Rivers and Us – Conversations around the Chelt and the Severn

Schedule

Sat Sep 26 2026 at 11:00 am to 01:00 pm

UTC+01:00
Location

Wilson Art Gallery and Museum | Cheltenham, EN

Advertisement
Sarah Chave will be discussing her book "Hafren", leading on to a wider conversation about our relationships with rivers.
About this Event

On the eve of World Rivers Day we are joined by Sarah Siân Chave, author of , to explore how we can forge better connections between communities and their rivers.

The River Severn (Hafren in Welsh) has shaped many histories and is part of many stories. In Celtic traditions water is a source of wisdom. In a time of ecological crisis, how can we listen to the wisdom of Hafren?

In her book, Sarah shares stories of the River Severn as it winds its way from its source in the Welsh Cambrian mountains to the Bristol Channel. One of the many rivers, brooks and streams that join Hafren/the Severn along its 220-mile journey is our local river, the Chelt, which meets the Severn near Wainlode, a few miles west of Cheltenham.

Sarah will be talking about her lifelong relationship with Hafren and how the book was shaped in conversation with her River. Afterwards we will explore together how people in Cheltenham and beyond are engaging with their rivers.

At the end of the event there will be an opportunity to have your pre-ordered copy of Sarah’s book signed by the author.

Copies of the book (which sits comfortably alongside books by Robert MacFarlane and James Rebanks) can be pre-ordered

online at: https://shop.rossiterbooks.co.uk/product/hafren/

in person: Rossiter Bookshop, 7, Rotunda Terrace, Montpellier, GL50 1SW.


Agenda

🕑: 11:00 AM - 11:15 AM
Arrival and Welcome
Host: Geoff Gibbons (Severn Rivers Trust)

Info: Welcome and drinks, River Chelt and other displays


🕑: 11:15 AM - 11:20 AM
Introduction to Guardians of the River Chelt
Host: Betti Moser (Guardians of The River Chelt)
🕑: 11:20 AM - 12:10 PM
Hafren - Wisdom of the River Severn
Host: Sarah Sian Chave (author)
🕑: 12:10 PM - 12:30 PM
Rivers & Us - open panel discussion
Host: Betti, Sarah, Geoff, others
🕑: 12:30 PM - 01:00 PM
Book signing and general mingling
Host: Sarah Siân Chave and Rossiter Books
Advertisement

Where is it happening?

Wilson Art Gallery and Museum, 51 Clarence Street, Cheltenham, United Kingdom

Event Location & Nearby Stays:

Tickets

GBP 0.00

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.
Guardians of the River Chelt
Host or PublisherGuardians of the River Chelt

Ask AI if this event suits you