A new project to document Burnham-On-Sea’s history and launch a new historical trail in the town will be launched on Saturday (February 8th).
The ‘Capture Burnham’ project will be officially started at a free event in the town’s Princess Theatre from 7pm.
Organisers say the event will provide a chance to find out how members of the public can get involved, learn more about the history of Burnham and see archive film footage of the town.
Tickets are free from the Princess Theatre on 01278 784464. Further public events, talks for local schools and workshops will also follow and nomination cards and boxes will be available at key locations such as the Tourist Information Centre and Burnham Library.
The project is being run by North Sedgemoor Local History Group (NSLHG), which recently received £25,200 from the Heritage Lottery alongside a further £1,500 given by Burnham and Highbridge Town Council plus £1,000 from Somerset County Council to develop a heritage trail and supporting online archive.
The history group will be inviting members of the public to nominate items for inclusion in the archive and working with different groups to develop the history trail which will feature a minimum of 30 locations.
The history trail will use QR codes so that visitors with smart phones can connect with information online whilst a leaflet will enable those not yet using mobile technology to explore the heritage and history of Burnham.
North Sedgemoor Local History Group chairman John Strickland told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “We are thrilled to have received the award and to have the opportunity to involve people of all ages with this project. We look forward to receiving nominations from the public, which could include personal memories, objects or places.”
Pictured: Burnham-On-Sea’s jetty with a passenger ship alongside it and, above, the Pavilion soon after opening
