Isn't Quality of Life the only thing that matters anyway? According to a recent survey of seaside towns, by the Halifax, Burnham has been rated the 2nd best seaside town in the UK for quality of life, after Bexhill-on-Sea. Burnham has higher than average earnings, above average employment levels, residents have better health and longer life-expectancy. Incidently there are also longer sunshine hours and less average rainfall than most other places. Do not confuse the muddy and atmospheric Burnham on Crouch in Essex with the very different Burnham on Sea in the South West, although that Burnham also features on the chart at 27th place.A few weeks ago my family & I were given a treat by a good friend, who took us out on his powerboat on the Crouch from South Woodham Yacht Club. We had a lovely cruise up the river followed by a good lunch at a lovely Burnham pub on the quayside (whitebait & salad for me, it has to be fish!) washed down with a modest amount of local real ale. Once we unhitched the boat from the town public jetty and continued on our way it was time to get our toes wet, so the most larey watersport of 'doughnutting' was to follow. All in all a cracking and very varied afternoon. (I wish I had copies of the photos to post here).
Let's also not forget that in a survey only a couple of years ago Maldon was also voted 3rd best market town in the UK (Halifax survey again, I think) and the Maldon District as a whole is in the top 15% for quality of life in the country (Experian. So all in all we are pretty happy with our lot around here!
Other Essex gems on the Halifax list include Leigh on Sea (always a pleasure) ranked 8th and Southend on Sea ranked 15th (on a sunny day, I would say). My personal favourite place in the whole of the South West of England - Sidmouths - (having spent most summer Saturdays there as a student) is also on the table , ranked 34th - but hey, least it's on there.
Let's raise a glass of Mighty Oak Maldon Gold or Crouch Vale Amarillo to glorious Essex!
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