Centenary mascot 'Kelvin the Kiln' unveiled at Stoke-on-Trent school
Stoke-on-Trent's centenary mascot was unveiled earlier today (19 March) at a school in Longton.
Schoolchildren at St Gregory's Catholic Academy got the first glimpse of the official Stoke-on-Trent 100 mascot, Kelvin the Kiln, after winning a competition run by the city council.
The two year six pupils who won the competition were Zunairah Hussain, who chose the name Kelvin the Kiln, and Fizza Fatima, who designed the front of Kelvin's potter's apron.
The mascot was produced by character and costume specialist, Rainbow Productions, who brought Kelvin to life. The company's managing director, Simon Foulkes, was born in Stoke-on-Trent and still has connections to the city.
He said: "My grandfather was born in Dundee Street in Longton and, as was normal in the early part of the last century, the whole family was employed by the pottery industry; his father being a china warehouseman and his mother and sister being china paintresses.
"My father, who was born in Stone, joined the RAF and was stationed all over the world but home for us was always Stoke.
"Sitting on my father's shoulders in the Paddock in the Boothen End of the Victoria ground is one of the earliest memories I have.
"I live in Surrey now and, unapologetically, have brought my kids up to support Stoke and how they thank me for it!
"We have never lost our association with Stoke and it is a tremendous privilege now for my company to supply Kelvin the Kiln, the centenary mascot, and to wish the glorious City of Stoke-on-Trent a wonderful 100th birthday."
Victoria Brickley, headteacher of St Gregory's Catholic Academy, said: "We are incredibly proud of our students for their wonderful achievement in the mascot competition, which highlights their creativity and understanding of our local area.
"The artwork celebrates the unique history of Stoke-on-Trent. It is a privilege to play a small part in this significant event."
Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, Councillor Lyn Sharpe, said: "The brilliant reaction from pupils said it all. Kelvin is going to bring a smile to a lot of faces this year.
"I'm sure we'll spend a bit of time in each other's company at more events over the coming months as we continue to celebrate our city's Centenary."
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