AFTER nearly two decades with Arreton Barns, Sally Moss is waving goodbye to her second family.

Owner of Ceramic Crafts, based at the Island’s largest arts and crafts centre, she will be retiring after 19 years there.

As one of the Barns' longest running residents, Sally has been there since the centre first opened its doors nearly 20 years ago.

Wishing to spend more time with her family, she has decided to spend her time exploring what the UK and the rest of the world has to offer.

A keen walker, Sally and her husband will be taking to the trails of Scotland and Ireland, and soaking up all the delights of the British Isles.

Due to Covid, she recently had to cancel a lifelong wish to walk the 500 mile pilgrims trail, El Comino de Santiago across Spain.

It means Arreton Barns will now have an available unit, which it is keen to fill with a potter or ceramics person.

"A firm favourite with visitors, it makes sense to keep this offering available at Arreton Barns," said a spokesperson for the business.

"The unit, located just outside The Dairyman’s Daughter, is in prime position for visitors to the site.

"Sally will be leaving behind her three phase kiln, which is only five years old, as well as shelving.

"It’s the perfect start up for an experienced potter or someone new to the craft who would like to own their own shop."

Sally said: "I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Arreton Barns and will be so sad to leave, but it is the right decision for me and my family at this time.

"The community here is like a family, everyone is so supportive and the lucky person moving in will be extremely fortunate to work with such a great team of people.”

"The one piece of advice I would give to the new crafts person here is make items with the tourist in mind.

"What I mean by this is, when making items see what sells well and really tap into that audience.

"It’s not always about what you personally like or want to do, it’s about what the customer wants."

Sally will not be giving up on her craft completely, and will be making items from home, part time, where her husband hand paints everything she makes.