Down by the River
Down by the River is a documentary about the inspiring ways that communities across Somerset have responded to flooding. It was commissioned by Somerset Rivers Authority from the Bridgwater-based charity Somerset Film.
Down by the River celebrates local volunteers, and highlights some of the extraordinary work they do to help reduce the risks of flooding. Places featured include Moorland, Martock and Ham on the Somerset Levels & Moors, Croscombe in Mendip and West Somerset.
Archive films will cover historic Somerset floods, local groups like the Home Guard in World War Two, and fundraising carnivals. The exact mix will vary from place to place, to allow for items of very local interest, but all of the films will show what Somerset people can do when they put their minds to it.
Cllr David Hall, Chair of Somerset Rivers Authority (SRA) and Somerset County Council’s Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Planning and Community Infrastructure, said: "Down by the River is a beautifully shot film that shows the best of Somerset, both in terms of our landscape and the people who live here. These free events will also illustrate how valuable past experiences can be in responding to challenges such as flooding and climate change."
Each event will last about two hours. The first will be held at Glastonbury Town Hall on 4 February 2022 at 7pm, with free tea and cake. Followed by:
Cheddar Village Hall, 12 February, 7pm
Martock Parish Hall, 19 February, 7pm - SOLD OUT
Drayton Village Hall, 26 February, 7pm
Shepton Mallet Whitstone School, 2 March 7pm
Minehead Regal Theatre, 5 March, 2pm
Taunton Creative Innovation Centre CIC, 9 March, 7pm
Burrowbridge Coronation Hall, 12 March, 7pm
Yeovil Westlands Entertainment Centre, 16 March, 7pm
Bridgwater Arts Centre, 18 March, 7pm
Roadwater Village Hall, 20 March, 7pm
Light refreshments will be available at all screenings.
To reserve your free seat, visit www.somersetfilm.com/get-involved. The events will follow all current Covid guidelines and attendees will be encouraged to wear masks and observe appropriate social distancing precautions.
Deb Richardson, Creative Director at Somerset Film, said: “This is a really important project and we are delighted to have been involved. As we look forward to the future and begin to explore how we might respond to climate change, it is invaluable to learn from past lessons and each other and to explore our strengths as a community.”
Down by the River will be available to watch online after the 10 public screenings have been completed.
