Annual review 2019 - Wentworth Woodhouse
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annual re vie w 2019
Chair’s welcome
When I and fellow members of the Board of Trustees look back on what has been achieved
in this, just the second year of the Trust’s term as custodians of Wentworth Woodhouse, it is
with pride and astonishment that we recognise just how much progress has been made by
so few. We are blessed with a small, dedicated staff team who respond to the ever changing
challenges on a daily basis, the demands of the project are very high and the commitment
they show is truly remarkable. We have a high calibre of staff whose first thoughts are always
to the needs of our visitors. Our resources are limited and the team give far more than we
could ask for. My admiration for them is never waning and on behalf of the Board I thank you
all, paid staff and volunteers alike. You are a credit to the Trust and the people and visitors
whom you serve.
More and more people now know about Wentworth Woodhouse, as a place to visit, as a major
restoration project and as a Trust that cares about and works with community groups from
across the region. We are expanding rapidly both in terms of the activities we are delivering,
the numbers of people visiting and the new jobs we are creating. It is a very exciting time
and I hope you will enjoy reading about our achievements within this report and continue to
support us. This project is a catalyst for change for the
people of South Yorkshire: the communities we serve,
our staff, volunteers visitors and supporters and we
cannot do this without your on-going help.
DAME JULIE A KENNY DBE DL
C H A I R O F W E N T WO R T H WO O D H O U S E P R E S E R VAT I O N T R U S T
F O R F U R T H E R I N F O R M AT I O N E M A I L :
juliek@wentworthwoodhouse.org.uk
02 WENTWORTH WOODHOUSE ANNUAL REVIEW 2019
TRUST OBJECTIVES partnerships
The objects of the charity are specifically restricted to the following: To develop appropriate partnerships
“To acquire and preserve for the benefit of the nation the whole or with others including stakeholders who
share our values and subscribe to our
any part or parts of the buildings, grounds and surrounding land known as
long term vision.
Wentworth Woodhouse in the Metropolitan Borough of Rotherham and which
are of special historical, architectural and constructional heritage and interest reach new audiences
(“the building”) together with such fixtures, fittings, furniture, pictures and other To provide a world class, inspirational
chattels (“the contents”) are as contained within or form part of the building and enjoyable experience for all, with
and which are in their own right or by association with the building objects of equality and diversity as key drivers of
particular historical, architectural or artistic interest”. our audience development plan.
professionalism
To operate with openness and
regeneration opportunities transparency, promoting best practice,
Always attaining to the very highest Using Wentworth Woodhouse as a behaving professionally and acting
conservation standards to protect and remarkable heritage asset to provide respectfully towards others at
restore the site, its buildings, structures multiple year round opportunities for all times.
and landscape through balanced and the advancement of skills, education
appropriate re-use, finding creative and life-long learning by way of care for our environment
solutions leading to an economically training, work experience, volunteering Be committed to sustainable policies
sustainable future. and employment, whilst enhancing and practices. Environmental concerns
knowledge through scholarship and are essential to our decision making.
engagement academic research. We understand the value of acting in
To engage with, listen to and work an environmentally responsible way to
with local communities and wider working relationships minimise the impact on the environment
audiences. Engaging hearts and minds To work with the Fitzwilliam Wentworth from our operations.
to celebrate the site as an asset to Amenity Trust to ensure that
the region and the nation. Offering Wentworth Woodhouse, comprising entrepreneurial spirit
a positive long term contribution to the house, gardens, park and To operate a creative and solutions
the economic and social life of local monuments, is preserved as an entity, focussed business with commercial
communities and acting as a driver for for the benefit of the local community flare whilst always seeking to deliver
Rotherham and the wider tourist offer. and the Nation. our charitable objectives.
“More and more people now know about
Wentworth Woodhouse, as a place to visit,
as a major restoration project...”
DAME JULIE A KENNY DBE DL
WENTWORTH WOODHOUSE ANNUAL REVIEW 2019 03
regeneration
The Wentworth Woodhouse Masterplan “A New Life 2018”
was published October 2018 and copies are available
online at www.wentworthwoodhouse.org.uk
Phase One of the emergency works programme is now
almost at an end. This work involved the complete
replacement of the roof slates on the Bedlam
wing of the building. Having opened up the
roof a number of unforeseen issues were
found with the roof timbers and structural
support measures had to be introduced. The
Chapel roof has also been completely removed
and currently lies open but protected by the
temporary roof that has been erected as part
of the Phase 2 works. Again a number of issues
were discovered with the Chapel roof which will be
completely restored along with the internal ceiling and
chandelier over the coming weeks. The Riding School,
also included in the Phase One works has now been
stripped of its slates with new slates currently being laid.
Phase One
works are due to
be completed this
Autumn.
phase two
Anyone visiting the site
recently and over the coming
year will clearly see the scale
of the restoration works taking
place, given the enormous
scaffold that now completely
engulfs the central part of the
historic east front of the Mansion.
The Phase Two contract being
delivered by Robert Woodhead Ltd,
forms the largest phase of the Treasury funded emergency works project and
includes the replacement of roofs and repairs to high level stone work, statues
and urns. The scaffold will be in place for 16 months with the roof top work visible
to those on the roof top tours who will also see the restoration to the urns is taking
place at ground level.
MULTIPLE CHALLENGES
Though this year the project has been very much in its early stages, it has already
presented multiple challenges to the team. As the house is a Grade I listed building, the
scaffolding could not be attached to the building and so is secured to the ground with
platipus anchors, which are drilled to the ground and are designed to splay out to prevent
the scaffolding from lifting off the floor in heavy winds. Friction ties have been used to tie the
scaffolding to the walls and extra strength given to the scaffolding structure through doubled
up fittings.
