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Water theme will flow through historical project to explore Hackney’s cultural diversity
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Water theme will flow through historical project to explore Hackney’s cultural diversity
Location: Hackney
November 2005
Local Heritage Initiative scheme to culminate in Water Festival
The Victorians marvelled at it coming out of the taps, babies are baptised in it, non-Christians cleanse themselves in it… now the cultural significance of water through the years is to be examined in a new project being launched in Hackney.
Since the Victorians built West Reservoir, the changing uses of water have influenced people of all faiths and cultures.
Now, a Local Heritage Initiative (LHI) grant of nearly £17,500 will help to pay for research into the work of water and conservation issues and will involve three local schools, local history groups, older people, faith leaders and local volunteers.
The money will also help to fund a Festival of Water, a website, an exhibition, CD ROM for teachers, interpretation panels and leaflets.
The Festival will celebrate different aspects of water in various cultures past and present and will feature rare species such as otters, performance workshops examining the long and varied history of the reservoir including its importance as a site for migratory winter wildfowl and crafts such as basket weaving for the local community to try.
Lucy Harrigan, from the London Wildlife Trust which is running the project, says: “The people of Hackney have benefited in so many ways from having a reservoir on their doorstep, and it’s a fascinating prospect for us, as a community, to be able to look at how the use of water has touched so many aspects of our lives. Despite being part of London, Hackney has always had a character of its own and by working together like this, we can keep that sense of community and make sure it survives for the next generation.”
The group has raised £9260 of in-kind contributions and has professional support from Kings College, London, London Biodiversity, Woodberry Down Elders Group, Thames Water and Hackney Learning Trust. The application was made by the London Wildlife Trust.
Lorraine Huggett, the Countryside Agency’s Local Heritage Initiative Adviser for the South East Region, says: “This project will allow the local community to explore what makes their reservoir special. It also allows them to share experiences and cultural differences in a way that can be passed on to future generations.”
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