Tony swaps gifts for donations
A MAN from Mark, near Burnham, has made a generous donation to two local good causes this week after refusing presents at his 60th birthday celebrations and inviting charity donations instead. Tony Buncombe received £600 from friends and family members at a special party held in Mark Village Hall.
A MAN from Mark, near Burnham, has made a generous donation to two local good causes this week after refusing presents at his 60th birthday celebrations and inviting charity donations instead. Tony Buncombe received £600 from friends and family members at a special party held in Mark Village Hall.
Historic ship in focus at talk
THE SS Great Britain will be the topic of North Sedgemoor Local History Group's meeting in Highbridge this Wednesday (February 9th). Janet Brinnand, a trustee of the SS Great Britain Trust will be one of two special guests at the special talk being held at King Alfred School.
THE SS Great Britain will be the topic of North Sedgemoor Local History Group's meeting in Highbridge this Wednesday (February 9th). Janet Brinnand, a trustee of the SS Great Britain Trust will be one of two special guests at the special talk being held at King Alfred School.
£1,380 raised at car washes
TWO days of car washing at Burnham-On-Sea RNLI station, in conjuction with the RNLI's National SOS Day, have raised over £1,300 for the charity. The first event - on January 29th raised £677.29 - and the second on Saturday February 5th - raised £703.61.
TWO days of car washing at Burnham-On-Sea RNLI station, in conjuction with the RNLI's National SOS Day, have raised over £1,300 for the charity. The first event - on January 29th raised £677.29 - and the second on Saturday February 5th - raised £703.61.
Police in mobile phone warning
POLICE have this week warned motorists in the Burnham-On-Sea area about the dangers of using their mobile phones whilst driving. The force has teamed up with RAC to emphasise that using a mobile phone whilst driving is a lethal combination - a potentially 'fatal distraction'.
POLICE have this week warned motorists in the Burnham-On-Sea area about the dangers of using their mobile phones whilst driving. The force has teamed up with RAC to emphasise that using a mobile phone whilst driving is a lethal combination - a potentially 'fatal distraction'.
Seafront battered by gales
STRONG winds created stormy seas in Burnham on Saturday morning (February 5th). Big waves were sent crashing into the town's sea wall at the height of the morning tide at 8.10am, as pictured here. Gales with gusts of up to 60mph swept through the Burnham area.
STRONG winds created stormy seas in Burnham on Saturday morning (February 5th). Big waves were sent crashing into the town's sea wall at the height of the morning tide at 8.10am, as pictured here. Gales with gusts of up to 60mph swept through the Burnham area.
In photos: Chinese New Year
CHILDREN in Burnham and Highbridge have been celebrating Chinese New Year with a range of colourful activities. At Highbridge Children's Centre, the youngsters learned how to write simple Chinese symbols, use chopsticks and taste traditional Chinese food.
CHILDREN in Burnham and Highbridge have been celebrating Chinese New Year with a range of colourful activities. At Highbridge Children's Centre, the youngsters learned how to write simple Chinese symbols, use chopsticks and taste traditional Chinese food.
Youth clubs face council axe
TWO youth groups in the Burnham area which are run by Somerset County Council could be set to close, it has been announced this week. Lympsham and Wedmore youth clubs are both among 18 which the council is seeking to close or hand over to the community to run.
TWO youth groups in the Burnham area which are run by Somerset County Council could be set to close, it has been announced this week. Lympsham and Wedmore youth clubs are both among 18 which the council is seeking to close or hand over to the community to run.
Man's body found at town home
Exclusive: POLICE say the discovery of the body of a man at his Highbridge home earlier this week is not being treated as suspicious. Officers were called to Kennedy Close at 4pm on Thursday afternoon (February 3rd) amid concern for the welfare of the man inside.
Exclusive: POLICE say the discovery of the body of a man at his Highbridge home earlier this week is not being treated as suspicious. Officers were called to Kennedy Close at 4pm on Thursday afternoon (February 3rd) amid concern for the welfare of the man inside.
Street party fundraiser in town
THE team behind plans to hold a big street party in Highbridge to mark this spring's royal wedding are to hold their first fundraising event later this month. Highbridge Residents' Association is organising the party in the town in April to celebrate the big Royal marriage.
