Serving the Community around Burnham on Crouch for over 16 years August 2025
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We hand deliver door to door in Burnham on Crouch with 3’500 Magazines delivered every month.
Do you have a charity event or community project?
The Focus Magazine is dedicated to being a community led magazine. If you are running an event or a regular community club, let us know. We are always expanding on our charity and fundraising news.
Have You seen our other edition?
The Focus Magazine has also served the community in South Woodham Ferrers and Danbury, Bicknacre and Little Baddow for over a decade.
Pick Up Points
As well as being delivered door to door we also have prominent pick up points. We are working on these and will be able to confirm next month where these will be.
A note from the Editor…
Summer always brings a sense of life and energy to the Town, and this month is no exception.
Burnham Art Club have an Exhibition of paintings on Saturday 23rd to Sunday 31st August Tuesday to Friday 1.30pm to 5pm at Cole Gallery Burnham Museum, Coronation Road Burnham on Crouch CM0 8AS
On a personal note, we recently took a short break as a family, heading off in a motorhome to the North Norfolk coast, between Sheringham and Weybourne. Despite the weather not being on its best behaviour (typical British summer!), we had a fantastic time. The coastal paths and woodland walks were peaceful and full of charm which was a
great way to reset and enjoy the slower pace of life. Our son absolutely loved it, especially our visit to the North Norfolk Steam Railway, the Poppy Line. The volunteers there were so friendly and welcoming, and it made the whole experience even more special. If you have a little one who’s into steam trains or even if you’re just after a wholesome day out I’d really recommend it.
As always, thank you for supporting Focus Danbury. Whether you’re reading this in your garden, on holiday, or just taking a quiet moment for yourself, I hope you enjoy this issue and find something inside that makes you smile.
Deadline for artwork and Editorial for the next issue is Monday 25th August
Dan
The views and opinions expressed in contributed articles are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher or editorial team. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for any errors or omissions in submitted content. Submission of content does not guarantee publication. Unpaid contributions are considered on a discretionary basis and may be edited for clarity, length, or style. All material contained within this publicationis strictly copyright and all rights reserved. Reproduction in any form without permission is prohibited. No responsibility is assumed for any injury, loss or damage arising from any article or advertismentcontained within the publication.
Laura Basham Laura is an integral part of the team dealing with editorial content and fronting our accounts dept.
Nicky Arnold Sales Manager who plays an important role maintaining the success of the Focus.
Lynda Basham Director and Sales Executive with over 25 year experience in sales and customer care.
Stuart Basham Managing Director with over 35 years in advertising, design, print and marketing offering his extensive knowledge.
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Ankylosing Spondylitis
What is Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Ankylosing spondylitis is a type of axial spondyloarthritis, which are inflammatory conditions related to the spine. It is an autoimmune condition, meaning it is a response of the immune system.
Potential Symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Ankylosing spondylitis normally starts with stiffness in the lower back and sacrum area. Over time, this stiffness spreads further up the spine and eventually there can be fusing of the joints in the pelvic region and spine. Stiffness will normally be worse in the morning and can last over an hour. Many sufferers will not be able to lie in bed but need to get up straight away and start moving. Other symptoms can include eye irritation, irritable bowel syndrome, and/or sore and injured tendons. As the curvature of the upper back increases and with the fusing of the joints, it can impact lung capacity and breathing.
Causes of Ankylosing Spondylitis?
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position for too long. For instance, if sat at a desk all day, take regular breaks to walk away from the desk and also introduce desk-based exercises to your daily regime. Improving the movement of your spine can help to alleviate muscle tension, which may contribute to the feeling of stiffness and pain. Smoking and drinking alcohol may inhibit management and smoking may potentially be a trigger.
If a diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis is suspected, it is worth discussing with your GP, who can refer you to a rheumatologist for long-term management.
Osteopathy with its patient-centred approach can be effective in helping people to manage their symptoms. Along with exercise and a well-balanced, anti-inflammatory diet, osteopathy can help to promote health and improve quality of life.
If you would like to discuss any aspect of this with us, please do get in touch.
Ankylosing spondylitis is a response of the immune system. It often starts in late teens-twenties and affects men more than women. It often runs in families. It may not be diagnosed until much later in life and some people will live with the condition and never be diagnosed.
How to Manage Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Manual therapy can help to maintain joint flexibility, reduce excessive inflammation and manage stress-related symptoms. Exercise, particularly stretching and mobility exercises, including backstroke swimming can help to maintain flexibility. Supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D and curcumin may help as part of a well-balanced, anti-inflammatory diet and a nutritionist can provide a personally tailored recommendation.
Improving posture can help and avoiding staying in the same
Our monthly meeting in July took place on one of those very warm and humid days that are exhausting, so we decided to get through our programme as quickly as possible and close the meeting a few minutes early.
We firstly announced the sad passing of one of our members the previous week, and gave out the funeral details for anyone who wished to attend.
We had a very informative talk from a member of Burnham’s D-caf who explained how they helped people with dementia, both practically with meetings and with information.
Our President, Penny Patman, advised of one of the National Federation of WI‘s campaigns that we, as a local Institute, could easily support, i.e. Dental Health Matters. The National Federation, were asking local WIs to make washbags that could then be filled with toothpaste, toothbrush, dental floss, etc. and be donated to local organisations, like food banks, etc to hand out to people who were in need. To help things along, Penny had made 4 of these bags from the pattern supplied and filled them with the requisite items. She also advised the meeting that she had spoken to local dentists who were very enthusiastic and promised to support us with donations of dental products. Penny had prepared several pieces of fabric to the required size and these were handed out to the members who would make them up. Penny asked for the ladies to make enough bags to represent one donation from each of the Burnham WI membership. Other members kindly donated some funds so that
Sir John Whittingdale
Your Member of Parliament
If
If
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any shortfall in the amount of dental products required could be purchased locally.
Secretary, Pat Trudgett, reminded members of the Garden Party at her house on 23 July from 2.00 p.m. and ensured the members that rain would not stop play.
Penny also advised of the Summer Fayre to take place in the King’s Hall on Saturday 16 August from 2.00 p.m and requested items for inclusion to be delivered to her house by Friday 15 August. The proposed stalls were books; bric-a-brac; tombola; nearly new; various crafts, etc.
The raffle was then drawn and the meeting closed at 3.30 p.m.
Penny Patman President
July 2025
St Mary the Virgin Burnham-on-Crouch
Saturday 6th September* on St Mary’s Church Green Southminster Road, Burnham on Crouch CM0 8DA
Saturday 6th September* on St Mary’s Church Green Southminster Road, Burnham on Crouch CM0 8DA
Sellers arrive 9am to 9.30am Buyers 9.30am to noon
Sellers arrive 9am to 9.30am Buyers 9.30am to noon
Admission Prices
Cars - £7 and Vans - £10
Admission Prices
Buyers – 50p
Cars - £7 and Vans - £10
Buyers – 50p
*weather permitting St Mary the Virgin Burnham
Refreshments available in the Church
Refreshments available in the Church
Want to know more? E-mail us at Stmaryschurchburnham@outlook.com
Want to know more? E-mail us at Stmaryschurchburnham@outlook.com
Our Car Boot Sales will return in 2026 on the first Saturday in May, June, August and September
Our Car Boot Sales will return in 2026 on the first Saturday in May, June, August and September
*weather permitting
TWO DIFFERENT SPITFIRES AND A UNIQUE WW1 BOMBER SCHEDULED TO VISIT STOW MARIES GREAT WAR AERODROME IN A SINGLE WEEK!
Seeing one Spitfire in the air is rare – but seeing two different ones in a single week? Well that could only be happening at Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome!
The accredited Museum, which is the largest surviving World War One aerodrome in the world, is proving its importance in the world of heritage aviation with the impressive coup of booking a double-bill of the impressive WW2 fighters, plus a display by the only airworthy DH-9 World War One bomber in the world.
The first Spitfire will be appearing as part of the thrilling line-up for The Stow Maries Air Show on Saturday 23 August. Built in 1943 in Castle Bromwich, the Mk9 Spitfire, LZ842, is the only one of its kind still flying that was originally painted in desert camouflage, and the only Spitfire flying in the world with a Rolls Royce Merlin 63 engine. After seeing service in Casablanca, Malta, Corsica and France, the aircraft languished as scrap for decades before being fully restored in 2021 and starting displays this year.
Also scheduled to fly at the air show (weather and operational reasons permitting) is the only airworthy Airco DH-9 in the world, E8894/G-CDLI. This World War One bomber is truly one-of-a-kind –
carefully restored to its former glory after being found in a dilapidated state in 2000 hidden in an
elephant stable at the Imperial Fort and Royal Palace in Bikaner, India. It is expected to be flying in formation with other celebrated WW1 aircraft, including a Nieuport, an Albatros and two Fokkers.
The second Spitfire to be seen in the skies over Stow will be one of the six aircraft operated by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, scheduled to fly-over during the Back to the WW2 Farm event just a week later on Saturday 30 August, adding an extra bit of wartime realism to this fascinating living history event.
Ian Flint, Chief Executive Officer of Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome, comments: “The Spitfire is the most famous British fighter aircraft in history – and to have not just one, but two in a week, confirms our status as the place to be this summer if you love historic aircraft. However, what is even more exciting is the fact that we have the only airworthy DH-9 in the world on the schedule for The Stow Maries Air Show – this unique aircraft only flies at a handful of events, and this is the only chance in 2025 to see it in the skies of Essex. Tickets are always a sell-out, so don’t miss this!
Tickets to The Stow Maries Air Show are available from www. stowmaries.org.uk/events and must be purchased in advance.
Adults: £21.98, Child 6-15: £11.29, Infant 0-5: free, Family ticket (2+2): £54.05. Tickets to Back to the WW1 Farm are available online and on the door at the normal Museum admission fee.
Jerry’s Garden – August in the Garden
August always feels like the garden’s grand finale. The borders are full and buzzing, the veg beds are overflowing, and every time I pop out “just to water,” I end up nibbling on tomatoes or wrestling with courgettes the size of cricket bats. It's a busy, abundant time – but there’s also a bit of a shift in the air. You can feel the season quietly turning.
This month, I’m still harvesting plenty. Tomatoes are ripening faster than we can eat them, and the chillies are coming on strong now with the warmth. The beans are in full swing too, and the courgette glut is real! If you're growing similar things, keep picking regularly, it encourages the plants to keep producing, and it's one of those garden jobs that’s actually a pleasure.
I’ve also been sowing for autumn and winter. salad leaves like mizuna, rocket, and winter purslane are all good ones to start now. If you’ve got space after harvesting your early crops, pop in some kale or chard, they’ll keep going long after summer’s packed up. Don’t forget spring cabbage either. It’s a brilliant one for the hungry gap next year.
August is also the time to start thinking ahead. I always take a few minutes with a cuppa in hand to note down what’s worked and what hasn’t this season. It’s amazing how quickly we forget by spring! And if you're anything like me, you’ll have had the odd moment of cramming too many plants into one bed because you couldn't bear to waste a seedling.
Watering and deadheading are still on the daily list. Try to water early in the morning or in the evening, especially in a heatwave. And mulch if you haven’t already. It really helps to keep moisture in and weeds down. Speaking of weeds, they’ve not taken a holiday, so I’m still doing a bit of a whip-round with the hoe most mornings.
In the borders, the late summer stars like rudbeckia, echinacea, and sedum are starting to come into their own. I love seeing the bees all over them. It’s like the garden’s last hurrah before things start to slow down.
And don’t forget to enjoy it. Have your morning coffee outside, eat your dinner with your feet in the grass, pick a bunch of flowers for the kitchen table. August in the garden is fleeting but glorious.
Something exciting is kicking off this September at Burnham Ramblers Football Club , and it’s just for toddlers (and their grown-ups)!
Mini Dribblers is a relaxed, football-themed Stay & Play session designed especially for confident walkers up to age 3.
Let your little one chase, kick, dribble, and burn off energy while you stay and play right alongside them in a safe, friendly, and pressure-free environment.
Saturday Mornings (Term Time Only)
Burnham Ramblers FC
Just £2 per child
Our first event session will be FREE for all on 6th September!
It's getting lots of interest and spaces may be limited, so don’t miss out on this perfect start to a football journey full of fun, movement, and new friendships.
To register interest or find out more, contact us via email or social media platforms.
Sponsorship Opportunities at the Ramblers!
We’re gearing up for an exciting new season at Burnham Ramblers, and we’re inviting local businesses and supporters to join us on the journey!
We have a range of sponsorship packages available, from backing our first team, management staff, and players to matchday, match ball, and programme sponsorships. It’s a fantastic way to get your brand out there, support grassroots football, and become part of our football family at Leslie Field.
Whether you’re a long-time fan, a local business owner, or just want to get behind the blue and black this season, we’d love to have you involved.
Support local. Back your club. Make a difference.
For full details, check out our details below or drop us a message, we’d love to talk!
Have you booked in for our Summer Football Camp yet?
If not, now’s the perfect time to do it! Spaces are filling fast and you won’t want to miss out.
Hosted at Burnham Ramblers
Fun, football and skill-building all summer long!
Secure your child’s spot today, message us for details!
Dearly loved, Mum and Nanny, now reunited with Richard. Funeral Service will take place on Wednesday 27th August 2025 at Maldon Fields Crematorium at 11.30am.
Family flowers only, donations if desired, in Patricia’s memory may be made to Macmillan Cancer Support online to patricia-a-young.muchloved.com
Target your customers in a specific geographic area in the Focus Magazine. 01621 858849 lynda@pointgraphics.co.uk
Over 120 framed paintings for sale plus unframed, cards and notelets all produced by the talented members of Burnham Art Club, now in its 61st year. A range of subjects and media from abstract to figurative, landscape and marine, all at reasonable prices - something for everyone! Browse or buy and see some of our artists at work sketching and painting Bank Holiday Monday on the Quay by the Museum, and also following the Pirates!
Cash or card payments accepted. All work may be bought and taken away.
Enquiries email Sue Spiers: sjrspiers@gmail.com or phone Sue 07791909356
