Jewellery appeal to restoreVictorian glasshouse gem

UNWANTED gold, silver or platinum jewellery is needed by the Friends of Wentworth Castle Gardens in Barnsley, who are trying to raise money for the restoration of the estate’s derelict Victorian glasshouse.

Members of the public are being asked to take the jewellery on Saturday, March 13 between 10.30am and 4pm to an event at Wentworth which is being run with jeweller, Richard Share.

Wentworth Castle Trust’s 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 full restoration of the glasshouse is estimated to cost more than 3.7m. Of that, 1m is still required in match funding, which would enable Wentworth Castle Trust to apply for further Heritage Lottery funding of 2.5m.

Built in 1877 for Frederick William Thomas Vernon-Wentworth, the Victorian conservatory was one of the glories of the garden in its heyday. Now, however, it is in very poor condition.

Mike Mallinson, chairman of the Friends of Wentworth Castle, 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.”

For more information call 01226 776040.