THE team behind plans to hold a big street party in Highbridge to mark this spring's royal wedding are to hold their first fundraising event later this month. Highbridge Residents' Association is organising the party in the town in April to celebrate the big Royal marriage.
TV duo's visit to air this month
POPULAR childrens TV presenters Dick and Dom visited East Huntspill's Secret World Wildlife Rescue Centre last year to film their new series 'Dick And Dom Go Wild', which being broadcast during February. The series, on kids channel CBBC, featured rescue centres across the UK.
POPULAR childrens TV presenters Dick and Dom visited East Huntspill's Secret World Wildlife Rescue Centre last year to film their new series 'Dick And Dom Go Wild', which being broadcast during February. The series, on kids channel CBBC, featured rescue centres across the UK.
School visits Burnham posties
A GROUP of youngsters from Berrow made a special visit to Burnham-On-Sea's Sorting Office on Thursday (February 3rd). Over a dozen children from Berrow Pre-School and the Reception Class at Berrow Primary School enjoyed the visit during a week of Postman Pat themed activities.
A GROUP of youngsters from Berrow made a special visit to Burnham-On-Sea's Sorting Office on Thursday (February 3rd). Over a dozen children from Berrow Pre-School and the Reception Class at Berrow Primary School enjoyed the visit during a week of Postman Pat themed activities.
Beach race may move to Burnham
Exclusive: PROPOSALS to move Weston-super-Mare's famous annual Beach Race to Burnham-On-Sea, Brean or Berrow are under consideration. RHL Activities, the organisers of the annual race have been in discussions with Sedgemoor District Council in recent days regarding the possible move of the race.
Exclusive: PROPOSALS to move Weston-super-Mare's famous annual Beach Race to Burnham-On-Sea, Brean or Berrow are under consideration. RHL Activities, the organisers of the annual race have been in discussions with Sedgemoor District Council in recent days regarding the possible move of the race.
Access fears over 11 new flats
Exclusive: PROPOSALS to convert a Burnham-On-Sea residential home into a block of 11 flats have this week been given the thumbs-down by town councillors amid concerns about access onto the busy Berrow Road. The scheme centres on Newton Lodge residential home at 139 Berrow Road.
Exclusive: PROPOSALS to convert a Burnham-On-Sea residential home into a block of 11 flats have this week been given the thumbs-down by town councillors amid concerns about access onto the busy Berrow Road. The scheme centres on Newton Lodge residential home at 139 Berrow Road.
Groups receive Lions boost
BURNHAM-On-Sea Lions have this week handed over £1,700 to a group of local good causes. Members of the club gave out four bumper cheques during their annual presentation night, which was held at The Oaktree Arena's restaurant on Wednesday evening (February 2nd).
BURNHAM-On-Sea Lions have this week handed over £1,700 to a group of local good causes. Members of the club gave out four bumper cheques during their annual presentation night, which was held at The Oaktree Arena's restaurant on Wednesday evening (February 2nd).
Crime maps 'may hit house prices'
A NEW police website which provides crime maps showing the streets where crimes have occurred could hit property prices in some parts of Burnham-On-Sea, it has been claimed this week. The controversial site, www.police.uk, went online for the first time on Monday and provides the number of crimes in every street across the UK.
A NEW police website which provides crime maps showing the streets where crimes have occurred could hit property prices in some parts of Burnham-On-Sea, it has been claimed this week. The controversial site, www.police.uk, went online for the first time on Monday and provides the number of crimes in every street across the UK.
Crews tackle chimney fire
BURNHAM fire crews were called to tackle a chimney blaze in Highbridge on Tuesday (February 1st). Two fire engines were called to a property on the A38 at 1.08pm after a resident raised the alarm. Crews used breathing apparatus to tackle the fire due to the amount of smoke.
BURNHAM fire crews were called to tackle a chimney blaze in Highbridge on Tuesday (February 1st). Two fire engines were called to a property on the A38 at 1.08pm after a resident raised the alarm. Crews used breathing apparatus to tackle the fire due to the amount of smoke.
Library closure re-think urged
RESIDENTS in Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge have this week urged Somerset County Council Leader Ken Maddock to re-think his decision to close the town's Library. In recent consultations with libraries across the county, nine were declared to be saved but Highbridge was not among them.
