BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//wp-events-plugin.com//7.2.3.1//EN TZID:Europe/London X-WR-TIMEZONE:Europe/London BEGIN:VEVENT UID:4@riverhope.org.uk DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250308T140000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250308T160000 DTSTAMP:20251124T122409Z URL:https://www.riverhope.org.uk/events/first-ripples-session-1/ SUMMARY:First Ripples Session 1 DESCRIPTION:Imagine\, co-create and organise activities to amplify River Ho pe’s three themes. ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.riverhope.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/ 2025/02/EVENTS_Photo_1_RSC_bottles.jpg CATEGORIES:Ripples Session LOCATION:Royal Shakespeare Theatre\, Paccar Room\, 2nd Floor\, Royal Shakes peare Theatre\, Stratford-upon-Avon\, Warwickshire\, CV37 6BG\, United Kin gdom X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Paccar Room\, 2nd Floor\, R oyal Shakespeare Theatre\, Stratford-upon-Avon\, Warwickshire\, CV37 6BG\, United Kingdom;X-APPLE-RADIUS=100;X-TITLE=Royal Shakespeare Theatre:geo:0 ,0 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT UID:5@riverhope.org.uk DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250312T140000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250312T160000 DTSTAMP:20250312T122027Z URL:https://www.riverhope.org.uk/events/first-ripples-session-2/ SUMMARY:First Ripples Session 2 DESCRIPTION:Imagine\, co-create and organise activities to amplify River Ho pe’s three themes.\n ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.riverhope.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/ 2025/02/EVENTS_Photo_2_Bex_Glover_mural.jpg CATEGORIES:Ripples Session LOCATION:Royal Shakespeare Theatre\, Paccar Room\, 2nd Floor\, Royal Shakes peare Theatre\, Stratford-upon-Avon\, Warwickshire\, CV37 6BG\, United Kin gdom X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Paccar Room\, 2nd Floor\, R oyal Shakespeare Theatre\, Stratford-upon-Avon\, Warwickshire\, CV37 6BG\, United Kingdom;X-APPLE-RADIUS=100;X-TITLE=Royal Shakespeare Theatre:geo:0 ,0 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT UID:6@riverhope.org.uk DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250409T180000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250409T200000 DTSTAMP:20250323T173022Z URL:https://www.riverhope.org.uk/events/first-ripples-session-3/ SUMMARY:First Ripples Session 3 DESCRIPTION:Imagine\, co-create and organise activities to amplify River Ho pe’s three themes. ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.riverhope.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/ 2025/02/EVENTS_Photo_1_RSC_bottles.jpg CATEGORIES:Ripples Session LOCATION:Royal Shakespeare Theatre\, Paccar Room\, 2nd Floor\, Royal Shakes peare Theatre\, Stratford-upon-Avon\, Warwickshire\, CV37 6BG\, United Kin gdom X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Paccar Room\, 2nd Floor\, R oyal Shakespeare Theatre\, Stratford-upon-Avon\, Warwickshire\, CV37 6BG\, United Kingdom;X-APPLE-RADIUS=100;X-TITLE=Royal Shakespeare Theatre:geo:0 ,0 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT UID:7@riverhope.org.uk DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250412T140000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250412T160000 DTSTAMP:20250317T111604Z URL:https://www.riverhope.org.uk/events/first-ripples-session-4/ SUMMARY:First Ripples Session 4 DESCRIPTION:Imagine\, co-create and organise activities to amplify River Ho pe’s three themes. ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.riverhope.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/ 2025/02/EVENTS_PHOTO_3_cards-scaled.jpg CATEGORIES:Ripples Session LOCATION:Royal Shakespeare Theatre\, Paccar Room\, 2nd Floor\, Royal Shakes peare Theatre\, Stratford-upon-Avon\, Warwickshire\, CV37 6BG\, United Kin gdom X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Paccar Room\, 2nd Floor\, R oyal Shakespeare Theatre\, Stratford-upon-Avon\, Warwickshire\, CV37 6BG\, United Kingdom;X-APPLE-RADIUS=100;X-TITLE=Royal Shakespeare Theatre:geo:0 ,0 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT UID:8@riverhope.org.uk DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250501T180000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250501T190000 DTSTAMP:20250417T220638Z URL:https://www.riverhope.org.uk/events/water-ceremony-on-earth-day/ SUMMARY:Water Ceremony on May 1 (Beltane) DESCRIPTION:River Hope welcomes everyone to gather - as the ancient peoples of this area would have done - by our water bodies at key seasonal transi tions of the year. Come with love and gratitude\, an intention to honour w ater and its biodiversity and to step into stewardship as a good ancestor. \n\nMay Day evening is the traditional Gaelic festival of Beltane\, midway between the spring equinox and summer solstice\, marking the beginning of summer. For this water ceremony\, we will meet among the old trees of The Dell\, part of the Theatre Gardens near Holy Trinity Church in Stratford- Upon-Avon beside the River Avon. See you there! ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.riverhope.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/ 2025/03/first-session-water-at-the-centre.jpg CATEGORIES:Ceremony LOCATION:The Dell\, Avonbank Gardens\, next to Holy Trinity Church\, Royal Shakespeare Theatre gardens\, Stratford-Upon-Avon\, Warwickshire\, CV37 6B G\, United Kingdom X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Royal Shakespeare Theatre g ardens\, Stratford-Upon-Avon\, Warwickshire\, CV37 6BG\, United Kingdom;X- APPLE-RADIUS=100;X-TITLE=The Dell\, Avonbank Gardens\, next to Holy Trinit y Church:geo:0,0 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT UID:10@riverhope.org.uk DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250510T140000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250510T160000 DTSTAMP:20250417T215606Z URL:https://www.riverhope.org.uk/events/first-ripples-session-4-2/ SUMMARY:First Ripples Session 4 DESCRIPTION:Imagine\, co-create and organise activities to amplify River Ho pe’s three themes. Everyone welcome. Please email to confirm your attend ance: info@riverhope.org.uk\n\nTopics: final arrangements for Great Big Gr een Week in June\; progress of creative groups\; website content developme nt\; autumn programme planning ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.riverhope.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/ 2025/02/EVENTS_Photo_1_RSC_bottles.jpg CATEGORIES:Ripples Session LOCATION:Royal Shakespeare Theatre\, Paccar Room\, 2nd Floor\, Royal Shakes peare Theatre\, Stratford-upon-Avon\, Warwickshire\, CV37 6BG\, United Kin gdom X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Paccar Room\, 2nd Floor\, R oyal Shakespeare Theatre\, Stratford-upon-Avon\, Warwickshire\, CV37 6BG\, United Kingdom;X-APPLE-RADIUS=100;X-TITLE=Royal Shakespeare Theatre:geo:0 ,0 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT UID:12@riverhope.org.uk DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250514T140000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250514T160000 DTSTAMP:20250417T215636Z URL:https://www.riverhope.org.uk/events/first-ripples-session-5/ SUMMARY:First Ripples Session 5 DESCRIPTION:Imagine\, co-create and organise activities to amplify River Ho pe’s three themes. Everyone welcome. Please email to confirm attendance: info@riverhope.org.uk\n\nTopics: final arrangements for Great Big Green W eek in June\; progress of our creative arts groups\; developing website co ntent\; developments for the autumn programme ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.riverhope.