by Poppy from Stoke-on-Trent asks Santa about a vintage Santa mug, learns about Staffordshire’s location, and hears about Stoke-on-Trent’s famous pottery industry heritage
Dear Santa, my name is Poppy and I am nine years old. I live in Stoke-on-Trent, England, where my grandad says our whole city has been making cups, plates, and mugs for so long that people just call us the Potteries.
Dear Poppy, your grandad is entirely right, and I have real admiration for that particular craftsmanship myself.
Santa, I have three questions.
My first question is, is there a vintage Santa mug? My gran collects old-fashioned holiday mugs, and I want to find her a proper addition this year.
Vintage-style mugs are treasured finds this time of year, Poppy, and given your city’s pottery expertise, I suspect you will find an especially beautiful one without much trouble at all.
My second question is about our county. My teacher says Stoke-on-Trent sits in Staffordshire. Is that true?
It is, Poppy. Stoke-on-Trent lies within Staffordshire, a region long associated with fine ceramic craftsmanship. Flying over that particular county each Christmas Eve, I always think of all the careful pottery made there.
My third question is about our pottery industry. My teacher says our city has been known as the Potteries for centuries. Is that true?
It is true, Poppy. Stoke-on-Trent has been a major center for pottery and ceramics production since the 1700s, earning it that well-deserved nickname. I always admire that kind of patient, skilled craftsmanship whenever I fly past.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Poppy Sutcliffe
Stoke-on-Trent, England
P.S. Do you drink cocoa from a Stoke-on-Trent mug?
Whenever I am lucky enough, Poppy. It always tastes a little better.
