A FINE art graduate from Bewdley who lost her father and uncle in tragic motorcycle accidents has taken over her own pottery business in their memory.

Camille Peplow said she wanted to turn the devastating losses she and her family suffered into something positive by acquiring The Melting Pot in Load Street, Bewdley.

The 22-year-old, who studied Fine Art at Coventry University before graduating last year, took over the business from previous owner Barbara Miller last October.

Her uncle, Gary Peplow died, aged 50, in a motorcycle crash in Spain in August last year. This tragedy came just 10 years after her father and Gary’s younger brother Dean was killed in a bike accident. He was aged just 38.

Camille, who lives in Bewdley with her long-term partner Neil – who also went to Coventry University at the same time - and their pet dog Flo, said her family were all thrilled and supportive of her venture.

She said: “After the tragedy of losing my uncle last year in similar circumstances to my father, I wanted to do something that would be like a beacon of positivity for us all. So I used the money I inherited to buy this business.

“It was extremely tough for my grandparents Graham and Noreen Peplow who lost both their sons in similar circumstances. But they have been fantastic and supportive.

“They used to run Handy Insurance in Stourport so they are very knowledgeable and sensible when it comes to business matters.

“My other grandparents, Albert and Sheila Ward who are connected with Lowe’s Ropes in Bewdley, are also ecstatic about what I’m doing and keep telling me how proud they are.”

The Melting Pot caters for a host of parties, including hen and birthdays allowing people to decorate ceramics to take away. They also have a special needs community group from Arden House in Kidderminster which attends weekly sessions.

Gary’s partner Isabel Clarke, with whom he had a five-year-old son James, attends a ladies’ night held at the venue, while Camille and her childhood friend Beth Green - who works with her - also run workshops in schools.

Camille added: “I had a great teacher at Bewdley High School, Mrs Becky Newbold, who encouraged me to study fine art so it was very important for me to do something connected with my degree. This is ideal and things are going well.

“Following my uncle’s death, there was a lot of pain but we all came together and were there for each other. Everyone has been so supportive of me doing this and have been there by my side.”