2012 Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge News Archive
£4m animal hospital planned
A NEW multi-million pound wildlife hospital and education centre
is set to be built near Burnham-On-Sea to help animals and provide
practical experience for trainee vets from across the UK. On Tuesday,
Secret World Wildlife Rescue Centre launched a 'Call of the Wild
Appeal' to raise £4.4 million. More...
CAMPAIGNERS opposed to a line of new power pylons through the
Burnham-On-Sea area have this week welcomed a new independent
report published on Tuesday that showed National Grid has greatly
over-estimated the costs of burying the cables underground. More...
leader denies allegations
FORMER Burnham-On-Sea Scout leader David Burland has told a court
this week that the allegations against him are a "complete
invention". David Burland, 54, is standing trial accused
of carrying out 33 sexual offences during the course of a 23-year
issue photo challenge
fighting a proposed wind farm on the outskirts of Burnham-On-Sea
have this week released a new photomontage showing how the controversial
turbines will tower over the countryside - and they have challenged
the developers to produce their own image.
opens new box office
Princess Theatre and Arts Centre is opening a brand new box office
facility and cafe this week. The new box office launches this
Wednesday (February 1st) to help the public with booking tickets.
The facility will be open from 10am-3pm a few days a week.
boost for good causes
RESIDENTS of a Burnham-On-Sea cul-de-sac who transformed their
homes into a Christmas wonderland featuring thousands of fairy
lights have collected over £5,000 for two local charities.
The residents of Trinity Close this week handed over the proceeds
to the charities. More...
trip for China visitors
A GROUP of Chinese students made a special visit to Burnham-On-Sea
this week when they experienced the seaside for the first time.
The students from China and Hong Kong - who are studying in Wells
- were invited to visit Highbridge's Churchfield
School and then visited Burnham. More...
and stripes raise £344
PUPILS at Highbridge's Churchfield School swapped their normal
green uniforms for spots and stripes on Friday (January 27th)
to raise cash for the RNLI. The pupils joined the lifeboat charity's
nationwide SOS fundraising day by dressing in Spots Or Stripes.
out in force this week
SOMERSET County Council's gritters will be out in force in Burnham-On-Sea
and Highbridge over the next few nights as temperatures are predicted
to plunge below freezing. The Met Office says temperatures across
Somerset could drop as low as -8c. More...
Crews tackle bungalow blaze
TWO people have been treated for the effects of
smoke inhalation after a fire at a home in Burnham-On-Sea this
morning (Monday, January 30th). Firefighters used breathing apparatus
to extinguish the blaze in the bungalow in Burnham's Balmoral
Drive at 10.40am. More...
Counterfeit money alert in town
Exclusive: BUSINESSES and residents in Burnham-On-Sea
have this week been warned to watch out for counterfeit bank notes
circulating in the town. The managers of a Chinese restaurant
in the town centre were shocked to find they had accepted a counterfeit
£20 note on Friday (January 27th). More...
cod caught by town angler
of the heaviest cod to be caught in the Burnham-On-Sea area for
almost ten years was reeled in by this fisherman on Sunday (January
29th). Local boat angler Terry Garrett landed the bumper 27lb
2oz specimen after launching from Burnham beach in ideal conditions.
road closed from today
BUSY Burnham-On-Sea road is scheduled to temporarily shut to all
traffic for ten days from today (Monday, January 30th) while long-awaited
safety improvements are made. Stoddens Road is closing to allow
safety changes to be made by Somerset County Council. More...
Brownies get first aid badges
GROUP of Berrow Brownies have completed their first aid badges
after receiving expert advice from local St John Ambulance volunteers.
Two of the team from Highbridge and Burnham St John Ambulance
have attended the group's meetings over
Brean Rally: Peter wins again!
turbo-charged team of Peter Lloyd and Carl Sorenson have won Brean's
Rally for a fourth consecutive year - the first rally team to
ever do so. The race aces were in blistering form as they led
the event throughout the two days of action at Brean Leisure Park.
station gets dash of colour
platform at Highbridge railway station has been given a dash of
colour this week by artistic youngsters from the town's Dreamscheme.
Children from Highbridge Dreamscheme, helped by members of Highbridge
In Bloom, have refreshed the showcases.
joins power line protest
MP was among more than 100 residents who joined a protest today
(Sunday) aimed at putting pressure on National Grid to bury a
controversial 400,000 volt electricity line underground. Campaigners
met on the outskirts of Burnham ahead of an expected announcement
by National Grid.
trees available to groups
schools and charities in the Burnham-On-Sea area are being offered
the chance to claim dozens of free young trees. Monkton Elm Garden
and Pet Centre at Monkton Heathfield near Bridgwater is offering
up to 100 saplings to community groups
in the town. More...
Met Office has issued a severe weather alert for the south west,
including Burnham-On-Sea, warning of potential snowfall on Sunday
and Monday. The 'yellow alert' states: "Rain pushing in from
the west is expected turn to snow on the leading edge with the
potential for accumulations." More...
Over £700 raised at car wash
MORE than £700 was raised for the RNLI during a fundraising
car wash at Burnham-On-Sea lifeboat station on Saturday (28th
January), the first of two such events. Ninety vehicles were washed
by the station's volunteers over the course of four hours, raising
victory is celebrated
Rugby Club's Under 12s team have been celebrating a regional tournament.
