About

Burnham Town Councillor Fiona Clegg gives a talk on the role the river Crouch played in both World War 1 and World War 2.  Aircraft, based at Stow Maries, defended the capital against the Zeppelins. The river was used to navigate their route as it flows all the way towards London. 

The evening includes an opportunity to become a WW1 pilot and take to the skies. With the assistance of virtual technology and in a simulator made from WW1 drawings you can carry out a surveillance mission around the Dengie or chase Zeppelins threatening London.

A pre-bookable two-course meal with coffee is available for £18.95. This comprises chicken breast with chef’s seasonal vegetables & potatoes, and cheesecake for dessert.

The Flight Simulator will be open from 4pm. 

Jean Munn, Chief Engineer of the Shuttleworth Collection, has described the experience as being as close to flying a real WW1 aircraft as you can get. This experience is provided by WAHT, WW1 Aviation Heritage Trust, a charity, who use this technology to promote the STEAM elements of the education curriculum by visiting schools in the County. This is not a game, but a simulator that was designed and introduced to save the lives of those who flew in the war. You will hear how it came to be introduced and the valuable role it played.  

In WW2, once again,  the Crouch and the people of Burnham helped in the fight against the enemy. Indeed, four of the Dunkirk Little Ships were based here. Hear the story of the locals and their boats that were involved in the rescue from Dunkirk. Many of the families of those who went live in Burnham and we have been able to capture accounts of the event, taking the story from a list of historical facts and bringing to life the heroism of those who went.  

Did you know that boats for the war effort were built here?  Find out how the boatbuilders of Burnham adapted their skills and what they produced in their sheds on the river. Today the River Crouch is a peaceful, meandering river enjoyed by many and famous for its sailing, now is a chance to find out more of its proud heritage.

The venue is The Royal Corinthian Yacht Club which was founded in 1872 and started work on its iconic club building in 1931. The building, now Grade II* listed, was designed by architect Joseph Emberton, one of the pioneers of the Modern Movement who also designed the Olympia Exhibition Halls in London and Blackpool Pleasure Beach. Although often thought to be Art Deco, the elegant white building is actually one of the few examples of the International style of architecture in Britain.