River & Rowing Museum Event Listings
June – December 2008
Beijing Olympics…100 Years of The Wind in the Willows…The Pain Of Defeat...Henley Literary Festival….The Longest Boat Race….
And Much More!

The River & Rowing Museum, Henley-on-Thames, (www.rrm.co.uk), has announced its summer and winter exhibitions and events programme, packed with entertainment and activities for families, children and adults. Best of all, visitors can enjoy the Museum all year round for the price of just one ticket. Each admission ticket provides FREE, unlimited entry to the Museum for 12 months from the date of the original purchase, providing great value for all the family. Tickets start from as little as £3.50 per adult and £2.50 per child over three years old. Children under three go free.

Summer time activities focus on fun for all the family with special events for children and teenagers throughout the holidays.

Forthcoming highlights include:

  • Follow the British Olympic Rowing Squad as they go for gold in Beijing
  • Explore the pain of losing in the Henley Royal Regatta’s first ever commission to focus on defeat
  • Help Ratty, Toad, and Badger celebrate 100 years of The Wind in the Willows in a special season of events for all ages, ranging from a giant birthday party to a creative writing competition
    RRM Funtime: A summer season of activities for children, capturing imaginations and opening amazing new worlds like aeroplane building and creepy crawly cafes
  • Tales of a daring sea race, otters on the Thames and a water vole inspired garden are just some of highlights in the lectures and events programme. Subjects include, ‘The Longest Day’, one man’s attempt to break the record for the fastest crossing of the Atlantic in a rowing boat – did he break the record that stood for 16 years? Find out at the River & Rowing Museum.

Public booking information
All forthcoming River & Rowing Museum events until December 2008 are listed below. Full public information for all activities is available at www.rrm.co.uk. Bookings can be made on 01491 415 605 or edbookings@rrm.co.uk. Some paid for events and courses must be booked in advance, please see listings for details. A hard copy of this email is attached.

Press information
Press releases and pictures for the events and activities can be downloaded from http://www.kallaway.co.uk/rrm.htm. For further information please contact:

Further information about the Museum is at the bottom of the this email. A hard copy of all listings is attached.

The River & Rowing Museum (www.rrm.co.uk), Mill Meadows, Henley on Thames, Oxfordshire, RG9 1BF. Tel. 01491 415600

Below are are listed:

  • Major exhibitions
  • Clubs for families & children
  • Events for children, teenagers and families
  • Wind in the Willows 100th Anniversary
  • Lectures and events
  • Creative and weekend courses
  • Christmas events
  • Further information on the Museum


MAJOR EXHIBITIONS

Steps to Beijing:
1900 to 2008 May – October
Britain has a great record of rowing success at the Olympic Games. Sir Steve Redgrave and Sir Matthew Pinsent have become household names after their Olympic successes. Redgrave, with his five gold medals, is undoubtedly Britain’s most successful Olympian. Re-live the successes of the past and follow the progress of our Olympic hopefuls at the Beijing Olympics (August 9-17).

175 years of Durham University Rowing
19 June –Spring 2009
Rowing has been an essential part of the story of Durham University since its foundation 175 years ago. This exhibition tells that story.

Gollon at Henley
10 May – 6 July
This exhibition of studies, photographs and silkscreen prints is centred around a major new painting by leading British artist, Chris Gollon. Recently commissioned by the River & Rowing Museum, ‘Gollon at Henley’ juxtaposes defeated rowers against the colourful Henley Royal Regatta crowd indifferent to their pain. Chris Gollon is an established name in British painting and has exhibited alongside Maggi Hambling and Tracey Emin. The exhibition and commission is jointly sponsored by Beefeater and the ‘American Friends of the River & Rowing Museum.

Treasures from the Collection: 10 years of the RRM celebrated
1 Sep – 9 Nov
The River & Rowing Museum is 10 years old this year! To celebrate the Museum’s birthday the exhibition highlights some favourite objects from its collection. These fascinating, beautiful and unusual objects include a WWII Upper Thames Patrol Uniform, a Figurehead from the Viscountess Bury Electric Launch and String Solo by John Piper.

