A wee taste of heaven on the West Coast of Scotland
And there is special cause for celebration this week as the family-run park celebrates its 50th birthday. The story begins a little earlier, and can be traced back to 1960, when Joan and David Sheldrick upped sticks with their children from a poultry farm in Norfolk to settle in distant Kilberry and take on 500acre Port Bàn Farm. They were there to farm and the notion of running a caravan site could not have been further from their minds. They were enjoying life on Scotland's West Coast but did miss Christian fellowship, though they attended the Brethren Assembly Hall in Ardrishaig. One or two hardy campers had, by that point, been drawn to the beauty of Knapdale and asked permission to camp on Port Bàn Farm overlooking the sea, and the Sheldricks agreed. By 1966, Joan and David had nine children. Jonathan was 12, Peter 10, Mark nine, Nigel seven, Vreka six, the three-year-old twins Cheryl and Morar, Fiona, two and new baby Jeanette. With a large family – which would later grow to 11 children – they were finding it hard to farm profitably and were seriously considering moving back south. Then they received an offer for 450 acres of the farm. They decided to retain the farmhouse and 50 acres bordering the sea to take a chance on developing the potential for camping and caravanning at Port Bàn. After a lot of hard work the fledgling site was up and running by 1967 – but disaster struck shortly afterwards when the 1968 hurri-cane destroyed seven caravans. Making sure every van was well anchored from then onwards, the family site survived, offering space for tourers, static caravans and tents. They began to offer Christian worship among their spiritual surroundings, first of all in the farmhouse, then in a nearby garage, and later in a hut purchased by the newly-formed Port Bàn Fellowship. But it would be a mistake to assume this is a Christian retreat. Port Bàn offers a warm welcome to everyone. With 100 static and 50 touring pitches, as well as camping space, Port Bàn has developed into a little village, particularly during peak holiday times. The busy community that is Port Bàn has always been a real family affair, with children mucking in to help during school holidays. Family members have run the site since Joan and David stepped down in the 1990s, and for the past six years Jonathan Sheldrick has been at the helm. 'Port Bàn is in a unique location, and it is absolutely beautiful,' said Jonathan. 'The location helps, and we are delighted to have been shortlisted once again this year for the Scottish Outdoor Leisure Awards. We were also pleased that the Daily Record last year voted us the number one campsite in Scotland.' Looking back over the past half-century, Jonathan added: 'We have had people who have come back year after year, and they have become more friends than guests. 'Holding church services on the site was great, and we now have, arguably, the biggest congregation in Argyll, with more than 100 people coming along during the school holidays. 'We also have the Port Bàn Sailing Club, formed 39 years ago by holidaymakers, which became an annual event in July and August racing Mirror, Enterprise, Topper and many other dinghies' To mark the park's 50 years in operation, there will be a weekend of events in and around Port Bàn. The main event will be held on Saturday October 28, with a dinner and ceilidh starting at 6pm in Ormsary Hall, for which tickets are available from the holiday park reception, and more information can be obtained by emailing info@portban.com. The weekend will also see the presentation of a cheque to Mary's Meals, which Port Bàn has been supporting through a sponsored trek on the Columba pilgrimage route between Tarbert and Lismore. A representative from the charity is expected to accept the donation. 'We have had some great experiences over the past 50 years, and we look forward to the next 50,' concluded Jonathan.