Exhibition shows how wars touched lives on Exmoor

A FASCINATING insight into two world wars told from the perspective of the ordinary people of Porlock will be revealed in an exhibition in the village hall.
The exhibition on November 15 and 16 unites local accounts with previously uncollated information to weave the story of what the wars actually meant to, and how they touched the lives of, local people.
Both British and German fighter planes crashed in the vicinity of Porlock during the Second World War, bringing tragedy as well as stories of survivors.
The experiences of those who left the sleepy Somerset village to fight in the front lines for their country, and those who stayed at home to help the war effort are beautifully documented in this major exhibition.
The role of local women in the war effort, how villagers dealt with the influx of troops who were billeted locally, the feelings of the conscientious objectors, and the wars viewed through the eyes of local and evacuated children make this hitherto unseen collection one of the most diverse, yet personal, accounts of war.
Newspaper reports, Army and Navy records, information about ranges and chemical warfare testing on Exmoor, are also part of the wealth of information built up over years by four local enthusiasts to tell poignant, true, and sometime tragic stories, as shown on the memorial to those who lost their lives.
Denise Sage, who manages Porlock Visitor Centre, said: “The amount of information and its detail is unprecedented in my experience.
“Because the accounts are so personal and vivid, it captures real feelings and insights into how a small village coped with the challenges and tragedies of war.”
The exhibition runs from 10 am to 4 pm on b oth days and the entrance fee is £2 for adults, with children free.
More information is available by contacting Porlock Visitor Centre on 01643 863150 or emailing porlockci@somerset.gov.uk.

Exmoor stag weekend showcases deer rutting

VISITORS to Exmoor can experience the primeval roar and clashing antlers of Exmoor’s iconic stags meeting in ferocious combat during the annual red deer rut in October.
A special safari weekend has been organised with guides who will help visitors to see the stunning hills, secret valleys, and wild moorland of Exmoor and to witness the stags’ raw combat at close quarters.
The huge, powerful beasts charge each other, locking antlers, and battle rages until the strongest wins.
Charles Harding, a deer stalker and warden for The National Trust, said: “It is an awesome but exhilarating natural phenomenon, and an experience that people never forget.
“Red deer are Britain’s largest land mammal and when the stags are driven to rut, the hills and moors resonate with their primeval bellows.
“These beautiful and majestic creatures’ ancient instincts drive them into fierce, and sometimes even fatal, combat to win female companions.
“We have experienced guides to lead people on organised safaris because stags are wild animals that can be dangerous and unpredictable during the rut.
“The guides know the terrain and understand the behaviour of stags during the rutting season, and will ensure that people can watch this amazing event in safety, and without disturbing the animals.”
Porlock Visitor Centre manager Denise Sage, who has organised the safari weekend, said: “We have a variety of delightful bed and breakfast options available in the vale of Porlock.
“However, places on the weekend are limited to 36, so we are advising people to book early.
“Visitors are welcomed on Friday and fantastic locally-produced food is served for an excellent Exmoor supper and jazz evening.
“On Saturday, after a wildlife safari in the morning, there is a red deer safari at dusk followed by dinner and an illustrated talk.
“There is an early trip to a different area on Sunday, after which guests will be served a hearty Exmoor breakfast.”
The weekend visit runs from October 10 to 12, and costs £195 per person.
The price includes two nights’ bed and breakfast, a wildlife safari, two red deer walking safaris led by Exmoor National Park Ranger Richard Eales and National Trust Countryside Manager Nigel Hester, a jazz supper, talks, and Saturday night dinner.
Guests need to be able to walk a minimum of three miles.
Bookings can be made through Porlock Visitor Centre on 01643 863150 or by email to PorlockCI@somerset.gov.uk.

• Our photograph shows a stag belling. Photo submitted.

Secret garden of Sir Christopher opens to public for first time

GARDENS of television fame and famous people are among those open to the public in the new-look line-up for the Porlock Open Gardens event, which starts next week.
Renowned author Sir Christopher Ondaatje is, for the first time, throwing open the gates to his special and hitherto secret garden, Glenthorne.
This unique gem of a sub-tropical terraced garden nestles into a cliff edge and features statues by Henry Moore.
Also open are gardens at Chapel Knapp, which have been featured on national television, while wildlife enthusiasts can enjoy Exmoor Natural History Society’s special wildlife garden at Larkbarrow.
Porlock Tourist Information Centre manager and event organiser Denise Sage said: “As well as the usual delights, this year we have enlisted the help of gardeners from ‘Porlock Outer’ so a host of new gardens are opening at nearby hamlets such as Bossington, Porlock Weir, West Luccombe, and Horner, many of which have never been open to the public before.
“Other gardens open over the weekend include Horner Mill, Worthy Manor, Pitt Farm, and Yearnor, as a many in the village of Porlock itself.
“We are blessed with some of the country’s most naturally beautiful coastline and countryside and we are hoping that more people than ever will come and enjoy these hidden gems.”
The gardens are open over the weekend of May 10 and 11 in aid of Macmillan Nurses and St Nicholas Church, in Porlock Weir.
Weekend tickets cost £4.50 for 23 gardens, excluding Sir Christopher and Lady Ondaatje’s garden, Glenthorne.
Tickets for Glenthorne are limited and must be purchased separately prior to the event as access to the garden is by a 25-minute mini-bus journey from County Gate.
There is no other pedestrian or private vehicular access to this garden.
People wishing to visit Glenthorne need to be able to negotiate steps, and rugged countryside and terraced walks.
Tickets for the weekend and the Glenthorne gardens are available from Porlock Visitor Centre by calling 01643 863150 or emailing porlockci@somerset.gov.uk.

• Our photographs show parts of Sir Christopher's garden at Glenthorne. Photos submitted.