Background - Saving the Farm
While Portmore is well known for its golf, what you might not know is of the land’s deep-routed family history. From jazz nights and business conferences to weddings and wakes, discover how Portmore is rapidly becoming the place to be for social and corporate events…
Run asa traditional family farm, during the 1980s the business faced challenges. The hurricane of 1987 meant the high ground was hit hard. As the town expanded, the farm risked being sold for housing. The family needed a plan to reform the farm - and to support three households. It took six years, but in 1993, the Webbers successfully transformed the farm into a golf park. The land was saved from planning and development.
Day-to-Day Golf
Fifth generation owner, Colin Webber, is nothing short of hands-on; from project-managing building-work to cleaning toilets, he is the first to roll up his sleeves. ‘I would not ask anyone to do anything I’m not prepared to do myself,’ Colin says proudly.
Purposly call a golf park, rather than golf club, the park is open to all – there is no exclusive membership scheme at Portmore. The park has two courses for the public’s leisure; the Landkey course, a nine-hole option for social or beginners’ games, and the Barum course an eighteen-hole course, with lots of water for the more serious golfer to enjoy.
There is an active membership for those who like and enjoy the club experience but Colin and the team are happy to welcome any body and everybody who want to try their hand at the game. So there is no airs to grandeur, just friendly help and tuition through group lessons on the driving range with golf teacher, Andy Pye
Environmentally Friendly
Portmore prides itself as a chemical-free and environmentally sound place. In 2010, Portmore won ‘Environmental Golf Club of the Year.’ The park is proud of its recycled buildings, chemical free land and Colin says Portmore was ‘into low-energy before it was poplar.’ With initiatives like motion controlled lighting, even his drinks fridges run on timers; ‘who wants an ice-cold Coke at three o’clock in the morning?’ Colin jibs.
Functions and Events
Portmore is quickly becoming one of North Devon’s key venues for social and business events.
Portmore hosts a monthly band night with The Golden Coast Big Band. Guests are invited to dance the night away as they are transported back to the golden age of swing music.
Each week, Portmore cooks up a scrummy Sunday carvery with all the trimmings. Its fabulous restaurant over-looks stunning country-side views - it’s easy to see why the Webbers fought to hold onto a ‘green space between Barnstaple and Landkey’.
Portmore’s function rooms are available for a wide variety of functions including business conferences, induction days, wedding receptions, AGMs and group meetings and annual dinners for sports clubs and societies . Why not hire this splendid venue for your skittles or darts club summer party? Then, after you’ve had your fill (and perhaps a little tipple!), try your hand on the park’s flood-lit driving-range..!
If you need a change of scene for that business lunch, simply drop in to take advantage of the Portmore’s kitchen, car park and wi-fi!
Business Showcase
On Thursday 21st April Portmore hosts the first Business Showcase North Devon.
Starting at 4pm, the Business Showcase will be your opportunity to see the extensive changes and refurbishment that’s taken place over the winter months. Check out the new spike bar and changing rooms if you are looking to run a corporate golf day. Discover the range of rooms used for meetings, conferences and interviews. See the new wedding lawn take shape for marquee weddings and civil partnership ceremonies as well as wedding receptions. Celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, christenings, family reunions in own of three function rooms.
Colin will offer a guided tour and show off the facilities. Whatever your business in North Devon, this is a great opportunity for nibbles and networking at 2016’s hotspot for business and leisure. Portmore certainly is more than just golf.
Register for your free invitation to this not-to-be-missed business showcase.
