Who would have thought it, I managed to win a little money at the Holnicote point to point last week – things are looking up!  In more ways than one, because the weather has taken a glorious turn and the memories of our very wet Easter are now distant as we are baking in the sun and wondering how long the grass will remain green if this beautifully sunny weather continues.

It is of course PERFECT camping weather and we have been completely inundated with campers eager to evict the metaphorical moths from their kit.  The campsite has been a joyfully busy sight and dear Phil has been run off his feet trying to keep up.  It really has been quite a change of gear since Easter.
 
The merriment is set to continue this weekend as we host the annual Porlock Duck Race, a fantastic village event that has a long history.  The event on Sunday 20 May has continued to improve in recent years and as well as featuring a long list of races, it now includes barbeque and bar, tea, cakes and ice creams, donkey rides, bouncy castle, face painting and a best hat competition.  The action starts at 2pm but you are advised to arrive early if you wish to ‘own’ and name a duck as they get bought up very quickly!  Car parking and entry are free and all monies raised go towards putting on Porlock Carnival, which is itself a great family event which runs on 1 September 2018.  Come along and enjoy the spectacle with us.
 
If you are looking for camping, please do come along and find us, we operate on a very laid-back basis and generally speaking no advance booking is necessary.  Please bear in mind though that our sunny weekends, particularly the bank holidays and that of nearby Weirfest (28 June – 2 July) are very busy and that the electric hook ups for these weekends are almost all spoken for at the time of writing.  If in doubt give Phil a ring on 07721 045123 (but please go easy on him if he’s very busy, he hasn’t had time to pause for breath recently!).

The 2018 season is well underway and the grass is growing green and lush (and very fast).  It was no doubt helped by the exceedingly wet Easter we experienced and while the grass might have enjoyed it, it was very frustrating for us and our campers, most of whom were sadly rained off.  Luckily many have been able to re-plan their breaks and we are now anticipating a busy bank holiday weekend, with all our electric hook ups being booked up some way in advance (sorry folks).
 
It is heartening to see the local events calendar bursting to life again and visitors to Porlock this weekend can take advantage of guided walks that visit Porlock Marsh and Bossington.  The hedgerows are coming to life with abundant greenery and a rainbow of pretty wild flowers and it won’t be long until we’re picnicking at the beach again, hooray! 
 
On the weekend of 12 and 13 May, visitors can enjoy the annual Porlock Open Gardens event, where keepers of gardens large and small throw open their gates and welcome visitors for a nosey, many also offer refreshments, plant sales, raffles and other attractions.  Anyone interested in the majestic Exmoor ponies can visit Allerford Community Hall on Saturday 12 May (12-4pm) to meet some equines from the Exmoor Pony Centre while scoffing a cream tea and enjoying pony-themed activities (entry free, no need to book). 
 
On both Sunday 6 May and Saturday 12 May there is also a point-to-point (amateur horse racing) at Holnicote, which is only a couple of miles from Sparkhayes, towards Minehead on the A39. 
 
So there’s plenty to do, in addition to exploring the beautiful local landscape and sampling our local artisan’s wares.  We’d love to welcome you to Sparkhayes, for a relaxed and friendly break and/or refreshing rejuvenation, come and visit us soon!