not glaze the bottom of your work.

• All work to be glaze fired must be placed on a biscuit (a flat tile of fired clay) to help prevent damage to kiln shelves.

• Place work on the correct shelf for its firing temperature. If you are unsure, ask a member of staff before placing your work.

• You must attend the glaze technical session before placing glazed work on the glaze shelves or submitting it for firing.

• The kiln area is restricted to trained staff only. If you need help retrieving work or correcting a shelf placement, speak to the Studio Manager or the staff member on duty.

Prohibited Bead Racks and Stilting Methods

• Metal bead racks are not permitted in CPWF kilns. During firing, metal can shed flakes that contaminate other work and require extensive kiln cleaning. We recommend using stoneware clay bead racks that have been fired to a suitable high temperature, with ceramic rods instead of nichrome wire.

• Tripod stilts and similar stilting methods are not permitted. During firing, pieces can soften, shrink, shift or topple, potentially damaging other work, kiln shelves and the kiln itself.

Members must follow these restrictions when preparing work for firing. If you are unsure whether a bead rack or support method is suitable, please check with a member of staff before submitting your work for firing.

Kiln shelf damage: Work that damages a kiln shelf may result in a charge for its replacement. The estimated replacement cost is approximately £80, depending on the damage and replacement required.

Firing Temperatures

• Bisque: 1000°C

• Low-fire glaze: 1100°C

• Mid-fire glaze: 1220°C

• High-fire glaze: 1240°C

• Lustre: 700°C

Firing Schedule and Deadlines

The Studio Manager manages the kiln schedule. Please allow up to three weeks for each firing.

If you are working towards a specific deadline, exhibition or event, you must allow approximately six weeks for drying, bisque firing and glaze firing.

Firing times are estimates, and we cannot guarantee that work will be ready by a particular deadline. Cardiff Pottery Workshops cannot guarantee completion in time for exhibitions, events or other personal deadlines.

If your work is not on the shelf ready for collection, it may be within the kiln system. Please check with the team if you have a genuine concern, but avoid repeatedly asking staff to search for work while it is being processed.

Firing Risks

Pottery firing involves inherent risks, including cracking, glaze defects, damage caused by exploding pieces and other unexpected kiln-related issues. Please follow all studio guidance and prepare your work appropriately.

Any limitation of the studio's liability is subject to applicable law and does not exclude liability where it would be unlawful to do so.

Lustre Firing

Upcoming lustre firings will be communicated through the Members Area or newsletter.

12. Sink Area and Waste Disposal

• Use the designated bucket system to clean wheel trays and tools. Do not wash clay residue into the sink.

• Dispose of slurry water in the slurry bins and glaze water in the designated glaze bin.

• If the slurry bin is full, do not add any more material. Inform a member of staff.

• Clean up any spills immediately and mop the floor where necessary to keep the studio safe for everyone.

• Use damp cleaning methods to minimise airborne clay dust.

13. Shelf Storage

Each member is allocated a personal shelf for storing wet work, tools and clay. Your shelf will be labelled with your name and membership type.

Please keep your allocated shelf organised and ensure that your work and materials do not encroach on another member's storage space.

Do not store clay on the floor. Keep walkways clear at all times for health and safety.

Ensure all work is stored on your personal shelf or in the appropriate designated area. This helps prevent damage or accidental disposal.

14. Transport and Parking

Public transport: Cardiff Central Bus service 92 is approximately a seven-minute walk from the studio. Alternatively, Cogan Station is approximately a 10–18-minute walk away.

Parking: Limited on-site parking is available. Please do not park directly outside the front door.

Cycling: A bike rack is available for parking bicycles. Personal belongings and bicycles are not covered by the studio's general public liability insurance.

15. Insurance and Liability

Cardiff Pottery Workshops Foundation CIC has public liability insurance. This insurance does not provide general cover for members' personal belongings, bicycles or pottery.

Members are responsible for considering whether they need their own insurance for personal property and work.

Pottery making and firing involve inherent risks. Members must follow studio safety procedures, equipment guidance and staff instructions.

Nothing in this contract excludes or limits any liability that cannot lawfully be excluded or limited.

16. Fire Safety

Fire safety procedures and evacuation arrangements will be covered during your induction.

Please familiarise yourself with the evacuation procedures and follow staff instructions in the event of an emergency.

17. First Aid, Defibrillator and Accidents

Senior staff members are trained in first aid. Please ask a member of staff for help if you need assistance in an emergency.

A first aid kit and defibrillator are available on site.

If you feel unwell or are injured on the premises, please inform a member of the team. You may be asked to complete an accident report form.

Please also inform the team of any near misses or potential risks if you become aware of them.

18. Respect, Inclusion and Behaviour

Cardiff Pottery Workshops CIC is proud of its diverse community. We ask all members to treat one another with kindness and respect.

Hostility, discrimination, harassment, threatening behaviour and violence will not be tolerated. Members are expected to respect other people, studio staff, shared equipment and the working environment.

Members must follow reasonable instructions from staff relating to safety, equipment, bookings, cleanliness and studio operations.

Cardiff Pottery Workshops Foundation CIC reserves the right to review or withdraw membership where a member fails to comply with studio rules or contractual obligations, subject to the applicable membership terms and law.

19. Health and Safety Information

Members should inform the appropriate staff member confidentially of any health condition, access requirement or other relevant circumstance that may affect their ability to work safely in the studio or require reasonable adjustments.

Information provided for health and safety purposes will be handled appropriately and confidentially.

If you have any concerns about your safety or ability to use particular equipment, please speak to the Studio Manager before using it.