Focus Burnham On Crouch July 2026

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July 2026

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A note from the Editor…

Advertise your business We hand deliver door to door in Burnham on Crouch with 3’500 Magazines delivered every month.

As we head into the height of summer, there's a real sense of energy around Burnham and the surrounding villages.

Whether you're planning days by the water, supporting local events or simply making the most of the longer evenings, there's plenty happening across our community.

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.

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This month's magazine is packed with stories that showcase the people who make Burnham such a special place. One of the highlights is our feature on Burnham-on-Crouch's own Dawn Smith, who is currently coaching an all-female crew preparing for a remarkable 5,000-mile rowing challenge to raise awareness and funds for Parkinson's research, before turning her attention to the next leg of her own Hometown Row expedition. It's another example of local people achieving extraordinary things.

There's plenty to enjoy closer to home too. The Burnham Coastal Rowing Club continues to go from strength to strength, while the calendar is filling up with community events. From family swimming sessions at Southminster Pool and the regular St Mary's Church Car Boot Sales to the Burnham WI Summer Fayre in August and Row Aurora's event

later this summer, there's something for everyone.

This edition also marks the final instalment of Tales of a Chimney Sweep. Dean Lawrence has shared some incredible stories from his policing career over the past few months, and we'd like to thank him for taking us on such an unforgettable journey.

As always, we'd like to thank every advertiser who continues to support Focus. Their backing enables us to deliver thousands of free copies each month, helping local businesses connect with local people and keeping community news alive.

If your business would like to reach homes across Burnham and the surrounding area, or if you're part of a club, charity or organisation with news to share, we'd love to hear from you.

From all of us at Focus, thank you for reading, enjoy the rest of the summer, and we'll see you again next month.

Deadline for the next issue is Friday 31st July daniel@pointgraphics.co.uk Front cover image

by Crouch Kayak Club

The views and opinions expressed in contributed articles are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher or editorial team. Some submitted content may be created in whole or in part using artificial intelligence (AI) tools. Contributors are solely responsible for ensuring the accuracy, originality, and compliance of their submissions. While every effort is made to ensure content is suitable for publication, the publisher does not independently verify all claims and accepts no responsibility for any errors, omissions, or inaccuracies, whether human or AI-generated.

The publisher shall not be liable for any loss, damage, or injury arising from reliance on any content, advice, or information contained within this publication, including that generated using AI. Submission of content does not guarantee publication.

All contributions may be edited for clarity, length, style, and suitability. All material contained within this publication is strictly copyright. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any form without prior written permission is prohibited.

Pick Up Points As well as being delivered door to door we also have a pick up point at the Council offices on Chapel Road. If for some reason you don’t receive a copy, There are plenty available to collect from there.

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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Rehabbing a Strained Hamstring Few things frustrate someone trying to stay fit more than a hamstring strain. One minute you're cruising through a workout, and the next you're dealing with a sharp pain in the back of your thigh that makes every stride uncomfortable.

The good news? Most people recover well from a mild to moderate hamstring strain with patience, smart rehabilitation, and a gradual return to exercise.

First Things First: Respect the Injury When a hamstring strain occurs, tiny muscle fibres are damaged. Trying to "run through it" often turns a small problem into a much bigger one.

During the first few days, focus on: • Reducing pain and irritation • Avoiding activities that increase your symptoms • Gentle walking, if comfortable • Light movement to prevent stiffness • Avoiding anti-inflammatory medication (e.g. ibuprofen), as it may increase bleeding in the early stages of the injury and may also slow the healing process

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Building Strength Once you're moving comfortably, strength work becomes the priority.

Gradually increase the load, focusing not only on the hamstring but on the entire lower body, including the hips and glutes. Strengthening the surrounding muscles helps improve function, reduce the risk of re-injury, and prepare you for a safe return to activity.

Patience Pays Off Hamstring strains can be stubborn, especially if you rush your recovery. Most people recover successfully when they respect the healing process, strengthen the entire lower body, and return to exercise gradually.

Remember: the goal isn't simply to run or exercise again as soon as possible. The goal is to come back stronger, more resilient, and ready to enjoy many more miles—and years—of pain-free activity.

You don't need complete bed rest, but you do need to give the muscle a chance to settle.

The Early Recovery Phase As the pain begins to settle, it's time to gently reintroduce movement. Simple exercises may include: • Heel slides • Gentle hamstring stretches (within a pain-free range) • Glute bridges • Easy stationary cycling with low resistance The goal is not to build strength just yet. Instead, you're restoring normal movement and helping the muscle heal.

