UNWANTED JEWELLERY WANTED TO HELP RESTORE THE CONSERVATORY

Please help the Conservatory sparkle again...

The Friends of Wentworth Castle Gardens in Barnsley are appealing to members of the public to bring along and donate unwanted gold, silver or platinum jewellery at Wentworth Castle Gardens on Saturday 13th March, 10.30-4pm. The jewellery will be sold and all funds raised will go towards the appeal to restore the Victorian Conservatory.

The full restoration of the Conservatory will cost £3,735,593, and of that approximately £1m is now required in matched funding to allow the Trust to apply for further Heritage Lottery funding of £2,499,000, which would complete the fundraising appeal.

The Victorian Conservatory was built in 1877 for Frederick William Thomas Vernon-Wentworth, and was one of the glories of the garden in its heyday. Tucked away in such a sheltered spot, this once-picturesque glasshouse, all sparkling in electric light, must have taken the breath away!

Mike Mallinson, Chairman of the Friends, said: "We are all keen to see the Conservatory restored - it's a wonderful building, but is increasingly looking out of place, as much of the garden where it now stands has already been restored. Local folk have always been very supportive of the project at here at Wentworth, and we hope that they will also back our latest jewellery fundraising venture."

Wentworth Castle Trust, Heritage Director, Vicky Martin, said: "Although very fragile in its present state, it is still possible to imagine the Conservatory in its full glittering splendour, when it was filled with rich colours, scent and an abundance of plants, exotic fruits and climbers! Thanks to the hard work of the Friends and our many supporters, hopefully it will not be too long before visitors can enjoy the Conservatory once again."

The event will be run in conjunction with local jeweller, Richard Share. If supporters are unable to donate items on the 13th March, they can call in and leave items with staff at Wentworth Castle Gardens or Richard Share.

For more information about donating jewellery, or to make a donation towards the appeal, please call 01226 776040.