29/7/2010 - Locals inspire flood exhibition in Keswick

Floods which devastated Keswick last November will be remembered during a five-week exhibition –Weathering the Storm - starting next month at the Theatre by the Lake.

The heavy rains that started to fall on Wednesday 18 November last year flooded over 200 homes and businesses in Keswick in the following 24 hours before causing havoc further west.

And nine months on, an exhibition and book have been pieced together by the Keswick Flood Action Group and the Flood Support Centre in Keswick to document how the town was affected by the devastation.

The exhibition, which begins on Saturday 21 August and runs up to 28 September at the theatre’s Circle gallery, will feature previously unseen photos as well as memories from many people who were flooded out or helped during the emergency.

A book, also called Weathering the Storm, developed from the first few exhibition meetings and will be launched on 21 August priced at £10. It will be available from Keswick Reminder Office, Keswick Town Council, Keswick Post Office, Sticky Fingers, Keswick Park Hotel, Keswick Camp Site, Penrith Road and High Hill Garages, and Keswick Flood Action Group members (or by calling 017687 72316).

Graham Thompson, chairman of Keswick Flood Action Group, said: "When the flood water went we were left with so many different problems it was sometimes difficult to know where to start but it’s almost as though the whole town has pulled together to get back on track.

"For everyone affected by the floods it was an unforgettable experience and this exhibition of photographs and personal accounts gives an insight into the experiences of both the people whose homes were flooded and those who came to their aid.

"Fortunately, Keswick had an emergency plan under development and we were able to draw on our own strength with neighbour helping neighbour, and rescue services, councils and volunteers joining together to save lives and property."

Cumbria County Councillor Gary Strong, Cabinet member for community safety, said: "The flooding caused massive disruption to Keswick and many people needed to evacuate their homes but they way the town - and west Cumbria - has recovered has been inspirational. 

"The exhibition will, I’m sure, bring back some strong emotions for many but I know that the pictures and stories will show how the town pulled together and how people worked for each other."

A special VIP ceremony will take place on Friday 20 August with local firefighter Adrian Holme, group manager for the Workington locality which includes Keswick, who helped lead the operation in Keswick during the floods, officially opening the exhibition.

For more information on the exhibition call 017687 74411 or visit www.theatrebythelake.co.uk 

ENDS

Media enquiries to Media Officer Chris Little on 01228 226335.