Published: October 22, 2008
In photos: New plaque unveiled in memory of Burnham Nobel Prize winner

A new plaque to commemorate the birthplace of the late Sir John Pople, the Nobel Chemistry Prize Winner 1998, was unveiled in Burnham-On-Sea during a special ceremony on Wednesday afternoon (October 22nd).

Sir John, pictured right, was born in Burnham in 1925 and spent his early life in the town with his parents until shortly after the end of the Second World War in 1946.

The Mayor of Burnham, Cllr Peter Burridge-Clayton, and Burnham County Councillor Mike Facey officially unveiled the plaque on the premises above the JAG phone shop in Cross Street.

The plaque has been purchased by the North Sedgemoor Local History Group, along with funding provided by Cllr Facey from his Community budget. A crowd of almost 50 people watched Wednesday's unveiling of the plaque in Cross Street.

George Brown of North Sedgemoor Local History Group explained the importance of Sir John's life and his early days in Burnham

The Mayor of Burnham, Cllr Peter Burridge-Clayton, and Burnham County Councillor Mike Facey officially unveiled the plaque

The simple plaque is clearly visible on the wall outside the premises in Cross Street

A large crowd of onlookers watched the unveiling of the plaque in Cross Street

A reception for the attendees followed the event in the town council chambers