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/ 2025/01/image2.jpeg LOCATION:Royal Shakespeare Theatre\, Paccar Room\, 2nd Floor\, Royal Shakes peare Theatre\, Stratford-upon-Avon\, Warwickshire\, CV37 6BG\, United Kin gdom X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Paccar Room\, 2nd Floor\, R oyal Shakespeare Theatre\, Stratford-upon-Avon\, Warwickshire\, CV37 6BG\, United Kingdom;X-APPLE-RADIUS=100;X-TITLE=Royal Shakespeare Theatre:geo:0 ,0 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT UID:13@riverhope.org.uk DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250607T100000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250607T160000 DTSTAMP:20250529T074952Z URL:https://www.riverhope.org.uk/events/meetriverhope/ SUMMARY:Meet River Hope at GBGW opening day DESCRIPTION:Stratford-on-Avon District is participating in the national pro gramme for Great Big Green Week.\n\nRiver Hope will have a stall at the op ening event in New Place Great Gardens in the centre of Stratford-Upon-Avo n. Come along to meet us\, find out more about our plans and activities an d how you can get involved and share your ideas. There will be some creati ve activity offerings including prints from Hedgerow Press\, hand moulding clay into waterbeing pipes from Frances Boyle art and a river song you ca n join in with! It's free all day.\n\nEstablished by The Climate Coalition in 2021\, Great Big Green Week is the UK’s biggest celebration of commu nity action to tackle climate change and protect nature. During the week\, communities\, schools\, businesses\, churches\, mosques and more join tog ether in a wave of support for action to protect the planet. This year the focus is "taking action to swap together for good" to show our support fo r a safer\, greener\, fairer future.\n\nOur local programme is coordinate d by NetZeroStratford and the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.riverhope.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/ 2025/05/gbgw_logo.png LOCATION:New Place Great Gardens\, 5 Chapel Lane\, Stratford-Upon-Avon\, Wa rwickshire\, CV37 6EF\, United Kingdom X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=5 Chapel Lane\, Stratford-U pon-Avon\, Warwickshire\, CV37 6EF\, United Kingdom;X-APPLE-RADIUS=100;X-T ITLE=New Place Great Gardens:geo:0,0 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT UID:14@riverhope.org.uk DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250608T100000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250608T120000 DTSTAMP:20250527T083412Z URL:https://www.riverhope.org.uk/events/the-big-avon-clean-up-with-rubbish -friends-stratford/ SUMMARY:The Big Avon Clean Up with Rubbish Friends Stratford DESCRIPTION:\n\n\n\nRiver Hope is pleased to support THE BIG AVON CLEAN UP\ , organised by Stratford-Upon-Avon Rubbish Friends.\n\nJoin our land-based community litter pick\, starting from Stratford Leisure Centre. No need t o book\, just turn up.\n\nThis activity supports Stratford-on-Avon Kayaks and The Big Paddle Clean Up\n\n[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U67f E802xd8[/embed]\n\n \;\n\n\n\n ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.riverhope.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/ 2025/05/419876582_789867189845178_40379691234256062_n.jpg LOCATION:Stratford Leisure Centre\, Bridgeway\, Stratford-Upon-Avon\, Warwi ckshire\, CV37 6YX\, United Kingdom X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Bridgeway\, Stratford-Upon- Avon\, Warwickshire\, CV37 6YX\, United Kingdom;X-APPLE-RADIUS=100;X-TITLE =Stratford Leisure Centre:geo:0,0 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT UID:19@riverhope.org.uk DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250609T143000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250613T200000 DTSTAMP:20250529T084338Z URL:https://www.riverhope.org.uk/events/river-hope-photography-film-instal lation/ SUMMARY:River Hope photography &\; film installation DESCRIPTION:Enjoy watching a short film created by River Hope photographers \, providing a visual language for the River Avon and its tributaries\, wi ldlife\, and our human relationship with Nature. This installation will al so run all day on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 June (10am - 5pm).\n\nBe inspi red to see water differently and think about how the images make you feel. Contribute to the emerging local River Hope movement by leaving us your c omments and reflections.\n\nThis free installation in The Welcome Space is brought to you by the Royal Shakespeare Company and River Hope.\n\n \ ; ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.riverhope.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/ 2025/05/20240809_dsf1703.jpg LOCATION:Royal Shakespeare Theatre\, Welcome Space\, RST\, Waterside\, Stra tford-Upon-Avon\, Warwickshire\, CV37 6BB\, United Kingdom X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Welcome Space\, RST\, Water side\, Stratford-Upon-Avon\, Warwickshire\, CV37 6BB\, United Kingdom;X-AP PLE-RADIUS=100;X-TITLE=Royal Shakespeare Theatre:geo:0,0 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT UID:15@riverhope.org.uk DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250610T103000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250610T123000 DTSTAMP:20250524T200142Z URL:https://www.riverhope.org.uk/events/craftivism-for-waterways-and-wildl ife/ SUMMARY:Craftivism for waterways and wildlife DESCRIPTION:Enjoy a morning of craftivism to discover how we can look after our waterways and wildlife and get creative as part of Great Big Green W eek by painting beautiful water-themed designs onto rocks.\n\nThis is a fr ee event\, organised by Warwickshire Wildlife Trust (WWT) and the Royal Sh akespeare Company as an offering of the RSC Warm Hub.\n\nYou will also lea rn about WWT's new Wild for Water campaign. This is a campaign about water pollution and water quality across Warwickshire\, Coventry\, and Solihull . From April 2025 to April 2026. WWT will be hosting a variety of events\, talks\, activities\, volunteer opportunities\, and much more to help illu strate the importance of clean water for both people and wildlife.\n\n"Cra ftivisim"(noun): the activity of using crafts - such as sewing or making t hings yourself using your hands - to try to achieve political\, social and /or environmental change. ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.riverhope.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/ 2025/05/wild-for-water-8.png.webp LOCATION:Royal Shakespeare Theatre\, Welcome Space\, Stratford-Upon-Avon\, Warwickshire\, CV37 6BB\, United Kingdom X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Welcome Space\, Stratford-U pon-Avon\, Warwickshire\, CV37 6BB\, United Kingdom;X-APPLE-RADIUS=100;X-T ITLE=Royal Shakespeare Theatre:geo:0,0 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT UID:16@riverhope.org.uk DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250610T110000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250610T120000 DTSTAMP:20250528T211810Z URL:https://www.riverhope.org.uk/events/green-book-talks-discuss-blue-mind / SUMMARY:Green Book Talks discuss "Blue Mind" DESCRIPTION:Join us to hear about marine biologist and conservationist Wall ace J. Nichol’s book “Blue Mind: the surprising science that shows how being near\, in\, on\, or under water can make you happier\, healthier\, more connected\, and better at what you do."  \n\nCome with questions or just to listen in to these community discussions\, hosted by Stratford Cl imate Action volunteers Julie Hudson and Mary Manandhar. Green Book Talks are organised and supported by Warwickshire Libraries.\n\nThis is a free e vent - just turn up and enjoy!\n\n \;\n\n\n\n\n ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.riverhope.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/ 2025/05/screenshot-2025-05-27-at-10.30.22.png LOCATION:Stratford-Upon-Avon Library\, Henley Street\, Stratford-Upon-Avon\ , Warwickshire\, CV37 6PZ\, United Kingdom X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Henley Street\, Stratford-U pon-Avon\, Warwickshire\, CV37 6PZ\, United Kingdom;X-APPLE-RADIUS=100;X-T ITLE=Stratford-Upon-Avon Library:geo:0,0 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT UID:17@riverhope.org.uk DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250612T150000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250612T160000 DTSTAMP:20250528T212031Z URL:https://www.riverhope.org.uk/events/green-book-talks-discuss-is-a-rive r-alive/ SUMMARY:Green Book Talks discuss "Is a River Alive?" DESCRIPTION:Join us to hear about nature writer and Cambridge Professor Rob ert Macfarlane's book “Is a River Alive?".