04 WENTWORTH WOODHOUSE ANNUAL REVIEW 2019
Phase Two forms
the largest phase of
the Treasury funded
emergency works
project and includes
the replacement of
roofs and repairs to
high level stone work,
statues and urns.
challenges Our thanks go to all of the partners
The extremely heavy urns involved in this project but particularly
(approximately 600kg each) needed to Historic England who provide
to be lifted down for restoration. tremendous guidance and support,
Some of them were only being held our Architects Donald Insall Ltd and
by their own weight due to their Site Manager Andy Stamford.
timber pins rotting over time. Lifting BEHIND THE SCENES
them was challenging as the majority
As well as this very visible work, further
of the weight sits in the middle of
improvement and planning to secure
each urn due to their shape.
the future of our site is undertaken
An innovative scaffold frame was behind the scenes on a daily basis.
constructed around each urn to Over the course of the year much work
secure them when lifting, as well as has been undertaken including the
extra clips added to the surrounding installation of improved fire detection,
scaffolding to allow the crane crew a detailed access and parking study,
to clip on and off more easily. The the submission of bids to extend
crane crew were also able to remove the visitor offer including facilities
the historic glass lanterns that require in the gardens, and new community
restoration but are incredibly heavy. engagement programmes and events.
FACILITIES AND and secure. With significant derelict Our maintenance team is made up
MAINTENANCE buildings at the entrance to the site of a talented and generous group
With so much building work taking presenting security and safety risks, of contractors, specialist heritage
place, a key focus for us this year, has investment in additional security contractors, and volunteers who
been fire management and detection. has had to be made and thanks goes regularly go the extra mile to help
We have worked with our specialist to South Yorkshire Police who have us restore and maintain things
fire engineers to upgrade our current helped us on numerous occasions this from drain clearance to chandelier
systems and to integrate the current year and are increasing their patrols restoration, and recently extending to
building works into our automatic and use of the site for training. surveying – we are very grateful for
systems. The buildings on site operate reduced, cost price and gifted time
Our maintenance strategy is to make
within a strict no flame policy and and items.
systematic improvements across
very stringent rules are in place all areas each year. With a site this As we learn more about the building
with regards to any unavoidable hot large it would be easy to expend our and its needs we have developed a
works and how they are managed. resources on one item alone, instead ‘Wish List’ which will form a key tool
We have invested in the best, safe we try to spread our budgets to make in our fundraising efforts. The list
use fire extinguishers on the market sensible, incremental improvements, includes 50 items and “asks” from
and work very closely with the local some which are clear to see, others restoration of an urn to the provision
and Heritage Fire Brigade Offices to are not. This year approximately of a golf buggy to save time traversing
ensure that we apply best practise 200 metres of fencing on the East the site.
on our site – we thank the local fire Front was replaced, any visitor to
brigade for all their assistance across the site will easily be able to tell
the site. which is the old and which is new
The installation of fibre broadband – our old fences are no more than
last year has enabled us to extend our a collection of sticks! Other
Wi-Fi to the café and our reception less visible improvements are
areas and we plan to extend this to storerooms which we are
access in the coming years, but clearing, decorating and bringing
with a footprint of 3 acres, this is an back into use.
expensive and challenging task that We continue our quest to make our
needs to be done sympathetically site more accessible for all – our
within our historic setting. ramp to ground floor has been kept
The installation of fibre broadband clear of scaffold for delivery, buggy
has provided opportunity to and wheelchair use and our long-term
install state of the art surveillance plans to increase accessibility across
equipment to help keep the site safe the site are beginning to form.
06 WENTWORTH WOODHOUSE ANNUAL REVIEW 2019
We are working on 1,500m²
of the roof which is
equivalent of about
six tennis courts
The scaffolding reaches 30 metres high, the same as six double decker buses!
Each urn weighs about the
same as an adult polar bear!
50,000 metres of
scaffolding poles have
been used – laid end
to end, they would be
5.5 times taller than
Mount Everest
WENTWORTH WOODHOUSE ANNUAL REVIEW 2019 07
engagement
Fifteen new Visitor Guides were recruited into paid
work this year, some from the current volunteer
team and some new external additions to the team,
to deliver the core visitor offer and provide
exceptional visitor experience.
TELLING OUR STORIES
A training workshop in customer services and
tour guide delivery was developed and
delivered to the new Visitor Guides
and the Guide Support volunteers.
Professional development of staff is
important to us and all training is evaluated
to ensure it is impactful.
We continue to see positive feedback on Trip
Advisor and emails from group visits thanking
specific Visitor Guides and the team for their day
with us.
The Garden Tour has seen improvements over the
year. The snowdrop special tours that ran in February
2018 were a huge success. Keen to build on this, the
garden team led by Head Gardener Scott Jamieson
worked hard to ensure more snowdrops were moved and
replanted ready for February 2019. The visitor numbers
soared for February
garden tours from
247 in 2018 to over
750 during the same 4
week period in 2019.
Further development to
the visitor offer includes
a series of specialist tours;
“Hidden Tours” taking
visitors behind the scenes,
“Conservation Tours” led by
architects and contractors
working on the capital works
project and “Wentworth According
to Bob”. Bob’s tours have been
proved extremely popular, offering
visitors a unique chance to experience the house and to hear stories from
someone who previously worked as a joiner for the last Earl and his family.