The team travelled to Yeovils Ivel Barbarians to take part
in their 2012 Festival of Rugby Tournament, competing against
seven other quality teams from across the area. More...
Brean Rally led by 2011 winner
PETER Lloyd and Carl Sorenson are on course to
become the first team to win the Brean Rally for four years in
a row. The speedy duo were leading the rally at the end of Saturday's
first day of racing at Brean Leisure Park in their Subaru Impreza.
Day two of the rally will be held on Sunday. More...
School wins athletics contest
PUPILS from a Burnham-On-Sea school were celebrating
on Friday (January 27th) after winning the Sedgemoor Area Primary
Sports Hall Athletics Competition. Held at Chilton Trinity Sports
Centre, six local schools were involved in a series of sporty
events over the course of the day. More...
New hospital leaflet published
THE Friends of Burnham-On-Sea Hospital have this
week published a new edition of their information leaflet. This
updates the blue and red leaflets that have been in circulation
in recent years and gives a brief history of the hospital plus
examples of the facilities it has funded. More...
RSPB Birdwatch underway
RESIDENTS in the Burnham-On-Sea area are being encouraged to get
involved in the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds
(RSPB) latest campaign to record sightings of gardeners
feathered friends this weekend. Sanders Garden World is taking
steal history plaques
MEAN metal thieves have struck again in Highbridge, stealing
three historical plaques. Three of the distinctive, oval-shaped
blue plaques like the one pictured here have been removed from
walls across the town, angering residents and members of the Highbridge
War Memorial Trust. More...
Big Brother winner visits club
THE winner of last year's Big Brother reality
TV series made a special visit to Burnham-On-Sea on Friday evening
(January 27th). Aaron Allard appeared at Burnham's Skye Bar in
The High Street with fellow contestant Faye Palmer during a promotional
photos: Holocaust ceremony
SHORT service took place next to Highbridge's Frank Foley Statue
in Market Street on Friday (January 27th) to commemorate World
Holocaust Day. Highbridge War Memorial Trust organised the service,
which was led by members of the town's clergy and the Mayor.
RNLI charity car wash today
VOLUNTEERS at Burnham-On-Sea lifeboat station will
be holding their annual fundraising car wash today (Saturday,
28th January) and on Saturday 4th February. Each car will be carefully
soaped using professional car wash chemicals in return for donations.
New Year celebrated
at Berrow Pre-School and the reception class at Berrow have been
celebrating Chinese New Year this week. Youngsters from the foundation
stage learned all about the colourful oriental traditions and
enjoyed a Chinese banquet during the celebrations on Thursday.
Big Brother winner in town
winner of last year's Big Brother reality TV series will be in
Burnham-On-Sea this evening (Friday, January 27th). Aaron Allard
will appear at Burnham's Skye Bar in The High Street with fellow
contestant Faye Palmer during a promotional visit and a Big Brother
themed party night. More...
town clock is ordered
HIGHBRIDGE'S long-awaited new town clock has been purchased
following the completion of a successful £17,000 fundraising
campaign. Burnham and Highbridge Town Council has this week praised
the generosity of the many businesses and residents who have come
forward to give donations. More...
SHORT service will take place next to Highbridge's Frank Foley
Statue in Market Street on Friday (January 27th) to commemorate
World Holocaust Day. Highbridge War Memorial Trust is organising
the service at noon, which will be conducted by members of the
Highbridge clergy. More...
delays coming off M5
faced long delays coming off the M5 motorway at Burnham-On-Sea
this evening (Thursday). Queues of vehicles stretched back almost
two miles along the northbound carriageway after a horse box broke
down, blocking one lane of the slip road.
in row over demolition order
A row has broken out between the owner of Burnham-On-Sea's
famous Pier and Sedgemoor District Council over whether a conservatory
built at the front of the property should be demolished. The council
has issued the UK's shortest pier with an Enforcement Notice.
hits out at 'spoiling tactics'
BURNHAM-On-Sea's MP Tessa Munt has this week hit
out at the 'spoiling tactics' of a group of MPs who caused a parliamentary
bill proposing the UK's clocks move forward by one hour to fail
because it ran out of time. The Daylight Saving Bill has received
its third reading. More...
Rally starts on Saturday
smell of burning rubber and the sound of screeching tyres will
be in the air at Brean this weekend when dozens of cars take part
in the village's annual car rally. Brean Leisure Park is hosting
the 16th annual popular Mitsubishi Rally
on Saturday January 28th and Sunday 29th. More...
of Burnham-On-Sea's Marine Cove Gardens are encouraging residents
to hop onto their latest fundraising initiative. The Friends of
Marine Cove have adapted the seafront gardens' colourful logo
into a knit-your-own frog pack which is proving a hit! More...
a week tax increase proposed
Exclusive: TOWN councillors have this week proposed that
council tax bills in Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge should increase
by just one pence a week to help residents feeling the financial
pinch. Members of the Town Council's Policy and Finance Committee
proposed implementing a 'standstill' budget.
praise residents' goodwill
BURNHAM-On-Sea police have praised residents for their 'goodwill
and understanding' during last Friday's explosives investigation
in the town. Scores of residents were evacuated around Beatty
Way when a 100-metre exclusion zone was put in place around a
property where explosive substances were found.
photos: Burnham panto to open
FINAL tickets are available for Burnham-On-Sea Pantomime Society's
annual show, which opens this Friday evening (January 27th). The
group will be performing Sleeping Beauty at The Princess Theatre
between Friday January 27th and Saturday February 4th.
axed by National Grid
CAMPAIGNERS fighting plans for an unpopular 400,000 volt power
line through the Burnham-On-Sea area have this week welcomed the
news that a similar scheme in Lincolnshire has been turned down.
