Protecting What We Love: Tackling Flooding and Pollution in Henley

Expert panel discussion with Q&A
The Kenton Theatre, Henley-on-Thames
Wednesday 26th November 2025 – £10
Theatre & bar open: 6pm | Talk and Q&A: 7:00 – 9:00pm

Book tickets

With flooding risks rising and ongoing pollution threatening Henley, the Thames, and the rowing that defines our town, we are bringing together a panel of local experts in flooding, pollution, sport and business to explore what is happening and, most importantly, what we can do about it. How can we protect our homes, schools, businesses and sporting communities? And how can local government play its part?

Building on our last Big Green Conversation at The Kenton, this event focuses on practical, positive action – from steps towards flood and pollution prevention, to improving preparedness for increasingly extreme weather. The panel will look at the growing risk of flash flooding – which can strike anywhere with little or no warning, often away from the riverside. They’ll identify the local areas where it’s most likely to occur, and share ways to strengthen resilience across Henley’s homes, schools and businesses.
Panellists include:

• Dr Jess Neumann – University of Reading – expert in pollution, flooding and community preparedness.
• Greg Searle MBE – Olympic rowing champion & Royal Regatta Steward leading in sustainability
• Jonathan Hobbs – Royal Waterman to His Majesty King Charles, and fifth generation owner of Hobbs of Henley
• Dr Pete Sudbury – Oxfordshire Flooding Taskforce, Oxfordshire County Council

Behaviour change facilitator and local resident, Kate Lloyd, will chair the panel.

Our experts will explore the impact on rowing of increased ‘red board’ days, when the river flows fast and may be in flood, disrupting year round training in Henley where the sport is central to the town’s identity. They will also examine how flooding and pollution affect local business continuity, and what steps can be taken to improve business resilience to shocks like flooding.

Don’t miss out – book your tickets now

Join us for an evening of insight and inspiration, with plenty of time for Q&A, sharing ideas and discovering how, together, we can protect what we love and build a safer, stronger future for Henley.

This event is part of Greener Henley’s Big Green Conversation series which brings important issues centre-stage within our community, empowering everyone to explore and understand the problems we are facing, as well as how we can address them. This is our second Big Green Conversation in partnership with the Kenton Theatre.

Book tickets