VOLUNTEER TOUR GUIDES
Over 20 Volunteer Tour Guides were recruited, trained and inducted in preparation
for the new rooftop tours which launched in July. We run 6 rooftop tours a day with up
to 20 visitors per tour. The overall visitor offer has now expanded to include a total of
12 tours a day, 5 days a week with group visits running all week alongside these.
08 WENTWORTH WOODHOUSE ANNUAL REVIEW 2019
A training workshop in
customer services and tour
guide delivery was developed
and delivered to the new
Visitor Guides and the Guide
Support volunteers.
ROOF TOP TOURS systems that have been introduced • A range of merchandise bearing
The roof top tours provide access and integrated into the existing site the hashtag #WENTUPWORTHIT
along a dedicated visitor walkway, system. including pens, mugs, bookmarks
offering a spectacular view of the The tours operate in a similar way to and children’s teddy; BuilderBear.
many roofs across the house. the existing tour programme, with a WELCOME HOUSE
tour guide and
Much of 2018 included working
backstop per
towards opening the house for
tour, but with
‘commercial free flow’ within some of
the addition of
the ground floor rooms. This allows the
a lift operator,
house to welcome and engage with
whose role
people walking past and encourages
is dedicated them to use the tearoom and shop. The
to the safe house is now open for this ‘commercial
and effective free flow’ from Tuesdays to Sundays.
operation of Internal signage has been placed
the passenger along this visitor route to help orientate
hoist; these visitors and a new team of Welcome
roles rotate Volunteers have been recruited to
throughout the welcome and engage with them. The
day to keep administration team have moved to
interest for the Pillared Hall entrance to create a
Visitors can also witness conservation our team as well as visitors. welcoming reception, they are also
and restoration in action as they We have also implemented: equipped to deal with, and process,
look down onto the contract works queries and bookings. The Pillared
taking place. The introduction of • A ding-dong-donation-station,
Hall has now become a far more
such a visitor offer was not without allowing visitors to donate from
vibrant and busy area, considerably
its logistical challenges, with many the top of the scaffold, and hear a
different from how it felt a year ago.
inspections by relevant authorities, bell ring right at the bottom as the
the facilitation of passenger lifts to donation passes directly into the shop SIGNAGE
allow full access for all visitors, the • A selfie station, allowing visitors to Signage has been installed along the
purchase of standby generators take photos of themselves and others visitor journey from the entrance to
for evacuation in the case of power in the party, with the hashtag the site, helping visitors to orientate
failure, and portable fire warning #WENTUPWORTHIT and to give a sense of arrival.
10 WENTWORTH WOODHOUSE ANNUAL REVIEW 2019Garden volunteer
numbers have
increased significantly
over this last year.
THE GARDENS This increase, coupled with input It is a significant variety, providing the
The Camellias in our collection have from Willow School who specialise parentage for thousands of modern
been the centre of attention this year in the education of children with hybrid tea roses.
following visits from the President learning difficulties and behaviour
of the International Camellia Society issues, has led to the development of a WENTWORTH
and the Garden truly diverse group. GARDEN CENTRE
Manager of Our thanks go to the Airey family of
Chiswick House, WENTWORTH Wentworth Garden Centre, who this
who, along with SCHOOL year opened up their own historic
a past curator This Spring saw the gardens to our tour groups, allowing
of the historic inception of “The the full story of the garden’s history
Chiswick camellia Edible Garden” a school to be told. The reunion means visitors
collection, vegetable growing can now pass freely into the site of the
discovered that group, from Wentworth Japanese Gardens and view the area
our collection is C of E Primary School. once dominated by the vast kitchen
of great historic The group visits garden. Working collaboratively
significance. every Friday to plant with our neighbours is key to our
One of the plants seeds and cultivate core values and the new partnership
“Alba Plena” a small area of the certainly enhances the visitor offer.
may possibly be garden; to date the Our garden features are now
the oldest plant harvest has included beautifully adorned with signage,
of this variety garden peas, radishes, giving the garden a more welcoming
in the western various salad crops feel for our visitors.
world, having first and new potatoes. An
being introduced enthusiastic group,
to England as they are eager to help
a variety from China in 1792. With and as space for growing crops is
assistance from the garden team at limited, they often turn their hand
Chiswick House propagation material to other garden chores including
will now be taken to their nursery clearing nettles and brambles. A new
and grown on for us ensuring we have generation of keen gardeners has
at least one duplicate collection. been born.
GARDEN VOLUNTEERS FITZWILLIAM ROSE
Garden volunteer numbers have In spring 2019 the Lady Mary
increased significantly over this Fitzwilliam rose, bred by renowned
last year with the original 10 now rosarian Henry Bennett and named in
increased to 31, giving an incredible 1882 for the daughter of the 6th Earl,
4010 hours of service in the garden. was reintroduced to the gardens.
WENTWORTH WOODHOUSE ANNUAL REVIEW 2019 11“This house has a magic of its own. Such an asset for the people of Rotherham to enjoy and learn about its history. I love to contribute to help bring it back and save it for future generations to continue its preservation.” Volunteer Feedback from quarterly meeting
opportunities
The impact of volunteers at Wentworth Woodhouse
is, like the house itself, huge. Not only do volunteers
support the WWPT with income generating functions
including the shop, weddings and events, they also act
as ambassadors for the Trust.
VOLUNTEERING
Anecdotal evidence suggests that volunteers gain
significant personal satisfaction and wellbeing - a
form of self-social prescribing - from being part of a
team of people with a common goal.
Incredibly the total financial
value of volunteer activity on
site over the year equates to
at least £340,115.
Between April 2018 and March 2019, 68 new
volunteers started giving their time to Wentworth
Woodhouse. This brings total volunteer
Volunteer Feedback from
numbers up to 183 – a 59% increase on the quarterly meetings:
previous year.
