Thousands of people headed to Burnham-On-Sea’s seafront on Sunday (August 27th) for the town’s rescue services day.
Huge crowds thronged the sun-soaked South Esplanade to see displays and demonstrations from 40 rescue charities and emergency services.
A fly-past by a Coastguard helicopter and Civil Air Patrol microlights were among the displays, alongside rescue demonstrations by RNLI lifeboat crews and lifeguards.
Mayor Cllr Bill Hancock, who opened the event with Mayoress Frances Hancock and MP James Heappey, said: “It was great to see so many organisations along the seafront and crowds of visitors coming out to see them.”
“I am full of admiration for all the volunteers’ work and the work they do behind the scenes for our community.”
The event has been run for 14 years by BARB Search & Rescue, whose hovercrafts were on show to visitors.
Organiser Roger Flower from BARB said: “We were so pleased to see so many people come along – we think it was a record crowd – and we are very grateful for all the support shown to the many organisations. We are so lucky to have so many groups here in the Burnham area.” A spokesman for BARB thanked Roger for all his work on behalf of the crews.
Among the crowds was Caroline Hall, the mother of the late Lelaina Hall, 5, whose memory lives on in the name of BARB’s rescue hovercraft. A long-time supporter of BARB, she was visiting the event with her family.
The Civil Air Patrol microlights flew over the seafront during the morning
Burnham and Highbridge Mayor Cllr Bill Hancock and Mayoress Frances Hancock visiting the stands at the event to hear about their work.
MP James Heappey took part in a rowing challenge on the seafront, and led the competition, run by Burnham Gig Rowing Club. It was won by Matt (630 metres) and the winning youngster was Eleni Markoutsas with a distance of 402 metres.
Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance were among the stalls
The St John Ambulance cadets explained their work to visitors
The Police gave visitors a chance to try out some of their equipment
The Coastguard helicopter made a special visit during the day
It flew over the beach and jetty several times for the crowds to see
Burnham’s gig rowing club held a race during the morning’s high tide
The rowers showed their skills at powering across the water
Scores of stalls were also set up to raise funds for the groups. During the day, one fundraiser – Burnham resident Jen Parr – donated a table full of home-made cakes for BARB, raising funds
Burnham Lions Club sold cuddly toys to raise charity funds
The Samaritans team were in a colourful mood during the day
The Mayor and Mayoress were welcomed to BARB’s tombola
Large crowds watched the event along the seafront
MP James Heappey supported the work of BARB during his visit
Burnham RNLI carried out several demonstrations during the day
Several ‘casualties’ were rescued from he sea as part of the display
Members of Bridgwater HOG were welcomed to BARB during the event
Burnham Coastguards were called off to several incidents
The RNLI crew taking a breather after their demonstration before a call-out
The RNLI sold souvenirs from their seafront stall
Young visitors got a chance to jump onboard the rescue hovercraft
The BARB crew during Sunday’s event on Burnham seafront
Jason Vickers enjoying a chance to have a selfie taken for charity funds
‘Mo the bubble man’ entertaining youngsters on Burnham beach
The event was opened by the Mayor and Mayoress, MP and Town Crier Alistair Murray with BARB Chairman Mark Newman and President Roger Flower
Classic and American rescue service vehicles were on display on the lawns
Wessex 4×4 were on hand to explain their work to passers-by
Mark Wakeling gave out information about Sufers Against Sewage
The Marine Life team gave visitors a chance to win a cuddly dolphin while explaining their work
Former MP Tessa Munt buying a raffle ticket from BARB’s Christine Marston
Somerset Care explained their work during the day
Gaynor Brown gave a kite display to promote Burnham’s upcoming Kite Festival