\n\nCome with questions or jus t to listen in to these community discussions\, hosted by Mary Manandhar ( River Hope facilitator).\n\nThis is a free event - just turn up and enjoy!  Green Book Talks are supported by Warwickshire Libraries and coordinated by Julie Hudson\, Stratford Climate Action volunteer. ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.riverhope.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/ 2025/05/9781405975162-jacket-large.jpg LOCATION:Alcester Library\, Globe House\, Priory Road\, Alcester\, B49 5DZ\ , Warwickshire\, United Kingdom X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Globe House\, Priory Road\, Alcester\, B49 5DZ\, Warwickshire\, United Kingdom;X-APPLE-RADIUS=100;X-T ITLE=Alcester Library:geo:0,0 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT UID:18@riverhope.org.uk DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250613T110000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250613T130000 DTSTAMP:20250601T205545Z URL:https://www.riverhope.org.uk/events/creative-writing-on-water-with-luc y-parrott-writing-workshops/ SUMMARY:Creative writing on water with Lucy Parrott Writing Workshops DESCRIPTION:Get your creativity flowing as we consider the different states of water\, how they appear in Shakespeare’s work and then explore our e motional responses using inspirational prompts and guided free writing.\n\ nThis FREE workshop (11am - 13:00pm) is organised by Lucy Parrott (Lucy Pa rrott Writing Workshops) and Mary Manandhar (River Hope).\n\nBook your att endance here.\n\nPlease note that the content for the workshop in the Even tbrite link has changed and no longer involves Lily Holbrook or Blue Mind ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.riverhope.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/ 2025/02/EVENTS_Photo_1_RSC_bottles.jpg LOCATION:Royal Shakespeare Theatre\, Welcome Space\, RST\, Waterside\, Stra tford-Upon-Avon\, Warwickshire\, CV37 6BB\, United Kingdom X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Welcome Space\, RST\, Water side\, Stratford-Upon-Avon\, Warwickshire\, CV37 6BB\, United Kingdom;X-AP PLE-RADIUS=100;X-TITLE=Royal Shakespeare Theatre:geo:0,0 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT UID:20@riverhope.org.uk DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250614T110000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250614T123000 DTSTAMP:20250530T211526Z URL:https://www.riverhope.org.uk/events/river-hope-photo-film-installation -meet-the-photographers/ SUMMARY:River Hope photo &\; film installation: meet the photographers DESCRIPTION:Come along on Saturday 14 June to interact with the local photo graphers and film makers who created the photo and film installation (that runs from Monday 9 to Friday 13 June between 2:30 and 8pm each day) at th e Welcome Space in the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.\n\nMartin Liddament\, St ewart Austin and David Edwards will be on hand to share more information a bout their work and creative processes\, and answer your questions. This i s an opportunity to be inspired\, network with others and gain some techni cal insights.\n\nRiver Hope aims to encourage everyone to think about thei r relationship with water\, our local water bodies and their ecosystems an d reflect on how we interact together\, in both positive and not-so-positi ve ways. Exploring through our senses - sight\, sound\, touch - is one way to do this and can nurture love\, memory and stewardship for the water an d Nature for all species in the web of life.\n\nThis is a free event\, bro ught to you by the Royal Shakespeare Company and River Hope. ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.riverhope.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/ 2025/02/DLE8046.jpg LOCATION:Royal Shakespeare Theatre\, Welcome Space\, RST\, Waterside\, Stra tford-Upon-Avon\, Warwickshire\, CV37 6BB\, United Kingdom X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Welcome Space\, RST\, Water side\, Stratford-Upon-Avon\, Warwickshire\, CV37 6BB\, United Kingdom;X-AP PLE-RADIUS=100;X-TITLE=Royal Shakespeare Theatre:geo:0,0 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT UID:22@riverhope.org.uk DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250614T140000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250614T160000 DTSTAMP:20250529T163056Z URL:https://www.riverhope.org.uk/events/stratford-bicycle-rides-by-the-riv er/ SUMMARY:Stratford bicycle rides by the river DESCRIPTION:Join a family friendly\, traffic-free leisure bicycle ride of 5 miles along the new Warwick Road walking and cycling route and Nature Res erve at Fisherman's car park.\n\nLearn more about the area from local volu nteers including Martin Liddament of River Hope who has been photographing here through the seasons.\n\nFor more information\, email Simon: hello@cy cleinfinity.co.uk ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.riverhope.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/ 2025/05/0275-ci-stratford-rides-flyer-aw6-web.jpeg LOCATION:Bancroft Gardens\, Waterside\, near Royal Shakespeare Theatre\, St ratford-Upon-Avon\, Warwickshire\, CV37 6BA\, United Kingdom X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Waterside\, near Royal Shak espeare Theatre\, Stratford-Upon-Avon\, Warwickshire\, CV37 6BA\, United K ingdom;X-APPLE-RADIUS=100;X-TITLE=Bancroft Gardens:geo:0,0 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT UID:21@riverhope.org.uk DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250615T100000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250615T120000 DTSTAMP:20250528T212638Z URL:https://www.riverhope.org.uk/events/river-day/ SUMMARY:River Day at Shipston-on-Stour DESCRIPTION:Join the local community on the banks of the River Stour below the bridge in Shipston-on-Stour to celebrate the water and Nature of the a rea. There will be a river blessing ceremony by the local Druid\, music an d other free activities. All welcome!\n\nOrganised by SAFE Stourvale Actio n for the Environment and River Hope.\n\n \; ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.riverhope.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/ 2025/05/safe-final-logo-scaled.jpg CATEGORIES:Ceremony LOCATION:Shipston Bridge\, Mill Street\, Shipston-on-Stour\, Warwickshire\, CV36 4EJ\, United Kingdom X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Mill Street\, Shipston-on-S tour\, Warwickshire\, CV36 4EJ\, United Kingdom;X-APPLE-RADIUS=100;X-TITLE =Shipston Bridge:geo:0,0 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT UID:25@riverhope.org.uk DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250828T193000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250828T210000 DTSTAMP:20250823T225415Z URL:https://www.riverhope.org.uk/events/ocean-screening-opens-the-2025-big -picture-film-festival/ SUMMARY:'Ocean' screening opens the 2025 Big Picture Film Festival DESCRIPTION:This year's Big Picture Film Festival in Stratford-Upon-Avon op ens with a screening of 'Ocean'\, with David Attenborough. Join us for thi s stunning documentary exploring the beauty\, power and fragility of our o ceans.Presented by Live&\;Local\, in partnership with Stratford Net Zer o and River Hope\, the evening includes a post-film panel discussion offer ing insight and action advise on ocean conservation. The panelists are: Ed Green\, CEO of Warwickshire Wildlife Trust\; Paul Twiney of Greenpeace\; and Mary Manandhar\, Convenor of River Hope.\n\nPay-as-you-feel tickets an d festival passes now available\n\nSupported by Stratford Town Trust#BPFF2 5 #BigPictureFilmFestival #OceanFilm #DavidAttenborough #StratfordEven ts #FilmFestival #SpecialScreening\nSee less ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.riverhope.