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Second call-out for hovercraft
BURNHAM'S Spirit Of Lelaina hovercraft was called out for the second day running after a yacht ran aground at Stert Island in Bridgwater Bay, just yards from where a speedboat went aground the day before. The hovercraft was called out at 11.40am on Saturday morning.
Hover rescues three from Stert
THREE people who were stuck in mud at Stert Island, near Burnham-On-Sea, were helped to safety by the town's rescue hovercraft on Friday September 2. The Spirit of Lelaina was called out by Coastguards at 10:54am and launched shortly afterwards from the town's beach.
Toxic algae outbreak at Apex
FISHING has been temporarily banned at Apex Wildlife Park in Burnham-On-Sea after a new outbreak of toxic blue-green algae at the site. Bosses at Sedgemoor District Council put up warning signs around the lakes on Thursday, September 1st after receiving feedback from residents.
Reed beds recover after fire
IT IS exactly one year since a devastating fire tore through a half mile stretch of reed beds at Berrow but the area has recovered remarkably well and is now once again bursting with wildlife. We spoke to English Nature's Conservation Officer for Bridgwater Bay to see how it's sprung back to life.
Berrow dog owner fined £110
DOG wardens are stamping down on pet owners who let their animals foul streets and community areas in the Burnham-On-Sea area. A local resident has just been prosecuted for failing to pick up after his pet at the Recreation Ground in Berrow and given a fine of £110 by Sedgemoor District Council.
Unique 'Bible garden' on show
REVEREND Brian Milloy from Hope Baptist Church in Highbridge (pictured) was among the visitors at a unique display of plants devoted to the Bible at Sanders Garden World, near Burnham, this week. Biblically linked shrubs, trees and flowers were on show at the garden centre.
Big turnout at annual town fete
WARM weather and lots of stalls and attractions helped to attract large crowds to Burnham's annual hospital fete on Bank Holiday Monday, August 29th. Hundreds of holidaymakers and residents gathered in the Manor Gardens to support local charities, organisations and groups.
New sign warns of tide danger
A NEW warning sign has been put up on Burnham-On-Sea jetty alerting walkers about strong tidal currents in the area, just weeks after two people were almost swept away by the fast-flowing water. A lifeguard and boy were rescued in July after getting into difficulty in the fast flowing water.
RNLI Open Day was a success
BURNHAM-On-Sea's lifeboat station held its annual open day on Sunday, August 28th, when visitors were able to meet the town's crew, see the lifeboats and watch the launch of a lifeboat on an exercise. A range of collectables and souvenirs were also sold in aid of the group.
Street party pulls in the crowds
HOLIDAYMAKERS and residents were quite literally dancing in the streets on Sunday night, August 28th, when a popular outdoor concert was held in the town. The Somerset and Dorset pub's annual Local Emergency Services family street party drew crowds to Burnham's High Street.
Model train enthusiasts gather
MODEL train enthusiasts from across the UK gathered at a two-day exhibition in Burnham-On-Sea this weekend. The popular event, now in its 27th year, was held on August 27th and 28th at King Alfred's School and attracted more than 1,000 people to see a wide selection of trains.
Crowds flock to Apex Open Day
APEX Wildlife & Leisure Park in Burnham-On-Sea held its first open day on Sunday August 28th when a host of local groups put on special displays. Crowds of families attended the event, organised by The Friends of Apex Improvements Group, and found out more about the Park.
Injured walker helped at Brean
COASTGUARDS were called to Brean Down on Saturday afternoon, August 27th, after a walker tripped and suffered a suspected broken ankle. The 32-year-old lady from Birmingham was walking near the highest point on the Down when she lost her footing and had to be rescued by Burnham Coastguards.
Lucky's lucky cliff escape!
A DOG called Lucky lived up to its name when it was rescued by Coastguards this week after being trapped for two hours on cliffs at Brean Down. Burnham-On-Sea Coastguard's cliff rescue team leapt into action after people were seen climbing to the dog on the southern side of the Down.
Opticians moves into Burnham
ONE of the UK's largest High Street brands is to move into Burnham-On-Sea next month when it opens a new shop in the town. Specsavers, the opticians, has bought a vacant shop next to the Somerset & Dorset pub at the southern end of Burnham High Street.
Town artists show off talents
HUNDREDS of people have been flocking to Burnham-On-Sea Community Hall this week to see an exhibition of a range of art work from local artists. The week-long show is the first event organised by the Lighthouse Arts Group, a new organisation for local artists.
Hit-and-run raid at Somerfield
THIEVES have stolen hundreds of pounds of alcohol from Somerfield supermarket in Burnham-On-Sea during a daytime hit-and-run attack. The dramatic incident was seen by several RNLI crew members as they returned to the lifeboat station in Pier Street, Burnham following a call-out.
Dog rescuers praised by family
A FAMILY whose two dogs were saved by Burnham's Spirit Of Lelaina hovercraft returned to the town this week - one year on from the rescue - to thank the crew and hand over a cheque towards the upkeep of the craft. They told how they had almost given up hope but were so grateful that the hovercraft helped.
Rare 1930s film clips found
A COLLECTION of rare film footage of Burnham-On-Sea during the 1930s has been unearthed, prompting an appeal for local people who remember the scenes to come forward. The footage includes images from the 1934 Burnham & Highbridge Carnival and other local events of the time.
Sky News visits hovercraft
BURNHAM'S rescue hovercraft received national TV publicity on Monday (August 22nd) when Sky News broadcast a report about the work of the life-saving service. The three-minute feature about The Spirit of Lelaina was shown throughout the day after Sky reporter Andrew Moore visited.
Vintage poster up for auction
A VINTAGE poster showing a traditional Burnham-On-Sea beach scene from a bygone age is to be auctioned in London this autumn. The item, which has a guide price of between £500 and £700, is due to go on sale at a Christies auction of posters in the capital during September.
Council statement on Sanders
BURNHAM and Highbridge Town Council has issued a statement on the Secretary of State's decision to give Sanders Garden World the go-ahead to expand its site by 30,000 square feet. The council was one of the three objectors at the inquiry into the application and issued a statement through the clerk (pictured).
Sinking yacht helped to safety
A SINKING yacht with a seriously damaged keel was rescued by Burnham-On-Sea RNLI's lifeboat crew on Saturday August 20th after its skipper issued a May Day message to Coastguards one mile west of the low lighthouse in Bridgwater Bay. The yacht was brought to shore in the River Brue.
Helicopter river rescue drama
A YACHTSMAN was winched to safety by an RAF helicopter in the River Axe, near Brean, on Saturday afternoon (August 20th) after he ran aground in TWO boats within just ten minutes. Burnham's Spirit Of Lelaina hovercraft was briefly put on standby as the incident unfolded.
Brean test for sound system
A POWERFUL communication system used by the military and police to issue advice and warnings to people several hundred metres away was tested by Burnham's marine rescue services this week. The MRAD system could be used in mud and sea rescues if it were purchased in the future.
Sanders wins expansion bid
BOSSES at Sanders Garden World, near Burnham-On-Sea, are celebrating this week after hearing that the Secretary of State has granted them planning permission to build a 30,000 square foot extension to their site which will effectively double its size. Bosses had harsh words for local councillors.
Coastguard saves dinghy man
A 35 year-old man was helped to safety by Burnham-On-Sea Coastguard late on Wednesday night, August 17th, after a member of the public reported seeing him try to launch a dinghy from the town's beach in complete darkness. The Coastguard found the man by launching flares.
New O2 transmitter for town
MOBILE phone company O2 has given in to pressure from Burnham-On-Sea customers and emergency services and installed a new temporary mast in the town to try and resolve reception problems. A 12.5 metre transmitter is being installed this week in Marine Drive, we can reveal.
Apex Park to hold Open Day
APEX Wildlife & Leisure Park in Burnham-On-Sea is holding an open day later this month when a host of groups from the town will be getting involved with displays and demonstrations. The event is being held on Sunday August 28th and entry will be free. The event will be attended by many local groups.
Town's prison cells back in use
POLICE in Burnham-On-Sea will soon be keeping prisoners under lock and key in cells at the town’s police station for the first time in three years. Since the end of 2002 all prisoners have been taken to Bridgwater, but in a bid to save officer’s time Burnham's cells are to be re-opened.
Horticultural Show success
HUNDREDS of gardeners, cooks, handicraft hobbyists and photographers took part in the 38th annual Burnham-On-Sea Horticultural Show in mid-August. The two-day event was held at Sanders Garden World and attracted hundreds of entries from a range of local enthusiasts.
£2k river mooring expansion
THE number of berths at Burnham-On-Sea Sailing Club's pontoons in the River Brue is to be almost doubled. Increased demand for extra moorings at the site means a £2,000 expansion of the facility is going ahead over the next few weeks to allow up to 13 extra yachts and boats to moor there.
Hovercraft signs City deal
BURNHAM-On-Sea's Spirit of Lelaina hovercraft has scored a winner after being selected as Bristol City's official charity for the new football season. Bosses at Ashton Gate will be hoping to raise as much money as possible during a series of collections throughout the new footie season.
Fishing boat towed to safety
BURNHAM-On-Sea RNLI's Staines Whitfield lifeboat was called out by Swansea Coastguard at 11:45am on Friday August 12th to help a 14ft fishing boat in the River Parrett after it suffered engine failure. The craft was towed back to Burnham Sailing Club. The sailor was unhurt in the incident.
Christmas circus announced!
CHRISTMAS is still months away but that hasn't stopped Sanders Garden World from announcing its plans to hold a yuletime circus this December! A circus troop called Circus Americano will visit the centre, near Burnham-On-Sea, for 28 days throughout the Christmas season.
Burnham welcomes RNLI VIPs
BURNHAM-On-Sea's lifeboat and hovercraft stations opened their doors to two VIPs from the Poole headquarters of the RNLI when Operations Director Michael Vlasto and Divisional Inspector Simon Pryce visited the two rescue services to meet the crews and see their life-saving kit.
Quad biking ban edges closer
QUAD bikers and sand racers could soon be banned from Berrow and Brean beaches amid fears that they are causing environmental damage and may even cause potential court action. Parish councillors claim they damage wildlife and put people at risk - which could mean legal action.
Coast Radio to go full-time?
A NEW temporary radio station for Burnham, Brean and Berrow has got off to such a strong start that its owner is drawing up plans for it to become a full-time station operating around the year. Coast Radio is initially broadcasting on 105 FM for four weeks but wants to be available round the clock.
Money flies in for RAF group
VOLUNTEERS from Burnham-On-Sea's branch of the Royal Air Forces Association have been out in force this week during their annual fundraising drive. Their event is held every August and this year's is special because of an important anniversary which the group has been marking.
£1,500 damage to speedboat
A SPEEDBOAT suffered more than £1,500 of damage on Sunday evening (August 7th) after becoming swamped with sea water on Burnham jetty. The craft was battered by waves and had several holes punched in its hull when its crew got into difficulty. They were rescued by the Coastguard team.
Yacht runs aground in river
BOTH of Burnham-On-Sea's lifeboats were launched on Sunday, August 7th, after a yacht ran aground in the River Parrett. The D-Class and Atlantic 75 boats investigated after the yacht ran aground near Hunstpill. Two crew from Burnham and Weston were taken ashore.
Concern over new street kiosk
TOWN councillors have voiced concerns about the security of a new cash machine installed this week outside a busy Burnham-On-Sea night club. The structure consists of a phone kiosk on one side and a cash machine on the other. It has been installed outside Shakers in the High Street.
Big crowds flock to Fun Day
BUCKETS and spades were out in force when hundreds of families flocked to Burnham's annual Seaside Fun Day on Friday, August 5th. Scores of children took part in a variety of competitions and events, including a sand castle building competition and treasure hunt. We have the winners' details.
Double victory for yachtsman Graham
BURNHAM-On-Sea yachstman Graham Wills and his crew were celebrating this week after clinching a double victory in the town's annual Sailing Club Regatta. Strong winds provided challenging conditions for the yachtsmen during the two-day event, but the sea remained calm.
Appeal for town show entries
GARDENERS, growers, cooks, handicraft hobbyists and amateur photographers alike are being invited to take part in Burnham-On-Sea & District Horticultural Society's 38th annual show, to be held at Sanders GardenWorld on August 13 and 14. Entries cover a range of hobbies.
Funeral held for police officer
THE funeral of Bernard Doolan, a Neighbourhood Watch pioneer and former community police officer from Burnham-On-Sea, was held on Monday (August 1). The 59-year-old tragically died after suddenly collapsing in the changing rooms at Burnham swimming pool last week.
Summer Moon photo review
TOP Weston group EvanFly entertained the large crowds at Burnham-On-Sea's popular Under A Summer Concert on Saturday, July 30th. The live five-hour music event, held at the BASC Sports Ground, offered a line-up of music for all tastes and attracted large numbers of families..
Coach fire causes M5 chaos
A COACH fire caused traffic chaos on the M5 motorway near Burnham-On-Sea on Saturday afternoon (July 30). Smoke was seen pouring from the engine of the coach as it travelled north between junctions 23 for Bridgwater and 22 for Burnham. Several people were treated for smoke inhalation.
Cubs hear about mud danger
A GROUP of Bridgwater Cubs has visited Burnham's hovercraft station to learn more about the dangers of mud along Somerset's coastline. The group listened intently as they were told how the hovercraft glides out across the mud to save trapped people. They were also given a chance to feel the mud.
Tesco expansion dealt a blow
TESCO's expansion of its Burnham-On-Sea store has been dealt a severe blow after it emerged that a full inquiry into the proposal is to be launched. At a district council meeting this week, the decision to 'call in' the plans and launch the inquiry was announced, giving the public a second chance to air their views.

WEATHER

Burnham-on-Sea
moderate rain
9.5 ° C
10.6 °
9.1 °
94 %
4.5kmh
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