Burnham-On-Sea’s MP has praised the team of volunteers who are running the town’s seafront information centre.
During a special visit, Tessa Munt met members of the community group that is running the centre and heard how it is dealing with an average of 300 visitors a day.
“I’m full of admiration for the work the volunteers are doing here,” she told Burnham-On-Sea.com.
“Burnham has an incredibly useful and informative centre that is benefiting tourists, residents and local businesses while also raising money for two great charities.”
BIARS (Burnham Information And Rescue Support) took over the facilities from Sedgemoor District Council in April, as we reported here.
Its team of around 20 volunteers are handing out tourist and community information while also providing sea safety advice and selling a wide range of merchandise, including items from BARB and Burnham’s Coastguard Association.
More volunteers are still needed to join the centre’s friendly team, particularly at weekends, to help by handing out information. Those interested can call in at the centre during opening hours (10am-4pm) or by contacting the group here.
Fundraising is also vital for BIARS and a recent collection at Burnham’s Morrisons supermarket (pictured right) raised £277 while car boot sales are also proving successful.
Donations of items for the car boot sales are welcomed and can be dropped off at the seafront centre during opening hours (10am-4pm).
Meanwhile, BIARS is also keen to hear from organisers of community events in Burnham.
A central diary of events is being set up to help event organisers avoid clashes and a new email address has been created at biarsevents@gmail.com for event details to be sent through. Events will be displayed free of charge on the centre’s calendar while A4 posters can be displayed in a what’s on book for a small fee of just 50p.
Pictured: (Top) Tessa Munt at Burnham’s information centre with volunteers Ian Jefferies and Gail Cruckshank; and (above) Tom Ashton and Rob Wing during a collection on behalf of BIARS
RELATED LINKS:
Official BIARS web page