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/ 2025/06/513087398_1308546697941606_5642797847033839274_n.jpg LOCATION:The Bear Pit\, Rother Street\, Stratford-Upon-Avon\, Warwickshire\ , CV37 6LU\, United Kingdom X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Rother Street\, Stratford-U pon-Avon\, Warwickshire\, CV37 6LU\, United Kingdom;X-APPLE-RADIUS=100;X-T ITLE=The Bear Pit:geo:0,0 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT UID:24@riverhope.org.uk DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250830T110000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250830T120000 DTSTAMP:20250618T164415Z URL:https://www.riverhope.org.uk/events/flow-screening-at-the-big-picture- film-festival-2025/ SUMMARY:'Flow' screening in the Big Picture Film Festival DESCRIPTION:\nThe Big Picture Film Festival 2025 comes to Stratford-Upon-Av on between 28-31 August. \n\n\n\nAlong with the Live and Local team\, @ne tzerostratford and Welcome Here: Stratford-upon-Avon\, River Hope is plea sed to bring you the screening of the stunning animation film "Flow".\n\n\ n\nFlow follows a black cat navigating a post-apocalyptic world where risi ng waters threaten survival. As the flood engulfs the land\, the cat joins a group of other climate refugees as displaced animals on a drifting sail boat\, embarking on a journey through submerged landscapes and learning ho w to work together. The absence of people in the film means there are no w ords. Instead\, the film speaks a universal language and says much about o ur planet and what it means to exist. It explores themes of resilience\, a daptation and the delicate balance of nature\, using gorgeous animation to tell a story of survival and cooperation at the grassroots.\n\n\n\nMade u sing open source software\, Blender\, the film’s non-traditional creatio n was deservedly nominated for the prestigious Un Certain Regard Award at last year’s Cannes Film Festival. This is beautiful\, lyrical\, universa l cinema\, forged in technical miracle and storytelling mastery.\n\n\nBook ing link here\n\nWatch the trailer here\n\n\n#BigPictureFilmFestival #Flow #FilmFestival\n ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.riverhope.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/ 2025/06/506658152_1299953832134226_9154284680188040991_n.jpg LOCATION:Holy Trinity Parish Centre\, 7 Trinity Close\, Stratford-Upon-Avon \, Warwickshire\, CV37 6BQ\, United Kingdom X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=7 Trinity Close\, Stratford -Upon-Avon\, Warwickshire\, CV37 6BQ\, United Kingdom;X-APPLE-RADIUS=100;X -TITLE=Holy Trinity Parish Centre:geo:0,0 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT UID:23@riverhope.org.uk DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250916T103000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250916T130000 DTSTAMP:20250615T113735Z URL:https://www.riverhope.org.uk/events/writing-water/ SUMMARY:Writing water DESCRIPTION:This water-themed series of six creative writing workshops will explore our feelings\, memories and experiences of the different states o f water and water bodies near and far. We will celebrate water’s role in our lives\, landscapes and societies. We will meet and engage with all th e life forms that live in\, on and around water. We will play with metapho r\, myth and folklore. We will consider what water and Nature are telling us in these times.\n\nWorkshops are open to all - come along and enjoy wri ting in a stimulating\, relaxed and supportive environment.\n\nSix session s on Tuesday mornings\, from 10:30am – 1pm at the Brook Arts Hub\, Shott ery\n\nStarting on 16 September\, followed by 23/30 September and 7/14/21 October \n\nFee: £15 per session\n\nRegister your interest by emailing: r iverhopeinfo@gmail.com\n\nOur sessions will use the Amherst Writers and Ar tists method described in Pat Schneider’s book “Writing alone and with others” (Oxford University Press\, 2003\, cover shown as photo). They a re facilitated by Mary Manandhar\, convenor and facilitator of River Hope\ , creative writer and member of Amherst Writers and Artists and Writers Ab road communities. ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.riverhope.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/ 2025/06/close-up-hand-writing.png LOCATION:Brook Arts Hub\, 24 Cottage Lane\, Shottery\, Stratford-Upon-Avon\ , Warwickshire\, CV37 9HH\, Warwickshire\, United Kingdom X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=24 Cottage Lane\, Shottery\ , Stratford-Upon-Avon\, Warwickshire\, CV37 9HH\, Warwickshire\, United Ki ngdom;X-APPLE-RADIUS=100;X-TITLE=Brook Arts Hub:geo:0,0 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT UID:27@riverhope.org.uk DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250918T110000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250918T120000 DTSTAMP:20250915T210225Z URL:https://www.riverhope.org.uk/events/discussing-is-a-river-alive-in-shi pston-on-stour-library/ SUMMARY:Discussing "Is a River Alive?" in Shipston-on-Stour Library DESCRIPTION:Join us to hear about nature writer and Cambridge Professor Rob ert Macfarlane's latest book “Is a River Alive?". This book was publishe d in May 2025 and shortlisted for the Wainwright Prize in the Conservation Writing category.\n\nCome with questions or just to listen in to these co mmunity discussions\, hosted by Mary Manandhar (River Hope facilitator). J ust turn up and enjoy!\n\nThis is a free event organised by SAFE Stourvale Action for the Environment.\n\nGreen Book Talks are supported by Warwicks hire Libraries and coordinated by Julie Hudson\, Stratford Climate Action volunteer.\n\n ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.riverhope.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/ 2025/05/9781405975162-jacket-large.jpg LOCATION:Shipston-on-Stour Library\, 12 Church Street\, Shipston-on-Stour\, CV36 4AP\, United Kingdom X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=12 Church Street\, Shipston -on-Stour\, CV36 4AP\, United Kingdom;X-APPLE-RADIUS=100;X-TITLE=Shipston- on-Stour Library:geo:0,0 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT UID:26@riverhope.org.uk DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20251004T100000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20251004T150000 DTSTAMP:20250919T124807Z URL:https://www.riverhope.org.uk/events/bringing-a-river-to-life-at-stratf ord-library/ SUMMARY:Bringing a river to life at Stratford Library DESCRIPTION:Fun Palaces supports local people to co-create their own cultur al and community events\, across the UK and worldwide\, sharing and celebr ating the genius in everyone.\n\nJoin Brook Arts Hub and River Hope at Str atford-Upon-Avon Library to celebrate water\, rivers and all their biodive rsity with free\, drop in activities for all ages. No booking required.\n\ nFor families with children aged 4+ - "A river comes to life" - help creat e a water and river installation:\n\n 10am – 12pm: Lego – will you ad d a bridge over the river or a building on the bank?\n 12.30pm – 2.30pm : Riverscape creativity and crafts - imagine and create plants\, fishes\, water birds\, animals\, insects and invertebrates to bring the riverscape to life.\n 12:30 – 2:30pm: Listening Corner: readings of some poems and stories about water from around the world.\n\nFor all ages:\n\n 10am - 3 pm: River Hope community photography and video installation.\n\nClick on t his link to see the full programme for all Fun Palace events in Stratford on 4th October: Fun+Palace+leaflet+2025-reduced-compressed\n\n\n\n \;\ n\n \;\n\n \;\n\n \; ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.riverhope.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/ 2025/09/fun-palace-image_cropped.jpg LOCATION:Stratford-Upon-Avon Library\, Henley Street\, Stratford-Upon-Avon\ , Warwickshire\, CV37 6PZ\, United Kingdom X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Henley Street\, Stratford-U pon-Avon\, Warwickshire\, CV37 6PZ\, United Kingdom;X-APPLE-RADIUS=100;X-T ITLE=Stratford-Upon-Avon Library:geo:0,0 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT UID:30@riverhope.org.uk DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260306T180000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260306T190000 DTSTAMP:20260210T005627Z URL:https://www.riverhope.org.uk/events/is-a-river-alive-book-talk-on-6-ma rch/ SUMMARY:"Is a River Alive?" book talk DESCRIPTION:In a special event organised by the Stratford Literary Festival \, in partnership with River Hope\, the celebrated writer\, academic and p erformer Robert Macfarlane comes to Stratford-Upon-Avon on March 6th 2026. \n\nTickets are now available online here.\n\nRobert will explain the tran sformative idea that rivers are not mere matter for human use\, but precio us living things that should be recognised as such in both imagination and law. He’ll take us on a mind-expanding global journey into the history\ , futures\, people and places of this ancient\, urgent concept. While high lighting how\, around the world\, rivers are dying from pollution\, drough t and damming\, he will also share his thoughts on the powerful movement n ow underway to recognise the lives and rights of rivers and to reanimate o ur relationships with these vast\, mysterious presences and landscapes we share. This movement is also beginning to ripple and flow locally for the water bodies and river catchments of South Warwickshire and Stratford-on-A von District.\n\nRiver Hope is proud to be a partner for this event. Throu gh creativity\, ceremony and practical action\, River Hope is an emerging grassroots movement weaving love\, memory and stewardship to better protec t and restore local water bodies and all their biodiversity.\n\n ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.riverhope.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/ 2025/12/is-a-river-alive.jpg CATEGORIES:The Gathering LOCATION:Rother Street Arts House\, 14 Rother Street\, Stratford-Upon-Avon\ , Warwickshire\, X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=14 Rother Street\, Stratfor d-Upon-Avon\, Warwickshire\, ;X-APPLE-RADIUS=100;X-TITLE=Rother Street Art s House:geo:0,0 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT UID:29@riverhope.org.uk DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260310T180000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260310T203000 DTSTAMP:20251217T163639Z URL:https://www.riverhope.org.uk/events/film-night-ice-river-sea/ SUMMARY:Film night: ice-river-sea DESCRIPTION:As part of “The Gathering: for water and Nature” (March 6-1 5\, 2026)\, River Hope has curated a collection of four artistic\, poetic and thought-provoking films.\n\nWe travel to Iceland\, Switzerland\, Scotl and and Devon to see\, hear\, feel and learn about the wildness of water i n its multiple transformations and in the context of climate change.\n\nTh e film titles are: Crying Glacier (2025)\, The Last Ice Age (2025)\, Upstr eam (2019) and Journey to the Sea (2020). Join us at the Brook Arts Hub in Shottery.\n\nFor more information and tickets\, please go to:\n\nhttps:// www.brookartshub.com/event-details/ice-river-sea-film-night\n\n \;\n\n  \;\n\n \;\n\n \; ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.riverhope.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/ 2025/12/the-last-ice-age.jpg CATEGORIES:The Gathering LOCATION:Brook Arts Hub\, 24 Cottage Lane\, Shottery\, Stratford-Upon-Avon\ , Warwickshire\, CV37 9HH\, Warwickshire\, United Kingdom X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=24 Cottage Lane\, Shottery\ , Stratford-Upon-Avon\, Warwickshire\, CV37 9HH\, Warwickshire\, United Ki ngdom;X-APPLE-RADIUS=100;X-TITLE=Brook Arts Hub:geo:0,0 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT UID:32@riverhope.org.uk DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260312T183000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260312T203000 DTSTAMP:20260226T162425Z URL:https://www.riverhope.org.uk/events/workshop-on-river-rights-charters- and-guardians/ SUMMARY:Workshop: river rights\, charters and guardians DESCRIPTION:UPDATE: tickets (free) are now open to all\n\nRegister here:  https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/thegathering/t-jxzedvd\n\nThis two-hour eve ning workshop will provide an orientation to the Rights of Nature movement and the spread of river rights and river charters across the world\, incl uding in the UK.\n\nJoin in participatory exercises on how to develop a lo cal river charter. Learn about the role of river guardians and how these c an make a difference in your locality.\nThis workshop will be led by Josh Levene\, a coordinator of the River Rights Network as part of the ‘ Rivers of Hope’ project – what a great fit for our local River Hope mo vement! Josh is also a director of Love Our Ouse in Lewes\, Sussex\, and helped develop the first Charter of Rights for a UK river to be recognise d and supported by a council.\n\nWe are grateful to Stratford Town Trust for the funding award allowing us to bring this innovative Nature-centric practice to South Warwickshire\, and also to Stratford-Upon-Avon Town Coun cil for the venue. ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.riverhope.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/ 2026/01/river-rights-network.jpg CATEGORIES:The Gathering LOCATION:Stratford-Upon-Avon Town Hall\, Sheep Street\, Stratford-Upon-Avon \, CV37 6EF\, United Kingdom X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Sheep Street\, Stratford-Up on-Avon\, CV37 6EF\, United Kingdom;X-APPLE-RADIUS=100;X-TITLE=Stratford-U pon-Avon Town Hall:geo:0,0 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT UID:42@riverhope.org.uk DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260313T090000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260313T170000 DTSTAMP:20260307T130519Z URL:https://www.riverhope.org.uk/events/living-with-water-and-rivers-now-a nd-into-the-future/ SUMMARY:Living with water and rivers: now and into the future DESCRIPTION:Part of River Hope’s The Gathering: For Water and Nature 6 –15 March 2026\, this full day event explores how we live with water\, r ivers and their biodiversity\, now and into the future.\n\nFULL PROGRAMME FOR THE DAY HERE\n\nThe event is free - pre-registration required\n\nThis day brings together local and national voices to explore river health\, po llution\, adaptation and cross-party collaboration for the Avon and its lo cal tributaries. It creates space and opportunity for all to share and ref lect on the health of local rivers\, the causes and impacts of pollution\, and climate change and need for adaptation and resilience. It identifies actions we can take to restore Nature and strengthen communities and work together more collaboratively.\n\nThrough a series of engaging panel discu ssions with national and local voices\, pledges and calls to action\, we w ill explore:\n\n Testing the waters: uncovering hidden pollutants\n Fro m land to water: how river systems respond\n Water\, rivers and climate change: adaptation and resilience\n Cross-party collaboration: hearing from our elected representatives\n\n[gallery columns="6" link="file" ids=" 1570\,1569\,741\,1571\,1103\,1516"]\n\nThe programme concludes with an ev ening film screening of “Jo in the Water” (Ticketed) and the launch of the Clean\, Green and Blue Challenge for Stratford-upon-Avon\, led by Rubbish Friends.\n\nWhether you are a local resident\, activist\, student \, policymaker\, land manager\, artist or simply someone who cares about w ater and Nature\, this event is for you!\n\nThis event has been made possi ble with the generous support of the Crowne Plaza Stratford-Upon-Avon\, St ratford Town Trust\, Purple Square Audio Visual Ltd\, the Launch Agency an d Encode.\n\nSession collaborators: UK River Summit\, Rivers Rights Networ k\, Beneath British Waters (filmmaker\, Mark Barrow)\, SafeAvon\, South Wa rwickshire Area Network for Wildlife (SWAN)\, Napton Environmental Action Team (NEAT)\, Stratford Climate Action/Net Zero\, Moving Souls Dance and M anuela Perteghella MP.\n\nEvent organisers: Rubbish Friends Stratford-Upon -Avon and River Hope.