Plans for the 50-mile line of pylons have been scrapped,
raising hopes of the same action her. More...
posed 'risk to life'
THE amount of explosives found in the shed of a Burnham-On-Sea
man's home was allegedly enough to cause structural damage up
to 50 yards away and posed a significant risk to life, a court
was told this week. Philip Leonard, pictured, faces four charges
after the police raid last Friday. More...
park set to be completed
MAJOR project to create a new public park in Burnham-On-Sea is
due to be completed later this year despite delays caused by wet
weather, it was confirmed today (Tuesday). Burnham-On-Sea.com
first reported in 2010 on the work to transform the former Rosewood
Farm landfill site into a new park. More...
was forced to watch porn'
AN alleged child sex abuse victim was forced by former Burnham-On-Sea
scout leader David Burland to watch a pornographic film, a jury
heard on Tuesday (January 24th). Mr Burland, 54, is accused of
33 sexual offences against children aged under 16
during his time in the post. More...
backs Holocaust memorial
BURNHAM-On-Sea's MP has this week signed a 'Book of Commitment',
pledging her backing to Holocaust Memorial Day and honouring those
who died during the Holocaust. This Friday, 27th January, marks
the 67th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau.
club reaches 10th year
BURNHAM-On-Sea's BAY Club Dancers are planning a number of special
performances to celebrate the group's tenth anniversary. The club
is to perform in Burnham and Highbridge over the next few months
to mark the birthday and the Queen's Jubilee and London Olympics.
calls for gambling curbs
BURNHAM-On-Sea's MP has called on the Prime Minister to force
gambling firms to show fewer TV ads due to their aggressive publicity
techniques. Tessa Munt asked for David Cameron's backing when
she posed a question during Prime Minister's Question Time in
the House Of Commons. More...
horse freed from rhyne
BURNHAM-On-Sea fire crews rescued a trapped horse from a rhyne
in Highbridge on Monday evening (January 23rd). Crews from Burnham
and Weston were called to Pople's Bow in Highbridge where the
distressed animal was found in a muddy ditch. More...
marathon raises £800
A MUSIC marathon held at a Highbridge church throughout Saturday
(January 21st) more than £800 for a local youth project.
The 12-hour event in St Johns Church included music from
more than 20 performers, including organ players, choirs and local
raise Hinkley fears
CONCERNS with transport, tourism and accommodation are just some
areas that need to be improved in EDF Energys planning application
for a new nuclear reactor at Hinkley Point C near Burnham-On-Sea.
That's the view of Somerset County Council, issued on Monday.
leader's trial begins
THE trial of a former Burnham-On-Sea scout leader accused of committing
a string of sex offences started today (Monday). David Burland,
54, denies 33 charges including indecent assault, sexual activity
with a child, indecency and exposure. He
allegedly subjected three boys and a girl to a series of abuse.
raid: Man in court
A BURNHAM-On-Sea man accused of making explosives appeared at
Taunton Magistrates Court on Monday (January 23rd). Philip Leonard,
from Beatty Way, faces four charges of making explosive substances
for unlawful purposes between 31 December ands january 21st this
called to Highbridge fire
FIRE crews from Burnham-On-Sea were called to a property in Highbridge
this afternoon (Monday, January 23rd) after smoke was seen emerging
from the building. Two fire engines from Burnham were called to
Marconi Drive at 1.54pm when the smoke was seen emerging from
the building. More...
raid: Man charged
POLICE named and charged a 36-year-old Burnham-On-Sea man with
offences under the Explosives Act on Saturday night (January 21st).
Phillip Leonard has been charged with four offences of making
explosives following the search by army and police in Beatty Way
on Friday. More...
circus set to return
up, roll up! Brent Knoll's Sanders Garden World is to welcome
back a popular circus during February's half-term holiday week.
Paulos Circus Americano, one of the countrys best
known circus troupes, will be hosting shows at the centre from
February 11th for a whole week. More...
