The "WESTERN POTTER" No. 22. April, 1971.

Iam celebrating editing my first issue of the "Western Potter"
by being flattened by the ‘flu bug. However, I think I'm on the
mend; at least I no longer shiver and sweat at the same time,
and I'm considering having something to eat, even though it
could mean survival.

I knew Gillian Hodge would be difficult to follow in a job like
this, but I hadn't counted on contending with the 'flu as well.

I'm still rather vague about a few things - like, who is Bill
Fisher? Ithink he must be a Nelson potter. All I really know
is that I would like very much to see some of his pottery, and
I'm delighted with his drawing on the cover.

When I was in England last summer I was surprised at how many
English potters fire with electricity. I had pictured them all
laboring, a la Leach, with wood or dirty old ofl, sweating and
sooty, while the smoke and flames poured from the peepholes
and chimney -- but no -- so often prosaic little boxes heated
by electricity. Back home in B,C, I'm delighted to find gas
kilns popping up like mushrooms all over the place. I decided
it would be interesting to hear about a few of them, hence the
descriptions by Heinz Laffin, Irene Perry and Frances Hatfield,
and Marjorie Roberts.

We are indebted to Jean Marie Weakland for all the photos in
this issue, and I'd like to express my gratitude for the great
co-operation I've had from all contributors.

The deadline for items for the next issue is June 15th, and I'd
like particularly to hear from anyone using local materials.

Aside from the fiery contribution from Robin Peck, we seem to be
lacking in the field of reviews of shows. How about some
volunteer reporting on shows in Vancouver?

Hoping to hear from you.

Ruth Meechan E: