Ship runs aground on beach
A BARGE ran aground on Burnham-On-Sea Beach overnight on Friday November 12th. The 50ft vessel was beached on a patch of sand near the jetty after suffering an engine failure. It remained there until the following morning when the incoming tide gave it buoyancy.
A BARGE ran aground on Burnham-On-Sea Beach overnight on Friday November 12th. The 50ft vessel was beached on a patch of sand near the jetty after suffering an engine failure. It remained there until the following morning when the incoming tide gave it buoyancy.
Town parking crackdown
POLICE in Burnham-On-Sea are launching a drive to reduce traffic offences in the town.
The moves come after complaints from residents regarding motorists parking in restricted areas such as disabled bays and loading bays. Read the full story.
POLICE in Burnham-On-Sea are launching a drive to reduce traffic offences in the town.
The moves come after complaints from residents regarding motorists parking in restricted areas such as disabled bays and loading bays. Read the full story.
Burnham Carnival 2004 heralded as 'best ever'
OVER 100 illuminated carnival floats paraded through Burnham-On-Sea on Monday November 8th, 2004 when this year's annual winter carnival procession was held in front of thousands of spectators.
OVER 100 illuminated carnival floats paraded through Burnham-On-Sea on Monday November 8th, 2004 when this year's annual winter carnival procession was held in front of thousands of spectators.
Thousands watch seafront fireworks
BURNHAM'S annual seafront fireworks display took place on The Esplanade on Sunday November 7th. The popular display, which heralds the start of the Carnival weekend, lasted 25 minutes and was watched by thousands of onlookers crowded along the seafront.
BURNHAM'S annual seafront fireworks display took place on The Esplanade on Sunday November 7th. The popular display, which heralds the start of the Carnival weekend, lasted 25 minutes and was watched by thousands of onlookers crowded along the seafront.
HMS Burnham remembered
A PLAQUE dedicated to the wartime destroyer HMS Burnham has been unveiled in Burnham-on-Sea. The ship, along with forty nine other escort vessels, played a vital role in helping win the Battle of the Atlantic from 1940 to 1944. Exactly sixty years ago, the crew of the vessel marched through the streets.
A PLAQUE dedicated to the wartime destroyer HMS Burnham has been unveiled in Burnham-on-Sea. The ship, along with forty nine other escort vessels, played a vital role in helping win the Battle of the Atlantic from 1940 to 1944. Exactly sixty years ago, the crew of the vessel marched through the streets.
Tony gets hero's welcome
PARALYMPIC swimming winner Anthony Stephens has received a hero's welcome by touring the streets of Burnham and Highbridge in an open-top bus. Many hundreds of people lined the route between Highbridge community hall and Burnham's Princess theatre to get a glimpse of the 18-year-old.
PARALYMPIC swimming winner Anthony Stephens has received a hero's welcome by touring the streets of Burnham and Highbridge in an open-top bus. Many hundreds of people lined the route between Highbridge community hall and Burnham's Princess theatre to get a glimpse of the 18-year-old.
Big crowds watch 2003 Carnival
THOUSANDS of visitors descended on Burnham-On-Sea during November to watch the town's hugely popular Carnival wend its way through the streets. Dozens of brightly coloured floats moved through the town's narrow streets to the sound of music and cheers from the crowds. The weather stayed fine.
Lighthouses in Burnham
FIND out about the fascinating story behind Burnham-On-Sea's lighthouses. In this special feature we examine the incredible history behind the town's lighthouses. In around 1750 a fisherman and his wife lived in a cottage close to the church. One stormy night, anxious about her husband, she put a candle in a window.
FIND out about the fascinating story behind Burnham-On-Sea's lighthouses. In this special feature we examine the incredible history behind the town's lighthouses. In around 1750 a fisherman and his wife lived in a cottage close to the church. One stormy night, anxious about her husband, she put a candle in a window.
Stert Island Swim 2003 won by triathlete
Triathlete Sarah Hartshorn beat more than 60 men to become the first woman to win Somerset’s gruelling Stert Island swim. The 28-year-old University of Bath employee was one of 72 swimmers taking part in the event, which sees competitors embark from Burnham on Sea beach, swim across the mouth of the River Parrett to Stert Island, before swimming back to Burnham on Sea.
Triathlete Sarah Hartshorn beat more than 60 men to become the first woman to win Somerset’s gruelling Stert Island swim. The 28-year-old University of Bath employee was one of 72 swimmers taking part in the event, which sees competitors embark from Burnham on Sea beach, swim across the mouth of the River Parrett to Stert Island, before swimming back to Burnham on Sea.
Burnham seafront history
BURNHAM'S seafront began to be developed in 1911 when the reinforced concrete pavement and wall were constructed.
In this guide we take you on a photographic trip along the seafront and assess what changes have been made to the seafront at Burnham over the years. The Esplanade Pavilion, used as a theatre for many years, replaced a Victorian bandstand.
BURNHAM'S seafront began to be developed in 1911 when the reinforced concrete pavement and wall were constructed.
In this guide we take you on a photographic trip along the seafront and assess what changes have been made to the seafront at Burnham over the years. The Esplanade Pavilion, used as a theatre for many years, replaced a Victorian bandstand.
Burnham at risk from flooding
Thousands of homes in Burnham and Highbridge are at risk from flooding, according to a new study from the Environment Agency.
A map released by the agency shows the two towns could be affected in the event of a major breach of the sea wall. Flood water could even be lapping at the foot of Brent Knoll.
Thousands of homes in Burnham and Highbridge are at risk from flooding, according to a new study from the Environment Agency.
A map released by the agency shows the two towns could be affected in the event of a major breach of the sea wall. Flood water could even be lapping at the foot of Brent Knoll.
Lifeboat station open days
BURNHAM-On-Sea RNLI Supporters’ Group will be opening up the town's lifeboat station to visitors.
The series of events will be held during October, November and December, allowing enthusiasts to see behind the scenes and buy souveniers.
BURNHAM-On-Sea RNLI Supporters’ Group will be opening up the town's lifeboat station to visitors.
The series of events will be held during October, November and December, allowing enthusiasts to see behind the scenes and buy souveniers.
Jellyfish washed onto beach
HUNDREDS of jellyfish-like creatures have been washed up along West Country beaches by the stormy weather - including Burnham-On-Sea beach. Shoals of the harmless Velella Velella, which measure up to 10cm across, have been found lying several creatures deep.
HUNDREDS of jellyfish-like creatures have been washed up along West Country beaches by the stormy weather - including Burnham-On-Sea beach. Shoals of the harmless Velella Velella, which measure up to 10cm across, have been found lying several creatures deep.
New 'bin day' for Burnham
BURNHAM'S residents will have to put out their rubbish on a different day as from Monday September 27th. A re-zoning exercise across the Sedgemoor district has become necessary due to the number of new housing developments throughout Sedgemoor and the changes to the waste collection service.
BURNHAM'S residents will have to put out their rubbish on a different day as from Monday September 27th. A re-zoning exercise across the Sedgemoor district has become necessary due to the number of new housing developments throughout Sedgemoor and the changes to the waste collection service.
RNLI practices net landing
BURNHAM-On-Sea RNLI have been practising how to return their Atlantic 75 lifeboat to shore during a storm.
A rope net was attached to the launch trailer and then driven into the sea by the RNLI's tractor where it catches the lifeboat when the craft is steered into it.
BURNHAM-On-Sea RNLI have been practising how to return their Atlantic 75 lifeboat to shore during a storm.
A rope net was attached to the launch trailer and then driven into the sea by the RNLI's tractor where it catches the lifeboat when the craft is steered into it.
Brent Knoll goes spotty!
BURNHAM residents thought they were going dotty when they looked up at Brent Knoll and saw multi-coloured spots on the hillside. But the spots - which are visible from the M5 motorway, the A38 and much of Burnham - are actually part of a display marking Somerset Arts Week 2004.
BURNHAM residents thought they were going dotty when they looked up at Brent Knoll and saw multi-coloured spots on the hillside. But the spots - which are visible from the M5 motorway, the A38 and much of Burnham - are actually part of a display marking Somerset Arts Week 2004.
Cinema re-opens its doors
BURNHAM-On-Sea's cinema has re-opened with two screens showing several films every night of the week. Owner Patt Scott has spent over £120,000 renovating the Ritz Cinema in Victoria Street. It has new screens, state-of-the-art projectors plus air conditioning and can seat 230 people.
BURNHAM-On-Sea's cinema has re-opened with two screens showing several films every night of the week. Owner Patt Scott has spent over £120,000 renovating the Ritz Cinema in Victoria Street. It has new screens, state-of-the-art projectors plus air conditioning and can seat 230 people.
Cinema re-opens on Sep 17
BURNHAM-On-Sea's cinema is to re-open on September 17 with two screens showing films every night of the week. Owner Patt Scott has spent over £120,000 renovating the Ritz Cinema in Victoria Street. It has new screens, state-of-the-art projectors plus air conditioning and can seat 230 people.
BURNHAM-On-Sea's cinema is to re-open on September 17 with two screens showing films every night of the week. Owner Patt Scott has spent over £120,000 renovating the Ritz Cinema in Victoria Street. It has new screens, state-of-the-art projectors plus air conditioning and can seat 230 people.
Appeal for daytime helpers
BURNAM-ON-SEA RNLI needs more day time lifeboat crew and day time shore helpers. Suitable applicants would have the opportunity to work within a dedicated, friendly team of volunteers. A spokesman said: "Experience is not essential. We will train you. All we need is people willing to become involved."
BURNAM-ON-SEA RNLI needs more day time lifeboat crew and day time shore helpers. Suitable applicants would have the opportunity to work within a dedicated, friendly team of volunteers. A spokesman said: "Experience is not essential. We will train you. All we need is people willing to become involved."
Fire sweeps through dunes
DOZENS of firefighters tackled a big blaze in Berrow dunes on Wednesday night (Sep 1st). The fire broke out at around 8pm and quickly spread across the marshy dunes and brush to the west of Berrow Church. The fire appeared to be active in at least four areas.
DOZENS of firefighters tackled a big blaze in Berrow dunes on Wednesday night (Sep 1st). The fire broke out at around 8pm and quickly spread across the marshy dunes and brush to the west of Berrow Church. The fire appeared to be active in at least four areas.
New mud rescue at Brean
A RESCUE team involving Burnham-On-Sea's hovercraft, the coastguard, paramedics and an RAF helicopter were called to help a 46 year-old woman who suffered an asthma attack while walking in treacherous mud on Brean Beach on Wednesday, September 1st.
A RESCUE team involving Burnham-On-Sea's hovercraft, the coastguard, paramedics and an RAF helicopter were called to help a 46 year-old woman who suffered an asthma attack while walking in treacherous mud on Brean Beach on Wednesday, September 1st.
World record twisting bid!
BURNHAM will aim to beat its own world record for the most people twisting on a beach - as featured in the Guiness Book of Records - on Sunday August 29th. The first ‘Let’s Twist Again’ event held on the seafront in August 2002 attracted a record 1,150 people and this year it's hoped 2000 will attend.
BURNHAM will aim to beat its own world record for the most people twisting on a beach - as featured in the Guiness Book of Records - on Sunday August 29th. The first ‘Let’s Twist Again’ event held on the seafront in August 2002 attracted a record 1,150 people and this year it's hoped 2000 will attend.
New Youth Shelter opens
YOUNGSTERS in Burnham are to get a new facility where they can gather informally and which they can call their own.
The new youth centre in Wincester Rd is to be opened by the Burnham Local Action Team (LAT) and Sedgemoor District Council.
YOUNGSTERS in Burnham are to get a new facility where they can gather informally and which they can call their own.
The new youth centre in Wincester Rd is to be opened by the Burnham Local Action Team (LAT) and Sedgemoor District Council.
Town's emergency services go on display
BURNHAM-ON-SEA'S emergency services are to take part in a display of their life-saving skills on Saturday August 21. ESCAPE, the Emergency Services Community Awareness and Promotion Event, will include performances from BARB's rescue hovercraft and the RNLI's lifeboats.
BURNHAM-ON-SEA'S emergency services are to take part in a display of their life-saving skills on Saturday August 21. ESCAPE, the Emergency Services Community Awareness and Promotion Event, will include performances from BARB's rescue hovercraft and the RNLI's lifeboats.
Cliff rescue at Brean Down
A man is recovering in hospital after falling down cliffs near Burnham-On-Sea at around 4pm on Saturday August 28th. The man lost his footing and slipped down an 18ft gully at Brean Down seriously injuring both legs. He also sustained head injuries after rocks fell on to him.
A man is recovering in hospital after falling down cliffs near Burnham-On-Sea at around 4pm on Saturday August 28th. The man lost his footing and slipped down an 18ft gully at Brean Down seriously injuring both legs. He also sustained head injuries after rocks fell on to him.
Sarah wins Stert Island Swim
BATH University triathlete Sarah Hartshorn has won the gruelling sea swim between Burnham-On-Sea and Stert Island for the second year running. In front of big crowds of spectators, she beat 58 other competitors to win the 2.4km event in a time of 27 minutes, 43 seconds.
BATH University triathlete Sarah Hartshorn has won the gruelling sea swim between Burnham-On-Sea and Stert Island for the second year running. In front of big crowds of spectators, she beat 58 other competitors to win the 2.4km event in a time of 27 minutes, 43 seconds.
Model Rail Club exhibition
BURNHAM and District Model Railway Club will hold its annual exhibition, Sedgemoor Rail 2004, on August 28th and 29th at King Alfred's School. Over 15 model railway layouts from all over the UK will be exhibited, and both local and national traders will be selling a wide range of model railway equipment.
BURNHAM and District Model Railway Club will hold its annual exhibition, Sedgemoor Rail 2004, on August 28th and 29th at King Alfred's School. Over 15 model railway layouts from all over the UK will be exhibited, and both local and national traders will be selling a wide range of model railway equipment.
included the police, hovercraft, RNLI, HM Coastguard and ambulance.
Second mudflats rescue
THE FATHER and son rescued on mudflats at Brean by Burnham's hovercraft have been saved again for the second time in 24 hours. The Spirit of Lelaina hovercraft was called out on Thursday August 19th by Swansea Coastguard at 14:44 after Brean Down's Beach Warden raised the alarm. Then, on Friday, the same pair were rescued in Weston by the local lifeboat.
THE FATHER and son rescued on mudflats at Brean by Burnham's hovercraft have been saved again for the second time in 24 hours. The Spirit of Lelaina hovercraft was called out on Thursday August 19th by Swansea Coastguard at 14:44 after Brean Down's Beach Warden raised the alarm. Then, on Friday, the same pair were rescued in Weston by the local lifeboat.
Battle Of Bridgwater Bay 2003 in Burnham-On-Sea A...
RNLI hits out at poor parkers
BURNHAM'S lifeboat was prevented from returning to its station on Sunday (August 8) by motorists' careless parking.
The lifeboat's trailer became stuck when it was unable to be moved between a carelessly parked trade van and a saloon car without causing damage.
BURNHAM'S lifeboat was prevented from returning to its station on Sunday (August 8) by motorists' careless parking.
The lifeboat's trailer became stuck when it was unable to be moved between a carelessly parked trade van and a saloon car without causing damage.
Burnham Seaside Fun Day Results
BURNHAM'S popular annual Seaside Fun Day was held on Burnham Beach and Esplanade on Friday 6th August. During the day there were competitions and games for children, including a treasure hunt and sand castle building contest, plus a wide range of live music and stalls.
BURNHAM'S popular annual Seaside Fun Day was held on Burnham Beach and Esplanade on Friday 6th August. During the day there were competitions and games for children, including a treasure hunt and sand castle building contest, plus a wide range of live music and stalls.
Night-time launch for lifeboat
BURNHAM-ON-SEA RNLI's Staines Whitfield lifeboat was launched to help in the search for two people reported missing in the sea near the town's old Lighthouse.
They were found soon after and returned to the shore to a waiting ambulance.
BURNHAM-ON-SEA RNLI's Staines Whitfield lifeboat was launched to help in the search for two people reported missing in the sea near the town's old Lighthouse.
They were found soon after and returned to the shore to a waiting ambulance.
Hovercraft receives cash
BURNHAM-ON-SEA'S hovercraft crew have been presented with a cheque for £270 following a successful fundraising event at the town's Ritz Social Club.
A fun casino night attended by supporters last month helped to raised cash for the BARB hovercraft.
BURNHAM-ON-SEA'S hovercraft crew have been presented with a cheque for £270 following a successful fundraising event at the town's Ritz Social Club.
A fun casino night attended by supporters last month helped to raised cash for the BARB hovercraft.
Pop star in concert at Brean
Peter Andre will headline a summer concert at Brean Leisure Park, near Burnham-On-Sea on Wednesday August 4th, 2004. The star of ITV's I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here! will appear with his full live band performing in excess of a one hour gig. There will also be a host of other support acts.
Peter Andre will headline a summer concert at Brean Leisure Park, near Burnham-On-Sea on Wednesday August 4th, 2004. The star of ITV's I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here! will appear with his full live band performing in excess of a one hour gig. There will also be a host of other support acts.
Alan hailed as a local hero
ALAN Miller, a Burnham-On-Sea RNLI tractor driver and chairman of the BARB hovercraft rescue service, is being hailed as a hero after tackling a teenager who was wielding a samurai sword. Alan, 34, apprehended the youth who was threatening to harm passers-by and door staff in Brean.
ALAN Miller, a Burnham-On-Sea RNLI tractor driver and chairman of the BARB hovercraft rescue service, is being hailed as a hero after tackling a teenager who was wielding a samurai sword. Alan, 34, apprehended the youth who was threatening to harm passers-by and door staff in Brean.
Beach fishing competition
A major beach fishing competition is to be held on Burnham-On-Sea Beach during August to help raise funds for the town's lifeboats. The competition is open to all and is in aid of the Lelaina Lifeaboat Appeal. Holidays and cash prizes are up for grabs, plus quality runners-up awards.
A major beach fishing competition is to be held on Burnham-On-Sea Beach during August to help raise funds for the town's lifeboats. The competition is open to all and is in aid of the Lelaina Lifeaboat Appeal. Holidays and cash prizes are up for grabs, plus quality runners-up awards.
Under A Summer Moon concert
ONE OF Burnham's biggest musical events, Under A Summer Moon, is set to be held on Saturday July 17, 2004. The live outdoor music festival offers a wide line-up of music for all tastes. This year's schedule includes top local bands, headlined by River Brue, an eight piece band.
ONE OF Burnham's biggest musical events, Under A Summer Moon, is set to be held on Saturday July 17, 2004. The live outdoor music festival offers a wide line-up of music for all tastes. This year's schedule includes top local bands, headlined by River Brue, an eight piece band.
Digger rescued from Burnham mud
A JCB digger was rescued from Burnham-On-Sea Beach on July 10, 2004 when it became stuck in mud. Building contractors working on new sea defences at the southern end of the town's beach were driving out along the sands when they became stuck in soft sand towards the foreshore.
A JCB digger was rescued from Burnham-On-Sea Beach on July 10, 2004 when it became stuck in mud. Building contractors working on new sea defences at the southern end of the town's beach were driving out along the sands when they became stuck in soft sand towards the foreshore.
BBC TV live in Burnham
BURNHAM-ON-SEA RNLI took centre stage during a live BBC TV broadcast from the town's beach as unseasonally stormy conditions swept the region. Crew members from the Staines Whitfield and 'D' Class lifeboats were interviewed and a live TV weather forecast was transmitted.
BURNHAM-ON-SEA RNLI took centre stage during a live BBC TV broadcast from the town's beach as unseasonally stormy conditions swept the region. Crew members from the Staines Whitfield and 'D' Class lifeboats were interviewed and a live TV weather forecast was transmitted.
RNLI chief is awarded
MARTIN COX, Burnham-On-Sea RNLI's Operations Manager, is one of four individuals who have been presented with a civic award by Burnham and Highbridge Town Council for services rendered to the community. Read more about the award and why Martin was such a deserving recipient.
MARTIN COX, Burnham-On-Sea RNLI's Operations Manager, is one of four individuals who have been presented with a civic award by Burnham and Highbridge Town Council for services rendered to the community. Read more about the award and why Martin was such a deserving recipient.
Berrow Music Festival
THE CLASSICAL Berrow Chamber Music Festival takes place at the picturesque St Mary's Church in Berrow near Burnham-On-Sea between July 1 and 3.
Read our guide to find out who's performing at this year's event and how you can get tickets.
THE CLASSICAL Berrow Chamber Music Festival takes place at the picturesque St Mary's Church in Berrow near Burnham-On-Sea between July 1 and 3.
Read our guide to find out who's performing at this year's event and how you can get tickets.
Callout board ceremony
BURNHAM-ON-SEA Community Centre has presented the John Godfrey Morris Lifeboat callout board to the care of Burnham-On-Sea Lifeboat station. Tony Winterburn, Burnham-On-Sea RNLI Chairman, was handed the board by Joan Christian of the Community Centre.