50 residents who were evacuated from their homes during Friday's
explosives incident in Burnham-On-Sea used an emergency rest centre
set up in the town. Burnham Community Centre was converted into
the rest centre by Sedgemoor District Council - and many praised
the authority. More...
escapes jail term
TEENAGER who smashed into a car carrying three children, causing
his own car to overturn, has escaped a jail term. Christopher
Seabourne, 19, of Trevenna in Mark admitted dangerous driving
during an appearance at Taunton Crown Court on Friday. More...
raid: Cordon lifted
A property in Burnham-On-Sea which was at the centre of an explosives
raid by police yesterday (Friday) has been declared safe. The
property in Beatty Way was declared safe shortly after 10pm on
Friday night following a search by police and the army bomb disposal
music marathon today
MUSIC marathon is to be held at a Highbridge church today (Saturday,
January 21st) to raise money for a local youth project. The 12-hour
event begins at 10am at St Johns Church. It will include
music from more than 20 performers throughout the day to raise
cuts to save council £500k
County Council has revealed details of how it will make in excess
of £500,000 in savings in senior management costs. The Council
announced on Friday afternoon (January 20th) that two corporate
directors and a service director will leave the Authority by April.
drama delays recycling
SOMERSET Waste Partnership says that some recycling collections
in Burnham-On-Sea were unable to be made on Friday due to the
discovery of explosives at a home in the town. The incident in
Beatty Way resulted in a large area being cordoned off with no
immediate end in sight. More...
Army bomb disposal
THIS exclusive video coverage from the scene shows army bomb disposal
experts at the scene of Friday's drama in Burnham-On-Sea. The
explosives raid unfolded in the town's Beatty Way during Friday
and seventeen people were evacuated from around the home. More...
photos: Police explosives raid
BURNHAM-On-Sea.com takes a close look in photos at how the explosives
raid unfolded in the town's Beatty Way throughout Friday. Seventeen
people were evacuated from homes around the property as police
and army bomb disposal teams investigated the incident. More...
find 'not terrorism'
Latest: A man has been arrested and an area around a home
in Burnham-On-Sea has been sealed off by police after they executed
a search warrant under the Explosives Act. Officers set up a 100-metre
cordon around the property in Beatty Way following the raid at
held in explosives drama
Latest: A man has been arrested and an area around a home
in Burnham-On-Sea has been sealed off by police after they executed
a search warrant under the Explosives Act. Officers set up a 100-metre
cordon around the property in Beatty Way following the raid at
Relief Mile comes to town
RUNNERS in Burnham-On-Sea are being encouraged to enter the Sainsbury's
Sport Relief Mile in the town on Sunday 25th March. As one of
the UK's biggest fundraising events, Sport Relief brings the entire
nation together to get active and raise cash for good causes across
the world. More...
on influx of Hinkley staff
TOWN councillors have expressed concerns regarding the potential
impact that extra construction workers at the proposed Hinkley
Point C will have on Burnham-On-Sea's resources. EDF's planned
development of a new nuclear power station is a worry for some.
of clothes store in doubt
THE future of a clothing shop on Burnham-On-Sea's High Street
has been thrown into question this week after the nationwide clothing
chain went into administration. A notice appeared in the window
of Peacocks' Burnham High Street store on Thursday (January 19th)
after administrators were appointed. More...
hours for library confirmed
OPENING hours at Burnham-On-Sea library are to be increased from
February 6th, it has been confirmed this week. Somerset County
Council is reinstating the opening hours of its libraries following
a legal ruling regarding last October's reduction of the opening
club's £500 donation
and Somerset Air Ambulance have been presented with £500
this week from members of Burnham and District Model Railway Club.
Railway club member John Langley visited the charity's headquarters
in Wellington to present the cheque to the group. More...
marathon this weekend
MUSIC marathon is to be held at a Highbridge church this weekend
to raise money for a local youth project. The 12-hour event begins
at 10am on Saturday (January 21st) at St Johns Church. It
will include music from more than 20 performers including choirs
and bands. More...
mystery or just stars?
TWO mysterious UFOs have been spotted
over the skies of Burnham-On-Sea. According to a leading UFO website,
two brightly lit objects were sighted over the town on Wednesday
evening, 11th January. The sighting of the lights was made at
around 5.45pm. More...
solar plans submitted
CONTROVERSIAL plans for
a new £30,000 solar energy farm on top of Burnham-On-Sea's
Princess Theatre have been formally submitted this week. The town
council has raised a planning application to introduce the solar
panels on the building's south-facing roof. More...
repaired after fish killed
work is underway at Burnham-On-Sea's recently-opened Marine Cove
gardens after several fish died in the pond over the past week.
Sedgemoor District Council, which manages the seafront gardens,
called in a specialist firm this week to investigate the problems.
photos: St John awards night
of well-deserved awards were handed out to members of Highbridge
and Burnham St John Badgers and Cadets during the group's annual
presentation night on Tuesday evening (January 17th). Mayor and
Mayoress Michael and Maria Clarke were among the guests. More...
wins cut in jail term
HIGHBRIDGE man who stole £27,000 of shopping vouchers has
had his jail sentence cut from 20 months to 12 months at the Court
of Appeal in London (pictured). Jamie Neil Short, from Main Road
in Highbridge, was jailed at Taunton Crown Court in October last
raised for arts festival
SPECIAL fundraising matinee screening of the critically-acclaimed
movie Mamma Mia has been hailed a success, having raised over
£700 for the Highbridge Festival For The Arts. Dozens of
people attended the screening in the Ritz Cinema on Monday afternoon.
time zone proposed
TORY MP has proposed that Somerset should have its own time zone,
with its clocks running up to 15 minutes behind the rest of the
UK. Jacob Rees-Mogg has put down an amendment to a Commons bill
arguing for Somerset to be able to set its own time locally. More...
hears local transport fears
MP met the Prime Minister David Cameron on Monday (January 16th)
to raise awareness of some of the challenges faced by residents
in the area - including concerns about public transport. Tessa
Munt met with David Cameron in Downing Street. More...
boost at crash blackspot
LONG-awaited safety improvements are to be made to an accident
blackspot in Burnham-On-Sea following a series of car crashes.