RESIDENTS in Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge have this week urged Somerset County Council Leader Ken Maddock to re-think his decision to close the town's Library. In recent consultations with libraries across the county, nine were declared to be saved but Highbridge was not among them.
School's PTA may have to close
Exclusive: THE long-running Parent Teacher Association (PTA) at Highbridge's King Alfred School is under threat of closure due to a lack of volunteers, its leaders have warned this week. The King Alfred School Association, which has raised thousands of pounds for vital school equipment including a minibus, has said it may have to close down this year.
Exclusive: THE long-running Parent Teacher Association (PTA) at Highbridge's King Alfred School is under threat of closure due to a lack of volunteers, its leaders have warned this week. The King Alfred School Association, which has raised thousands of pounds for vital school equipment including a minibus, has said it may have to close down this year.
This week's Ritz films reviewed
BURNHAM-On-Sea film enthusiast Molly Harding reviews two of the latest films currently showing at the town's Ritz Cinema in Victoria Street. This week, she reviews Tangled and Morning Glory. Read more of Molly's reviews of films showing in Burnham here on Burnham-On-Sea.com each week.
BURNHAM-On-Sea film enthusiast Molly Harding reviews two of the latest films currently showing at the town's Ritz Cinema in Victoria Street. This week, she reviews Tangled and Morning Glory. Read more of Molly's reviews of films showing in Burnham here on Burnham-On-Sea.com each week.
Air cadets take to the skies!
AIR cadets from Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge's 290 Squadron took to the skies this week during a visit to Colerne Airfield near Bath. The cadets - aged between 14 and 17 - had the opportunity to take the controls of the RAF's primary training aircraft during their special visit.
AIR cadets from Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge's 290 Squadron took to the skies this week during a visit to Colerne Airfield near Bath. The cadets - aged between 14 and 17 - had the opportunity to take the controls of the RAF's primary training aircraft during their special visit.
Man hurt in warehouse burglary
Exclusive: A man was taken to hospital after being attacked during a violent burglary at an industrial park in Highbridge at the weekend. Officers were called to a warehouse used by Isleport Foods in Gass Close in the early hours of Saturday morning (January 29th) after a staff member was hit from behind.
Exclusive: A man was taken to hospital after being attacked during a violent burglary at an industrial park in Highbridge at the weekend. Officers were called to a warehouse used by Isleport Foods in Gass Close in the early hours of Saturday morning (January 29th) after a staff member was hit from behind.
MP 'horrified' at forestry plans
BURNHAM-On-Sea's MP has this week said she is "horrified" at a consultation on selling off Forestry Commission land across the UK. Tessa Munt has met with Caroline Spelman, the Secretary of State, twice over the past week to discuss the proposed sales and express her concerns.
BURNHAM-On-Sea's MP has this week said she is "horrified" at a consultation on selling off Forestry Commission land across the UK. Tessa Munt has met with Caroline Spelman, the Secretary of State, twice over the past week to discuss the proposed sales and express her concerns.
Man in court over stabbing
A HIGHBRIDGE man appeared at Taunton Crown Court on Tuesday (February 1st), charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. Jamie Edney, 34, from Charlotte Place, is alleged to have slashed James Hobb's throat in an attack on January 15th.
A HIGHBRIDGE man appeared at Taunton Crown Court on Tuesday (February 1st), charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. Jamie Edney, 34, from Charlotte Place, is alleged to have slashed James Hobb's throat in an attack on January 15th.
Tourist centre plans gather pace
PLANS to open Burnham-On-Sea's tourist information centre under the management of a new charitable group this Spring are progressing well, with fundraising on track and the date for the handover being confirmed this week. The newly-formed charity BIARS (Burnham Information And Rescue Support) has also announced that it will hold an open meeting.
PLANS to open Burnham-On-Sea's tourist information centre under the management of a new charitable group this Spring are progressing well, with fundraising on track and the date for the handover being confirmed this week. The newly-formed charity BIARS (Burnham Information And Rescue Support) has also announced that it will hold an open meeting.