RRM Funtime
26 July – 31 August
Back by popular demand, RRM Funtime is packed full of hands on, interactive things to do for children under 14. It’s to provide a lot of fun as well as a little bit of learning. Become an Olympic rower, build a bridge, identify the mystery smell, dress up in amazing historical costume or crack the answer to a devilish puzzle! The possibilities are endless... Take part in our quiz and have a chance of winning an amazing prize. RRM Funtime is designed to be enjoyed by families and groups with children under 14. Children need to be accompanied at all times.

Special Woods Art Exhibition
8 November 2008 – 6 January 2009
Selected artwork from the Special Woods Art Competition will be celebrating the diversity of the Chiltern woodlands and the many stories they have to tell. For more information about the Special Trees and Woods Project, or to find out how to enter the competition visit www.chilternsaonb.org/special <http://www.chilternsaonb.org/special> .

CLUBS FOR FAMILIES AND CHILDREN
The River & Rowing Museum is proud to be family friendly! It has created a wide range of exciting and entertaining events and activities for children, parents and families over the summer holidays and beyond.

Exhibitions

RRM Funtime
26 July – 31 August
Back by popular demand, RRM Funtime is packed full of hands on, interactive things to do for children under 14- guaranteed to provide a lot of fun as well as a little bit of learning. Become an Olympic rower, build a bridge, identify the mystery smell, dress up in amazing historical costume or crack the answer to a devilish puzzle! The possibilities are endless... Take part in our quiz and have a chance of winning an amazing prize. RRM Funtime is designed to be enjoyed by families and groups with children under 14. Children need to be accompanied at all times.

Children’s Clubs:

Artways art club
For 7-11 year olds 10.30am - 12.30pm Come and join a Saturday morning art club for 7 - 11 year olds.
Five-week courses will explore ways of making art in a wide range of media. The courses alternate between two-dimensional practice in drawing, painting, printmaking and mixed media work; and three-dimensional practice in clay work, environmental media, felt and construction. The course includes all materials and refreshments and is led by experienced, qualified tutors. Sessions must be booked in advance and start: Saturday 21 June, Saturday 13 September, Saturday 8 November 2008. Limited to 12 places. £50. Booking line: 01491 415605. Booking email: edbookings@rrm.co.uk.

NEW! Art ways art club
For 11-15 year olds Saturdays 2pm - 4pm
A chance to work towards a recognised qualification in art. The Arts Awards are accredited at Bronze, Silver and Gold level. These five-week sessions are led by professional artists and educators and are designed to help you develop your skills and understanding of different ways of making art. You will get guidance in working from observation and imagination, developing and presenting ideas, using a sketchbook and working in different media. Five-week sessions must be booked in advance. Starting: Saturday 21 June, Saturday 13 September, Saturday 8 November 2008. Limited to 12 places. £60. Booking line: 01491 415605. Booking email: edbookings@rrm.co.uk.

Taylor tug’s under fives club
Wednesdays during term time 10am - 11.30am or 1pm - 2.30pm
Interactive sessions for parents to enjoy with their children. A range of creative activities including craft, stories, songs and free play which explore the Museum. Sessions are led by a trained teacher and are informal and fun for all. Sessions must be booked in advance for a half or whole term only. Age 18 months - 5 years. Half a term (5 weeks) £32.50, Whole term (10 weeks) £63. Booking line: 01491 415605. Booking email: edbookings@rrm.co.uk.

Events for Children, Teenagers and Families
All paid for events MUST be booked in advance. Booking line: 01491 415605. Booking email: edbookings@rrm.co.uk. No booking is required for FREE events.

Insects in Silk
Tuesday 29 July 10.30am - 3.30pm
The fine structure and details of the insects from the Museum’s collection will be interpreted in liquid wax on silk. Children will take home a stretched silk panel that will look beautiful hanging in a window. Age 7-11 £16 (£14 members)

Taylor Tug’s Holiday Happenings
Wednesday 30 July 11am - 12.30pm
Come and enjoy the summer with Taylor Tug creating exciting things inspired by the Museum. Interactive sessions for parents to enjoy with their children. Age 18 months – 5 years £6.50

Insects in Silk
Tuesday 29 July 10.30am - 3.30pm
The fine structure and details of the insects from the Museum’s collection will be interpreted in liquid wax on silk. Children will take home a stretched silk panel that will look beautiful hanging in a window. Age 7-11 £16 (£14 members)

