Local sewing group make new flags for Porlock High Street

Porlock.– Flags have gone up along Porlock High Street to bring cheer and vibrancy to the village at a time when the annual Carnival fell victim to Covid for the second year. The new flags are part of the High Street Recovery Programme funded by Somerset West & Taunton Council.

A number of Porlock traders had approached the Porlock High Street Support Group (PHSSG) earlier in the year whether there was a way to bring seasonal colour to the High Street. With bunting not being an option due to taller buses and lorries using the narrow street through the village, project lead Lesley Thornton worked on a flag design inspired by the Exmoor palette, with the Christmas tree supports being used as flag holders.

“In no time, a community project was well under way”, explained Lesley Thornton. “It is fantastic to see what can be achieved when people come together from the village. We have been able to create a legacy for the future, and it is hoped that this project is a catalyst for a whole series of flags to celebrate local events for years to come.”

“Porlock resident Jackie Jago, owner of Minehead’s Threads, sourced all material at cost”, Lesley Thornton continued. “Jackie is now helping all volunteers to sew the flags she has cut out. Anita Lovell, who runs Bramdowns Tearoom in Porlock, is hosting the sewing group, which she hopes will become a regular community group as a result. The volunteers were excited for this opportunity of a community project as they had felt very isolated during the recent lockdowns.”

Duncan McCanlis, Chair of the PHSSG, commented: “We are grateful to all the volunteers who helped with the flags. Saturday, 4 September, will see our next big pop-up event in the High Street, with a ‘Family & Circus’ theme. We hope this will not only cheer up those upset about the absence of Carnival, but also help our many independent traders.”