“It’s a wonderful place to be.
New volunteer roles including Visitor
Gives me an interest out of work.
Welcome, Rooftop Tour Guide, Specialist
All the people are very nice. You
Maintenance and Laser Machine Operator
feel appreciated.”
have been developed. The volunteers
have participated in training including “I know exactly what is
barista, customer service, fire expected of me. Everyone
extinguisher handling, and operating is helpful, informative and
the laser machine training. friendly. It is a beautiful setting
and a bit of an adventure
The volunteer tour guides and
watching everything unfold.”
backstops continued to provide
entertaining and informative “Huge thanks for organising last
tours of the house, bringing night! (quarterly meeting).
in vital income and great It was wonderful to sit in the sun
feedback via TripAdvisor. sharing food, drink and laughter
with my volunteer colleagues
In total the tours team
and the WWPT team - a really
contributed 3,050
special treat.”
volunteer hours.
“Every day is different –
different people different jobs
but we’re all working to make
the house great again! I feel as if
I am giving back.”
WENTWORTH WOODHOUSE ANNUAL REVIEW 2019 13Overall volunteers
contributed an incredible
22,332 hours to the
success of the Wentworth
Thanks to the commitment of volunteers Woodhouse Preservation
and the amazing work of the Trust, this
gorgeous house is being saved from
Trust during the year.
slipping into disrepair.”
“Went with two friends on the
snowdrop walk on 10th February in the ‘ARTWORKS’ VOLUNTEERS
morning. Our leader was a Joan who
‘Artworks’, a group of adults with learning difficulties
gave a fascinating tour of the private
visit the garden weekly and give their time as volunteers
gardens with lots of information about
- benefitting themselves and the wider garden. Artworks
the grounds and history. Her passion
have also created unique gift ideas inspired by the garden,
and love of the venue was evident”
which will form part of our retail offer. The well-established
“A great history and hopefully a Tuesday garden volunteer group ‘Welly Wangers’ appeared
wonderful future. Reg, our guide, in the press and continue to work wonders in the gardens.
was inspirational. All the volunteers, Their success had been built on and now a large group of
whatever their role, couldn’t have been Wednesday volunteers has been established with similar
more helpful.” successful results.
“The tour we took was informative
and well presented by Emma, one of The garden teams and
the dedicated army of volunteers that Artworks have contributed
are saving Wentworth for generations
to come.” 4,010 volunteer hours over
the course of the year.
The Housekeeper in conjunction with the Volunteer
Coordinator have continued to develop a small team
of volunteer housekeepers to concentrate on caring
for particular areas of the house so we can develop
‘cyclical’ cleaning to keep the public areas of the house
presentable. In total the housekeeping team contributed
860 hours this year.
The ‘reception’ role continues
to flourish and offers visitors a
warm welcome to Wentworth
Woodhouse. The Front of House
team contributed 1,873 hours.
Specialist volunteers bring their own set of skills to bear on
the house including Dave Johnson, a specialist in brass
work who has restored the Chapel chandelier and worked
specifically on historic door furniture. Brian Gleadhill who
worked on the house’s rain water goods and drains 50
years ago (and met his wife here) returns weekly to carry
out a similar role as a volunteer. His knowledge of the
house is invaluable and unique.
In total, maintenance
volunteers contributed
832 hours.
14 WENTWORTH WOODHOUSE ANNUAL REVIEW 20192,729 hours were given in
various volunteer roles including
archiving and research, laser
machine, office, meetings, training,
supervising the shoot, clearance,
surveying and corporate social
responsibility.
RESEARCH TEAM now open 6 days a week to tour visitors and the public
The research team meet on a monthly basis and were alike. Our Catering Manager now oversees a team of 15
tasked to fact and myth bust the current tours amongst full and part time staff, many of whom are from the local
other research specific topics. All research is digitised community.
and will soon be archived and themed. Most recently the With the unenviable task of keeping the house clean our
research team worked on auction catalogues to identify Housekeeping team has also grown with new 2 recruits
‘lost treasure’s’ that once formed part of the house’s joining the Head Housekeeper. They are supported by a
collection. This was then turned into a special tour that ran small but dedicated team of volunteers who ensure that
during the Antiques Fair. the house remains clean and tidy despite the growing
visitor numbers.
A WARM WELCOME
As activity at the site grows, so does the team. We now Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
have a total of 49 members of paid staff (equating to 23 More and more companies are showing support for our
full time equivalents) across a range of departments. Our work by participating in our CSR programme. Groups from
greatest area of expansion has been in the tour guide team the Environment Agency, Royal Bank of Scotland, and
with 17 part-time paid guides now delivering tours of the AMEY Engineering amongst many others have attended,
house and gardens with more currently being recruited. ensuring that significant areas of work are completed
Likewise, the catering function has expanded with the café across the site.
AMEY (ENGINEERING)
CSR DAY:
“It exceeded my expectations. All
staff were a credit to the trust,
maintaining our enthusiasm
and interest in Wentworth. I left
wanting to revisit and explore
more of the house.”
“The tasks that we were asked to
do were clearly explained and
also the reasoning behind them. It
was great that Scott remained with
us and did the task alongside us –
this has not always been the case
at other venues. Spending the time
with Scott made the day really
interesting as he has so much
knowledge about the history of the
house and also the future plans.”
WENTWORTH WOODHOUSE ANNUAL REVIEW 2019 15working
relationships
WWPT senior management and representatives of
the Fitzwilliam Wentworth Amenity Trust have
throughout the year met up to update on
project progress and to discuss any
relevant issues including the
management of major events.