A useful rule: mild discomfort is acceptable, but sharp pain is not.

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at sea in a 9-metre ocean boat, rowing in Burnham on Crouch & Dengie three-hour shifts around the clock. They Hundred Rotary Club’s pennant has encountered powerful trade winds, large completed a remarkable journey across Atlantic swells, intense heat, and the the Atlantic.

Interested in advertising in the next issue? Call 01621 858849 or email lynda@pointgraphics.co.uk Focus-magazine.co.uk Local ocean rower Dawn Smith BEM, founder of Row Aurora and a Burnham resident rowed the Club’s Rotary pennant Burnham Ocean Rower across theHistoric Ocean with American Paul Lore to Coach 5,000on their expedition “Hometown Row.” Mile Expedition They set a newDawn world record for the Burnham-on-Crouch's Smith is preparing for another fastest mixed pair to row the Atlantic east remarkable chapter in her ocean to west, Canary Islands to Antigua. rowing career after being appointed coach of an all-female team aiming to complete a historic 5,000-mile rowing expedition in aid of Parkinson's research.

Dawn, who runs Burnham-based Row Aurora Sea School, is currently in Florida delivering intensive training to the Human Powered Potential (HPP) "Second Wave" crew. Her coaching programme includes advanced navigation, night operations, vessel mechanics and emergency sea survival as the team prepares for one of the world's toughest endurance challenges.

Led by Captain Ashley Ellis, who is living with early-onset Parkinson's disease, the crew hopes to become the first team to row the Great American Loop. The expedition will follow a demanding route down the Mississippi River, around the They then travelled to Paul’s hometown Florida coastline and up the Eastern Seaboard, covering more than 5,000 miles.

Rowing continuously for several months, the Rotary Club of Fernandina Beach, Florida, team aims to raise awareness and vital funds for The Michael J. where they exchanged pennants as a Fox Foundation in support of Parkinson's research.

symbol of friendship community Dawn's involvement comes atand an exciting time in her own rowing career.

Following the completion the Florida training spirit between the two coastaloftowns.

programme, she will continue preparations for the third leg of her Hometown Row expedition, when she and rowing partner Paul will attempt to row from Newfoundland back to Burnhamon-Crouch.

physical and mental challenge of living in a small boat far from land!

Club Pennant Rowed Across the Atlantic Burnham on Crouch & Dengie Hundred Rotary Club’s pennant has completed a remarkable journey across the Atlantic.

Local ocean rower Dawn Smith BEM, founder of Row Aurora and a Burnham resident rowed the Club’s Rotary pennant At night the ocean came alive with Paul Recognised as one of the world's most accomplished ocean across the Ocean with American Lore rowers, Dawn has completed multiple ocean crossings and on their expedition “Hometown Row.” bioluminescence, visited holds world records for herdolphins achievements at sea. Ifthe the They set a new world record for the Hometown Rowthe is successful, she and Paul will becomehow the boat, and star-filled sky reminded fastest mixed pair to row the Atlantic east first mixed pair to complete the route. to are west,in Canary Islands to Antigua. small humans the middle of the

Her latest coaching ocean. role further strengthens Much more than rowing, the venture Burnham-onconnects communities on both sides of the Crouch's reputation as Atlantic a home of and shows the power of world-class collaboration and shared purpose. It maritime adventure, with highlights one of the town'sthe clubs’ values of service and own helping for those who have served their support prepare another They then travelled to Paul’s hometown own communities. team to take on an extraordinary endurance challenge while supporting an important cause.

Rotary Club of Fernandina Beach, Florida, The Burnham Club is doing this by where they exchanged pennants as a

at sea in three-h encoun Atlantic physica a small

At nig biolum boat, an small h ocean.

Much connect Atlantic collabo highlig suppor own co The B making “Phoeni and em mental also sup trains s from PT In Jun Fernand They w transatl friendsh and sup

making a donation tofriendship Colchester based symbol of and community spirit between two coastal towns.

“Phoenix Heroes CIC” to the support veterans and emergency service families facing mental health challenges. The expedition also supports “K9s For Warriors” which trains service dogs to veterans suffering from PTSD and trauma.

In June, Dawn and Paul plan to row the Fernandina pennant back to Burnham.

They will have completed a full Paul, Suzanne Amos (President) and Dawn Paul, Suzanne Amos (President) and Dawn transatlantic journey, the Saturday 6thlife June Dawn said the life on the Atlantic Dawn saidstrengthening the on the Atlantic crossing was mighty challenge and friendship between theaChurch two communities crossing was a mighty challenge and St Mary’s First unforge Saturday ofShe theand Month able.

