FLASHBACK: Friday, December 20, 1996 20 years ago

TRADERS and council chiefs were encouraging people to shop in Burnham and Highbridge with a free parking scheme in the build up to Christmas.

However Highbridge made national news after it emerged the town council’s contribution to the Christmas decorations was a lone star hanging from the clock in the Cornhill area of Highbridge. Chamber of trade chairman John Hayes described the contribution as ‘absolutely pathetic’.

POLICE traffic officer Andrew Bush was reunited with the woman he saved with the kiss-of-life two years before. Gitta Phelps, 28, gave him a big kiss in return as a way of thanking him for the life-saving action he took after her car plunged off the M5 into a water-filled ditch near Sedgemoor Services in July 1994.

SIXTH form students at King Alfred School held a special party for the tiny tots of the Kids Day Nursery. Pictured are Jack Hiron, Milly Cooksley and Sami Wright were joined by students Vikki Smart, Claire Jones, Danielle Moore, Nic Smith, Steve Rogers and Ron Andrews.

WORK on the new conservatory at Burnham Memorial Hospital got underway with a special turf cutting ceremony. The £140,000 conservatory was being funded by the Friends of Burnham Hospital.

BRENT Knoll Primary School pupils Michelle Radford, Kimberley Lynch, Abigail and Elliot Leigh, Victoria Grandon, Jemma Curley and Gemma White were in good voice rehearsing for the annual Christingle service.

Friday, December 21, 2001 15 Years Ago

AMBITIOUS plans for 114 new homes and a nursing home on the former BT radio station site in Highbridge were unveiled. Southgate Developments Limited put in the application which included a 60 bedroom nursing home which would create a further 60 jobs.

GOVERNORS, staff and pupils at East Huntspill School bid a fond farewell to headmaster Steve Turner after four successful years at the school. Kelton Black, chairman of governors said: “We attribute the growing success of the school mainly to Mr Turner’s leadership.” Under Mr Turner’s leadership the school moved from 160th in 1997 in the LEA area up to 80th for Key Stage 2 results by 2001.

UNSUNG heroes of the police force were commended at a special ceremony at Bridgwater Town Hall. Among those recognised for their work were Burnham’s special constables Alan Alsford and Elizabeth Smith.

BUILDING work on Biddisham’s St John the Baptist Church was given a £2,500 boost from Sedgemoor District Council. The money went towards essential maintenance works on the Grade II listed building.

Thursday, December 22, 2011 5 Years Ago

PLANS for 95 homes in the centre of Highbridge came under fire over fears it would lead to ridiculous traffic congestion. Burnham and Highbridge Town Council lodged formal objections against the plans at the former boatyard site close to the River Brue.

CHRISTMAS was extra magical for Sienna who got to meet Father Christmas at a special grotto set up in the Apex Park.

TWO Burnham landmarks, the Victorian drinking fountain in Seaview Road and the bandstand in Manor Gardens, were set for a revamp in time for Diamond Jubilee celebrations. Town clerk Eileen Shaw said: “The money is being spent so the town looks its best when a lot of people will be taking part in the celebrations.”

HIGHBRIDGE teenager Gemma Cain pledged to work for the benefit of other young people after being elected as a member of the UK Youth Parliament for Sedgemoor. Gemma said: “I love it. It’s a lot of work but it is really rewarding and great to know you can make a difference.”

BURNHAM United Football Club completed the £20,000 revamp of its clubhouse. The Cassis Close site had its shower and toilet facilities upgraded and welcomed dignitaries from Sedgemoor District Council to celebrate the work.

(Peter Slocombe, Spencer Dibble, Paul Sealey, Marina Turner and Gill Slocombe)