Stoddens Road will be closed from January 30th for ten days to
allow the county council to make a number of changes to the sharp
bend near the BASC sports ground. More...
Rotary Club seeking volunteers to take part in a fundraising swimming
event in February. The Swimarathon is being staged at Brean Splash
on Sunday February 5th, starting at 9am, with the proceeds going
to several local and regional charities and good causes. More...
rescue drill for crews
Coastguard and lifeboat crews have practised rescuing people from
a boat during a night-time training exercise in Burnham-On-Sea.
An RAF Sea King helicopter flew in to take part in the drill,
which also involved the Arco Dart dredger in the River Parrett.
jobseekers club to launch
in Highbridge will soon be able to draw on the support of a new
job club launching in the town. Sedgemoor Community Partnership
at Morland Hall in Highbridge is to host a new weekly Job Club
from February 16th with the support of Homes in Sedgemoor. More...
theme for Moose party
of members of Burnham-On-Sea's Moose Lodge gathered for the group's
annual Governors Party on Saturday evening (January 14th).
Held in Berrrow Village hall, this year's event had a country
and western theme and the members were entertained. More...
Burnham-On-Sea football teams have shown off their new kits this
week after clinching new sponsorship deals. Burnbridge Wanderers
Under 11s are being sponsored by Haven's Burnham Holiday Village
and the Under 11s also have a new Burnham-On-Sea backer. More...
issues debated by MEP
Graham Watson, Member of the European Parliament for the South
West, was the special speaker at a dinner in West Huntspill on
Saturday (January 14th). Over 40 members and supporters from the
Branch came, including Burnham and Highbridge MP Tessa Munt, attended.
farm visit is offered
farm developer Broadview Energy is inviting residents in the Burnham-On-Sea
area to see at first-hand one of its existing wind farms in operation.
The invite comes from the firm behind the plans to develop the
proposed Pilrow wind farm at Rooksbridge, near Burnham. More...
crime help service starts
in Somerset have this week launched a new service to make it easier
for victims of hate crime to come forward. A new system of third
party reporting has been introduced that means victims of hate
crime can report an offence to the police via several agencies.
on route of new data link
A MAJOR project to lay a new multi-million pound fibre optic
cable underneath the Atlantic from Brean, near Burnham-On-Sea,
to Canada has begun. The high-speed data link between Brean and
Halifax in Nova Scotia is being laid as part of a $300m project.
team gear up for season
HIGHBRIDGE-based Formula 2 sidecar racing team hopes to fulfill
their dream of winning the British Championships in 2012 with
the help of a new sponsor. Dean Nicholls and Anne Garnish hope
to follow up their hugely successful debut season in 2011 with
another winning season. More...
Mia fundraiser today
A FUNDRAISING movie screening will be held today (Monday, January
16th) in aid of Highbridge Festival Of The Arts. The Ritz Cinema
in Burnham's Victoria Street is to hold an afternoon screening
of the critically-acclaimed Mamma Mia starring Meryl Streep,
Pierce Brosnan and Julie Walters. More...
artist heads to Burnham
solo artist Graham Parker returns to the Burnham-On-Sea area for
two peformances this week. During a mini-tour, he is playing in
Bristol and Cardiff later this week before headlining Brent Knoll's
Westcroft Cider Farm Wassail on Saturday (21st January). More...
course to start in town
UNIQUE five-part course focusing on wedding floristry is set to
be held in Burnham-On-Sea later this month. The hands-on 'Essential
Wedding Flowers' course will give those attending the ability
to make a range of popular wedding flower designs and decorations.
crowds flock to wassailing
crowds turned out to watch the centuries-old tradition of Somerset
wassailing - when good health is wished on apple crops for the
coming year - near Burnham-On-Sea on Saturday night (January 14th).
Organisers from Burnham Rotary Club and Rich's Cider teamed up
to hold the ceremony. More...
film to be shot on Down
BREAN Down is to be turned into a film set next month when
the rocky outcrop becomes the focus of a mystery movie. The film,
called 256 Steps, will be shot on location on the Down over three
days during early February. The fictional film will be a wartime
tale with a modern twist. More...
party guidelines issued
residents who are planning to hold street parties during this
year's Royal Jubilee celebrations are being urged to plan ahead.
Sedgemoor District Council has this week issued guidance on what
permissions and licences will be required - and the timescales
takes tennis into schools
coaches from Burnham-On-Sea's Avenue Tennis Club made a special
visit to two local schools this week to introduce youngsters to
the sport. Head Coach Vinny Duddy and Club Coach Craig Phillips
visited Berrow School and Burnham-On-Sea Infants School. More...
held at new school
CEREMONY has been held this week to mark the start of the final
phase of a major £4.6m project to build a new 420-pupil
school in Highbridge. As pictured here, a topping out ceremony
was held at Churchfield School on Thursday (12th January) as the
last stage of the work began. More...
blood donation praised
BURNHAM-On-Sea blood donor has this week been praised for notching
up his 50th donation. Nick Wynn was presented with a gold award
by the NHS to mark his milestone. He told Burnham-On-Sea.com:
"I feel proud to have donated 50 times and intend to carry
on giving." More...
