Photos by Shaun Davey
Crowds flocked to Miles Tea & Coffee and Porlock Information Centre’s Grand Opening event at Vale Yard in Porlock.
The information centre has relocated to new premises at Vale Yard as part of a new collaboration with Miles. The new premises incorporate Miles’ retail outlet and the information centre, alongside locally produced craft centre, a ladies’ pre-loved boutique and hot desk office space.
Held on Thursday 3rd April, Vale Yard was decorated in style with a balloon arch and colourful bunting, made by various Porlock Vale resident.
The occasion was launched by Porlock Town Crier Grant Dennis before Ian Moncrieff, Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Somerset, cut the ribbon and unveiled a plaque to commemorate the day.
There was a party atmosphere as more than 250 people were treated to a free Miles exclusive tea gift, music by Boars Head, refreshments and canapes sponsored by The Top Ship and Exmoor Ales, and cakes by The Porlock Vale Chef as they learned more about plans for the next phase of the development.
Deborah Stanyon, information centre manager, said: “Porlock has truly come together as a community to celebrate. Derek Miles and his team have provided the centre and the Porlock community with an opportunity to create an amazing facility for all. We are very grateful to an army of volunteers who have supported us to this stage of the project.”
John Halls from Miles added: “Vale Yard really came alive today and we are excited for the next stage of the development working with the team at Porlock Vale CIC and the information centre to create something very special at our premises here in Porlock. This will create a legacy in the Derek Miles name for the community of Porlock which lies at the heart of our business”
This celebration lays the foundation for the next stages of the development at Vale Yard, with a planned community café and social hub, an interactive Miles museum and bunk house style accommodation aimed at walkers.
Debbie added: “It is hoped this project will put the information centre, which is fully self-funded, on a secure financial footing to continue its services to the residential and business community. This is an innovative and creative project, when many Information Centres locally and further afield have closed permanently.”
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