Rivers and Us – Conversations around the Chelt and the Severn

Sarah Chave will be discussing her book "Hafren", leading on to a wider conversation about our relationships with rivers. On the eve of World Rivers Day we are joined by Sarah Siân Chave, author of Hafren – the Wisdom of the River Severn, 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.