\n\n-----------\n\nAbout “The Gathering: for water and Nature”\n\nOriginally the vision of River Hope\, “The Gathering: For Water and Nature is an informative\, thought-provoking\, inspiring a nd collaborative programme celebrating water\, rivers and their ecosystems across South Warwickshire.\n\nRunning from Friday 6 to Sunday 15 March 2 026 and including the International Day of Action for Rivers on Saturday 14 March\, The Gathering brings together science\, activism\, creative ar ts\, ceremony\, celebration\, and pledges for advocacy and practical actio n. It offers a mix of films\, data presentations\, talks and performances \, workshops\, panel discussions\, Q&\;A sessions with local and nation al speakers and insights from grassroots community groups.\n\nResidents an d different categories of stakeholders can take new opportunities to liste n to each other\, see water differently\, remember the value of water and Nature and our part in it\, and celebrate waterbodies as the lifeblood of the web of thriving life for millennia. This is an invitation to remember our deep relationships with water and Nature\, reflect on what values we g ive to them and work together to restore what is damaged and struggling to day.\n\nFor the full programme of events\, visit The Gathering on River Ho pe’s website ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.riverhope.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/ 2026/02/flooding_martin-liddament.jpg CATEGORIES:The Gathering LOCATION:Crowne Plaza Hotel\, Bridgefoot\, Stratford-Upon-Avon\, Warwickshi re\, CV37 6YR\, United Kingdom X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Bridgefoot\, Stratford-Upon -Avon\, Warwickshire\, CV37 6YR\, United Kingdom;X-APPLE-RADIUS=100;X-TITL E=Crowne Plaza Hotel:geo:0,0 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT UID:37@riverhope.org.uk DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260313T180000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260313T203000 DTSTAMP:20260216T190155Z URL:https://www.riverhope.org.uk/events/jo-in-the-water-film-screening/ SUMMARY:"Jo in the Water" film screening DESCRIPTION:"Jo in the Water" is a powerful\, emotional feature-length docu mentary film. It is not just about water pollution\; it is about connectio n - to nature\, to our own sense of place\, and to our responsibility for the world around us.\n\nJoin River Hope\, Rubbish Friends and film directo r Pip Piper for a special screening of "Jo In The Water"\, followed by a Q &\;A with Pip and some special guests. This event flows from The Gather ing: for water and Nature 6-15 March 2026\, marking International Day of A ction for Rivers on Saturday 14 March.\n\nTickets available here\n\nView t he trailer\n\nSea swimming is Jo Bateman’s sanctuary - until sewage spil ls threaten the waters she loves. A passionate sea swimmer turned reluctan t activist\, Jo Bateman takes on one of the UK’s biggest water companies in a David-and-Goliath battle to protect our oceans from devastating sewa ge pollution. As Jo’s courage helps ignite a growing movement\, this fil m exposes the dire state of our water system and asks: who will stand up f or our right to swim in clean natural waters\, for the species and communi ties that rely upon them?\n\n“Jo inspires people… they realise that to gether we have a greater strength. In a shoal like this we become mighty. ” Chris Packham\, Wildlife TV presenter and conservationist\n\nA Fair Vi ew Films &\; Fabian's Film co-production in partnership with Surfers Ag ainst Sewage and River Action UK\, featuring Jo Bateman\, Jeremy Vine\, Ji m Murray MBE and Chris Packham.\n\nThis film screening is sponsored by Str atford Town Trust\, Crowne Plaza Hotel Stratford-upon-Avonand Purple Squar e Audio Visual Ltd\n\nOur other partners and collaborators for The Gatheri ng: for water and Nature include: Moving Souls Dance\, UK River Summit\,  Stratford Literary Festival\, Stratford-Upon-Avon Town Council\, River Ri ghts Network\, Brook Arts Hub\, Talton Lodge\, Launch-Agency and others.\ n\n#thegathering4water ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.riverhope.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/ 2026/02/final_jitw_screening_1080x1350_stratford-upon-avon_qr-scaled.jpg CATEGORIES:The Gathering LOCATION:Crowne Plaza Hotel\, Bridgefoot\, Stratford-Upon-Avon\, Warwickshi re\, CV37 6YR\, United Kingdom X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Bridgefoot\, Stratford-Upon -Avon\, Warwickshire\, CV37 6YR\, United Kingdom;X-APPLE-RADIUS=100;X-TITL E=Crowne Plaza Hotel:geo:0,0 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT UID:34@riverhope.org.uk DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260314T103000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260314T143000 DTSTAMP:20260210T011309Z URL:https://www.riverhope.org.uk/events/shipston-on-stour-marks-the-intern ational-day-of-action-for-rivers/ SUMMARY:Shipston-on-Stour community event DESCRIPTION:This is a community-led free event to mark the International Da y of Action for Rivers. Everyone is welcome to Shipston beside the River S tour.\n\nJoin a River Blessing Ceremony by our local Druid\, Martin Russel l\, at 11.00am.\n\nThen learn about:\n\n the work of the Shipston Area Fl ood Action Group (S.A.F.A.G.) - display all day.\n water power and the ma ny historic watermills on the River Stour - display all day from the Ships ton Museum.\n the river pollution testing that takes place weekly by Safe Avon citizen scientists\, and safely have a go yourself - 11.30am and 1.30 pm.\n safely carry out kick-sampling in the shallow water by the bridge\, identify the invertebrates present\, and find out why they are so importa nt for understanding the general health of the river: with Alex Jones of t he Riverfly Monitoring Initiative - 11.30am and 1.30pm.\n\nEnjoy some ‘w ater’ music by ‘Misspent Ukes’\, our local U3A ukulele band\, at lun chtime.\n\nBring a picnic and wear weather-proof clothes!\n\nEnquiries: ve rityrichardson@gmail.com ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.riverhope.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/ 2026/02/druid-at-shipston.jpg CATEGORIES:The Gathering LOCATION:Shipston Riverside\, Bridge Car Park\, Shipston-on-Stour\, CV36 4A W\, United Kingdom X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Bridge Car Park\, Shipston- on-Stour\, CV36 4AW\, United Kingdom;X-APPLE-RADIUS=100;X-TITLE=Shipston R iverside:geo:0,0 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT UID:35@riverhope.org.uk DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260314T150000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260314T160000 DTSTAMP:20260210T010303Z URL:https://www.riverhope.org.uk/events/wake-up-to-the-wonder-of-water-gat hering-and-water-blessing/ SUMMARY:Wake up to the wonder of water DESCRIPTION:All are welcome to participate in a community event on the Inte rnational Day of Action for Rivers to remember the key role of water in li fe and especially the waters of the River Avon\, which we will celebrate a nd bless.\n\nWe will reflect on the importance of keeping the river health y\, for ourselves and for all living beings and plants that depend on this source of freshwater. \n\nMoving Souls Dance will facilitate this gatheri ng with a variety of songs\, blessings and poems based on nature-based wis dom from different faiths\, as part of "The Gathering: for water and Natur e". \n\nAdults and children from all faiths and none are welcome to this water ceremony. ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.riverhope.