Mark completes gruelling climb
In Video: BURNHAM-On-Sea businessman Mark Woods has told of his "exhaustion" and "elation" at completing his climb to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro to raise money for local charities. In the video above, which was filmed in the crater of the mountain, Mark, who runs Watermark Financial Solutions in Burnham High Street, explains the many challenges he faced.
In Video: BURNHAM-On-Sea businessman Mark Woods has told of his "exhaustion" and "elation" at completing his climb to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro to raise money for local charities. In the video above, which was filmed in the crater of the mountain, Mark, who runs Watermark Financial Solutions in Burnham High Street, explains the many challenges he faced.
Residents fight take-away
Exclusive: CONTROVERSIAL plans to turn a former antiques shop into a food take-away in the centre of Burnham-On-Sea have this week been strongly opposed by town councillors and residents. It centres around the former Castle Antiques shop, which is located in Victoria Street.
Exclusive: CONTROVERSIAL plans to turn a former antiques shop into a food take-away in the centre of Burnham-On-Sea have this week been strongly opposed by town councillors and residents. It centres around the former Castle Antiques shop, which is located in Victoria Street.
New audio book service starts
BURNHAM-On-Sea and Highbridge library members can now download hundreds of audiobooks for free following the launch of a new online library service this week. The service is being provided to library users across Somerset by a consortium of South West libraries.
BURNHAM-On-Sea and Highbridge library members can now download hundreds of audiobooks for free following the launch of a new online library service this week. The service is being provided to library users across Somerset by a consortium of South West libraries.
Double celebration for cafe
Exclusive: THE owners of a Burnham-On-Sea restaurant are enjoying a double celebration this week after re-opening their business following a £7,000 refurbishment and receiving a top accolade. Cottage Cafe in College Street has been given an overhaul.
Exclusive: THE owners of a Burnham-On-Sea restaurant are enjoying a double celebration this week after re-opening their business following a £7,000 refurbishment and receiving a top accolade. Cottage Cafe in College Street has been given an overhaul.
Awards for town army cadets
MEMBERS of Burnham and Highbridge Army Cadet Force have this week been celebrating their achievements of the past year at their annual awards night. There were numerous successes for the unit to celebrate, from a whole range of activities carried out during 2010.
MEMBERS of Burnham and Highbridge Army Cadet Force have this week been celebrating their achievements of the past year at their annual awards night. There were numerous successes for the unit to celebrate, from a whole range of activities carried out during 2010.
Icy scenes on local beaches
SUB-zero temperatures left these wintry scenes on beaches in the Burnham-On-Sea area over the weekend. A layer of ice was left along the high tide line stretching between Burnham and Brean Down, as pictured here, after temperatures fell to -4°C overnight.
SUB-zero temperatures left these wintry scenes on beaches in the Burnham-On-Sea area over the weekend. A layer of ice was left along the high tide line stretching between Burnham and Brean Down, as pictured here, after temperatures fell to -4°C overnight.
Vandals target town centre cars
Exclusive: POLICE have appealed for witnesses after several cars in the centre of Burnham-On-Sea were attacked by vandals over the weekend. Eight cars in Abingdon Street were targeted on Saturday night (January 29th), with wing mirrors being smashed and damaged.
Exclusive: POLICE have appealed for witnesses after several cars in the centre of Burnham-On-Sea were attacked by vandals over the weekend. Eight cars in Abingdon Street were targeted on Saturday night (January 29th), with wing mirrors being smashed and damaged.
Top award for St John cadet
HIGHBRIDGE and Burnham St John Ambulance Cadet Holly Mackman has been presented with the highest award a cadet can achieve. During the group's annual presentation evening, held last week at the group's HQ in Bank Street, Highbridge, she was handed the Grand Prior Award.
HIGHBRIDGE and Burnham St John Ambulance Cadet Holly Mackman has been presented with the highest award a cadet can achieve. During the group's annual presentation evening, held last week at the group's HQ in Bank Street, Highbridge, she was handed the Grand Prior Award.
Rugby players in VIP city visit
YOUNG Burnham-On-Sea rugby players have made a special visit to Bristol Rugby Club where they paraded around the Memorial Ground before a top-flight match. A total of 119 players and parents from Burnham Rugby Club boarded two coaches for the Memorial Ground.
