Princess Royal visits museum

PRINCESS Anne came to Henley today to launch a new programme for people with special educational needs and disabilities.

The Princess Royal visited the River & Rowing Museum to learn more about the initiative created by the museum and the Rivertime Boat Trust to promote education about the River Thames and the natural environment.

The programme is supported by the charity Give Them a Sporting Change, of which the princess is a guardian.

Anne met children from Manor Green School in Maidenhead and Stony Dean School in Amersham, who were using interactive apparatus to learn about topics such as erosion, transportation, flora and fauna and floodplains.  

She was given a tour of the newly refurbished museum classroom and travelled with the children on the trust’s boat, Rivertime.

The Princess was shown the boat’s ramp and hydraulic lift which help passengers in wheelchairs to board.

The Princess Royal also unveiled a plaque to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the museum in Mill Meadows, which was opened by the late Queen Elizabeth II in 1998.

Chris Barrett, chairman of the Rivertime Boat Trust, said: “The launch of this unique educational programme for neurotypical and SEND children represents a significant milestone for both the museum and the trust.

“It will enable children to develop an understanding of important issues of the day, such as the protection of wildlife, green living and climate change, in a unique and hands-on way that we hope enriches and inspires them.” 

David Worthington, chairman of the museum trustees, called the programme “exciting”.

He said: “Our ‘learning outside the classroom’ accreditation allows us to raise awareness of important issues related to our vision to bring the river to life for all.”

Anne Wadsworth, of Give Them a Sporting Chance, said: “We hope every child who participates in this programme will have a life- enhancing experience.”