Pupils win garden competition
PUPILS at East Huntspill Primary School have won a competition
organised by Sanders Garden World and Cossey Produce. The schools
gardening club won the items after entering a contest organised
by the Brent Knoll garden centre and the fruit and veg delivery
Countdown to wassailing fun
THE centuries-old tradition of Somerset wassailing - when good
health is wished on apple crops for the coming year - is to be
held near Burnham-On-Sea this weekend. Burnham Rotary Club and
Rich's Cider are teaming up for a ceremony on Saturday 14th January.
reservoir to serve town
to build a huge new reservoir which will provide water to the
Burnham-On-Sea area could begin in 2016. Located in the Hythe
Lane area of Cheddar, the spot was chosen after Bristol Water
ruled out the other potential locations in Wookey and Axbridge.
Day to be marked
SHORT service will take place next to Highbridge's Frank Foley
Statue in Market Street on January 27th to commemorate World Holocaust
Day. Highbridge War Memorial Trust is organising the service at
12 noon, which will be conducted by members of the Highbridge
farm 'PR stunt' attacked
A campaign group fighting proposals for a new wind farm near
Burnham-On-Sea has this week labeled the developer's announcement
that it is downsizing the scheme as a 'publicity stunt'. Burnham-On-Sea.com
first reported on Tuesday that Broadview has reduced the size
of its wind farm. More...
on town cuts praised
Exclusive: OPENING times at Burnham-On-Sea library will
be increased from next month and the threat of closure hanging
over Highbridge library has been lifted, the County Council has
confirmed this week. Self-serve technology is also to be introduced
at Burnham. More...
band to perform at dance
girl band Triple Vision are to perform at a fundrasing Supper
Dance in Berrow later this month. Berrow Community Association
is organising the event in Berrow Village Hall on Saturday 28th
January at 7pm. Triple Vision have attracted local acclaim in
recent years. More...
of year named
Camera Club's annual award for its top photographer of the year
has been announced this week. Lesley Rands was presented with
an engraved cup on Tuesday night (January 10th) after winning
the most points over the past year in the club's competitions.
New pizza take-away to open
A NEW pizza take-away is to open in Burnham's High Street over
the next few weeks. The new business, called Pizza Planet, is
to be launched in place of the former Magpie Gifts shop at 63
The High Street. The business has applied for permission to display
Town crash victim is named
A Highbridge pensioner who died after losing control of his vehicle
and colliding into a garden wall has this week been named. The
80-year-old man was rushed to hospital following the accident
in Lower Seagry, near Chippenham. Police said that the man's Ford
Fiesta left the road on 30th December. More...
residents are being encouraged to join a poetry challenge this
month. People aged 18 and over are being invited to submit a poem
of 250 words or less about what they like most about the county
of Somerset. The poem should be about Somerset's rich history,
personalities or coastline. More...
appeal over sex offender
paedophile who has been held in secure hospital units for more
than 45 years has gone missing - for the third time - and could
be in our area, police have warned this week. Convicted child
sex offender David Marker, 75, vanished from a hospital unit in
Taunton on Monday. More...
delivers cash boost
local groups have this week received cash hand-outs from Burnham
and Highbridge Town Council. Mayor Michael Clarke presented the
cheques to representatives from each of the groups during Monday's
monthly town council meeting at the council chambers. More...
farm plans reduced in size
firm Broadview has this week announced that its proposed wind
farm at Rooksbridge, near Burnham-On-Sea, is to be reduced in
size from six wind turbines to four. Initial assessments had indicated
that the site may be suitable for a wind farm of six turbines.
In photos: Xmas lights awards
THE winners of Burnham and Highbridge's annual Christmas lights
competition received their prizes and awards on Monday (January
9th). Town councillors Ken Smout, Dennis Davey, Pat Burge and
Tom Nicholls visited dozens of displays in the towns before Christmas.
Last chance to halt bus cuts
THE last chance for residents and bus passengers to have their
say on plans to axe several bus services in the Burnham-On-Sea
area comes this Friday. Somerset County Council's consultation
that began on 12th December ends on 13th January. Two well-used
services are earmarked to halt.
Risque charity calendar on sale
STAFF at a shop in Burnham-On-Sea became models for a day when
they posed for a risque charity calendar. The team at BOS Interiors
visited a studio in the town to capture a series of amusing, scantily-clad
images - as pictured on the right - in aid of Cancer Research.
£500k of drugs seized in raid
BURNHAM-On-Sea police have been involved in a major drugs raid
in which more than half a million pounds of cannabis plants have
been seized. The raid in Burtle was executed early on Friday morning
(January 6th) after police received intelligence from a police
helicopter using its thermal imaging camera. More...
Hannah is county's top cadet!
