26th October 2009

EXHIBITION: Tales of the Riverbank

River Blackwater Man’s activity in the Blackwater Valley and the 30 years of the Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership is the theme of an exhibition called Tales of the Riverbank, which opened at Surrey Heath Museum on Saturday 24th October. It shows how development has helped shape the riparian environment and the change from working area and resource to amenity landscape. It also looks at some of the more colourful parts of the area’s history, including the importance of Border ware Pottery, the influence of the highwaymen and the first International Heavyweight Prize Fight.

The Blackwater Valley has changed tremendously over the years. Although some of the changes have been natural the most dramatic have been caused by man. The arrival of the army in Aldershot during the 19th century caused river pollution, then a combination of mineral extraction and urban development in the last century compounded the problem. These changes to what was once a quiet rural backwater led to the formation of the Blackwater Valley Country Partnership, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.

Christine Reeves of the Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership, said:

“Although I’m familiar with the more recent history of the Blackwater Valley, once I started going further back into the archives I uncovered some fascinating and surprising stories. Probably the most relevant being that the area’s local authorities were working together to clean up the river as far back as 1896 when a River Blackwater Joint Committee was established.
I ‘d like to thank Surrey Heath Museum for putting together this exhibition which brings some of these untold stories to the public’s attention.”

The exhibition, which is a joint venture by Surrey Heath Museum and the Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership, will be open from 11am to 5pm, Wednesday to Saturday until Saturday 16th January 2010, (although the museum will be shut over the entire Christmas period), admission is free.

A number of special events linked to the theme of the exhibition will take place. For more details ring Surrey Heath Museum on 01276 707284, email museum@surreyheath.vo.uk or visit the website www.surreyheath.gov.uk. Or contact the Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership on 01252 331353, email blackwater.valley@hants.gov.uk

Surrey Heath Museum >>>

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For further information contact:
Christine Reeves, Visitor Promotions Officer on 01252 331353.
Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership, Ash Lock Cottage, Government Road, Aldershot GU11 2PS.

DID YOU KNOW?

The Blackwater Valley was the heart of the English pottery industry for 400 years producing 'Border ware' pottery. Border ware production reached its peak in the 17th century and throughout the 17th century, and into the early 18th century, Border ware was one of the principle sources of good-quality household pottery used in London.
On April 17, 1860 a mixed crowd including Charles Dickens and William Thackeray descended on Farnborough the location of the first international fight for the world heavyweight championship, between English champion Tom Sayers and the American challenger John Heenan. The fight went on for over 40 rounds and lasted 2 hours 20 minutes.
The arrival of the army in Aldershot caused a massive population explosion. In 1851 the population was 875, but just 10 years later in 1861 it was in excess of 16,000.
The main London to Exeter turnpike road passed through Blackwater, but to get there stagecoaches had to pass through Bagshot Heath a bleak heathland area notorious for its highwaymen.