Each year, the Master Cutler in Hallamshire chooses a charity to support through the 'Master Cutler's Challenge'. This year, Dame Julie Kenny DBE DL has chosen a charity very close to her heart - Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust.

This years Master Cutler's Challenge will be very different to any challenge before. In almost 400 years, Dame Julie is only the second woman to become the Master Cutler. To reflect this, the theme for this years Master Cutler's Challenge is inclusivity and diversity.

The challenge was launched on 2nd March 2023 at the Cutler's Hall in Sheffield and will run until the end of September 2023, giving participating organisations 6 whole months to raise as much money as possible. The Master Cutler presented participants with a cheque for £50 towards seed funding for thier fundraising activities. Although the launch has passed it is never too late to join the challenge! each organisation has the freedom to organise any fundraising challenge they desire. It could be a bake sale or a sponsored walk or even a gaming marathon or all of them. Whatever event chosen, the Master Cutler and Wentworth Woodhouse will support you along your journey.

The Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust is committed to raising significant sums to support its ambitious programme of development over the coming decade and campaigns and fundraising are key areas to enable its expansion. The money raised is to be used towards a number of targeted programmes at Wentworth Woodhouse including educational projects, community engagement activities, wellbeing programmes and cultural experiences. This goal will be focussed on groups who are often not presented with the same opportunities as others, including people with disabilities, low income households, the socially and economically disadvantaged and ethnic groups.

Wentworth Woodhouse programmes:

The Sky's the Limit Encourages young women and girls to consider jobs once dominated by men including construction and engineering.

10,000 members of the community took part in The Flock, a community land art project at Wentworth Woodhouse that ran throughout the first pandemic lockdown.

35,000 people accessed the grounds of Wentworth for wellbeing and exercise during the pandemic.

Community projects including Art in Chapel with Pakistani Women's Artist Consortium.

7,500 children and young people have benefited from learning and education activities. Children from Rotherham's Yemini community and young people from Rotherham's African community were encouraged to participate in WE Wonder Festival, presenting a series of traditional dance routine.

Local members of Headway, the charity improving life after brain injury, and the Rotherham Wildlife Trust have also benefited by having free access to gardens for activities.

Art Commission - including curation with ArtWorks South Yorkshire (adults with learning disabilities and autism)

The Trust has also created over 80 new paid jobs in just five years and has over 200 active volunteers.

Taking part in a fundraising challenge is a great way to get to know your colleagues, strengthen your team and have fun together. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact MasterCutler@wentworthwoodhouse.org.uk.