BURNHAM and Highbridge St John Ambulance Cadet Hannah Dowell has
been named Somerset Cadet of the Year for 2012. Hannah, 15, spent
Sunday (January 8th) at the County St John Headquarters in Bridgwater
where she competed against cadets from across Somerset. More...
Pensioner hurt on Brean Down
A PENSIONER suffered injuries during a fall on Brean Down on Sunday
(January 8th). Burnham-On-Sea Coastguards and an ambulance crew
were called to the Down at 9am after the elderly man stumbled
over while walking along the outdrop into the Bristol Channel.
BBC TV actor visits Burnham
ACTOR John Challis took a break from his pantomime work in Weston
to visit Burnham-On-Sea's lifeboat station on Friday (January
6th). Challis - who used to play Boycie in the BBC's Only Fools
and Horses - was invited to meet the station's volunteers and
see the equipment. More...
New £4.6m school takes shape
Exclusive: THE final phase of a major £4.6m project
to construct a new 420-pupil school in Highbridge is to begin
this month. A topping out ceremony is to be held at Churchfield
School on Thursday 12th January when the final phase of work gets
Centre holds computing event
BURNHAM-On-Sea residents who are interested in finding out about
computing courses at the town's Somerset Skills and Learning centre
are being invited to an informal drop-in session this Tuesday
morning (January 10th) at the adult learning centre in Princess
RNLI announces car washes
VOLUNTEERS at Burnham-On-Sea lifeboat station will be holding
their annual fundraising car wash on Saturday 28th January and
Saturday 4th February. Each car will be carefully soaped using
professional car wash chemicals and cleaning materials in return
for donations. More...
Bus firm defends fare increase
BUS fares for travellers in the Burnham-On-Sea area have this
week been increased by First Bus as the firm deals with 'increasing
pressures' on its finances. Adult single and returns have increased
by 10-55 pence, while child single and return fares have also
£35m check-up for Hinkley
HINKLEY Point B's second nuclear reactor is back to full power
after a planned period of maintenance. Reactor 4, which had been
shutdown since 14th October for its three-yearly inspection and
maintenance check-up, was synchronised to the National Grid on
4th January. More...
Pensioner killed in crash
A Highbridge pensioner has died this week after losing control
of his vehicle and colliding into a garden wall. The 80-year-old
man was rushed to hospital following the accident in Lower Seagry,
near Chippenham. Police said that the man's Ford Fiesta left the
road on 30th December. More...
MP's surgeries move to cafe
BURNHAM-On-Sea's MP has moved her monthly surgeries into the informal
surroundings of a town centre cafe. Tessa Munt held her monthly
meeting with several residents on Friday morning (January 6th)
in Mr Beans cafe in Burnham-On-Sea's High Street for the first
Car destroyed in village blaze
BURNHAM-On-Sea fire crews were called to tackle a car fire in
the village of Mark on Friday morning (January 6th). Two fire
engines from Burnham were called to Vole Road at 11.38am after
a nearby resident spotted a large amount of smoke issuing from
the vehicle in the area. More...
hurt after hitting spikes
THIS swan was rescued by wildlife carers in Highbridge this week
after it slammed into the spikes of a metal fence. East Huntspill's
Secret World was called to help the bird - the charity's first
casualty of 2012 - when it hit the sharp spikes at a factory site,
injuring itself. More...
School expansion wins approval
Exclusive: PROPOSALS to expand Burnham Infants School have
been given a green light by town councillors this week. A new
single storey extension comprising an additional classroom, cloakroom
and toilet facilities has been proposed by Somerset County Council's
education department. More...
team seek garden tools
THE group of volunteers who are maintaining Burnham-On-Sea's Marine
Cove gardens is to hold a 'gardening tool amnesty' later this
month. The Friends of Marine Cove has appealed to residents to
donate unused or unwanted gardening tools for use in maintaining
the recently-opened facilities.
Cash boost for town groups
FOURTEEN local groups are to receive cash windfalls from Burnham
and Highbridge Town Council. The council has announced the names
of the groups and clubs which it is giving donations to over the
coming year. They will share almost £2,000 from the council's
grants budget. More...
for towns' library users
OPENING times at Burnham-On-Sea library could soon be increased
and the threat of closure hanging over Highbridge library could
also be lifted after a report this week recommended that a series
of library cutbacks should not go ahead. Council officers have
recommended that a series of cuts not go ahead. More...
New milkshake cafe to open
A NEW cafe specialising in milkshakes is set to open in Burnham-On-Sea
town centre shortly. Final preparations are being made for the
opening of Milshakes 'n' More in Abingdon Street. The new business
aims to be open around the year, catering for residents and visitors.
Second day of gales hit town
BURNHAM-On-Sea was hit by a second day of severe gales on Wednesday,
as 60mph gusts and heavy rain swept in. This street light outside
the Bay View cafe on Burnham seafront was one of several to be
damaged during the storms, requiring the county council to repair
Police congratulate Pam
POLICE across the region have this week congratulated Pam Whitehead,
an Enquiry Office Advisor from Burnham-On-Sea Police Station,
who was awarded an MBE in this year's New Year's Honours list
for her services to the constabulary over the past 38 years. More...
fined in parking crackdown
Exclusive: A crackdown on town centre crime in Burnham-On-Sea
during December led to police issuing more than 100 car parking
tickets and arresting five shoplifters. Extra foot patrols by
PCSOs and police officers were introduced in a bid to reduce town
centre crime. More...