Get your Kit on
Thursday 31 July 10.30am - 3.30pm
Spend a day with Maddy and Laura getting ready for the Olympic Games in Beijing. Limber up and test your racing skills. Then design and decorate a t-shirt and baseball cap. Visit the Museum galleries and after lunch make yourself a racing mascot. You will need to bring two snacks, drinks and a packed lunch. Age 7-11 £16 (£14 members)

Pop goes the weasel
Tuesday 5 August 10.30am - 12.30pm
Meet a real preserved weasel from our mammal collection. Then make a model cardboard Wild Wood complete with pop up weasels. Make up some stories with your model during the light summer evenings. Age 4-7 £8 (£7 members)

Animals in Print
Wednesday 6 August 10.30am - 3.30pm
Another chance to get inspiration from the Museum’s natural history collection and spend a day printing on fabric and paper. Children will take home a range of block-printed and screen-printed designs and drawings from observation, including their own printed cotton bag. Age 7-11 £16 (£14 members)

Bags for Wildlife
Thursday 7 August 2pm - 4pm
Do you want to help stop plastic bags harming wildlife? Drop-in and decorate your own cotton ‘bag for life’ and stop using plastic carrier bags. FREE with admission + materials (£1 per bag)

Fish in Print
Tuesday 12 August 10.30am - 3.30pm
The marvellous collection of stuffed fish caught by A.E.Hobbs in the Thames, will provide the starting point for making screen prints and block- prints. The day will start with drawing from observation and the work will be developed into block-prints on fabric and paper. Children will take home a range of block-printed and screen-printed designs and drawings from observation, including their own printed cotton bag. Age 7-11 £16 (£14 members)

Feeling Prickly...Here comes hedgehog
Thursday 14 August 10.30am - 12.30pm
Meet a real stuffed hedgehog from our Museum collection of mammals. Make a hedgehog from a big pebble with spines out, then make a curled up one
with a balloon. Age 4-7 £8 (£7 members)

Creepy Crawly Café
Tuesday 19 August 10.30am - 12.30pm
Have you ever wondered what creepy crawlies love to eat? What tickles their tastebuds? What is a feast for a fly? Visit the Museum log piles then make a creepy crawly café to attract insects to your garden. Make yourself multi-colour mini beasts with pipe cleaners and card. Age 4-7 £8 (£7 members)

Meet Consuta
Thursday 21 August, 12pm - 4pm, Museum Jetty
Come along to the Museum jetty to see Consuta, a beautifully restored working steam launch used as an umpire’s launch for Henley Royal Regatta during Victorian times. FREE with admission

Fabulous Flying Machines
Thursday 21 August, 10.30am - 3.30pm
Learn how to make a flying machine using recycled and scrap materials. Develop your construction skills and get guidance from an experienced sculptor. Age 7-11 £16 (£14 members)

Boat to Beijing
Tuesday 26 August, 10.30am - 3.30pm
Visit the Sydney IV racing boat in the Rowing Gallery and then spend the day learning Chinese Crafts. Make a banner with Chinese Characters spelling out your name. Then make a lucky moneybox in red and gold. After lunch play some traditional Chinese games and end the day making a mask to reflect the Chinese year you were born. What animal are you? Age 7-11 £16 (£14 members)

Fairytale Fiesta
Thursday 28 August, 10.30am - 12.30pm
Come and make a cardboard castle that opens out to make a stage for your favourite fairytale. Make some characters with pegs so you can act out stories with your friends. Find out about Kings and Queens who had their
homes on the river. Age 4-7 £8 (£7 members)

Toad’s Picnic
Wednesday 20 August 1pm - 3pm
Fill your picnic basket with goodies and bring the family to join Mr Toad and friends for a glorious afternoon on the Meadows with activities galore to celebrate 100 years of Wind in the Willows. FREE with admission. Children under five must be accompanied by an adult.