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/ 2026/02/2mb_ceremonial-bowl-by-r-avon-motion-image-scaled.jpg CATEGORIES:The Gathering LOCATION:The Dell\, Avonbank Gardens\, next to Holy Trinity Church\, Royal Shakespeare Theatre gardens\, Stratford-Upon-Avon\, Warwickshire\, CV37 6B G\, United Kingdom X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Royal Shakespeare Theatre g ardens\, Stratford-Upon-Avon\, Warwickshire\, CV37 6BG\, United Kingdom;X- APPLE-RADIUS=100;X-TITLE=The Dell\, Avonbank Gardens\, next to Holy Trinit y Church:geo:0,0 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT UID:33@riverhope.org.uk DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260315T100000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260315T120000 DTSTAMP:20260301T140921Z URL:https://www.riverhope.org.uk/events/voices-of-the-river-an-interspecie s-council-experience/ SUMMARY:Voices of the river: an Interspecies Council experience DESCRIPTION:What would the river say if it could speak? What might the soil \, the trees\, or the creatures that call this ecosystem home want us to k now? Join us for a taste of an Interspecies Council - a powerful governanc e practice that brings the voices of the more-than-human world into our co nversations and decisions.\n\nTICKETS are free but limited spaces (over 18 year olds only) here : TicketSource link\n\n\n\nThrough guided role-play and embodied imagination\, you'll step into the perspective of beings in the local water and river ecosystem\, discovering what emerges when we mak e space for Nature to have a voice. This is not just a thought experiment - it's a governance innovation that has been used with UK government depar tments including Department for Environment\, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFR A)\, where Nature formally contributed to policy-making for the first time .\n\nThe Interspecies Council is a unique methodology developed by Moral Imaginations to bring the voices of the more-than-human world into decisio n-making and dialogue.\n\nThis exciting workshop will be facilitated by Ph oebe Tickell who was inspired to develop this methodology by her time lear ning from and studying with the American Buddhist scholar and environmenta l activist Joanna Macy in the lineage of ‘The Work That Reconnects’\, in particular her exercise ‘The Council of All Beings’ and it was deve loped with her support\, guidance and blessing. It takes roots both in the deep ecology movement and in ways of knowing and being in relationship  that have been stewarded by indigenous traditions since time immemorial.\n \nWhether you're involved in local environmental work\, decision-making\, or simply curious about deepening your relationship with the more-than-hum an world\, this workshop offers a rare opportunity to experience a practic e that's expanding moral imagination across the globe.\n\nWe are grateful to Stratford Town Trust for the funding award allowing us to bring this i nnovative Nature-centric practice to South Warwickshire.\n\n \;\n\n ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.riverhope.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/ 2026/02/defra-land-use_interspecies-council-scaled.jpeg CATEGORIES:The Gathering LOCATION:Crowne Plaza Hotel\, Bridgefoot\, Stratford-Upon-Avon\, Warwickshi re\, CV37 6YR\, United Kingdom X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Bridgefoot\, Stratford-Upon -Avon\, Warwickshire\, CV37 6YR\, United Kingdom;X-APPLE-RADIUS=100;X-TITL E=Crowne Plaza Hotel:geo:0,0 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT UID:40@riverhope.org.uk DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260315T120000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260315T130000 DTSTAMP:20260215T175429Z URL:https://www.riverhope.org.uk/events/seeing-rivers-from-under-the-water / SUMMARY:Seeing rivers from under the water DESCRIPTION:On Sunday 15 March\, the final day of "The Gathering: for water and nature"\, we will screen two award-winning films revealing the unseen worlds of British rivers at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Stratford-Upon-Avon .\n\n"Flow of Life" covers the state of our rivers with pollution as well as covering the aquatic species that has to endure this barrage of abuse d aily.\n\n"Waters of Life" covers what a thriving freshwater ecosystem is a nd why they are so important. Freshwater areas have provided the lifeblood of the Earth for millennia\, for humans and all wildlife and biodiversity . In the British Isles\, what happens within rivers ultimately affects the surrounding seas and oceans so it is vital we protect these precious habi tats and\, in return\, help the oceans.\n\nThe film maker Mark Barrow will introduce his films and speaks about his work on freshwater habitats from under the surface. In a call to action\, he will highlight the species th at live within British rivers and what must now be done to restore these v itally important areas.\n\nMark is an underwater cameraman specialising in the freshwater environment and has been documenting this world for 35 yea rs. His goal is to educate people by showing them through film the importa nce of this valuable natural world and to reconnect as many people back wi th our freshwater habitats as possible to secure a better future for gener ations to come.\n\nTo attend Mark's film screenings and Q&\;A discussio n\, register (free) here:  \n\nhttps://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/celebrating -water-rivers-and-nature-love-your-mother-earth-tickets-1983080307583?aff= oddtdtcreator\n\nThis registration also grants access to the other The Gat hering events on Sunday 15 March: a book talk on waterbeings by Veronica S trang\, performance poetry by the river bride and the finale ceremonial bi rth of 'Ondine'\, spirit of the river' accompanied by processional drama a nd music performances around the birth of Ondine. ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.riverhope.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/ 2026/02/mark-barrow-bbw-pic.jpeg CATEGORIES:The Gathering LOCATION:Crowne Plaza Hotel\, Bridgefoot\, Stratford-Upon-Avon\, Warwickshi re\, CV37 6YR\, United Kingdom X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Bridgefoot\, Stratford-Upon -Avon\, Warwickshire\, CV37 6YR\, United Kingdom;X-APPLE-RADIUS=100;X-TITL E=Crowne Plaza Hotel:geo:0,0 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT UID:39@riverhope.org.uk DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260315T140000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260315T144500 DTSTAMP:20260215T175639Z URL:https://www.riverhope.org.uk/events/waterbeings-talk-by-veronica-stran g/ SUMMARY:"Waterbeings" talk by Veronica Strang DESCRIPTION:As part of our final day celebrating water\, rivers and Nature   in "The Gathering: for water and Nature"\, Professor Veronica Strang wi ll talk about book "Waterbeings: from nature worship to the environmental crisis" (2023).\n\nAs we live in a time when water is increasingly under t hreat\, and attention to ecosystem restoration urgently needed for sustain ability\, Veronica looks at water-human relationships across time and cult ures\, using a rich gallery of images from around the world\, including fr om the British Isles.\n\nGrounded in rigorous academic scholarship\, her w ork challenges us to remember and reflect on how we rebalance our elementa l relationship with water and Nature.\n\nProfessor Strang is affiliated to the Department of Anthropology and Museum Ethnography at the University o f Oxford.\n\nTo attend Professor Strang's talk\, register (free) here:  \n\nhttps://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/celebrating-water-rivers-and-nature-lov e-your-mother-earth-tickets-1983080307583?aff=oddtdtcreator\n\nThis regist ration also grants access to the other The Gathering events on Sunday 15 M arch: film by Beneath British Waters\, poetry performance by the river bri de Mrs Meg Avon\, and performances announcing the birth of Ondine\, 'spiri t of the river'.\n\n \; ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.riverhope.