A ‘Retail Therapy’ themed pop-up along Porlock High Street brought residents and visitors to the village last Saturday (November 6) - the fifth in a series of events to aid recovery from Covid-19 lockdowns.

Funded by Somerset West and Taunton Council and the EU Welcome Back Fund, and organised by Porlock High Street Support Group, these events aim to attract people to the High Street in support of local traders.

Following the success of the previous pop-up events, the ‘Retail Therapy’ event was inviting locals and visitors to ‘delve deeper’ to discover what local shops have to offer.

Many traders were offering demonstrations, discounts or a gift with a purchase. The artist Jonathan Walker, who currently has an exhibition at Porlock’s Churchgate Gallery, was painting on the premises during the event. 

Local artists, crafters and new entrepreneurs also had some stalls, among them Joanne Morton, The Garden Companion, who has set up a business offering gardening and companionship simultaneously, and Paul Kemble Pottery.

As usual surprises were hidden in plain sight along the High Street, including an appearance by the Watchet Folk Group and Tim the Saxophonist, and a Knit & Natter corner at the Greenslade Taylor Hunt office in High Street.

The charity for this event was the West Somerset Food Cupboard for which more than £70 was raised.

Duncan McCanlis, chairman of the Porlock High Street Support Group, said: “These regular pop-ups have resulted in the village having a noticeably busier and joyful High Street.

“The Support Group is now focussed on helping traders work together, so that Porlock shows itself off to best effect over the coming months and years.”

For information about the overall project and money spent, phone Duncan McCanlis on 07891 774826. For information about the pop-up events, phone Sarah Shorten on 07905 961436.

One more event is planned for 2021 - Saturday, December 4, noon-6pm.