River & Rowing Museum Celebrates a Year of Turning Challenge into Opportunity

The River & Rowing Museum is pleased to release its annual accounts for the 2023-2024 financial year, showcasing a year of significant progress and positive momentum. With Museum Director Steve O’Connor at the helm, the museum has emerged from months of closure and uncertainty with renewed energy and focus. Although a deficit of £911,374 was recorded, this included the remainder of the building works and was still a notable improvement on both the prior year and the budgeted loss. This demonstrates that the museum is moving in the right direction, as new revenue streams and increased engagement have begun to take effect.

Under O’Connor’s leadership, a series of transformative refurbishments were completed, including a new roof, improved accessibility with a modern lift, and enhanced facilities such as the shop and café. The re-opening of the museum in July 2023 marked a pivotal moment, with visitor numbers starting to climb steadily, especially in the final months of the financial year. Notably, 62% of visitors arrived in February and March 2024 alone, signalling a strong rebound in public interest and confidence.

A key highlight of the year was the visit by HRH The Princess Royal, which launched a new educational initiative for SEND pupils in partnership with the Rivertime Boat Trust. This program is expected to benefit several hundred students annually, emphasising the museum’s commitment to education and community outreach. The museum also hosted over 1,000 school children during its autumn term alone and reintroduced popular holiday activities, contributing to a boost in both footfall and income.  By July 2024, over 4,000 school children had taken part in our curriculum-based workshops.

Looking forward, the River & Rowing Museum has launched a bold three-year plan aimed at reaching operational breakeven by March 2027. This ambitious target is supported by a renewed focus on exhibitions, events, community engagement and ensuring that the Museum is at the heart of the community. With successful initiatives such as the launch of the Games at Henley and Space Vault exhibitions, as well as new partnerships with local businesses, the museum is well on its way to securing a sustainable future.

Chairman, David Worthington emphasised the vital role of community support in the museum’s journey, urging residents to visit, volunteer, and contribute. “This museum is a remarkable asset to Henley, but it needs the community behind it. We’ve laid the foundations, but with your help, we can build something truly special,” he said.

Director, Steve O’Connor said, “It is of course pleasing to see that the direction of travel for the Museum is going the right way, but we know there is much more to do to reach our objective of breakeven.  We are now reviewing the published strategy and identifying which areas have worked as well as areas that haven’t.   We will update our supporters on any changes in the plan towards the end of 2024.”

The River & Rowing Museum is a charity which receives no support from central government, it relies on its visitor income to continue its work. The generous support of individuals, companies, and trusts and foundations enables it to fulfil it’s educational mission and preserve the river’s story.  The River & Rowing Museum extends its deepest gratitude to the volunteers, supporters, and partners, including the American Friends of the River & Rowing Museum, Arts Council England, Henley Royal Regatta, Henley Town Council and others who have generously contributed to its success.

For more information or to access the annual accounts, please visit River & Rowing Museum.