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/ 2026/02/waterbeings-cover.jpeg CATEGORIES:The Gathering LOCATION:Crowne Plaza Hotel\, Bridgefoot\, Stratford-Upon-Avon\, Warwickshi re\, CV37 6YR\, United Kingdom X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Bridgefoot\, Stratford-Upon -Avon\, Warwickshire\, CV37 6YR\, United Kingdom;X-APPLE-RADIUS=100;X-TITL E=Crowne Plaza Hotel:geo:0,0 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT UID:38@riverhope.org.uk DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260315T151500 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260315T161500 DTSTAMP:20260215T232248Z URL:https://www.riverhope.org.uk/events/performance-poetry-by-river-bride- mrs-meg-avon/ SUMMARY:Performance poetry by river bride\, Mrs Meg Avon DESCRIPTION:As part of 'The gathering: for water and Nature' final day of c elebration\, performance poet Meg will share the story of her marriage to the Avon\, her journey towards recognised rights across the bioregion for her river through her work for We Are Avon and share some poems from her c ollection 'My Avon'. Often compared to Ophelia from the images of her floa ting in her wedding dress\, Meg will explore similar themes of sacrifice\, ceremony and what it is to be 'mad' within the current climate.\n\nAs wel l as being a poet\, Meg Avon is a campaigner and river rights researcher w ith the University of the West of England for the Bristol Urban Avon. She coordinates the events and grassroots guardianship groups for the charity We Are Avon\, influencing the Rights of Nature movement across the whole r iver catchment. Meg was featured in the documentary film 'Rave on For th e Avon' in 2025. She famously married her river as a symbolic act of love and protest\, raising awareness of water pollution. She hopes that one day her marriage to her river can be both legally binding as well as symbolic !\n\nMeg's performance will lead us perfectly into the finale at 16:45pm o f The Gathering programme\, the birth of Ondine 'spirit of the river' surr ounded by her entourage of river beings and serenaded by music and song.\n \nTo attend Meg's performance\, register (free) here:  \n\nhttps://www.ev entbrite.co.uk/e/celebrating-water-rivers-and-nature-love-your-mother-eart h-tickets-1983080307583?aff=oddtdtcreator\n\nThis registration also grants access to the other The Gathering events on Sunday 15 March: film by Bene ath British Waters\, book talk by Veronica Strang and performances around the birth of Ondine. ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.riverhope.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/ 2026/02/rave-on-for-the-avon-film-still-by-charlotte-sawyer_bride-image-5_ meg-avon-trump_eightysitaproductions-scaled.jpg CATEGORIES:The Gathering LOCATION:Crowne Plaza Hotel\, Bridgefoot\, Stratford-Upon-Avon\, Warwickshi re\, CV37 6YR\, United Kingdom X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Bridgefoot\, Stratford-Upon -Avon\, Warwickshire\, CV37 6YR\, United Kingdom;X-APPLE-RADIUS=100;X-TITL E=Crowne Plaza Hotel:geo:0,0 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT UID:36@riverhope.org.uk DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260315T164500 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260315T173000 DTSTAMP:20260215T175904Z URL:https://www.riverhope.org.uk/events/the-birth-of-ondine-performance-ev ent/ SUMMARY:The birth of Ondine - performance event DESCRIPTION:Moving Souls Dance has commissioned artists\, a composer\, sing ers and craft designers to create and animate voices from the River Avon t o celebrate the birth of Ondine (spirit of the river) to conclude "The Gat hering: for Water and Nature". \n\nThroughout the day on Sunday 15 March a t the Crowne Plaza  Hotel\, commissioned and local artists will work toge ther to design a sculpture made from sustainable materials to imagine the spirit of the River Avon. With musicians and a youth drama group\, they wi ll develop drama and music that will depict the current health of the Rive r Avon. Their concerns will be embroidered into a wall hanging for future exhibitions.\n\nCome along to witness the reveal of the embryonic Ondine! This community performance event is free to all - register your place here : \n\nhttps://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/celebrating-water-rivers-and-nature- love-your-mother-earth-tickets-1983080307583?aff=oddtdtcreator\n\nArtists for Ondine: Heidi Luker\, designer\; Heidi Luker\, costume and design for wall hanging\; Emma Parkins\, collaborator for design and build\; Emma Pa rkins\, animal masks\n\nMusic: Alex Silverman\, composer for Ondine’s so ng\; tbc performer for Ondine's song\n\nDrama: Megan Parker\, Leader for C entral Youth Theatre\; India Birtwisle\, Assistant Leader \n\nDirector: Vi rginia Wollaston\, Moving Souls Dance ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.riverhope.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/ 2026/02/2mb-ondine-reveal-crop-side-view-15.3.26-scaled.jpg CATEGORIES:The Gathering LOCATION:Crowne Plaza Hotel\, Bridgefoot\, Stratford-Upon-Avon\, Warwickshi re\, CV37 6YR\, United Kingdom X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Bridgefoot\, Stratford-Upon -Avon\, Warwickshire\, CV37 6YR\, United Kingdom;X-APPLE-RADIUS=100;X-TITL E=Crowne Plaza Hotel:geo:0,0 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT UID:43@riverhope.org.uk DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260510T113000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260510T123000 DTSTAMP:20260422T220805Z URL:https://www.riverhope.org.uk/events/water-and-fish-talks-at-mays-strat ford-literary-festival/ SUMMARY:Water and fish talks at May's Stratford Literary Festival DESCRIPTION:Following Robert Macfarlane's March talk on his latest book "Is a River Alive?" (a collaboration with River Hope)\, May's Stratford Liter ary Festival continues a watery theme.\n\nBook your tickets here for a Sun day 10 May morning event at the Crowne Plaza Hotel where you can enjoy a s ession with:\n\nAward-winning author and naturalist STEPHEN RUTT talks abo ut his work "The Waterlands". This is a fascinating exploration of water's natural rhythms and miraculous power\, following a raindrop as it flows t hrough diverse waterscapes. It explores how water shapes the land\, shapes our lives – and how we shape it in return. Blending geography\, ecology \, climate writing and social history\, The Waterlands is a captivating re telling of the water cycle and an urgent call to protect water as an essen tial element for all life on Earth.\n\nJournalist and author\, ROSE GEORGE \, ventures below the surface to expose the vast industries – legal and not – that feed our endless appetite for seafood\, and explores what we really know about these strange\, slippery creatures. With irresistible wi t and an eye for the unusual\, "Every Last Fish" reveals the unseen and en dangered world of fish\, the people on the front lines of the fishing indu stry and our shared future.\n\nAnd there's more ... as part of Stratford L iterary Festival's commitment to outreach with children and schools\, ther e will be a free drop-in-and-do for kids (sold out!) on Saturday 9th May t o play around a river and water theme. Four local primaries are also decor ating a 2m long stretch of river each and their river artwork will be exhi bited throughout the May festival. ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.riverhope.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/ 2026/04/slf-books-for-website_2_1-scaled-e1776895383459.jpeg CATEGORIES:Activity LOCATION:Crowne Plaza Hotel\, Bridgefoot\, Stratford-Upon-Avon\, Warwickshi re\, CV37 6YR\, United Kingdom X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Bridgefoot\, Stratford-Upon -Avon\, Warwickshire\, CV37 6YR\, United Kingdom;X-APPLE-RADIUS=100;X-TITL E=Crowne Plaza Hotel:geo:0,0 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:Europe/London X-LIC-LOCATION:Europe/London BEGIN:STANDARD DTSTART:20241027T010000 TZOFFSETFROM:+0100 TZOFFSETTO:+0000 TZNAME:GMT END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT DTSTART:20250330T020000 TZOFFSETFROM:+0000 TZOFFSETTO:+0100 TZNAME:BST END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD DTSTART:20251026T010000 TZOFFSETFROM:+0100 TZOFFSETTO:+0000 TZNAME:GMT END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT DTSTART:20260329T020000 TZOFFSETFROM:+0000 TZOFFSETTO:+0100 TZNAME:BST END:DAYLIGHT END:VTIMEZONE END:VCALENDAR