Save the National Glass Centre

05/06/2026

Well, we have a big list of jobs to do! We have put forward proposals today, that were met with interest. We listened, and decided next steps, which I hope to share with you soon. Indeed, we might need you for some of the next steps, so stay tuned!

05/06/2026

Another big name being lost.

Yesterday, on the same site where our pottery began 217 years ago, the final pieces of Denby made their way to the kiln for firing. Centuries of making pottery at Denby may be coming to a close, but the love and soul poured into each piece will live on. In the memories of our skilled craftspeople, in the feel-good moments our loyal collectors enjoy with their Denby, both here and around the world, and in the hearts of the whole community who have stood together and tried their hardest to in our hour of need. Of course, there will definitely be Denby in many peoples’ homes for years to come, it was always made to last after all…

Denby would not have been able to continue for this long without generations of dedicated, skilled people, from the kilns to customers’ homes and all the pairs of hands in between, thank you to every member of staff, past and present, for playing your part in taking care of this piece of history. The future is always uncertain and whilst it’s hard to comprehend what things may look like in the next weeks and months, we are so hugely proud of everything this Derbyshire pottery has achieved, it's not and has never just been about the pots.

*Featuring Roger who has worked at Denby for 54 years.

05/06/2026

Today, we are meeting with one of the local councillors, Andrew Ramsey, who was elected in the ward where the NGC stands. He is fully supporting the campaign. Let's hope it's a productive meeting.

04/06/2026

UPDATE - Petition now stands roughly at 46,035, but that does not include incomplete sheets. So the actual total is higher.

Meeting with Patrick Melia was positive, in many respects. Information gathering for the Article 4 Direction is underway, and he did not reject the idea of a Building Preservation Notice. We are sending him details about this process. We think this might be a good move, as Historic England have to be consulted about this and they are already involved in the listing process. I'll update you about the progress on this, as it happens.

Secondly, we are setting up a working party to move the campaign towards a transition plan and business model. Mr Melia believes that the University may respond to a coherent plan. However, they are maintaining the line that they still plan to close and demolish, since no organisation has come forward with a viable plan, or considerable finance. This is where we must direct our immediate attention. Mr Melia has agreed to meet with us again, which is also positive. Nothing is yet certain, but nothing yet is closed off. Lots to do!! Keep going with us on our journey.

04/06/2026

Off for a day of meetings - first with the NGC campaign group; then with Patrick Melia, Sunderland's Chief Executive. I will update you all on progress on my return. Until then, have a lovely day, and try and dodge the rain.

02/06/2026

Just got back from dodging the showers with the banner crew! Today, we visited Souter Lighthouse (by popular request), Fulwell Mill, the World War I sound mirror, St Peter’s (where it all started), and St Andrew's Church, Roker. We met some lovely people on our route, who all wished us well. Come on, University of Sunderland, give us the NGC back and save the £3.5 m you have set aside for demolition costs!

01/06/2026

All sorts going on this week! Today, a school is rehearsing a song for us; the banner is going back out, weather permitting; and we have an important rescheduled meeting with Sunderland CEO, Patrick Melia, on Thursday. Also, there has been much letter writing!!!!

31/05/2026

For all our new followers, here is the link to the online petition. If you can sign and share widely, that would be great! It will ask you do you want to donate £. Don't! The money doesn't come to us. We just want names. Thank you.

Petition · Save glass blowing and the National Glass Centre in the historic St Peter’s, Sunderland. - United Kingdom · Change.org https://share.google/20D8vdukzpieT1mDo

Join over 500,000,000 people creating real change in their communities.

30/05/2026

WOW! What a great day at the Sunderland History Fair!!! If good wishes alone could save the NGC, it would be untouchable. Thank you to everyone who came to our table today; had conversations and signed the petition. Vikings signed it; Normans signed it; author Terry Deary signed it. So many people signed and expressed how disgraceful the University’s decision to close the NGC was; and how much they hope the new Reform council will be tough and firm with the University and get the building back! They feel the people of Sunderland have been deceived and want the council to act. So do we!

28/05/2026

Hi Everyone, update on our first meeting with the new Leader of the Council, Christopher Eynon.

I am pleased to report that it was a very positive meeting, with open and honest discussion about possible actions, and how we might bring the University to the table.

Christopher has scheduled meetings with the University in early June, and is following up the Article 4 Direction. We also suggested other actions, which can also be implemented, to protect the NGC, and we discussed the listing process. We talked about the glassmakers and their future, and the massive public will to keep glassmaking in the NGC.

We felt listened to, and were made to feel welcome. We probably bombarded Christopher with too much information for one sitting, but he appreciated how much work we had done. We were assured that this was only the first of many meetings with the group, and have been given Andrew Ramsey as our contact on the council. This is who we have been working with already, so this is good news (for us at least!)

There are still challenges, and we must step up our pace, as time is ticking, which does give the Reform led council only a short window in which to work. However, they have hit the floor running, and we have to run even faster, if we are to be successful. We hope we have your support.