Another year of the pandemic has brought yet more disruption and challenge to people's lives in 2021.

Yet throughout the difficult times, the people of Burnham and the Dengie have continued to shine and come together as a community in incredible ways.

Here's a look at 15 of Burnham and the Dengie's feel-good stories, in no particular order, as we approach the New Year.

1. Man proposes to pregnant girlfriend at Burnham Carnival

A Burnham man who proposed to his pregnant girlfriend at Burnham Carnival in September told Nub News of his joy after she said yes.

Alun Warren saved for three months to buy the engagement ring for partner Natalie, who he met several years ago while they were both working as chefs.

The couple have fallen in love with Burnham after moving to the town last year, and are expecting their first child together.

"It all felt so surreal afterwards, and I was over the moon with her saying yes," Alun said.

"I'm so grateful that the town was part of our special day."

2. Jolly Fryer owner tells how pleased he is to be back at the heart of the Burnham community

The owner of the Jolly Fryer in Burnham spoke to Nub News in April about his joy at being able to reopen again following the easing of restrictions.

John Lord said he had missed the banter in his popular fish and chips shop, where he often provides a listening ear for customers.

"The community and the spirit in this town is unbelievable," he said.

"We lost a couple of great characters in the town in this pandemic, but everyone here has supported each other."

3. Burnham women smash ocean rowing world record

Three Burnham women were among the four-strong team to become new Guiness World Record holders after rowing from San Francisco to Hawaii in 35 days, 14 hours and 32 minutes.

The Ocean Sheroes became the fastest all-female four to complete the 2,400 nautical miles of the gruelling route across the mid-Pacific.

Member Bella Collins, 28, said: ""We want to show all women – and men – that you can overcome issues of self-esteem and doubt to achieve any challenge you set yourself."

Read member Lily Lower's interview with Nub News about the achievement here.

4. Burnham pub runs campaign to help struggling families enjoy this Christmas

After being open for less than a year, a Burnham pub has already dedicated itself to helping the community.

Lorna and Raymond Hart, owners of the Victoria Inn on Belvedere Road, launched their Give a Child a Christmas Campaign in November.

The initiative gave presents to over 100 local families with children who may not otherwise had anything to open on Christmas morning.

Lorna said: "Christmas can be very tough for people when they are struggling financially, especially given what many have been through over the past 18 months with the pandemic, so it's a massive help to be able to give their children some toys."

5. 2. Dengie day centre's tireless work to support people living with dementia

Staff at Knightswood Day Care Centre in Asheldham set up a support group in the pandemic for those living with advanced dementia.

Louise Clayton, from Knightswood, said: "We are the only charity of its kind in the Maldon and Dengie area to offer this level of care to those with advanced dementia, which is invaluable support to not only the clients but their families as well."

Her colleague, Nes Dickons, added: "The main reason for starting the group was because we feel passionate about being able to offer clients with advanced dementia the much-needed one-to-one support in a safe space to enable them to express themselves without feeling rushed, pressured or frustrated."

6. Couple opens women's boutique on Burnham High Street named after daughter

Burnham High Street finally gained a women's clothing store in October, after Sofia's Boutique opened its doors to customers.

Owners Vas and Kalitsa Elia named the boutique after their daughter Sofia, and want to provide residents with what they have been missing in the town.

Kalitsa said: "My husband and I were just passing through Burnham and we saw a sign on the shop saying that it was up for rent, and we thought that we'd take that opportunity."

7. Maldon course provides access to Higher Education that is transforming lives in the district

A Maldon woman was nominated as Gateway Qualifications' Access to Higher Education (HE) Tutor of the Year in August for her work in the district.

Clare Kirby works as a science tutor for Access to HE, which provides a route into university study for adults without the usual qualifications.

She said: "We're here for the people of Maldon and the Dengie, and Access to HE is so important in helping people in the local community to gain the skills to move on to study nursing, paramedic studies, pharmacy and all the other careers they go into."