Make a beeline for new classes
A CHANCE to learn about beekeeping is being offered by the Burnham-On-Sea
branch of the Somerset Beekeepers Association this month. The
long-running group is running a new series of six beginners classes
over six weeks, starting from January 19th, at Highbridge's King
Alfred School. More...
Recycle your Christmas tree!
A CHRISTMAS tree recycling service aimed at gardeners has this
week been launched at Brent Knoll's Sanders Garden World. The
centre is giving people across the Burnham-On-Sea area the chance
to recycle their fresh tree for free - and then collect the remains
later if required for compost. More...
Charity seeks unwanted gifts
BURNHAM-On-Sea's Weston Hospicecare charity shop has this week
appealed for donations of unwanted Christmas gifts and winter
clothing. The shop in College Street has been given a number of
donations in recent days, ranging from toys to jewellery. More...
Gales blow roof off lorry
GALE force winds swept through the Burnham-On-Sea area today (Tuesday),
blowing the roof off this lorry on the M5 motorway and causing
other damage. The 60mph winds took the roof off this Co-Op lorry
on the northbound carriageway between junction 22 at Burnham and
junction 23 at Highbridge. More...
Fears raised over gossip website
CONCERNS have this week been raised about a social networking
website on which pupils at Highbridge's King Alfred School are
making offensive comments about each other and staff. The 'Little
Gossip' website allows people to post offensive comments, which
users can then rate as true or false. More...
MP's shock over SWEDA cuts
BURNHAM-On-Sea MP Tessa Munt says she is "shocked" that
Somerset Partnership NHS has completely cut its financial support
for Somerset and Wessex Eating Disorders Association (SWEDA),
which supports members with eating disorders across the Burnham
Community party held in town
DOZENS of residents living in Burnham-On-Sea's Grove, Marlborough
Court and Gardenhurst areas celebrated the start of 2012 with
a community party. Over 100 residents gathered together on New
Years Eve for the event at Burnham's Avenue Tennis Club,
as pictured here. More...
Weather warning issued
RESIDENTS across the south west - including Burnham-On-Sea - have
been warned to expect severe gales and heavy rainfall on Tuesday
(January 3rd). The Met Office has issued an 'amber warning' and
predicts winds gusting up to 60mph and heavy rain will sweep across
the area. More...
Wassailing tradition lives on!
THE centuries-old tradition of Somerset wassailing - when good
health is wished on apple crops for the coming year - is to be
held near Burnham-On-Sea later this month. Burnham Rotary Club
and Rich's Cider Farm are teaming up to hold a ceremony on 14th
January from 7pm. More...
Tickets on sale for pantomime
TICKETS have gone on sale this week for the Coastline Players'
annual pantomime performance in Brean. The award-winning group
will be performing 'The Old Woman Who Lived In A Shoe' in Brean
Village Hall from Monday 13th February until 18th February at
7.30pm each day. More...
Cooker blamed for Pontins blaze
Update: THE official investigation into a major fire which
left five people hurt at Brean's Pontins holiday park early today
(Monday) has concluded that it was started accidentally. As first
reported by Burnham-On-Sea.com, five people were treated for smoke
inhalation after the blaze broke out at 2.14am. More...
Five hurt in Pontins blaze
FIVE people were treated for smoke inhalation early today (Monday)
after a major blaze destroyed a group of chalets at Brean's Pontins
holiday park. Seven fire crews were across the region were called
to the holiday park in South Road at 2.14am after eight chalets
were on fire. Fire engines from Burnham, Bridgwater and Avon Fire
and Rescue were called. More...
In photos: New Year Sea Dip
A GROUP of hardy Burnham-On-Sea fundraisers dashed into the icy
waters of Bridgwater Bay today (New Year's Day) to take part in
a bracing charity sea dip. Four swimmers took part in the sponsored
event next to Burnham jetty to raise funds for hovercraft charity
Two arrests after drugs raids
have arrested two people and seized a large quantity of cannabis
during two drugs raids in the Burnham-On-Sea area over the past
few days. In the first raid on Thursday (December 29th), officers
found a purpose-built cannabis tent at a house in Rooksbridge.
Town police seek bike's owner
police are appealing for the owner of this mountain bike to come
forward. The bike was stolen in the early hours of Boxing Day,
between 2am-3am, from the Winchester Park area of Burnham, including
Exeter Close and Gloucester Road. More...
Burnham celebrates New Year!
NEW Year revellers in the Burnham-On-Sea area have celebrated
the start of 2012 at events across the area. Pubs and clubs held
a number of events to mark the start of the new year. Our photos
show some of the people who joined in the celebrations at the
Royal Artillery, Pier Tavern, S&D and Dunstan. More...
Happy New Year, readers!
BURNHAM-On-Sea.com wishes you a very happy new year. We thank
all readers, advertisers, forum users and contributors for their
support over the past year and hope that you enjoy a great 2012.
Burnham-On-Sea.com looks forward to a busy year
ahead during 2012.
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