Wentworth Woodhouse Volunteers Restore Historic Windows, Saving £20,000 for Preservation Trust

As National Volunteers Week approaches, an inspiring story from Wentworth Woodhouse highlights the incredible impact volunteers can have on local heritage projects. A group of just six volunteers has helped save the Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust an impressive £20,000 by restoring ten original Georgian windows in the Stables Block of this historic Rotherham mansion.

Volunteer Efforts

The volunteers, who all have a variety of skills and backgrounds, stepped up to tackle the restoration of Georgian sash windows that have stood the test of time for over 250 years. These windows are a crucial part of the Stables Block, which was once the largest and grandest of its kind when it was completed in 1783. The restoration of the Stables complex is part of a larger £35 million project aimed at bringing the mansion back to its former glory.

Despite being in relatively good condition, some of the windows were found to be badly rotten and in need of repair. The Preservation Trust had hoped to restore these windows but faced financial constraints. That's when the volunteers offered to lend a hand, agreeing to strip away layers of paint and grime so that a skilled joiner could perform necessary repairs.

Who Are the Volunteers?

The dedicated group includes:

• Steve Woodhouse

• Mark Dyson

• Martin Brook

• Paul Pharro

• Martin Wainwright

• James Clarke

These volunteers come from various professional backgrounds, including a former miner, a car mechanic, a heating engineer, and even a retired GP. Their diverse experiences contribute to a wealth of knowledge and skills that they bring to the project.

A Hands-On Approach

The restoration work began in September 2023, with the volunteers working closely alongside a heritage joiner from Sheffield. The joiner removed the windows so they could be worked on in a comfortable indoor workshop. This collaboration allowed the volunteers to learn valuable skills while helping preserve the mansion's history.

The joiner sourced suitable seasoned oak from local sawmills to replace any rotten wood, and after assessing each window, he cut out damaged sections and spliced in new materials. The volunteers then sanded, primed, and painted the frames to ensure they match the original style.

Results of Their Hard Work

So far, five of the restored windows have been re-installed, with the remaining five expected to be completed and fitted back into place by July. The volunteers have also taken on the responsibility of fitting sash cords and weights to ensure the windows function properly. Their commitment and dedication have not only saved the Trust £20,000 but will likely lead to further savings in future projects.

Community Impact

George Gomery-Emerton, the maintenance manager at Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust, praised the volunteers for their hard work and commitment. He noted, “Our volunteers showed huge dedication. They set up a WhatsApp group to organise a roster and prioritise tasks. Each man worked around three days a week, entirely unpaid, through some pretty foul weather outdoors and some very low temperatures in the workshop.”

This project represents a significant step towards preserving the heritage of Wentworth Woodhouse while also engaging the local community. The Trust aims to enable more maintenance work to be carried out in-house, which not only saves money but also provides valuable training opportunities for the volunteers.

Funding for Restoration

The restoration of the Stables is part of a broader initiative supported by £4.61 million from the Government's £20 million Levelling Up investment in Rotherham. This funding aims to enhance local leisure and economic development. Additionally, Historic England has contributed £500,000, bringing the total investment in this project to £5.11 million.

As National Volunteers Week draws near, the story of the Wentworth Woodhouse volunteers serves as a reminder of the power of community involvement and the impact that dedicated individuals can have on preserving local history. Their efforts not only save money but also help build skills and foster a sense of pride in the community.