8. Burnham firefighters awarded after getting elderly man to safety

Two firefighters from Burnham won service recognition awards in May for getting an elderly man with dementia to safety.

Steve Faircloth and Jonathon Vincent were travelling into Chelmsford when they noticed the man walking along a busy road.

After stopping to check on the man's welfare and using their training as Dementia Friends - an initiative by Alzheimer's Society - they escorted the man to a place of safety and waited with him until more help arrived.

Karen Nicoll, station manager at Burnham Fire Station, said: "With cars passing at high speed, the actions of Steve and Jon prevented a possible accident and led to a safe outcome.

"It's a great achievement to gain the award and be recognised by our service - well done to them both."

9. Burnham RNLI celebrates volunteer's amazing achievement

A dedicated volunteer for Burnham RNLI celebrated in September after passing out as an Atlantic helm, meaning he can take command of the Atlantic class lifeboat on callouts - one of the fastest in the organisation's fleet.

Steve Harris said: "I've found a love for being out on the water that I never knew existed - the sense of achievement and the feeling of knowing you are doing some good and helping people that need your help."

10. Burnham twins raise more than £600 in charity chop for Little Princess Trust

Ten-year-old twins from Burnham had their long hair chopped off in September in aid of a charity which supports young people with cancer.

Erin and Adele Rawlinson were able to achieve their goal thanks to Sandra Massenhove from Partners in Hair in Burnham, after Covid delayed their plans twice.

Mum Claire said: "Both girls were rather nervous at the thought of having short hair as it had been long for so long, but they were both very brave and it was smiles all round afterwards."

11. Community project to help men's mental health in the Dengie launches

A project to create a new space for men to come together in the Dengie was launched in September.

The Men's Shed at Southminster Station will be used to create a welcoming environment for men to chat and share knowledge while engaging in practical projects.

Sarah Troop, director of Maldon and District Community Voluntary Service (CVS), said: "A lot of hard work and perseverance have finally got us to this stage and we are keen to hit the ground running and make this space open to the community as soon as possible."

12. Hundreds gather to admire medieval building discovered by Burnham group

533 people came together in September to view a medieval building first discovered by a Burnham archaeological group in 2020.

Burnham u3a Archaeological Group uncovered the rare stone building at Southminster Hall, which is believed to date from the 11th to the 13th century. Member Sue Spiers said: "Visitors were amazed that something so massive, substantial and old could have been completely hidden for centuries." 13. Burnham girl spreads Christmas joy with tireless present collection A young girl who has been collecting for charity since the age of four continued her fundraising efforts this year by collecting for the Salvation Army Christmas present appeal. Eight-year-old Darcey Strutt donated more than 200 gifts to the scheme, which aims to ensure every child in the district has a gift to open in the festive season. Darcey said: "There are kids who get loads for Christmas and a lot of it is stuff they don't need, so some toys might be wasted. "Everyone should get something for Christmas and be happy with what they have." 14. Burnham man sets out on epic row to raise £100,000 for Debra An adventurous 53-year-old from Burnham is undertaking a challenging 3,000 mile race across the Atlantic to raise money for a charity which helps those with Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB). Father-of-two Dave Dunk hopes to raise £100,000 for Debra UK after setting out on the Talisker Whiskey Atlantic Rowing Challenge earlier in December with 33-year-old rowing partner Jayme Linker. The duo, who face 40ft waves, storms and freezing temperatures, aim to arrive in Antigua by January or February. Dave's wife Sandra said: "Dave lost his dad to Covid in February this year and his mum to Parkinson's-related issues only a few weeks later. "He is taking them with him to sprinkle their ashes in the ocean. They were so very proud of him." 15. Parents raise £4,000 to launch junior parkrun in Burnham A group of sporty parents realised their dream of setting up a junior parkrun in Burnham in November, after raising the £4,000 needed for the event. Organiser Sammy Hopkins said: "I'm absolutely overwhelmed with the support from the community. "We're all so excited to get this up and running."