Timeless Stream

08 May 2024

Timeless Stream was the first part of WCT's project: Our Rivers Run Through Us, based on over two-year’s research and the development of ideas by WCT members relating to a sense of what it means to live near the rivers Allen and Stour, and the importance of the river ecology in our lives.

Saturday, October 16-Sunday, October 24, 2021                                                                               

Timeless Stream was a series of watery events at Walford Mill, Wimborne, celebrating the River Allen, and the beauty and diversity of creatures and organisms living on and in the river, one of Europe’s finest chalk streams. It raised questions about how we manage our common environment, ‘Thinking globally, acting locally’.

The event included:

  • Timeless Stream: A Celebration for World Rivers Day: A short celebratory ritual performance in praise of the river’s timeless stream, held on the riverbank at Walford Mill. 

As the audience stood on the riverbank they made wishes for the future health of the river:

  • I wish people knew how precious you are
  • I wish people would be educated on what lies around them
  • Reduce run-off from farms and traffic
  • May we prioritise nature before selfish wishes
  • Encourage the community to keep our river clean! Put on this play in schools and elsewhere!

 Full list of Wishes here

  • Undercurrents: a Multimedia Installation about the River Allen

A collage of river sounds and stories, poems and memories about the river Allen by students from Allenbourn School and local people gathered by WCT and collaged into a visual and sonic installation by Adrian Newton, Lynn Davy, Arthur Newton and David Rogers.

  • The Poet Fish of the River Allen

 Animation film by Hannah Small & Clare Small

  • Relaxing by the River

New music video, written and sung by Millstream Theatre, composed by Helen Porter, filmed by Ed Bersey.

  • Sound Walk

Soundscape of river sounds and organisms living in the river Allen, which was accessed by people on their phones while walking along the river bank. Created by Adrian Newton and David Rogers.

  • Message to COP26: A record of Timeless Stream: script, photographs and audience responses was sent to the organisers of COP26 in Glasgow in November 2021.