Rutland Water's creation is told thorough the eyes of those who were there

Film-makers have unveiled an impressive project which charts the tale of how Rutland Water was created.

The videos they made cover all sides of the story, from the farmers who fought to save their land to the engineers who built the reservoir and the schoolgirl who named it.

Directors Tony Gray and Ben Searle interviewed more than 30 people throughout the project and were delighted to welcome most of them to the launch night at Normanton Church last week.

Tony said: “It was particularly good to see people meeting and chatting with old friends or those they are linked with because of the events of 40 years ago.”

The research was carried out by their not-for-profit media production company Rutland Community Ventures with the help of a £9,900 lottery grant and support from Rutland County Council.

The chief executive of the council, Helen Briggs, gave a speech at the launch alongside the Lord Lieutenant of Rutland, Dr Sarah Furness.

Guests heard that the highlights of 25 hours of interview footage have been edited down to 40 minutes of clips. Three information panels with QR codes have also been created to allow people to access the videos with a smart phone wherever they are.

The videos include campaigner Jane Rutter (nee Merritt) who fought to call the reservoir Rutland Water instead of Empingham Reservoir.

There is also a clip about the Sharp sisters who lost their home when the 3,000 acres of the land was flooded.

The exhibitions are currently on tour around the county before they become a permanent feature at Rutland County Museum in Oakham.

Tony said: “The permanent exhibition will include more artefacts and newspaper articles from the time.”

Catch the exhibition at Anglian Water birdwatching centre at Egleton from June 14, Harbour Café at Whitwell from June 28, St Peter’s Church in Empingham from July 5, Rutland Water Golf Course at Manton from July 11, The Falcon Hotel in Uppingham from July 19 and Rutland County Museum from July 26.

A film will also be screened on repeat during the Birdfair in August.