The two organisations jointly commissioned a
detailed study to investigate options recommend
solutions to access and car parking challenges, and
entry and egress on site and adjacent areas. The report
is now in draft form and consultation with stakeholders
will begin shortly.
Making Connections
By courtesy of Sir Phillip and Lady Isabella Naylor-Leyland,
members of staff and volunteers were invited to visit Milton
Hall, the Fitzwilliam house near Peterborough earlier this year.
The group was welcomed by Mr William Craven (Assistant Agent)
and Mr David Halliwell (Butler) at the church in Marholm, where
many Fitzwilliam’s are buried, including Tom, the 10th and last Earl
Fitzwilliam. Then on to the house, which, like Wentworth, has two very
different sides and you are unable to see one side from the other.
In January this year the Trust was bequeathed the collection of the
late Mr Roy Young which included items relating to the family, house,
estate, school and church. We
are currently documenting the
collection, which will certainly be
of great value and use to us as we
develop the interpretation plan for the
site.
In June, we had a curatorial visit from
Gareth Hughes, Curator at Welbeck Abbey,
the home of the Dukes of Portland. Our own
team will be making a reciprocal visit this
year to learn and exchange knowledge.
Members of staff recently attended a
symposium at Dublin Castle on Thomas
Coolattin House
Wentworth, the first series of lectures to be held
on this fascinating and important man for over 20
years. The content proved very educational and
the team made new connections, including representatives from Coolattin (the Fitzwilliam
Irish Estate) who plan to visit Wentworth in August.
16 WENTWORTH WOODHOUSE ANNUAL REVIEW 2019The Trust was bequeathed the collection
of the late Mr Roy Young which included
items relating to the family, house, estate,
school and church.
King George V and Queen Mary visited Wentworth Woodhouse for four days, in the summer of 1912partnerships out. As part of the tendering process the companies
were asked to provide an outreach plan to engage young
people. The programme Durham submitted included
The partnership between the Wentworth Woodhouse engaging 30 secondary school students and one class
Preservation Trust and the National Trust (NT) continued of Year 6 primary school children. The secondary school
to flourish over the year with over 50% of our visitors students were chosen by the school; many were students
being NT members. Almost three quarters of the grant identified as either more-able or less engaged at school.
aid provided by NT over the year was used to create new The majority of the students were boys, chosen as part
posts and pay salaries. Today there are 9 employees at of one of the school’s initiatives to increase school
the site who are fully supported by the support we receive attendance. The project also provided an opportunity for
from the NT. a primary school to visit; Year 6 from Wentworth Primary
The input from NT has not just been limited to financial School attended bringing 16 students.
support. On-going expert advice from NT on digital
Creative Pathway
marketing; visitor experience approaches (most
Targeting those most in need, artists Becky Newbold
particularly in the context of the new roof top tours with
and Gemma Whelan have worked this year on the
which the Vine were extremely supportive); interpretation
development of a creative programme to support
and signage; and procurement has proved extremely
disadvantaged young people in the area. Initially they
valuable to WWPT and has helped to really facilitate
undertook a research and development phase before
knowledge exchange. This was highlighted during the
progressing with the delivery of tasters at Wentworth
partnership day held at Wentworth for National Trust
Woodhouse for a group of young carers in partnership
General Managers and regional staff.
with Barnardo’s young carers, a pupil referral unit and
WWPT is a key partner in the WE Great Place programme planning activity with the Youth Offending teams. Tasters
funded by the Arts Council England and the Heritage were focused on motivation and aspirations, personal
Lottery Fund. Working alongside Rotherham Metropolitan development and behaviour management.
Borough Council and Barnsley Metropolitan Borough
Council, Wentworth Woodhouse and Elsecar have been
developing a more cohesive approach to the visitor offer
in the two boroughs by way of events, education and arts reach new audiences
projects.
ENGAGING WITH THE COMMUNITIES
Artist in Residence Following on from the success of last year’s Man
Alun Kirby was appointed as the very first Wentworth Engine event, and with the support of the Without Walls
Woodhouse “Artist in Residence” and has been busy partnership, in July this year WE Great Place hosted the
researching Sheffield WE Wonder Festival on the West Front lawns. It proved to
Archives for records that be a tremendous success with over 2,000 attendees made
relate to the gardens at up mainly of local families.
Wentworth Woodhouse.
WE Great Place continued to pilot a one-day workshop
This content has formed targeted at secondary schools that covered heritage,
the foundations for arts and enterprise, where students became a business
creating a series of for the day and planned out a concept that would
installations across the attract young people to Wentworth Woodhouse. The first
gardens which were cohort was made up of five sessions, delivered with 430
showcased at the WE students from Horizon and Wickersley. Seven sessions
Wonder Festival at the were delivered in the second cohort, with 430 students
Ice House, Punchbowl, from Barnsley and Rotherham Secondary Schools.
Ionic Temple and the The sessions were very well received by the students,
Camellia House. Alun also teachers and staff at Wentworth. The day was designed
welcomed the Creative to contribute to Ofsted outcomes, career plans and the
Pathways project to Gatsby benchmark.
Wentworth and conducted
During these Heritage Enterprise Days the young
workshops with them.
participants engaged with Wentworth Woodhouse and
Geophysics in the Garden the story of the Fitzwilliams. The day sessions included a
As part of the work to reinstate some of the hidden and creativity session with Rotherham based professional artist
lost features in the Wentworth Woodhouse gardens, a James Brunt, social innovation competencies workshop
geophysical survey was undertaken on the area known with a local business person and a marketing workshop
as the sunken garden. Archaeological Services Durham with an expert from the private sector. The day culminated
University were contracted to carry out work. In all two with student teams presenting to each other and scoring
days were spent undertaking the survey; a resistivity based on peer review. Learning from this activity is
survey and a magnetometer survey were both carried contributing to a European funded project, Nemesis.