Beadylicious: Teens Earrings Workshop
Saturday 30 August 10.30am - 12pm
Suitable for beginners or build on your jewellery making skills to create gorgeous earring designs. Go home with between two and three pairs of finished, fabulous earrings, all made using sterling silver finishing’s and semi-precious and glass beads. Age 12-16 £8 (£7 members) + materials (up to £5 per pair of earrings)

The Longest River of Drawing
Saturday October 25 10am - 5pm
This is your chance to take part in a nationwide event and have a go at drawing in the Thames Gallery on the ‘longest river of drawing’. Take inspiration from the Museum’s collection of boats and add your imagination! All drawing materials provided. Please see the The Big Draw website for further information and events: www.drawingpower.org.uk. All ages. Free with admission

Totally Toad..Stormy Weather
Tuesday 28 October 10.30am - 12.30pm
There is nothing Mr Toad loves more than, well, Mr Toad. He loves to look smart at all times even in the rain. Come and decorate your own umbrella with waterproof fabric pens, then paint a portrait of Mr Toad wearing his very best. Age 4-7 £8 (£7 members)

Toad’s Birthday
Wednesday 29 October 11am - 4pm
Free with Museum admission Poop Poop!!! Guess who is 100? Yes, it’s Mr Toad. Come and celebrate his birthday with fun and games. Dress as your favourite Wind in the Willows character and get into the Museum for FREE! FREE with admission

Lord of the Wings... Meet the Moths
Thursday 30 October 10.30am - 3.30pm
Look at some real specimens and paint a moth onto some fabric so it can be made into a cushion at home. Find out about the world of moths - they don’t all eat clothes! Learn ways to attract them to your garden and how to gently discourage the clothes moth from eating your clothes. Age 7-11 £16 (£14 members)

Wooden Spoon Family
Friday 31 October 10.30am - 12.30pm
Decorate and dress wooden spoons to make your own set of characters, using paint, wool and scraps of material. Create a family of spoons and send them off on their adventures. Age 4-7 £8 (£7 members)

Beadylicious: Teens Bracelet Workshop
Saturday 29 November 10.30am - 12pm
Suitable for beginners or build on your jewellery making skills to create a sparkly bracelet. Make it double or even triple strand using gorgeous sterling silver finishings and the best quality semi-precious and glass beads. Age 12-16 £8 (£7 members) + materials (up to £8 per bracelet)

THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS 100th ANNIVERSARY
The Wind in the Willows is 100 year’s old. The Museum is celebrating this remarkable birthday of with a diverse range of events activities, reflecting the book’s endearing appeal to all ages. The events link to the Wind in the Willows exhibition at the Museum.

Toad’s Picnic
Wednesday 20 August 1pm - 3pm
Fill your picnic basket with goodies and bring the family to join Mr Toad and friends for a glorious afternoon on the Meadows with activities galore. FREE with admission. Children under five must be accompanied by an adult.

Totally Toad..Stormy
Weather Tuesday 28 October 10.30am - 12.30pm
There is nothing Mr Toad loves more than, well, Mr Toad. He loves to look smart at all times even in the rain. Come and decorate your own umbrella with waterproof fabric pens, then paint a portrait of toad wearing his very best.Age 4-7 £8 (£7 members). Booking is essential: 01491 415605. Children under five must be accompanied by an adult.

Toad’s Birthday
Wednesday 29 October 11am - 4pm
Free with Museum admission Poop Poop!!! Guess who is 100? Yes, it’s Mr Toad. Come and celebrate his birthday with fun and games. Dress as your favourite Wind in the Willows character and get into the Museum for FREE! Children under five must be accompanied by an adult.

Wind in the Willows Writing Competition
As part of the Henley Literary Festival, the River & Rowing Museum will be launching a writing competition for adults, linked to the 100th anniversary of The Wind in the Willows. The challenge is to write a story for children using the river as its theme. The idea is that the story’s characters and themes will have the same enduring appeal as The Wind in the Willows. Full details of the competition will be posted on www.rrm.co.uk

LECTURES & EVENTS
Our lectures give you an insight into the history of the area, and bring you bang up to date with what’s happening along The Thames today. Lectures last between 60 and 90 minutes and booking is recommended. Call 01491 415605 or email edbookings@rrm.co.uk

The Longest Race
Saturday 13 September Leven Brown, Atlantic Rower 2.30pm (coffee from 2pm).
Hear the story of an amazing Atlantic race, that began after a challenge from a gutsy American team. Leven Brown's British and Irish team, and boat, were very much the underdogs. Also up for grabs was the French Atlantic Rowing Speed Record. Held for 16 years, 60 attempts have been made on the record and none have got within two days of the French time. Did Leven and his team emerge victorious against the odds AND beat the record? This is the story of the epic race told by Leven Brown himself. £5 (£3 members)

My Life on the River and other otters
Saturday 4 October Keith Webb 11.30am (coffee from 11am)
In the thirty years spent as a lock keeper on the River Thames, Keith has developed a keen interest in the wildlife he sees every day, both human and in particular, otters. He will talk about life as a lock keeper and his interest in filming otters, tracking them and even building a holt to encourage them to stay. £5 (£3 members)

The Story of W.H.Brakspear
Saturday 25 October Michael Parsons, former Managing Director, Brakspear, 11.30am (coffee from 11am)

For over two hundred years. Brakspear’s brewery was a major industry in Henley. The smell of the copper boiling was part of the town. All that has now gone, as has another essential industry - malting. Hear the story of the business founded by Robert Brakspear and the people who worked at The Brewery in New Street. £5 (£3 members)

The Co-operative bank Henley Literary Festival 2008
Friday 19 September – Sunday 21 September
Michael Palin is the star turn at this year’s Literary Festival. The actor, who made his name in Monty Python, has agreed to give a talk on the travelling experiences gained through his progammes with the BBC. Events are being held across several venues in the town, including the River & Rowing Museum. As part of the Festival, the River & Rowing Museum will be launching a writing competition for adults. This ties-in with the 100th anniversary of The Wind in the Willows. The challenge is to write a story for children using the river as its theme. The idea is that the story’s characters and themes will have the same enduring appeal as The Wind in the Willows

Ratty Goes to Chelsea
Saturday 1 November, 11.30am (coffee from 11am).
Angela Potter and Ann Robinson of English Eden are the garden designers who created River & Rowing Museum’s Ratty’s Refuge (www.rattysrefuge.co.uk) an urban garden that won a Bronze medal at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2008. Inspired by 100 years of Wind in the Willows they created a garden to help save ‘Ratty’ the water vole – the UK’s fastest declining mammal. The garden seeks to inspire gardeners across the country to help save Ratty. Any gardener within half a mile of water can help. Angela and Ann will share stories and pictures of the garden from its inspiration to its conclusion, giving you an insight into what really goes on behind the scenes! £5 (£3 members)

Outdoor sculpture
Saturday 22 November Sean Henry, sculptor 11.30am (coffee from 11am)
Sculptor Sean Henry is responsible for the statues of Sir Steve Redgrave and Sir Matthew Pinsent in the Museum’s car park. His outdoor works have been seen at Canary Wharf, Berkeley Square, Newcastle- upon-Tyne, Regent’s Park, and at Goodwood in Sussex. He created ‘Couple’ - Britain’s first offshore artwork in Northumberland - to great media acclaim in June 2007. At this lecture, Sean will discuss the dramatic effect of placing artworks in the public realm and will talk about his interest in the theatrical potential of sculpture. For more information about Sean visit www.seanhenry.com. £5 (£3 members)


CREATIVE COURSES
Learn new painting, drawing and writing skills, or take a weekend workshop. Places must be booked in advance. Booking line: 01491 415600. Booking email: edbookings@rrm.co.uk

Drawn To It and Colour To IT
Seven, three hour fortnightly sessions with Camilla Shelly starting on Saturday 13 September 1.30 – 4.30pm.
Explore drawing and painting taking inspiration from the Museum collection, the building itself and its location by the river. The course also includes some sessions from a life model. £105 for 7 weeks. Maximum participants: 15

Picture This Creative Writing Course
Twelve, three hour fortnightly sessions with David Grubb starting on Saturday 27 September from 10am - 1pm
Creative writing with a focus on short stories and poetry inspired by the impact of vibrant and oddball images; photographs, posters, postcards, sculpture, art, fashion and architecture. You’ll explore images, discuss ways to write, create poems and short stories, and compile portfolios of your own work. A reference library will be specially created to support the course, including: magazines, books, competition details and spoken word recordings. £125 for 12 weeks. Maximum participants: 15


Weekend workshops:

