A "celebration of life on the tidal river Itchen", which includes practical measures to help safeguard properties during floods, takes place at The Hard (left), Priory Road (near the community centre) on Saturday, October 19 from 10.30-2pm. Pic: L. Weedy

It's organised by CCATCH – Coastal Communities Adapting to Change Project – which says it's "helping the community on the west bank of the Itchen (between Horseshoe Bridge and Mansbridge) prepare for coastal change, in particular sea level rise".

The event will include:

• Displays
• Examples & demonstrations of resistance products for the home
• Display of a new website
• Children's activity area creating pictures of the river in the future
• An exhibition of photos at nearby Junction Inn – for which pictures are being sought
  (you can bring them on the day or contact Karen on 01962 846027 or at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)
  

CCATCH is run by Hampshire County Council, Southampton City Council and the Solent Forum with the aid of a European Union grant.

"This Community Event will celebrate life on the tidal river Itchen, and show how much the community value it," said a spokesperson. "It will also feature a number of initiatives, which we hope will help to improve understanding of how to live by the riverside, as well as measures to safeguard properties during flood events."

There have already been several local meetings and a community group has been established. A web page  and newsletter (pdf download) are also available for more information.