YOUNG Burnham-On-Sea rugby players have made a special visit to Bristol Rugby Club where they paraded around the Memorial Ground before a top-flight match. A total of 119 players and parents from Burnham Rugby Club boarded two coaches for the Memorial Ground.
New residents group formed
POLICE in Highbridge are seeking volunteers from the Highbridge Quay area of the town to come forward and join a new local residents group. Police are setting up the new group to help residents address local issues and improve community life in their area of the town.
POLICE in Highbridge are seeking volunteers from the Highbridge Quay area of the town to come forward and join a new local residents group. Police are setting up the new group to help residents address local issues and improve community life in their area of the town.
Woman in court over 'glassing'
A HIGHBRIDGE woman who allegedly glassed a 16-year-old boy in the face will appear in court on Tuesday (February 1st). Lisa-Marie Plummeridge is accused of throwing an empty pint glass at the youth following an exchange outside a kebab shop in the town centre.
A HIGHBRIDGE woman who allegedly glassed a 16-year-old boy in the face will appear in court on Tuesday (February 1st). Lisa-Marie Plummeridge is accused of throwing an empty pint glass at the youth following an exchange outside a kebab shop in the town centre.
£670 raised at RNLI car wash
MORE than £670 was raised for the RNLI when volunteers at Burnham-On-Sea lifeboat station held their annual fundraising car wash on Saturday (29th January). Over 70 vehicles were carefully soaped using professional car wash chemicals and cleaning materials.
MORE than £670 was raised for the RNLI when volunteers at Burnham-On-Sea lifeboat station held their annual fundraising car wash on Saturday (29th January). Over 70 vehicles were carefully soaped using professional car wash chemicals and cleaning materials.
Potato festival gets underway
VISITORS to Sanders Garden World in Brent Knoll can this weekend (January 29th and 30th) learn all about spuds and the benefits of growing them during the centre's annual Potato Weekend. This is the 10th year the Potato Weekend has been held at the centre.
VISITORS to Sanders Garden World in Brent Knoll can this weekend (January 29th and 30th) learn all about spuds and the benefits of growing them during the centre's annual Potato Weekend. This is the 10th year the Potato Weekend has been held at the centre.
Snow readiness stepped up
A NEW mobile road salting spreader is to be introduced in Burnham and Highbridge, along with extra grit bins, in a bid to reduce the impact of heavy snowfall causing disruption in the two towns in future. The Town Council is increasing its readiness for more heavy snowfall.
A NEW mobile road salting spreader is to be introduced in Burnham and Highbridge, along with extra grit bins, in a bid to reduce the impact of heavy snowfall causing disruption in the two towns in future. The Town Council is increasing its readiness for more heavy snowfall.
New owner saves Pontin's jobs
THE jobs of hundreds of staff at Brean's Pontin's holiday park have been saved with the announcement that the company has been bought by Britannia Hotel Group. Administrator KPMG announced on Friday (January 28th) that Pontin's five parks, where were put into administration last November, have been saved.
THE jobs of hundreds of staff at Brean's Pontin's holiday park have been saved with the announcement that the company has been bought by Britannia Hotel Group. Administrator KPMG announced on Friday (January 28th) that Pontin's five parks, where were put into administration last November, have been saved.
Church project gets £25k boost
Exclusive: A major £70,000 project to introduce more cost-efficient heating at a West Huntspill church has received a huge grant boost. St Peter and All Hallows Church has been awarded £25,000 from environmental firm Viridor and work is now progressing quickly on the project.
Exclusive: A major £70,000 project to introduce more cost-efficient heating at a West Huntspill church has received a huge grant boost. St Peter and All Hallows Church has been awarded £25,000 from environmental firm Viridor and work is now progressing quickly on the project.
Town card shop to close down
A GREETINGS card shop in the centre of Highbridge is set to close down next month after struggling to compete against supermarkets. Ace of Cards in Market Street will shut for the final time soon after Valentines Day, its owner Beryl Scott has said this week.
A GREETINGS card shop in the centre of Highbridge is set to close down next month after struggling to compete against supermarkets. Ace of Cards in Market Street will shut for the final time soon after Valentines Day, its owner Beryl Scott has said this week.