BURNHAM-ON-SEA Community Centre has presented the John Godfrey Morris Lifeboat callout board to the care of Burnham-On-Sea Lifeboat station. Tony Winterburn, Burnham-On-Sea RNLI Chairman, was handed the board by Joan Christian of the Community Centre.
Beach lifeguard rescue
BURNHAM-ON-SEA'S Beach Lifeguard team have been involved in their first call-out of the 2004 summer season, rescuing a non-swimmer who encountered difficulties after falling off a jet ski. The man in his early 20's was riding the craft 100 metres offshore.
BURNHAM-ON-SEA'S Beach Lifeguard team have been involved in their first call-out of the 2004 summer season, rescuing a non-swimmer who encountered difficulties after falling off a jet ski. The man in his early 20's was riding the craft 100 metres offshore.
Triathlon results & photos
A TOTAL of 330 athletes competed in the 2004 Burnham-On-Sea Triathlon on Sunday, June 13th. The course included a 500m swim, a 20km cycle ride to Lympsham and a 5km run to Berrow.
We have a complete round-up of all the results plus photos from the event.
A TOTAL of 330 athletes competed in the 2004 Burnham-On-Sea Triathlon on Sunday, June 13th. The course included a 500m swim, a 20km cycle ride to Lympsham and a 5km run to Berrow.
We have a complete round-up of all the results plus photos from the event.
School visits rescue teams
A GROUP of 60 children from St Joseph’s School in Burnham-On-Sea were given a guided tour of the town’s hovercraft and lifeboat stations this week. Two classes of children – all aged between 6 and 8 years old - met crewmembers from the rescue teams and saw the life-saving kit up-close.
A GROUP of 60 children from St Joseph’s School in Burnham-On-Sea were given a guided tour of the town’s hovercraft and lifeboat stations this week. Two classes of children – all aged between 6 and 8 years old - met crewmembers from the rescue teams and saw the life-saving kit up-close.
RNLI recover 'man overboard'
BURNHAM-ON-SEA RNLI's D class lifeboat was launched at approximately 18:55 hrs on June 5th - followed shortly afterwards by the launch of the Staines Whitfield, an Atlantic 75, at 19:05 hrs to assist in the recovery of a 'man overboard' from an anchored 17ft white yacht.
BURNHAM-ON-SEA RNLI's D class lifeboat was launched at approximately 18:55 hrs on June 5th - followed shortly afterwards by the launch of the Staines Whitfield, an Atlantic 75, at 19:05 hrs to assist in the recovery of a 'man overboard' from an anchored 17ft white yacht.
Hovercraft saves teens in mud
BURNHAM-ON-SEA'S hovercraft flew into action on June 6th to avert tragedy. Just eight days after going into service, the vessel saved two teenagers from the mud flats. Shaken, cold and wet, the stranded youths were delighted to see the Burnham On Sea hovercraft, called the Spirit of Lelaina, coming.
BURNHAM-ON-SEA'S hovercraft flew into action on June 6th to avert tragedy. Just eight days after going into service, the vessel saved two teenagers from the mud flats. Shaken, cold and wet, the stranded youths were delighted to see the Burnham On Sea hovercraft, called the Spirit of Lelaina, coming.
Queens gets £1.2m revamp
THE FORMER Queens Hotel on Burnham seafront reopens as a pub this Sunday (May 30) following a £1.2 million development project. Pub operator JD Wetherspoon has spent the past six months converting the building in Pier Street. Many of the original features of the building have been retained.
THE FORMER Queens Hotel on Burnham seafront reopens as a pub this Sunday (May 30) following a £1.2 million development project. Pub operator JD Wetherspoon has spent the past six months converting the building in Pier Street. Many of the original features of the building have been retained.
RNLI Station officially opens
BURNHAM On Sea's new Lifeboat station was officially opened on Saturday 15 May when a service of dedication for the Staines Whitfield Lifeboat was held in front of hundreds of VIPs and supporters. The service was led by Rev Graham Witts of St Andrew's Church.
BURNHAM On Sea's new Lifeboat station was officially opened on Saturday 15 May when a service of dedication for the Staines Whitfield Lifeboat was held in front of hundreds of VIPs and supporters. The service was led by Rev Graham Witts of St Andrew's Church.