MARGOT and Derek Andrews left behind 20 years of teaching to realise their dream of establishing a pottery. Friends and family told them they were mad, but more than 30 years later, the couple have written a book about setting up the popular Prickwillow P

MARGOT and Derek Andrews left behind 20 years of teaching to realise their dream of establishing a pottery.

Friends and family told them they were mad, but more than 30 years later, the couple have written a book about setting up the popular Prickwillow Pottery that is remembered across the district today.

The colourfully-illustrated book, which tells the story of how the couple found their premises and went about establishing their new business, was a labour of love for Mr and Mrs Andrews, who now live in Cambridge.

"We loved Prickwillow, and we often go back - it was the most exciting part of our lives," said Mrs Andrews.

"People came from all along the river to the pottery and it was always a nice atmosphere," Mr Andrews said.

The couple, both in their 70s, tell stories of the people they encountered, and their place in a community that witnessed small shops and businesses being replaced by larger organisations.

Mr and Mrs Andrews were also involved in the failed bid to save the village school, and more successful campaigns to re-build the village hall and create the drainage engine museum from the redundant pumping house.

"We didn't get rich, but we earned our keep and we thoroughly enjoyed what we were doing," Mrs Andrews said.

The book will be launched on Sunday's engine run day at Prickwillow Drainage Engine Museum from 11am. Engines will run every half hour from 12pm.

Refreshments will be available, as well as a free mince pie with every ticket.

INFO: Prickwillow Pottery: 1975-1995 will be available from Toppings, High Street, Ely, Heffers in Cambridge, and the authors themselves on 01223 575112. The price is £10.