Flooding stories go on show

Stories and photographs documenting floods which damaged hundreds of homes in Doncaster in 2007 have gone on display at Doncaster Museum and Art Gallery.

Research carried out by Lancaster University has captured two years of oral history and images from a local community recovering from a devastating flood and contrasted this with experiences from a number of other disasters.

At the peak of the floods in Doncaster, around 1,500 homes were affected and 52 schools were closed in the town and some of the long term effects are still being felt in the town.

The exhibition, held in the Community Area of Doncaster Museum and Art Gallery, documents the events of June 2007 through photos, poems and other items contributed by communities which were affected. It will also take a look at the history of flooding in Doncaster and explore how communities have recovered since 2007.

Lucy Easthope who carried out the research said: “The material we’ve gathered has provided a fascinating insight into the very human situations that influence the recovery process after a flood.

“These stories range from personal experiences of losing homes and personal possessions to the logistical challenges faced by the local council in the aftermath of the flood.

“The exhibition also underlines the resilience and spirit of a local community. “

The exhibition will run until Sunday 13 September and on closing it will form part of the Doncaster historical archives. Mrs Easthope is based in the Division of Medicine and the Centre for Gender and Women's Studies at Lancaster University.