There are nearly always events taking place in and around Porlock and many of these you will find listed below.
Wonderful display of snowdrops in this hidden valley. See www.wheddoncross.org.uk for more information.
Venue: Wheddon Cross
Slides and Local History of Woody Bay over the years. A talk by Harriet Bridle.
Time: 7.30 pm
Venue: Porlock Village Hall
March 17th - 18th & 22nd - 25th 2012.
Enjoy Spring Time in Somerset and some great steam locomotives.
Venue: Minehead
Access and Conservation on the Dunster Estate.
A talk by Andy Player, Countryside Manager, Dunster Estate
Time: 7.30 pm
Venue: Porlock Village Hall
The West Somerset Mineral Railway was built to bring iron ore down from the Brendon Hills to the harbour at Watchet from where it was shipped across the Bristol Channel to the furnaces of the Ebbw Vale Company.
Completed in 1861 the Mineral Line’s most spectacular feature was the 1 in 4 gradient of the long incline at Comberow where the wagons and coaches were worked up and down by a cable from an engine house. Martin’s vintage bus will meet the West Somerset Railway trains (10.25 from Bishops Lydeard and 10.15 from Minehead) at Williton at 11.00 and will then conduct the party along the former route. There will be a lunchtime stop at a hostelry, and passengers will be back at Minehead in time to take the 16.05 train homewards.
www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk
Venue: Williton
My Life as an Exmoor Ranger.
A talk by Richard Eales.
Time: 7.30 pm
Venue: Porlock Village Hall
A festival of guided walks of varying lengths, more details at www.exmoorwalkingfestival.co.uk
Venue: Various Venues
An Exmoor Farm - West Ilkerton - Past and Present. Meet 11am for an exploration of the farm led by Torte and Chris Eveleigh followed by your own picnic lunch. GR 70404659.
After lunch, Rob Wilson-North will lead us with cars to Shallowford (meet 2.30pm for those who wish to join for afternoon only) for an exploration of Ilkerton Ridge. (GR 71424495) Both West Ilkerton and Shallowford can be reached by turning off the A39 by the petrol station at Barbrook. Wear boots and sensible clothing.
Time: Time: 11am or 2.30pm
Venue: West Ilkerton/Shallowford
A small taste of yesteryear can be yours in the summer of 2012 when the West Somerset Railway and the Blue Motors of Exmoor will combine for a steam train ride through the Quantock Hills and along the Bristol ChannelCoast from Bishops Lydeard (4 miles from Taunton) to Dunster. At Dunster the Blue Motors classic coach will be waiting to meet you with a driver who is an expert in places of local interest and you will go on your way for the afternoon, pausing along the way at an Exmoor Inn for a meal and drink. (we are sorry to break the mood but the cost of food and drink is not included in the price.). The route of the mystery tour will not be revealed but you will be back at Minehead Station before the departure of your train back to Bishops Lydeard which will leave at 4.05 p.m.
Over 20 private gardens, great and small, in Porlock. In aid of Friends of Porlock Visitor Centre and other charities. The price of the ticket covers the whole weekend and they can be bought at the Porlock Visitor Centre, Costcutters and Gift and Candy shops.
Time: 2pm to 6pm
Venue: Porlock
Price: Tickets £5.00
Endurance ride attracting national competitors, sponsored pleasure ride also available, details at www.goldenhorseshoe-ride.co.uk
Venue: Exford Show Field, B3223 Exford
Venue: Recreation Ground
Venue: Recreation Ground
The Mineral Line to the Incline at Comberow. A gentle 2 mile stroll to view the incline from the bottom. Followed by an optional lunch at The Valiant Soldier, Roadwater. Meet at the end of the road to Pitmill Farm (GR 037365) Take first left after Roadwater P. O. then right after 100 metres. Continue for nearly 2 miles. Roadside parking.
Time: 11am
Venue: Beyond Roadwater
The three days of the year when 1960's vinatge diesel locomotives take over the running of the West Somerset Railway. Trains from Minehead hourly between 9.00 a.m. and 6.00 p.m. giving plenty of opportunities to explore the countryside and villages along the route plus the Gala attractions at the Stations. www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk
Venue: West Somerset Railway
The Active Exmoor Perambulation, 31 miles of cross country walking, is one of the most challenging walks in the Exmoor annual calendar. The Perambulation dates back over 725 years!
Venue: Simonsbath
This popular and long established event offers music of the highest quality with sparkling soloists.
The orchestra is conducted by Richard Dickins (from Imperial College and Royal College of Music). The programme will be published on www.mineheadfestival.com in April/May together with pricing information.
Venue: Minehead
Set on the lawns below Dunster Castle, this country show features some spectacular entertainment and plenty of shopping opportunities as well as cattle, sheep and horses classes. Dunster Show is the premier Agricultural Show in West Somerset and one of the major one day shows of the West of England. www.thedunstershow.co.uk
Venue: Dunster
An Exmoor Society led walkabout of 1.5 miles to see and hear some of the fascinating things around Dunster that the normal visitor misses.
Time: 10am
Venue: Meet at ENPA Shop, Dunster
This year’s Real Ale Festival, organised jointly by the Somerset Branch of CAMRA (the Campaign for Real Ale) will take place at Minehead Station. This is the 13th Anniversary of the Festival and Somerset CAMRA plan to have number of Anniversary Specials from Somerset Brewers amongst the up to 100 cask conditioned beers on sale over the two days. Also available will be some cider, perry, wine and soft drinks. Live entertainment will be available on Saturday night and Sunday lunchtime. www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk
Time: 11am to 11pm Saturday.12 midday-4pm Sunday
Venue: Minehead Station
A talk on Astronomy by naturalist and broadcaster, Chris Sperring MBE. If the evening is clear some of the talk will take place outside.
Time: 7.30pm
Venue: Porlock Village Hall
Steam engines include several 'guests' working an intensive service of trains over four days. Many additional attractions. A great day out for all the family and an absolute must for the steam enthusiast.
Advance booking strongly recommended. www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk
Venue: West Somerset Railway
Annual General Meeting. Followed by a talk by Todd Gray on the Pirates of the Bristol Channel.
Time: 7 pm for 7.30pm
Venue: Porlock Village Hall
The History of the West Somerset Free Press. A talk by Geoff Cox - a descendant of the founder of our local paper.
Time: 7.30pm
Venue: Porlock Village Hall
Each Christmas the Medieval village turns its back on the present and lights it's streets in the soft glow of candle lanterns..
Venue: Dunster