18 WENTWORTH WOODHOUSE ANNUAL REVIEW 2019professionalism performance and to explore ways of developing our
business. Ideas from the team are always very welcome.
Our partnerships with other organisations allow us to
Our ever growing team remain committed to providing exchange knowledge and ideas with others who have faced
the highest level of customer service. Staff, both paid similar challenges. We endeavour to deal with mistakes
and volunteer, attended various training courses across and complaints effectively, learning from them and
the year as we endeavoured to deliver opportunities for improving as we grow.
professional development for our employees. Quarterly staff and volunteer meetings have continued in
Staff meetings take place every Friday morning and staff the house and gardens, some social gatherings and others
are encouraged to speak honestly and openly about information exchange sessions.
care for the environment
National Citizens Scheme
In July 2018 two groups of young people from Rotherham joined
us for a week as part of the National Citizenship Scheme. Each
group was given a garden challenge; the first to reinstate the
rose garden in the very overgrown and run down walled garden,
the second to carry out an excavation of the Victorian sunken
garden. It was very hard physical work and a challenge many
thought could not be overcome with groups so young and
inexperienced. By the end of the week, and much to everyone’s
delight, both teams had successfully completed their challenge
and both gardens looked stunning. Victorian sunken garden before
Out thanks goes to all involved and we look forward to
welcoming groups from NCS again later this year.
Victorian sunken garden after
Rose garden before Rose garden after
WENTWORTH WOODHOUSE ANNUAL REVIEW 2019 19Volunteer Feedback from quarterly meeting From traditional small family gatherings to large, extravagant weddings, our dedicated team of staff and volunteers ensure that every aspect of the day is run smoothly and with dedication.
entrepreneurial
spirit
We rely heavily on the commercial arm of our business, which
includes catering, retail and our very popular wedding offer.
These all provide much needed revenue for the site and the
extensive regeneration project currently being undertaken.
RETAIL
Our first retail area opened in 2018 and provided a
great deal of learning in terms of the product mix but
It quickly outgrew itself and in 2019 was moved to a
much larger space. The theme for the year, in line with
the new tours, has been “The Year of the Garden” and
the products and displays reflect this. New ranges
have been added including bespoke beer and gins,
soaps, candles, throws and various garden gifts. The
retail offer will complement visitor programming and
the release of any film and tv programmes filmed on
site. A small range of rooftop merchandise has also
been purchased.
WEDDINGS
The house hosted 8 weddings in the year, with a
variety of themes and styles.
Over a hundred wedding guests flew in from
America to attend one wedding and were in awe
of the house, spreading the word when they
returned home. The largest wedding hosted
320 guests, with dining spread over four
state rooms. A total of over 1700 guests
attended weddings at Wentworth over the
last twelve months.
From traditional small family gatherings
to large, extravagant weddings,
our dedicated team of staff and
volunteers ensure that every aspect
of the day is run smoothly and with
dedication. The house facilitates
a wedding show round weekend
every month to accommodate
the number of enquiries we
are now receiving on a daily
basis.
WENTWORTH WOODHOUSE ANNUAL REVIEW 2019 21EVENTS 2019 and others including Renishaw Hall, Rotherham in his grotto. Over 5000
Chatsworth House, and an exploration visitors attended the market with 250
It was a busy year for the events
of “Technology in the Country House”. attending the choral concert.
department as we explored new ideas
In all over 800 guests attended the
for events with a view to attracting RE-ENACTMENT SOCIETY
lectures. Our thanks go to all of the
new audiences to the site from the The Sealed Knot is the oldest re-
speakers involved in the lecture series .
surrounding communities, as well as enactment society in the UK, a
visitors from further afield. The events sponsored walk registered educational charity, and the
programme has been developed to In September 2018 one of our single biggest re-enactment society in
encompass the core values of the site dedicated volunteers Liz Davis helped Europe. In May 2019 we hosted our first
whilst also trying to understand the to plan and deliver a sponsored re-enactment on the West Front lawns.
needs of our visitors. We aim to be walk which raised over £1400 for The Civil War themed re-enactment was
inclusive for all and to be imaginative Wentworth Woodhouse. More than 30 relevant as Wentworth Woodhouse was
in our approach to programming. people participated and Liz was aided once the home of Charles I’s advisor
Chapterhouse Theatre Company – The Secret Garden The Sealed Knot re-enactment society
In June 2018 and again in July 2019 we by several other dedicated house and friend Thomas Wentworth, 1st
hosted four separate performances of volunteers who ensured the safety of Earl of Strafford, whose execution at
outdoor theatre, with the Lincolnshire those on the walk. The Trust would the behest of Parliament was a major
based Chapterhouse Theatre Company; like to extend its thanks to Liz and her factor in the build up to the outbreak
in 2018 A Midsummers Night’s Dream, fellow walkers. of the Civil War. Although this could be
Sherlock Holmes and the Hound of the perceived as a special interest event, it
Baskervilles, Sense & Sensibility and in ANTIQUES FAIR attracted many local families who came
2019 keeping with our annual theme of In November 2018 and again in June to site to relax in the gardens whilst also
gardens – The Secret Garden. 2019 we were pleased to welcome the learning and engaging with the history
team from Galloway Antiques Fairs. right on their doorstep.
outdoor cinema evenings
Galloway Antiques hosted a variety
In August 2018 Wentworth In June 2019 Wentworth
of traders who deal in fine arts and
Woodhouse hosted its first outdoor Woodhouse was pleased
stunning jewellery. The house was
cinema evenings, opening to a sell-out to host classically-
transformed for both events, with
crowd of 1500 attendees. The Oscar renowned pianist and
winning “The Greatest Showman” accessibility for all as the stall were all
conductor Janusz Piotrowicz,
opened in a spectacular way as the presented the lower floors of the house.
founder of L’Orchestre du
sun set on our beautiful west façade Over 1500 people attended each event
Monde, for two mesmerising
the rock choir performed their own which will become a regular feature in
recitals featuring the works of
wonderful modern musical melodies. our annual events programme going
Chopin and hosted in our stunning
The second evening we hosted “Dirty forward.
