The smell of the herring, the sound of the militia's muskets and the harmonies of shanty singers have been stowed away for another year. We would like to thank everyone who has helped the potteries this year helping to make it such a  big success. From carrying the large oil paintings, barrels and nets to creating and manning our colorful stall.

 A painting for the people is at St Nicholas Church

 On the evening of 23rd June, the unveiling of 'the painting for the people' took place at St Nicholas' Church in Great Yarmouth to mark the 800th Anniversary of the King John Charter. The Charter which was instituted 800 years ago in 1208 and sealed the future of the borough by making it a ‘free borough for ever’. 

It took 2 years to complete the painting which became 20 foot in length. Ernie only used the very best paint and materials as it was designed to last. Depicted in the painting are people from all walks in life and ordinary people are standing next to millionaires.

Ernie has put a great deal of time and work into the painting even working through the night time. He thanked everyone who helped and gave their support and obviously to Karen.

The Revd Peter Paine, spoke about the painting. He said that he had viewed it 2 years ago when it was in its very early stage. The committee discussed ways in which they could commemorate the 800th Anniversary and decided that they wanted to create something that would be for everyone. The faces in the painting are of local people dressed in medieval costumes. On view there were photos of the people who took part in this remarkable painting. Peter said that it was like a huge jigsaw puzzle and that the unveiling was the final piece of that jigsaw.

The congregation stood to face the painting and the High Steward of Great Yarmouth removed the covering which was the Seafarers Mission Flag, while there was a musical item by ‘The Plough Jockeys Shanty Singers’.

The service was brought to a close by his worship the Mayor, Councillor Michael Jeal. He thanked everyone for coming to this event and also the committee who had organised all the events including this service. He said that Ernie was the salt of the earth and that he is a good steward for this borough. The Mayor said that he had known Ernie and Karen for many years and he thanked him for his work and also thanked his wife for all the support that she had given.

Established in 1978 by Ernie Childs Great Yarmouth Potteries has developed from its original small beginnings to encompass asssociate crafts, Sculpture, art origination, Mold making, Relief carving for ceramics and Bronzes, Oil painting and lithographic printers for pottery. We manufacture many different lines in pottery but our main product is limited edition Tankards. Our tankards hand carved in relief have over 30 years become collectors items. In our time in bussiness we have created 250 separate editions each of a different subject and limited to anything between 100-500 each edition. These antiques of tomorrow are already in demand and some rarer ones fetch hundreds of pounds far above their original price, lifeboat stations, historic manor houses, churches, military organisasions have all benifited from the sale of our tankards.