Welcome to Porlock Recreation Ground

Latest News

The sun came out for Porlock’s Country Fair at the beautiful setting of the Recreation Ground on Sunday, and so did the crowds. A fabulous day was enjoyed by over 1,500 people who were treated to a host of events, exhibitions, stalls and refreshments.

An avenue of over 30 stalls provided a variety of locally-produced wares such as preserves, confectionery, jewellery, plants, artwork, woodwork, ceramics, toys, clothing, etc., plus many stands from community groups. There were exhibitions of vintage cars and motorbikes, with the Harley Davidsons making their much-anticipated entrance. And over 100 prizes donated by generous local residents and businesses were won on the tombola.

Josh West and Alex Cook from DrumNation Workshops got the party started with their drumming circle followed by live music as the excellent Springhead Duo. The main arena saw displays from the Somerset Red Arrows Majorettes, Brompton Regis Morris Dancers, children’s races and the ever-popular family dog show. John, the local vet from Glenmore Road Surgery, had the unenviable task of judging nearly 200 entrants, giving out rosettes and goody bags, sponsored by Minehead Town Pet Supplies. Best in Show was won by 12 months old Great Dane, Gunnar.

Rosettes galore were also won by children taking part in the running races, plus there were traditional games such as Splat the Rat, Spinning Jenny, Roll a Penny to entertain them. The Porlock Football Club had an obstacle course and Granny’s Attic gave everyone a ‘smashing time’. Stilt-walkers from Higher Beings with Dreckly the Dragon and Demelza were there to entertain the little ones, blowing bubbles to everyone’s delight, plus the ever-popular Bouncy Play area. Stacked Wonky invited kids to build a Tower of Doom, plus mats, splats and other challenges. The Porlock Fire Engine was there to educate and entertain along with the Mountain Rescue and the Porlock Gig. Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance ran a ‘Name the Bear’ competition – turns out she was called Daisy!

Porlock Ladies provided teas in the pavilion, the Top Ship’s licensed bar included a very popular Pimm’s bar, and there were plenty of food options from Richard Little’s burgers and pizza aplenty from Exmoor Wood-fired Pizza Co. and Caroline Westcott Pizzas. Plus, Styles ice cream van, of course!

The Recreation Ground would like to thank all the volunteers, too many to mention, who helped put up the marquees and set up, who worked on the day manning the gates, car parking, or running a stall, plus tidying up afterwards. We could not do it without you!

Plus, a massive thank you to all who came along to make the day such a success, raising in the region of £4,000.

Join as a Rec trustee
If you'd like to be considered for co-option, please contact Nora Maw at: porlockrecground@gmail.com.
You will be sent a form to complete and invited to the next meeting.
Or if you'd like a chat, please contact the Chair, Duncan McCanlis, on 01643 862708.
This is an interesting time to be part of Porlock Rec. as we deliver projects made possible by Susan Taylor's legacy.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Pavilion redevelopment
Project development is continuing under the guidance of our Sub-Group. We plan to appoint an architect in the next month or so, then finalise a design, commission a builder (and other specialists) with an aim to renovate the pavilion next summer - avoiding the Summer Fair and the football season.

Playground
The new wooden play equipment is in place, the weather stayed dry so there was little ground damage.
The new items are guaranteed for 20 years

Dogs
Please could everyone be aware that dogs are only allowed on the playing fields if they are on a lead. These are sports fields and it is vital to the users that they remain free of anything that might harm the players.

 ABOUT THE RECREATION GROUND

Set in some 5.5 acres, Porlock Recreation Ground is without question the green centre of this popular Exmoor village. Situated in a conservation area and within easy reach of the entire village, the Recreation Ground contributes significantly to the social and leisure needs of residents and visitors of all age groups.

Facilities include a well-equipped children’s playground, 2 football pitches, a cricket pitch, floodlit tennis court & multisport court and a dog exercise field, as well as a large pavilion with a meeting and function room, kitchen, changing rooms, showers, disabled toilets and baby changing room.

The Porlock and District Bowls Club is situated beside the Recreation Ground.

The pavilion, marquees, football and cricket pitches are available for hire. You can check availability of the pavilion and pitches on our Bookings Diary page. Costs and how to make a booking are also on this page. Tucked behind the pavilion is the peaceful Porlock Garden of Remembrance commemorating those who fell in both World Wars.

Porlock Recreation Ground CIO is a registered charity with the aim of preserving, maintaining and improving the facilities for the ongoing benefit of the village and local area.

The annual running costs for the Recreation Ground are around £15,000. It is funded mainly through the income raised at the annual Country Fair supplemented by rents and hire charges from regular and occasional users of the various facilities.

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Events and News

Click here for community updates about the Recreation Ground.

Trustees meet once a month in the Pavillion, starting with a session that is open to the public. Click here for planned meeting dates.

Minutes of previous meetings can be found 

A copy of the Charity's Constitution can be downloaded by clicking this link. Annual reports and accounts can be found by clicking this link.  or going to the Charity Commission website and searching the register of charities for "Porlock Recreation Ground".

Other documents relating to the Recreation Ground can be found by clicking here.