Hazard bowls and knitted poppies in Cyprus
Janet and Dave Adams have become Potters ambassadors in many ways, first visiting Potters in 1998 and bringing thousands of people to Potters over the years as group organisers. As well as staying at Potters over 50 times, they have also been on 14 of our Potters Abroad holidays in Cyprus.
Together with Howard and Linda Watkin-Jones, they continue to help raise funds for Potters Friends Foundation through knitting poppies and games of ‘hazard bowls’, devised by Howard! They have raised over £1,000 through their efforts.
We caught up with them all on their recent Potters break to find out what they do and why…
Why do you want to support Potters Friends Foundation?
Janet: “We were in Cyprus when we heard the news that Brian had died. We all raised a glass to him as he was such a lovely man and we knew him and Judy as they used to come on the Cyprus holidays. We knew we wanted to get involved and support Potters Friends Foundation.”
Dave: “Brian was one of the boys and just so nice, and him and Judy would just have a chat and a coffee with us all and join in with the holiday. We have so many fond memories of our times with them and Brian would always just stop for a chat.”
How long does it take to knit each one?
Linda: “About half an hour and Janet and I knit hundreds of them as they are so popular. All the money raised goes to the Potters Friends Foundation and we have been knitting them for the Foundation since 2015.”
Howard, we hear that ‘hazard bowls’ is your creation. Can you tell us about it?
Howard: “Well Dave and I organise some bowls competitions on the Cyprus break and we all have a lot of fun. Hazard bowls has the rules of crown green but with a twist, and it is safe despite the name, and everyone puts in a small donation for the Foundation. We had about 64 people last time and we’ve done fancy dress too!”
What makes Potters so special?
Dave: “We love it and we watched some of the lovely groups team at Potters grow-up, like Laura and Nathan, and they’ve almost become part of our own family. Potters never stands still and it is just amazing, and the entertainment is superb and I remember Andy Feet and Jonny Laff always makes us laugh.”
Janet: “It is the whole package, the food and entertainment and just everything. Everyone enjoys what they do and has fun too. In terms of the Cyprus holidays it is just picking up Potters and its entertainment and moving it to Cyprus.”
Linda: “We met Janet and Dave in Cyprus and have become great friends with them. The friendships at Potters are one of the best things and how friendly everyone is, you can go up to anyone and they will all be so nice.”
Howard: “One time I came I had hurt myself and the head chef, James, saw me struggling and insisted on carrying my bags for me. Where else would you get a head chef doing that! People like Rachel Baade are also brilliant and we have a laugh with her. Mags, a wonderful Potters ambassador for you in Cyprus, had a blessing with Neil and I did the blessing. We got Rachel to sing as a surprise and we had set-up for her to come in the room in a big bath towel apologising for being late and singing their favourite song for them. It was so funny and just so Potters. We’ve actually got our first Potters Cyprus wedding happening this November!”
A massive thank you to Janet, Dave, Linda and Howard for supporting Potters Friends Foundation, and for everyone in Cyprus who gives so generously