Whistlejacket Room. Janusz has
Dancing” which proved to be another Our festive offer for 2018 included toured the world as a pianist, even
high selling evening. an annual choral concert which playing for the Pope at age 5 and
The annual lecture series began was delivered from the Thurnscoe has conducted The Hallé, Royal
in 2018, our first series “Historic Male Voice Choir and a three-day Liverpool Philharmonic, The Royal
Houses” welcomed a number of Christmas market. The Christmas Philharmonic, London Mozart Players
notable speakers. Lectures included market featured wooden cabins and and Royal Northern Sinfonia. We are
the Clifford Newbold Memorial a festive tepee. Santa even popped very grateful to Janusz for his support
Lecture on Wentworth Woodhouse, by to meet with the children of of Wentworth Woodhouse.
22 WENTWORTH WOODHOUSE ANNUAL REVIEW 2019WE WONDER FESTIVAL have worked with the Wentworth HAUNTED HAPPENINGS
The WE Wonder Festival held in July Woodhouse team, and on each The Haunted Happenings team were
2019 provided a safe and engaging occasion they have delivered an on site again throughout both 2018
space for families whilst also making outstanding evening whilst also and 2019 coming to site once a month
good use of the West Front gardens. helping to fundraise for the house. in search for paranormal activity.
WE Wonder was created to engage Our thanks goes to them. We have welcomed just under 1000
families, children and even adults’ people since 2018 on these events.
minds into the world of the strange WENTORTH MUSIC FESTIVAL
and unknown. Focusing on recycling The Wentworth Music festival is now Wentworth Woodhouse has always
and the fate of our planet WE Wonder in its 3rd year. The event, which is attracted film crews, frequenting the
attracted over 2000 visitors. The hosted by third-party organisers Toby house and grounds and transforming
event included a mixture of land Foster and Steve White, attracted an each space with their own unique set
artists, portrait artists, performers, audience of almost 4000 people. The designs. We have had the honour to
bush crafters and a cast of magical festival is a family day out, aimed at all host BBC’s Gentleman Jack, ITV’s
volunteers from Grimm & Co; this age groups. This year we welcomed Victoria, and Universal’s new Downton
one-day event aimed to get people to some excellent artists including Dr & Abbey feature film which portrays the
unplug from technology and re-engage the Medics, Tony Hadley and Republica, visit of George V and Queen Mary to
with the environment around them. we also welcomed back Soul Sensation Wentworth Woodhouse. Our thanks
The provision of a Mobiloo and adult and a mix of local and up and coming go to all of the volunteers who help to
changing facility helped several families artist. All acts were well received and steward these filming sets, the hours for
enjoy the day and to feel welcome. WE the event itself was very well executed which can sometimes be very long and
Wonder will return in the winter with WE with the full support of Rotherham late into the night.
WONDER NOIR. Metropolitan Borough Council, the
emergency services and local village
On a beautiful summer evening in groups. The music festival included
July 2019 the Rotherham Symphony a new offering of a quiet space for
Orchestra delivered a stunning anyone who needed a break from the
gardens themed chamber concert hustle and bustle of the main
with special guest Soprano, Charlotte event.
Kenny. The RSO was initially created
to give the town a professional
standard orchestra to showcase the The WE Wonder Festival held in July
vast musical talent in Rotherham. 2019 provided a safe and engaging space
This was the second year RSO for families whilst also making good use
of the West Front gardens.During the period
from April 2018
to March 2019 the
Trust attracted
£4,288,473 through
fundraising
activities.fundraising
Fundraising is key to everything we do and over the
course of the year a number of activities took place and
funding bids were submitted in order to progress the
development of the site.
The “Make your Mark in History” campaign has
continued to attract messages of love, remembrance and
celebration from our visitors who have donated funds in
order to have their special message engraved on to a
new roof slate. The Trust purchased its own laser printing
machine and a group of dedicated volunteers trained to
become operators this year. All slates are now engraved
in-house. To date (August 2019) 726 slates have been
engraved and £45,291 raised. The campaign will now run
until October 2019 when it will close as the slates will be
placed on the roof.
FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE
Our fundraising committee is now well attended and a
number of new initiatives are underway. New collection
boxes have been distributed across the local area to
complement the big collection dome in the Pillared Hall. The roof top Ding Dong Donation
Station has also proved popular.
During the period from April 2018 to March 2019 the Trust attracted £4,288,473 through
fundraising activities of which £4,076,518 was restricted.