Paul spent weeks and supporting two worthy charities. unforge able. She and Paul spent weeks th st 9.30am th See website: ps://burnhamrotary.org then “Wha to noon 4 July, 1 August and 5 hSeptember See website: h ps://burnhamrotary.org then “What we do” (Weather / “Home Town Row” permitting)

Car Boot Sale Car Boot Sales

(sellers arrive between 9am and 9.30am) St Mary’s Church 9.30aminside to noon Refreshments the Church (sellers arrive 9.30am) Further Bootbetween Sales on 9am First and Saturday of Selling £7 Entry buyers – 50p 4thPitches July, 1st -August and for 5th September (Weather permitting) Refreshments inside the Church

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Brigadier Rant -Automatic Telephone Intros Are Annoying Very recently I tried to contact a well-known savings and banking establishment over a relatively simple matter. I was obliged to listen to about a minute of preamble, the thrust of which would have insulted the intelligence of the most slow witted, before being directed to a number of options. None of these really addressed my query. I made the most appropriate choice available only to listen to further preamble. This format was repeated a further two times. By the time I was instructed to “hold the line whilst we connect you with one of our operators” I had been just short of three minutes on the line! Furthermore, I heard the dreaded phrase, “We are currently experiencing a high quantity of calls and your wait time could exceed ten minutes.”

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minutes of poor organisation being passed back and forth from the savings to the security departments.

We agreed on voice recognition but their technology did not work, so the second option was chosen, a number code. I asked why since I had held the account for decades they had not contacted me many years before to set up the process so that when I needed to contact them it was already in place. The reaction was, “Oh, that’s a good idea” Anyway the security was set up, somewhat ironic as I am closing this particular account and so it serves little future purpose. My instruction was recognised and accepted officially and I left the telephone conversation with polite apologies regarding the cumbersome way in which it had been handled, emanating from the two female employees who had dealt with me.

I nearly gave up but Daphne’s observation, “Don’t hang up Arthur, or you will just go through the same performance another time. Also what else have you got of importance to do today?” I agreed with her first observation but the second, about me having time on my hands, made me bristle a little. There is always gardening, reading, playing bridge and writing my articles which can fulfil my time. However I did finally get through, only to suffer the inconvenience of failing their security procedures, which included questions about my activity on the account over the past years, (one which I have held for over 25 years!) before being abruptly cut off with the words we will write so you will be able to confirm it is you and then you will be able to set up the appropriate security.

Sometimes a five minute job can turn into a marathon, like when you go to wipe up a spot of water only to discover a leaking underground pipe. I am fully aware that in this day and age security is extremely important but since the funds were going from my name to my name then no red flags should have been raised and those holding historic accounts should have their security updated by the initiative of the bank or investment centre concerned.

About two weeks later the letter dropped through the letter box asking me in vague terms to contact them. I abandoned my potting of some newly bought fuchsia, and got straight on the phone suffering the same preamble as before. I was then subjected to nearly fifty

PS as I write the transfer is to be completed! Yours Listening To Some Soothing John Rutter,

Just writing about this experience has tired me out a bit, so I am now going to put my feet up and listen to Classic FM for a while, thus annoyingly proving Daphne’s comment about time on my hands as containing some truth…

Brigadier, Sir Arthur Thurlow-Lee

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Green Space Games

Green Space Games is returning this summer, bigger and 1st October 2025

better than before! Since launching in Easter 2025 with 4 locations, Green Space Games has expanded to 17 different locations across the District for 4 weeks between 27th July21st August.

the Power of Trusteeship: Join the Green Space Games will be bringing FREE physical activities, District Trustee Network outdoor games and arts & crafts to local families during the summer holidays. Sessions are open to all families with children aged 3-11 years old and will run for 2 hours each day.

vital role in shaping and sustaining community organisations. Maldon & new locations have been added partnership withSince Your launching, Essex Community, is proud to announce a new each time, making it easier for families across the District to reach a rk event designed to support and strengthen community and voluntary session close to home. rough support to trustees and committee members.

Places for children must be booked. You can bring as many

adults as you like toand stay andinterested play with Details on sessions are open to current trustees those in you! becoming booking, dates, locations and timings can be found on our er a welcoming MDCVS space to: events page - maldoncvs.org.uk/events

The Green Space Games team periences and challenges are also recruiting Young est practices in governance and leadership Volunteers aged 13-17 to join us. This is a great opportunity the responsibilities and rewards of being to gain valuable work a trustee experience, develop teamwork impact nnections with others passionate about community and communication skills, and

fun playingwill games and e to attend, and have light refreshments be provided. engaging with younger e held in the upstairs room at Oak House, 35 children in the community. High Street, Maldon, Email anna@maldoncvs.org.uk 5:00 to 6:30 PM on the following dates: for more information.

y 24th November 2025 s a Trustee?” — A refresher session exploring the roles and bilities of trustees, delivered by Lorraine Jarvis, Chief Officer at the Supporting Voluntary Action in Chelmsford.

