Learn About Flood Resilience

at

Blue Patch’s Coffee, Cake and Connect

Wednesday 18 September

10am-1pm

Half Moon Pub (garden workshop)

10 Half Moon Lane

SE24 9HU

Blue Patch, the social enterprise focused on net zero and climate change education, is hosting the first of a series of events aimed at helping residents and business owners prepare for future flooding. Taking place in Herne Hill on Wednesday 18th September, the interactive workshop will offer practical advice on flood resilience and recovery from two of the UK’s leading flood experts.

With climate change driving more extreme rainfall, Herne Hill has become increasingly vulnerable to flooding. During the 2004 storms, torrential downpours overwhelmed drainage systems, causing surface water flooding that disrupted local businesses and damaged properties.

Herne Hill’s location, combined with its historical ties to the now culverted River Effra, makes it particularly susceptible to such events. Further floods in 2013 and 2016 have only reinforced the area’s ongoing flood risks, underscoring the urgent need for property flood resilience measures.

The “Coffee, Cake and Connect: Are You Ready for a Flood?” event offers practical advice on flood resilience and recovery from two of the UK’s leading experts. Join Mary Long-Dhonau OBE, property flood resilience champion, and Gareth Boyd, CEO of Watertight International, for an engaging and informative workshop designed to help guests prepare for future floods.

Mary Long-Dhonau OBE, also known as Flood Mary, will be sharing her invaluable experience and insights on flood preparedness. Mary has been at the forefront of flood risk education in the UK, using her personal experience of multiple floods to guide communities through resilience planning. She will be joined by Gareth Boyd, CEO of Watertight International, a company renowned for its innovative solutions in property flood resilience, as an Environment Agency PFR Framework provider.

Mary Long-Dhonau OBE said, “Having been flooded myself, I understand the emotional and financial toll it can take. Preparing for floods is no longer optional – it’s a necessity. I look forward to sharing practical steps to help make homes and businesses more resilient to this growing threat.”

Gareth Boyd, CEO of Watertight International, adds, “Flooding is one of the most pressing climate risks we face. By making small, affordable adjustments to properties now, we can significantly reduce the damage caused by future floods. I’m excited to be part of this event and to help local communities take control of their flood risk.”

Jane Langley, CEO of Blue Patch, confirms: “Being based in Herne Hill, I’ve seen the floods and the resulting fall-out firsthand, which is why I decided that flood awareness and preparedness should become a focus topic for our Coffee, Cake and Connect workshops. It is crucial to bring the local community together and arm them with practical knowledge, expert advice, and the tools they need to safeguard their homes and businesses against future climate risks. Our aim is to empower communities across the country with taking control of their flood preparedness, so they can build a more resilient future.”

Event Details:
Date: Wednesday, 18th September 2024
Time: 10:00am – 1:00pm
Location: Half Moon Pub, 10 Half Moon Lane, London SE24 9HU
Cost: £20 per person (includes food and refreshments)

Agenda:
10:00am: Networking, coffee, and cakes
10:30am: Presentation: The Road to Resilience – Gareth Boyd
Case Studies of Floods – Mary Long-Dhonau OBE

11:45am: Escape Room Challenge – judged by Mary Long-Dhonau OBE
12:30 – 1:00pm: Networking. Refreshments and sandwiches provided.

You can purchase a ticket for the event

For more information, visit www.floodmary.com, www.watertightint.com and www.bluepatch.org. 

Mary Long-Dhonau

 Blue Patch’s Coffee, Cake & Connect workshops bring local people and experts together to build a more climate resilient future.