Chronological Arrangement of the Elam Family Bond with Water,
The seed idea for a water study centre to determine how best to benefit from the “Fruits of the Sea” came from Charles Wentworth Elam, Veterinary Surgeon and co-founder of the School of Veterinary Science at Liverpool University. Elam’s Surgery in Liverpool built a reputation for helping all animals in need, and often at no charge.
As a child, Elam was given a copy of a book written by the surgeon Frank Buckland, [Curiosities of Natural History” (1857)] who frequently helped all manner of zoo animals. This book, (which is still in the World of Water library today), was the early influence on Elam which led him to becoming a Veterinary Surgeon himself and into his lifelong interest in water and water mammals.
“We want also samples of the surface water itself under peculiar conditions, for instance, what is the meaning of the wonderful white appearance of the sea which took place last autumn in nearly all the waters of the northern coast of England? What is the meaning of the occasional red appearance of the sea for many square miles?“ (Frank Buckland)
These questions exemplify the kind of curiosity that drove Elam’s lifelong fascination with water and marine life.
c.1909
School of Veterinary Science Founded
Charles Wentworth Elam co-founded the School of Veterinary Science at Liverpool University. His wife, Gladys May (Roberts), and their daughter Joyce, continued the family interest in waterlife.
1956
First River Survey
Grant, the grandson of Charles, helped his grandfather on his first River Survey in Ruislip, near London.
1960
First Museum Opens
Joyce and Grant open their 1st Museum of sea, land and freshwater shells in their house and garden in Headington, Oxford.
1963
Sussex Woodland Centre
1st Business Plan leads to the purchase of a small Woodland Centre in Sussex, UK.
1972
Alternative Technology Centre
Grant renovates water heritage and works on Geodesic Dome Fish Culture Unit at the (National) Centre for Alternative Technology, Wales, with Richard St. George.
1973
Aquaculture History Publication
Grant publishes ‘Chronological Survey of Aquaculture History from 2800 B.C.’ – an archive of global aquaculture heritage. Co-authors Jane Bryant and Richard St. George.
1977
Farm Visitor Centre Opens
2nd Business Plan leads to purchase of Woollen Mill and the opening of a Farm Visitor Centre in Pencader, Wales, in partnership with Chaintabs Ltd. where the exhibition of Molluscs (shells) opened, curated by R. Garratt; supported by South-West Wales Tourism Board.
1979
Waterman Talkabouts Launched
3rd Business Plan leads to ‘Waterman Talkabouts’ school talks to engage schools with Water Education.
1980
WOW Visitor Centre Closes
WOW Visitor Centre in Wales closes due to heavy flood damage.
1982
UK-wide WOW Exhibition Tour
4th Business Plan leads to UK-wide WOW Exhibition Tour with West Midlands Area Museum Service. First venue, Birmingham Nature Centre.
1983
First Cookery Demonstration
WOW’s 1st Cookery Demonstration at Birmingham Museum event in partnership with Birmingham Wholesale Fish Market.
1985
Water Palace Concept Exhibition
Birmingham’s Lord Mayor opens exhibition of WOW’s “Water Palace Concept” in Birmingham Central Library to publicise aims for a National Water Awareness Centre.
1986
Charitable Status Awarded
WOW awarded Charitable Status.
1986 to 1996
Youth Training Scheme
WOW partners with Birmingham Volunteer Bureau and provides UK Government’s Youth Training Scheme – empowering youth through work experience.
1987 to 2013
Image of Learning Program
WOW outreach programme re-branded as “Image of Learning” in partnering with Peter Scott M.A.
1993
5th Marketing Strategy
WOW’s 5th Marketing Strategy written by volunteer, Andy Hare.
1997
Field Centre Opens
WOW opens ‘Field Centre’ in Wales, for international students on work experience.
2002
6th Business Plan
6th Business Plan prepared in partnership with Solsbury Hill (Dave Southall) included report on WOW vision for future development of an International Water Awareness Centre.
2010 to 2017
Knucklas Castle Community Land Project
Voluntary support to establish ‘Knucklas Castle Community Land Project’.
2011
Little People Books Launch
WOW Launches own imprint, Little People Books, to publish pre-school reading books in partnership with the English Literacy Foundation.
2013
Joyce L. Elam Passes Away
WOW’s Co-founder, Joyce L. Elam, dies at the age of 92 and a half.
2022
7th Business Plan
7th Business Plan support from ‘Going Green for a Living Community Land Trust Ltd. and Dementia Matters in Powys: “A Holistic Approach to Water and Community.”
2023
John C. Jones Passes Away
WOW’s long-standing Mentor and Business Advisor, John C. Jones, dies.
2023
Revision of 6th Business Plan
Revision of 6th Business Plan for a Water Centre in Wales, following a commissioned study into use of AI in cataloguing WOW’s IPR’s and Dynamic Archives.
2024 (June)
Publication of Revised Business Plan
Publication of revised 6th Business Plan.
2025 ………………………………
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