L L A G N I L L CA YERS TO JOIN OUR

y 19th January 2026

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mation contact MDCVS Director Sarah Troop on cvs.org.uk

s m help progra h t ch. We u it o ur y the p O f rs f l! o ia d c n a he pe truly s oth on y and t g rugb ething acter b r in m a g e o h s in c R r f g ,b n rt o k • (M&DCVS) rService and District Community Voluntary e edge bise paacharity pe stro eamwo andchcommunity petitiv nd sha FC andgroups a m U , o R s c ip Maldon, offering supportTto voluntary across a h u ith friends on Cro club w lasting rnham iendly g u r f n B , lo g in d in o J , buil welcom p skills being a n develo o s e urselv ether. pride o ity tog n u m om local c

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Assassination of benazir Bhutto Over the past few months I've shared some of the more memorable moments from my 30-year career with the Metropolitan Police. Most of those stories eventually became public, but this one marked the end of my policing career.

In December 2007, I was deployed to Islamabad, Pakistan, as part of a fiveperson team of detectives from the Anti-Terrorist Squad following the assassination of former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.

Our role was to investigate the circumstances surrounding her death.

At the time, it was widely believed that she had been struck by gunfire before a suicide bomber detonated an explosive device. After a detailed forensic investigation, the conclusion reached was that none of the shots had actually struck her. Instead, as she ducked back into her vehicle, the force of the explosion caused her to hit her head on the roof hatch mechanism, resulting in the fatal injury.

It was an intense and dangerous deployment. While we were there, we stayed at the Marriott Hotel in Islamabad because its fortified entrance offered protection against vehicle-borne suicide attacks. Just a few months after we returned home, the hotel itself was devastated in a terrorist bombing that claimed many lives.

Before we left Pakistan, we were asked whether one of us would remain in Islamabad for a year as a liaison officer. I declined. After almost three decades of

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policing, retirement was approaching and I felt it was time to come home.

One of my colleagues accepted the role. Only days after I returned to the UK, he was attending a meeting with FBI agents in a coffee shop when a bomb exploded. He survived, but lost an eye and suffered serious shrapnel injuries.

Experiences like those have a way of changing your outlook on life. After completing my 30 years' service, I decided it was time to step away from counter-terrorism and build a quieter life.

That decision eventually brought me to Burnham-on-Crouch. My new home had two fireplaces, but I discovered there wasn't a local chimney sweep. Curiosity led me onto a training course, one job led to another, and before long Burnham Sweeps was born.

Life has taken me from some of the world's most dangerous places to the rooftops and fireplaces of our local community. Looking back, I wouldn't change a thing.

Thank you to everyone who has followed these stories over the past few months. They've been a small glimpse into a career that was often challenging, occasionally dangerous, but always rewarding.

Now, if you see me around Burnham, I'll probably have a brush in my hand rather than a warrant card and that's exactly how I like it.

Dean Lawrence

Burnham Coastal Rowing Club have had a busy time in the last month

NEW PODIATRY &

We had our first Try Row day and turned out very successful with another 15 new people introduced to the sport.

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The club had another beautiful Row BBQ at Creeksea . Over 25 members made their way to the beach and enjoyed the great food and amazing skies.

OUR SERVICES

In the Nelson Cup Burnham went to Queenborough and came out top winning the race by 30s. They then sent two team ms to South Woodham for the Crouch Shield. The day was very hot but the two teams came out 3rd and 4th

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Important Telephone Numbers

Police Stations Headquarters ............................ 0300 333 4444 Fire Emergency 999 or HQ ...............01376 576000 Ambulance Emergency 999 or enquiries ......01245 443344 Coastguard Emergency 999 or enquiries ......01255 675518 Lifeboat (Inshore Rescue Burnham) Emergency ............................ 999 Crouch Harbour Authority (9.30am-11.30am) ......... 01621 783602 Water Emergency: ...............................08457 820 999 Sewage Emergency: ................................08457 145145 Gas Emergency: ..................................0800 111999 Electricity Emergency (24 hours): ........................... 0800 7838838 Post Office, 22 Station Rd ....................................... 01621 784899 Burnham Community Info. Centre ........................... 01621 784962 Burnham Library ........................................... 0345 603 7628 Southminster Library ...........................................0345 603 7628

