Easter 2017

Nom nom, I’m guiltily scoffing a large piece of warm-from-the-oven simnel cake, having just put my children to bed without any, naughty mummy.  Happy Easter everyone!  I meant to post an update sooner but the Easter holidays came around so fast and now they’ve gone again, time really does fly when you’re having fun and there’s so much of it to be had around here :)
 
The camp site has been wonderfully busy, we’ve welcomed friends old and new to enjoy what has been perfect Easter camping weather – remarkably warm and sunny last week and although slightly cooler and more breezy this week we’ve all appreciated the blue skies and brightness.  The lambs are skipping in the fields, the blossom is blooming, the Easter bunny has been diligent, it’s all quite idyllic.
 
Not least here at Sparkhayes camp site, where the shower block has received a make-over; the ladies showers now benefit from extra space and new doors so that one may wash and dress in comfort.  I’d like to mention another development that has been very long awaited; rumour has it that creation of a new attraction at Sparkhayes is at last underway but I might be told off for doing so, I’ll have to keep you in suspense a while longer ;)
 
The village has burst into life (and the roads that are so very quiet during the winter have begun to take on their seasonal burden).  There have been mountain-bikers out in droves and campers booking guided walks and adventures on the bay on stand-up paddle boards (I can’t wait to have a go at this, once my youngest can survive a little while without me!).  Contact Exmoor Adventures if you’re interested.
 
Anyone who has known the village will remember it’s hardware shop; this is now under new management and has been brilliantly stocked full of so many useful and tempting things, so we recommend a visit there.  Whether you need camping supplies, cooking equipment, a gift to take home or a treat for yourself, there’s loads to choose from with friendly service in Porlock’s new Home and Hardware.
 
I don’t think I’ve ever mentioned a delightful Porlock tradition that I witnessed again recently.  It’s one of the many things that makes Porlock a brilliant place to live.  Every Friday, when the working week is done, the staff from the Central Garage emerge with a large hand bell and proceed to ring it very noisily, denoting that 5pm has arrived and it’s time to down tools and relax.  They then engage in a game of football in the garage forecourt.  I am led to understand that this tradition has continued for many years and although my sleep-deprived brain is foggy, I seem to remember that it had started when the house over the road from the garage, which is now the Abbeyfield home, was owned privately and the gentleman living there had something to do with it; if anyone can shed some light on the history of this lovely tradition do let me know!  Anyway, when I happened to be walking through the High Street at 5pm a couple of Fridays ago, not only did the mechanics from the garage come out and ring their bell, the shop-keepers emerged from neighbouring Costcutter and Porlock Home and Hardware with their bells and hooters too..!  I love living in Porlock :)