Funding Applications Made during the year
Pilgrim Trust (Camellia House) £20,000 Grant awarded
AHF (Camellia House) £17,500 Grant awarded
Fitzwilliam Amenity Trust (Camellia House) £25,000 Grant awarded
Ian Addison Charitable Trust (Camellia House) £21,000 Grant awarded
Historic England (Camellia House) £30,000 Grant awarded
Historic England (Stables) £30,000 Grant awarded
Garfield Weston Foundation (Camellia House) £150,000 Grant awarded
AHF (Stables) £ 20,000 Grant awarded
Great Places Access and Parking £10,000 Grant awarded
Great Places Activity Planning £2,000 Grant awarded
National Lottery Heritage Fund
Development of Camellia House and Stables £1,507,400 Grant awarded
Delivery of Camellia House £3,386,300 Application submitted
Ecclesiastical (Camellia House activities only) £50,000 Application submitted
Sylvia Waddilove Foundation (Camellia House) £30,000 Application submitted
Total Value of applications awarded / awaiting outcome
£5,287,200
over the year
WENTWORTH WOODHOUSE ANNUAL REVIEW 2019 25finance
Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust - Consolidated Statement of Financial Activities
(Incorporating an Income and Expenditure Account) Period ended 31 March 2019
Unrestricted Restricted Endowment Total funds Total funds
Funds Funds Funds 2019 2018
£ £ £ £ £
Income and endowments from:
Donations & legacies 211,955 4,076,518 - 4,288,473 8,871,856
Charitable activities 152,258 - - 152,258 303,421
Other trading activities 400,541 - - 400,541 179,936
Investments 2,634 - - 2,634 2
TOTAL INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS 767,388 4,076,518 - 4,843,906 9,355,215
Expenditure on:
Raising funds 271,912 3,087 - 274,999 763,204
Charitable activities 597,492 1,951,907 - 2,549,399 481,407
TOTAL EXPENDITURE 869,404 1,954,994 - 2,824,398 1,244,611
Net income / (expenditure) before
transfers (102,016) 2,121,524 - 2,019,508 8,110,604
Transfer between funds 33,497 (48,997) 15,500 - -
Net income / (expenditure) before
other recognised gains and losses (68,519) 2,072,527 15,500 2,019,508 8,110,604
Net movement in funds (68,519) 2,072,527 15,500 2,019,508 8,110,604
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward 364,161 811,151 7,253,683 8,428,995 318,391
Total funds carried forward 295,642 2,883,678 7,269,183 10,448,503 8,428,995
Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust - Balance Sheet
As at 31 March 2019
GROUP CHARITY
2019 2018 2019 2018
£ £ £ £
Fixed Assets
Tangible assets 89,104 47,224 85,454 46,216
Heritage assets 7,269,183 7,253,683 7,269,183 7,253,683
7,358,287 7,300,907 7,354,637 7,299,899
Current assets
Stocks 44,191 5,880 316 968
Debtors 96,961 91,318 134,021 84,788
Cash at bank and in hand 3,413,940 1,220,716 3,329,795 1,219,709
3,555,092 1,317,914 3,464,132 1,305,465
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year (464,876) (189,826) (433,905) (208,934)
Net current assets 3,090,216 1,128,088 3,030,227 1,096,531
Net assets 10,448,503 8,428,995 10,384,864 8,396,430
Charity Funds
Endowment funds 7,269,183 7,253,683 7,269,183 7,253,683
Restricted funds 2,883,678 811,151 2,883,678 811,151
Unrestricted funds 295,642 364,161 232,003 331,596
TOTAL FUNDS 10,448,503 8,428,995 10,384,864 8,396,430
The company’s financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small
companies’ regime. The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue on 17 September 2019 and signed on their behalf by:
Dame Julie Ann Kenny DBE DL Chair, Trustee. Company Registration Number 08809187
BHP LLP Chartered Accountants Statutory Auditor, 21 September, 2019, 2 Rutland Park, Sheffield S10 2PD
The above is a summary of the consolidated statement of financial activities and balance sheet which is consistent with the audited accounts of
the Trust. The audit report on these accounts is unqualified.
26 WENTWORTH WOODHOUSE ANNUAL REVIEW 2019thanks Working at Wentworth Woodhouse is not easy, the expectations on the team are great. Everybody works beyond the call of duty, often outside of their comfort zone, trying to go that extra mile to make the project a success. It is true to say, we laugh, we cry and we all at times I am sure, feel somewhat overwhelmed with the enormity of the challenge. But we are a team, both paid staff and volunteers and I know that we all love coming into work. We all see this as our own personal challenge and we all take great pride in the work we do. This report only highlights what fantastic things can be achieved when people pull together, dig deep and give it 100%. Here’s to a great year – may there be many more to come! S ARAH MCLEOD C H I E F E X E C U T I V E O F W E N T WO R T H WO O D H O U S E P R E S E R VAT I O N T R U S T F O R F U R T H E R I N F O R M AT I O N E M A I L : sarah@wentworthwoodhouse.org.uk
PATRONS
lady juliet tadgell
marcus binney
CBE
Trustees
DAME JULIE A KENNY
(CHAIR) DBE DL
THE DUKE OF DEVONSHIRE
KCVO CBE DL
sir philip naylor-leyland
Bt
james berry
JOHN CALDWELL
simon alexander carr
timothy cooke
OBE
W E N T W O R T H W O O D H O U S E P R E S E R VAT I O N T R U S T
We n t w o r t h Wo o d h o u s e We n t w o r t h Rotherham S62 7TQ
Rachel Cowper Tel: 01226 351161 Email: info@wentworthwoodhouse.org.uk
TO KEEP UP TO DATE FOLLOW US:
@Wentworth_House wentworth.woodhouse.10 wentworth_woodhouse
Charity Number 01155374 © Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust 2019
MARTIN DRURY
CBE
Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust wish to thank the following
organisations for helping us this year
KEITH RONALD KNIGHT
JOHN MERLIN WATERSON
CBEYou can also read
