Hello and goodness, have I experienced a time warp?!  We’re already half way through February half term..!  I’m not sure how that happened, though suspect it might have something to do with me being submerged in emulsion paint, masking tape and the heady satisfaction of getting the job done.  I have temporarily emerged, paint splattered, to wish you well and hope that you’re enjoying the start of Spring.  

There are all sorts of renovation works occurring here at Sparkhayes and regular visitors will notice (hopefully) some improvements to our facilities.  While we want to enhance what we offer, we still aim to provide traditional and some might say basic camping facilities, though our hot showers and various ‘extras’ continue to earn us brownie points in the wonderful reviews we receive.  

We are also planning improvements to the annual Duck Race, held here at Sparkhayes camp site, this year on Sunday 29 May.  As well as the usual hilarity (do I have to… the quacking good fun *groan*), the licensed bar and barbecue, this year we will also be offering the children donkey rides and a bouncy castle!  These latter ideas might help the parents among you to enjoy the bar and barbecue with a little more leisure.  There’s the added bonus of hopefully winning some money with your lucky duck!   Admission is free and proceeds go towards the fantastic Porlock Carnival (put that in your diary too, it’s on Saturday 3 September in 2016).

Returning to events that are closer at hand, Saturday 19 March will be a busy day in Porlock.  The keen horticulturalists among us will be up at dawn to put the finishing touches to our floral displays and deliver them to the village hall for the annual Porlock Vale Horticultural and Crafts Society Spring Show.  Then we can hop along to Porlock Visitor’s Centre where at 10am a group will head off to clean up the village and beach, equipped with bin bags and litter-pickers.  Finishing at 1pm, volunteers will at some point be aided with the welcome supply of coffee and cake.  

We have to be back at the village hall after that to witness the wonderful displays of Spring flowers and handicrafts, with prize-giving taking place between 4 and 4.30pm.  Having brought all our booty home, it will be time to collapse in front of the TV!  Entries for the Spring Show are open to all, not only locals, so check out the schedule to be found here and make sure you’re entries are in no later than Tuesday 15 March.  You’re equally welcome to join the volunteer group with our annual village clean-up, all help is most gratefully received.  

Right, where did I put that spirit level?!

Well, good heavens, what a busy time of it we’re having!  The fields here are Sparkhayes are looking more inviting than ever, thanks to Phil’s careful tending.  The intermittent rain has been giving way to some glorious bursts of sunshine and the warm temperature means the tents dry in super-quick time.  I can testify to this, having sneaked off for two camping trips in other parts of Somerset during the past month.  Last weekend I dismantled my tent in a downpour and rolled it up with puddles still inside... uh! However within 24 hours it was all dry again and put away ready for the next adventure.  I’m staying put for the rest of July and enjoying Porlock and all of its delights.    The forecast looks more promising than of late and as we’re on the very verge of the school holidays, now’s the time to plan a fun family trip to Sparkhayes.  Remember, if you pay for six night’s camping, you get the seventh free!

As always, there’s So. Much. To. Do. in Porlock.  On Saturday 18 July there’s the annual Flower Show in the village hall, a colourful (and beautifully scented) spectacle and a perfect environment in which to relax with a cup of tea and a slice of homemade cake.  On Sunday 26 July there’s Porlock Horse Show, located on the West Luccombe edge of Porlock and open to all, from equestrian enthusiasts to curious campers..!  It incorporates the usual equestrian classes along with a sheep show, dog show and stag horn competition.  I’m also excited about the Dunster Country Fair on 29 July, which is set at the foot of majestic Dunster Castle and features, along with the equestrian classes and dog show, the chariots of fire display team, falconry display, sheepdog display, archery and clay pigeon shooting and a plethora of trade stands and craft stalls.

If you’d like to discover more about our beloved Porlock Vale, pop along to one of the guided walks that divulge the history and formation of the Porlock Bay landscape and how it has affected the village and surrounding area.  Which reminds me of the tale behind the name ‘Porlock’ – in the depths of ages past the village was actually beside the sea (hence we have a ‘Ship Inn’) and as the sea gradually retreated it became a ‘locked port’, or Portlock.  Nowadays the sea is beginning to reclaim much of the marshes and might one day encroach upon our fertile fields, will the Ship Inn eventually be reunited with the sea?! 

I digress, the two-hour walks are free of charge (though a donation towards Care Moor is much appreciated) and depart at 10.30am from the Visitor Centre on the following dates: 27 July, 31 July, 3 August, 7 August, 7 September, 11 September, 21 September, 25 September.  If you go along to one we’d love to hear your opinion ([email protected]).

We would also LOVE to see your photos of your holiday, of Sparkhayes, Porlock and the surrounding areas.  With your permission we’d feature them on our website, so if you’ve stayed with us or have any photos, reviews or news you’d like to share with us please email us at [email protected].  We might even share some of our crazy moments…!

PS. Apologies to anyone who found the campsite crowded during the past two or three weeks.  We have been host to a number of large school groups who were enjoying their end-of-term holiday with us.  The onset of the summer holidays brings this phenomenon to a close.  Happy camping!