Exhibition - Our Sporting Life - Henley

The River & Rowing Museum hosted the launch of their forthcoming community exhibition Our Sporting Life Henley, a dynamic new project which will allow the local community to discover, and contribute to, Henley's Sporting Heritage. The exhibition will run in the Museum's Kirkham Gallery from 13 March - 11 July 2010.

The presentation introduced Our Sporting Life to over 30 members of Henley's sporting community, including schools, clubs, events and individuals from Henley Royal Regatta, the Rugby Club and the Swimming Club, to local schools. The Mayor of Henley, Councillor Liz Hodgkin, who attended the presentation, has given her support to the project while Henley library manager Janet Mathews has offered space in the library to display additional objects. Now it is up to the local people of Henley to share their insights! The Museum will be using the next two months to encourage involvement from the local community, and are encouraging as many people as possible to participate.

Asking the question "What does sport mean to you?" Our Sporting Life Henley will identify sporting moments, heroes, objects, photographs and experiences that have inspired the people of Henley. Public contributions will be key to the exhibition - both to identify and explore the power and importance of national and well known examples of our sports heritage and to discover the personal, family and community memories, which will strengthen our understanding of the nation's shared sporting heritage.

The exhibition will continue to evolve after its launch in May, with space dedicated for the Museum's visitors to include their own memories and objects. There will also be a series of related open weekends, club days, family events and activities at the Museum.

Our Sporting Life Henley is a 4 year project with a strong legacy to engage the nation in a celebration of Britain's remarkable sporting heritage. Developed by the River & Rowing Museum as part of the Sports Heritage Network (comprising all of the major national sports museums in the UK), it will contribute to the Cultural Olympiad leading up to London 2012.

The exhibition will be the first Our Sporting Life community exhibition, focusing on significant, unforgettable and special events to take place locally. Henley will then take its place on the national stage, showcasing its discoveries at the national 2012 exhibition. Everyone can get involved and share their personal, family and community memories. Let us know how our sporting heritage has inspired you by logging on to www.oursportinglife.co.uk

Jonathan Edwards, former Olympic, Commonwealth, European and World triple jump Champion and London 2012 Board Member said: "At LOCOG we are really excited about this project and we think that it can make a huge contribution to our Olympiad."

Lord Moynihan, Chairman, British Olympic Association said: "Our Sporting Life is an example of exactly how the games can, and should, be used to engage and inspire our nation. To me it is wonderful."

Suzie Tilbury, Assistant Curator, River & Rowing Museum said: "We were delighted by the fantastic turnout at the event and the enormous enthusiasm of those who attended. We hope this enthusiasm will be shared by the local community who will play a vital role in making the exhibition come alive, excite and inspire. We are looking forward to hearing the rich and vibrant stories from people across Henley, making a connection with our unique sporting heritage. The River & Rowing Museum is very excited about Our Sporting Life and hope to make it a fantastic community project for the nation to enjoy!"

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Press information
Catherine Yoxall 01491 415642 catherine.yoxall@rrm.co.uk

Notes to Editors
The River & Rowing Museum (www.rrm.co.uk)
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. Tickets are £7 for adults and £5 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
Since opening in August 1998 the Museum has received numerous awards including the National Heritage/NPI Museum of the Year award and the Sandford Award For Heritage Education.

Location, opening and ticket information
The River & Rowing Museum (www.rrm.co.uk), Mill Meadows, Henley on Thames, Oxfordshire, RG9 1BF. Tel. 01491 415600.
• The Museum, terrace café and shop are open every day from 10am - 5.30pm in summer and 10am - 5pm in the winter
• Tickets give FREE admission for a whole year!
• Admission is just £7 for adults, £5 for children aged four and over, FREE for children aged three and under and £5 for senior citizens and concessions
• Free parking for visitors
The River & Rowing Museum is part of the Thames Valley Museums Group (TVMG) Family Friendly initiative - a scheme that brings together 29 Museums across Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire, to promote their popular appeal to the whole family.