Museum Consulting on Proposal to Close

The River & Rowing Museum has confirmed today that after embarking on an exploration of restructuring options amid it’s ongoing financial challenge in February, they have issued the following statement today which confirms that they are consulting on a proposal to close in September this year.

“The River & Rowing Museum, a much-loved cultural and educational institution in Henley-on-Thames, is currently consulting on a proposal to close in September this year, due to the ongoing financial difficulties.

Despite the passionate, dedicated team of employees and volunteers working hard to support the museum’s activities, the Museum is still losing money at an unsustainable rate and we continue to face significant challenges in keeping the museum operational in its current format.

Without radical thinking and/or a significant input of funds, we may soon be forced to close our doors to the public, resulting in the loss of both jobs and a vital educational and cultural resource for the area.

This museum means so much more than bricks and mortar to those of us that work here. It’s a place where learning is brought to life for thousands of children, and where history, sport and the environment are brought together. We don’t want to lose it — but we can’t save it without external support.

The River & Rowing Museum Foundation, the charity that underpins our education work, supports nearly 4,500 schoolchildren each year, including 350 pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). These visits, including riverside walks, provide hands-on, curriculum-linked learning in a setting that is both inclusive and inspiring.

Recent school visitors have praised our education offering, stating that the river walk brings to life the parts of a river and the wildlife while being engaging for the children, fun and supportive of learning in the classroom. Losing this vital service would leave a significant gap in educational provision for schools across Oxfordshire, the Thames Valley, and beyond.

Supporting the museum by hiring our event spaces, holding a meeting or visiting the museum, shop and café will help, but the foundation needs a partner or organisation to help transform the way in which the charity operates.

If you think you can help, please get in touch with the interim Museum Director Kevin Sandhu by emailing to kevin.sandhu@rrm.co.uk or calling on 01491 415600.”