Burnham Town Council

Cllr Douglas Bown (Mayor) Town Council (Chapel Road) 01621 783426 Email: Office@burnhamoncrouchtowncouncil.gov.uk Mr Neil Pudney ............................................01621 784233

Chemists

Fiveways Pharmacy.......... ......................................... 01621 782058 Savages Pharmacy ..................................................... 01621 785042 Southminster Pharmacy ............................................ 01621 772392

Treetops Pre-School Playgroup ........................... 01621 783265 Southminster Pre-School (Kelly Richardson) .............07789 222916 Piglets & Friends pre-school Southminster ...............07828 509030

Sports Clubs

Burnham Ramblers ............................................ 01621 784383 Burnham Rugby Club - Secretary…burnhamsecretary@outlook.com Burnham Sailing Club ................... enquiries@burnhamsc.co.uk Burnham Golf Club ............................................ 01621 782282 Burnham Croquet Club ............................................01621 784309 Burnham Hillside Bowls Club ....................................01621 785293 Creeksea Sailing Club ............................. 01621 778952/772685 Blackwater Sailing Club ............................................01621 740300 Jacks Centre Latchingdon Bowls ..............................01621 742051 Maylandsea Bay Sailing Club ....................................01621 740470 Royal Corinthian Yacht Club .....................................01621 782105 Royal Burnham Yacht Club .......................................01621 782044 Southminster Bowls Club ..........................................01621 783091 Tillingham Bowls Club .............................................. 01621 779575 Burnham on Crouch Bridge Club..…………………..01621 773165 Crouch Kayak Club..Contact info: membership@crouchkayak.club Southminster Tennis Club, info email: emma@thebandeja.com Dengie 100 Runners ............ email: fitasafiddle@btinternet.com

JAS Tree Services

Churches

All Saints Creeksea, Rev. Vera Wadman ................... 01621 783963 Baptist Church ............................................ 01621 493642 Jehovah’s Witnesses ........................................... 01621 784900 Methodist Church (URC) ......................................... 01621 772178 Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin, Rev Suzie Fryer………………………….01621 782071,01621 786066 Roman Catholic Church .................................... 782034 or 852259 The United Reformed Church .................................. 01621 772178 Buddhist Shrine ............................................ 01621 773619 Tillingham Congregational Church ......................... 01621 782201 St Peter’s Chapel-Bradwell ...................................... 01621 776846 St Leonards C of E Church, Southminster ............... 01621 772300 St Nicholas Tillingham C of E Church, ............................................01621 778017 Southminster

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Your Member of Parliament

Whittingdale

OBE MP

Doctors

Health Services Clinic, Crouch Road ........................03003 032621 The Burnham Surgery ............................................01621 782054 The Trinity Medical Centre, Mayland ........................01621 745400 Maylandsea Medical Centre .....................................01621 742233 William Fisher Medical Centre, Southminster ..........01621 773777 NHS Direct .............................................................111

Public Transport

Bus Station Travel Shop ...........................................01245 263859 Burnham Ferry ............................................07704 060482 Stephensons ............................................01702 541511 Abelio Greater Anglia .......................................... 0345 600 7245 First Essex Buses ............................................08456 020121 Trains ............................................08457 484950 Traveline ...........................................0871 200 2233 First Essex Buses ...........................................0345 602 0121

If you would like to contact John Whittingdale, to ask for help, to set out your views, or to suggest something that he may like to do or see in the constituency, please get in touch. You can do so by coming to one of his regular constituency surgeries in Maldon, Burnham on Crouch, South Woodham Ferrers and Stock or by contacting him by email, telephone or post

By Post:

Schools

Adult Community College ....................................... 01621 853337 Burnham-on-Crouch Primary School ....................... 01621 782070 Burnham Pre-School Playgroup ........................ am 01621 784186 ........................................... pm 01621 782827 Close to Home Childcare ...............................................01621 782787 Hillside Playcare Centre ............................................am 01621 774422 Ormiston Rivers Academy ..............................................01621 782377 St Mary’s C of E Primary School .....................................01621 782626

By Email:

Rt. Hon. Sir John Whittingdale OBE MP House of Commons London SW1A 0AA john.whittingdale.mp@parliament.uk

By Telephone: House of Commons Office: 020 7219 3557 Surgery Appointments: 01621 855663 Website:

www.johnwhittingdale.org.uk

Maldon Parliamentary Constituency

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