Beadylicious: Pendants and Earrings Workshop
Saturday 6 September with Diana Mowatt 10.30am - 1pm
Whether you’re a complete beginner or you want to develop your existing skills, create unique necklaces and earrings at this workshop. Use a mixture of wire work, sterling silver chain and the highest quality semi-precious and glass beads to design and complete your beautiful jewellery. The cost of materials will vary but rarely exceeds £12 per item made. £18 (£15 members) + £12 materials

Beadylicious: Design and Make Freeform Workshop
Saturday 15 November Diana Mowatt 10.30am - 1pm
Everyone can create beautiful items of jewellery. Come along with your sketch book and ideas, or take inspiration from a dazzling selection of the finest semi-precious and glass beads, including Swarovski crystal and freshwater pearls. Design and make unique necklaces, bracelets and earrings. The cost of materials will vary but rarely exceeds £12 per item made. £18 (£15 members) + £12 materials

Festive Willow Plant Support
Saturday 29 November Dominic Parrette 10.30am - 3pm
Make a woven willow plant support that could be used as an alternative Christmas tree during the festive season. The session will also include the opportunity to make willow Christmas decorations. Maximum number: 8. Please wear old clothes and bring your own secateurs. £36 (£30 members) + £16 materials

Christmas Table Arrangements
Saturday 13 December Christine Dromgoole 10.30am - 1pm
An easy way to make a stunning Christmas centrepiece for your table. Christine will demonstrate how to make a Christmas candle table display, using a selection of different containers for different effects. Then it’s your chance to create your own displays. £18 (£15 members)


CHRISTMAS EVENTS

Funky Festive Food
Saturday 13 December 10.30am - 12.30pm , Jon Lockhart
A chance to work with a sculptor to model a feast that will last forever! You will use model making materials and your skill and imagination. Age 7-11 £8 (£7 members)+ materials

Mr Toad’s Christmas
Sunday 21 and Monday 22 December 11am - 3pm
Come and visit Mr Toad in his caravan and tell him what you would like for Christmas. Help Mr Toad decorate his Christmas tree and make a variety of decorations fit to grace Toad Hall. All ages £1.50 per child

Sparkles and Snow
Tuesday 23 December 10.30am - 12.30pm
Hear the story of the Nutcracker and how Clara sailed across a river to the Land of Sweets. Look at the river shapes in our Museum galleries and make puppets that look like sweets and scenery that sparkles like the River Thames. Age 4-7 £8 (£7 members)

Surprises for the Christmas Elves
Tuesday 23 December 10.30am - 12.30pm
Why not give all those hard- working Christmas elves a surprise by preparing some special gifts? A special candle and holder for the table, a cracker, a bag, some decorations and even a Christmas tree hat! Age 7-11 £8 (£7 members) + 50p materials

END


Notes to editors

The River & Rowing Museum (www.rrm.co.uk)
Mill Meadows,
Henley on Thames,
Oxfordshire,
RG9 1BF
Tel. 01491 415600


The River & Rowing Museum attracts over 100,000 visitors a year and celebrates four themes:

  • The past, present and future of the River Thames;
  • The historic riverside community of Henley on Thames;
  • The international sport of rowing
  • The Wind in the Willows

These themes are explored through a wide variety of exhibitions and events across four galleries and special exhibitions. One of the Museum’s major successes has been The Wind in the Willows exhibition which recreates the timeless E H Shepard illustrations from Kenneth Grahame’s famous novel. The Museum has popular education centre used by 20,000 visitors every year providing courses and workshops for schools, children and adults. Since opening in August 1998 the Museum has received numerous awards for its design and architecture, including the National Heritage/NPI Museum of the Year award. The River & Rowing Museum is part of the Thames Valley Museums Group (TVMG) Family Friendly initiative – a scheme which brings together 29 museums across Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire, to promote their popular appeal to the whole family

  • OPENING TIMES: The museum, terrace café and shop are open every day from 10am – 5.30pm in summer and 10am – 5pm in the winter
  • TICKET PRICING:
    • Each admission ticket provides FREE entry to the Museum for 12 from the date of purchase
    • Admission for the Museum Galleries: £3.50 for adults, £2.50 for children and £3 for senior citizens and concessions
    • Admission for the Galleries and The Wind in the Willows exhibition: £7 for adults, £5 for children and £6 for senior citizens and concessions
  • Free parking for visitors
  • Fabulous shop