Burnham-On-Sea’s Mayor launched the town’s new heritage walking trail over the weekend.
Cllr Martin Cox cut a ceremonial cake alongside organisers John Strickland from North Sedgemoor History Group and Deb Richardson from Somerset Film during the official launch.
A day of activities was held to mark the start of the heritage trail around Burnham and Capture Burnham, an online history archive.
31 new signs like the one pictured here have been installed at historic points around the town where smartphone users can access background heritage information about each site using QR codes.
Heritage trail maps showing the sites are also available free from the seafront tourist information centre.
The project has been funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and Burnham & Highbridge Town Council and aims to encourage young and old to explore the town’s history.
Mayor Martin Cox told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “There are many gaps in our knowledge about the town’s history so I’m delighted to see this project pulling together the information. I hope lots of people will walk the heritage trail to learn more about our town’s colourful heritage.”
Local residents and visitors were encouraged to bring along their memories and keepsakes of Burnham’s past to Saturday’s launch, held at the Somerset Skills & Learning Centre in Princess Street.
As well as an exhibition of photographs and other documents there were also screenings of a history film showing Burnham in the 1930s filmed by resident Norman Gobey.
Project co-ordinator John Strickland said the day had been held to thank all those who have been involved with the project.
“We are delighted to have launched the trail and online archive,” he told Burnham-On-Sea.com. “It’s a really important milestone for us after so much work over the past months. We are overhwhelmed with the enthusiasm shown and so grateful to everyone’s interest.”
“So many people have given their time to help the project; from those who helped in deciding the trail content and obtaining the necessary permissions. Not forgetting those people who provided the images and information for the website and trail leaflet. Also to those people who have already recorded their memories for posterity,” he said. The online archive is available here.
Residents and project supporters gathered to watch the launch ceremony
A history display inside showed many interesting photos and film clips
Burnham’s Town Crier Alistair Murray and Mayor Cllr Martin Cox were among those heading off on the first walk of the new heritage trail
