Greetings!  It’s rather windy here in Porlock today, there is definitely something autumnal about the weather but that didn’t stop me from having a dip in the sea a few days ago, it was surprisingly warm.  

So, the Carnival’s over though the bunting is still just about hanging on over the High Street... a couple of lorries have managed to take some home with them!  We are rather melancholy about the end of an era at the Visitor Centre, manager Denise Sage is retiring after 17 years at the helm.  Many of you will know Denise as she has always been marvelously helpful to anyone with a query in Porlock, whether visiting or living locally.  She has done such a vast amount to promote Porlock and encourage lively, interesting things to take part in, it’s no wonder she needs a rest..!  We wish her the very best and send an enormous THANK YOU for all her efforts, the effects of which will last for a long time.  We also welcome her successor, Anna Toeman, to her new role at the Visitor Centre and look forward to whatever she has up her sleeve!

The next event to let you know about and one that is well worth visiting the village for, our annual Ada Lovelace Day on Saturday 10 October.  Ada, who lived from 1815 to 1852, was credited as the world’s first computer programmer, she was a remarkable woman with a uniquely wired brain and her work continues to be celebrated the world over.  She lived close to Porlock Weir at Ashley Combe and each year we celebrate her and her achievements close to her birthday, which was on 15 October.  This year, join us for an Exmoor tea with six inspirational women speakers consisting of Dr Sally Day senior lecturer in electronics an electrical engineering at UCL, Claire Woollacott who won the House of Commons prize for excellence in research, Dr Agapi Emmanouilidou, physics and astronomy at UCL, Evelyn Stacey CEO South West Lakes, Rachel Southwood MD Weddings Magazine and Emma Britton BBC radio presenter.  Tickets are £7 and are still available from the Visitor Centre at the time of writing..! (Call them on 01643 863150 to book).  The event will take place at Porlock Village Hall at 3pm on 10 October.  

Have a great week everyone!

So what is occurring as the season slides into Autumn?  The schools are back but there’s still plenty to entertain visitors to Porlock.  The ‘Discover Porlock’ guided walks continue to be available (for now!).  They start from the Visitor Centre at 10.30am, are free of charge (donations to Care Moor) and last approximately two hours.  Join one to discover the history and formation of the Porlock Bay landscape and how this has affected the village and surrounding area.  The final three dates for this season are: 11th, 21st and 25th September.

We’ve also got the Smuggler’s Run to look forward to this weekend, at 12 noon on Saturday 12 September.  Teams of smugglers will be trying to evade and outwit the excisemen while carrying barrels across Porlock Marsh.  The teams must race from the Top Ship at Porlock to the Bottom Ship at Porlock Weir, fancy dress being optional.  There are free drinks for all participants and, for the winners, five litre kegs of Tribute Ale (thanks to St Austell Brewery) and Smugglers Gold tea (thanks to Miles Tea & Coffee).   Lots of fun for spectators and the rather crazy participants; it’s not too late to get your team entry in. *** STOP PRESS***!  Smugglers Run sadly cancelled due to low number of entries - uh! :( 

On 19 and 20 September, from 2-6pm, Porlock opens its gardens to the public and lets us all in for a good snoop, the gardeners have been working hard and every year the reports are fantastic.  Tickets are available from the Visitor Centre or in the village for a cost of £5, which is donated to St Margaret’s Hospice.  No dogs please.

Finally on Sunday 20 September, we will be out to witness the Porlock Hill Climb cycle race.  This is a closed route time trial, covering 4.2 miles of the scenic Porlock Toll Road with an average gradient of 5%, which takes some grit and determination! The main race is followed by a two-mile junior’s version and then the road is opened to families and anyone wishing to enjoy the use of the road while it’s closed to normal traffic; the Porlock Pedal earns all participants a medal, which is kindly sponsored by Miles Tea and Coffee. More information is available at www.porlockhillclimb.co.uk.  Let’s hope for some pleasant weather and we’ll hope to see you there!