Dramatic flooding exhibition opens at River and Rowing Museum
15 June 2009
A dramatic new exhibition, Water Water Everywhere: Exploring Flooding on the Thames was
opened by Lord Chris Smith, Chairman of The Environment Agency at a special event to mark the launch of this exciting new venture at the River & Rowing Museum.
Water Water Everywhere: Exploring Flooding on the Thames is a partnership between the Environment Agency and the River & Rowing Museum. The exhibition tells the story of the real people who live and work on the river and includes dramatic images of the devastating flooding in Henley and surrounding towns like Maidenhead and Reading in 1894 and 1947; a model of Marsh Lock demonstrating how river levels are controlled and an interactive ‘flood' wall giving a fascinating insight into the wildlife that lives around the Thames.
Amongst the displays will be photographs from some of the worst floods ever experienced in the area and part of the exhibition is dedicated to the memory of Peter Gough, an extremely professional and effective lock and weir keeper who tragically died in the floods of 1982 while undertaking his duties to help protect people and property from flooding.
The exhibition will be in the Treasures Gallery at the River & Rowing Museum until June 2010. As well as delving into the history of local floods, it will explore how the Environment Agency is managing flood risk today. A map highlighting areas at risk from flooding along the stretch of the Thames from Oxford to London will be on display, alongside advice and information about how people can prepare for flooding in the future.
The Environment Agency and the River & Rowing Museum's Education Department have been working together to create an exhibition that engages with children and aligns with the National Curriculum, particularly at Key Stage 1 and 2 levels. As well as information about river life and insects and birds, the exhibition will include a working model of a lock and explanations of how weirs are used to manage water levels. The exhibition will bring to life the River Thames that visitors see as they step outside the Museum to walk along the riverbank.
Paul Mainds, Trustee and Chief Executive, River & Rowing Museum said: "Flooding is a big issue for so many people in the Thames Valley and in recent years summer floods have reminded people how vulnerable we all are to the changes in our weather and climate patterns. We are extremely grateful to the Environment Agency for their sponsorship of this exhibition and delighted to have so many local references, including great photographs and the new model of Marsh Lock, which we know all ages will appreciate! The year-long exhibition will be integral to our education programme and will give a fascinating insight into the real stories of those who live and work on the river and whose lives are affected by flooding."
Environment Agency Chairman Lord Chris Smith, said: "We are delighted to be working with the River & Rowing Museum on this fascinating exhibition. It is important we can showcase the history of flooding along the Thames and also have the opportunity to tell people how the Environment Agency works to reduce the impacts and risks of flooding in the area.
"Looking back at the history of flooding allows us to learn valuable lessons about its often devastating impacts, while at the same time learning about the day to day running of the river, its recreational advantages and its use for navigation."
For up to date information on flooding, the Environment Agency Floodline Warnings Direct is a free service that provides flood warnings direct to users by telephone, mobile, email, SMS text message and fax. Members of the public can sign up for Floodline Warnings Direct by calling Floodline on 0845 988 1188 or online at the Environment Agency website.