Inspiring Children at the River & Rowing Museum

Over 250 school children from schools in Taplow, Dorney and Burnham visited the River & Rowing Museum recently as part of a programme funded by South Bucks District Council. The Council arranged for children aged 9 -11 years to experience a whole day of Olympic related fun including a visit to Dorney Lake, activities at the River & Rowing Museum and a boat trip along the Henley Regatta route.

The days, which form part of the Council’s programme of activities it is arranging in the run up to the Games as an Olympic host Council, were designed to give each child an understanding of the history of rowing and the part the sport has played in the history of the Olympics. It is hoped all junior school children in the District will be offered similar opportunities in the future.

At Dorney Lake, Ian Barham, Buckinghamshire Manager for the 2012 Games and Nigel Weare, Aquatics Development Officer told pupils about the facilities that will be available for the Olympic and Paralympic Rowing and Canoeing competitions in 2012.

At the River & Rowing Museum the children found out what it takes to be an Olympian in 2012 in comparison to the Olympics of 1908 and 1948.

They tried on replica costume, tested their lung capacity, measured their limbs, timed themselves on rowing machines and discovered the origins and recent history of the sport in the Museum’s Rowing Gallery.

Learning Assistant Lisa Hann, who designed and taught the Museum element of the day, said: “The aim of the visits was to inspire children about all aspects of rowing –  from healthy living to sporting heroes and the values of teamwork and determination.”

Schools and clubs can book taught workshops or self-led visits at the River & Rowing Museum by calling 01491 415605 or emailing [email protected]. Enquiries welcome.

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The River & Rowing Museum is one of the UK’s leading regional and sporting Museums, attracting over 100,000 visitors a year. The Museum also has a purpose built education centre visited by over 20,000 children and adults a year. The Museum provides superb value for money. Tutored workshops cost £4.50 + VAT per child.  Public tickets are £7.50 for adults and £5.50 for children and provide free access for one year for the price of just one ticket. The Museum celebrates four themes explored through a wide variety of exhibitions and events across four galleries and special exhibitions:

  • 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