The Big House has a big ask for local hero fundraisers …
The Big House Heroes campaign is the latest major fundraising bid to be launched by the charity regenerating Grade I listed building Wentworth Woodhouse – known affectionately by Rotherham folk as ‘The Big House’ - with Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust searching for 100 fundraisers to raise £1,000 each by November.
Heroes can choose any type of fundraising mission, from staging events to undertaking a physical challenge, and community groups and businesses can also sign up to raise money together.
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Hide AdAmong those already involved is Darfield-based hat designer Sherry Richardson, who will be passing on her skills at a Wentworth Woodhouse workshop in June where attendees will learn how to make their own fascinators.
Rotherham PR consultant Jo Davison will don her pinny to cook three-course Yorkshire Sunday lunch parties in people’s homes, while Pam Goodison, a glass artist from Stocksbridge, will be running workshops at the mansion in July and October.
Meanwhile, Todwick’s bridal and prom specialist House of Rose Bespoke is planning a fashion show in the Marble Saloon in September.
The £100,000 raised will be used for much-needed essentials, from a £400 museum-standard vacuum cleaner for the housekeeping team to new wheelbarrows for the gardeners, as well as daily running costs – each day, £200 is needed just to keep the building's lights on.
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Hide AdIt will also boost funds for educational projects, community activities and wellbeing programmes for local people.
The trust’s fundraising manager Carole Foster said: “Everyone who raises money for us or makes a donation, no matter how small, is so important to us.
“But as everything about Wentworth Woodhouse is on a huge scale, we’ve come up with a big new challenge to boost our funds.
“By joining our Big House Heroes, people will be helping to regenerate Wentworth Woodhouse as a cultural centre with community at its heart.”
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Hide AdShe added: “Wentworth Woodhouse belongs to us all – come and play your part in its success.”
Everyone who hits their £1,000 target will be invited to a celebration event at the mansion.
Register at www.wentworthwoodhouse.org.uk/big-house-heroes/.