Stab victim 'recovering well'
A MAN who was stabbed in Highbridge earlier this month is making a good recovery, his family have said this week. Burnham-On-Sea.com first reported earlier this month how 37 year-old James Hobbs had been attacked outside Charlotte Court on January 15th.
A MAN who was stabbed in Highbridge earlier this month is making a good recovery, his family have said this week. Burnham-On-Sea.com first reported earlier this month how 37 year-old James Hobbs had been attacked outside Charlotte Court on January 15th.
Holocaust ceremony held in town
A SHORT service took take place at Highbridge's Frank Foley Statue today (Thursday) to commemorate World Holocaust Day. The Mayor, residents and local councillors attended the ceremony, which was organised by members of Highbridge's War Memorial Trust.
A SHORT service took take place at Highbridge's Frank Foley Statue today (Thursday) to commemorate World Holocaust Day. The Mayor, residents and local councillors attended the ceremony, which was organised by members of Highbridge's War Memorial Trust.
Top water ski racing to return
Exclusive: Dozens of the UK's top water skiers will be heading to Burnham-On-Sea this spring when a round of the UK's national water skiing championships is held. Over 50 water skiers will be action during the two-day spectacle over the Easter weekend, it has been announced this week.
Exclusive: Dozens of the UK's top water skiers will be heading to Burnham-On-Sea this spring when a round of the UK's national water skiing championships is held. Over 50 water skiers will be action during the two-day spectacle over the Easter weekend, it has been announced this week.
Holocaust Day to be marked
A SHORT service will take place next to Highbridge's Frank Foley Statue in Market Street later this month to commemorate World Holocaust Day. Highbridge War Memorial Trust is organising the service at 12 noon on Thursday 27th January, which will be attended by the town Mayor.
A SHORT service will take place next to Highbridge's Frank Foley Statue in Market Street later this month to commemorate World Holocaust Day. Highbridge War Memorial Trust is organising the service at 12 noon on Thursday 27th January, which will be attended by the town Mayor.
Huge flock of Dunlins snapped
A LOCAL wildlife photographer captured this busy scene at Brean this week when a flock of several thousand wading birds passed through the area. Paul Bowyer photographed the flock of around 5,000 Dunlins at high tide on Brean's shoreline on Tuesday (January 25th).
A LOCAL wildlife photographer captured this busy scene at Brean this week when a flock of several thousand wading birds passed through the area. Paul Bowyer photographed the flock of around 5,000 Dunlins at high tide on Brean's shoreline on Tuesday (January 25th).
£54k boost for sports facilities
SKATERS and footballers in Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge are celebrating after two community sports projects were given a £54,000 boost. Sedgemoor District Council's Grants Awards Sub-Committee has approved bids to improve community facilities in the towns.
SKATERS and footballers in Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge are celebrating after two community sports projects were given a £54,000 boost. Sedgemoor District Council's Grants Awards Sub-Committee has approved bids to improve community facilities in the towns.
Social club's fortunes revived
HIGHBRIDGE Social Club has bounced back from the brink of closure with growing membership numbers and takings. The club was under a threat of closure for several months last year, but its committee have worked hard to restore people's faith in what is an important community facility.
HIGHBRIDGE Social Club has bounced back from the brink of closure with growing membership numbers and takings. The club was under a threat of closure for several months last year, but its committee have worked hard to restore people's faith in what is an important community facility.
Bike marking service launches
CYCLISTS in Highbridge can now get their bikes security marked at a cycle shop in the town centre. Police are working in partnership with Skidmarx Cycles in Church Street to provide cyclists with the opportunity to get their pedal cycles marked in a police approved way.
CYCLISTS in Highbridge can now get their bikes security marked at a cycle shop in the town centre. Police are working in partnership with Skidmarx Cycles in Church Street to provide cyclists with the opportunity to get their pedal cycles marked in a police approved way.
Join RSPB Birdwatch this week
GARDENERS in the Burnham-On-Sea area have this week been urged to support the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds' (RSPB) annual event to record sightings of wild birds. The charity's annual Big Garden Birdwatch will be held this coming weekend.
GARDENERS in the Burnham-On-Sea area have this week been urged to support the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds' (RSPB) annual event to record sightings of wild birds. The charity's annual Big Garden Birdwatch will be held this coming weekend.