Kew Bridge Steam Museum has Cholera for Science Week 2005

The Kew Bridge Steam Museum is marking the biggest science event in the UK‚ National Science Week, 11-20 March, with special events that take a look at the Cholera epidemic and the life of Dr Snow, a legendary figure in the history of public health, epidemiology and anaesthesiology. Science Week is an opportunity to celebrate science and its importance in our everyday lives.

Join the Kew Bridge Steam Museum during National Science Week as it explores cholera. Do you know what causes cholera or where it comes from? Experts are warning that the colossal tsunami tidal wave, which recently devastated South East Asia and parts of East Africa could stir up new strains of cholera and unearth rare diseases. The exhibition will also include two cartoon germs named Cyril and Nosher, partners in grime, who will tell the tale for children. There will also be a chance to meet ‘Dr Snow’ on Saturday March 19.

Lesley Bossine, Director of the Museum said: “NationalScience Week plays an important role in connecting people of all ages with science. We hope this exhibition will show that science can be fun and accessible to everyone."

Between 1853 and 1854, London experienced the third in a series of four outbreaks of cholera, which resulted in the deaths of over 10,000 people. At the time, no one knew what caused cholera or how it was spread. The popular theory at the time was that cholera was the result of miasma, or bad air.

It was during the 1854 epidemic that Dr John Snow observed that a high incidence of cholera was occurring amongst residents drawing water from a well in Broad Street, near Golden Square, Soho. Further investigations revealed a sewer running close to the well. It was Dr Snow who showed that cholera was spread through contaminated water, and not in the air.

The forthcoming exhibition at Kew Bridge Steam Museum will include in depth information on the life and times of Dr John Snow, the living conditions in Victorian England, medicine in the 19th Century, and the problems caused by cholera today. The exhibition runs from 19 March to 29 May, 2005. Dr Snow was recently voted the greatest doctor ever in a Hospital Doctor Poll

How to find the steam museum:
In Green Dragon Lane, Brentford, Middlesex about 100 yards from the north side of Kew Bridge under the tall Victorian tower. Nearest motorway M4 (turn off at junction 2 signposted to Kew Gardens and north/south circular roads), down to Chiswick
roundabout, then pick up signs for Kew, Brentford and Hounslow. Turn right to Brentford
at traffic lights before Kew Bridge. Click here for a map.

Admission: Weekends and Bank Holiday Mondays (engines in steam).Adults.£6 Concessions:
£5 Children (5-15 years). £4.00 Family Ticket: £18.
Children under the age of 13 years must be accompanied by an adult

How to reach the Museum by public transport: Buses: 65, 237, 267, 391. Main Line Trains: Kew
Bridge (South West Trains from Waterloo via Clapham Junction). Gunnersbury (North London
Line) then 237 or 267 bus. London Underground: Gunnersbury (District Line) then 237 or 267
bus). South Ealing (Piccadilly Line) the 65 bus.

Further Information: Telephone the museum: 020 8568 4757 Fax: 020 8569 9978 or visit
www.kbsm.org

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