The Master Cutlers Challenge is to support inclusivity and diversity by providing a number of targeted programmes including educational and entrepreneurial projects, community engagement, well being programmes and cultural experiences for those in the community that are often not presented with the same opportunities as us including people with disabilities, low income households and the socially and economically disadvantaged and ethnic groups.

This year the Master Cutler, Julie Kenny, has chosen the Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust.

The challenge will launch on 2nd March 2023 at the Master Cutlers Hall and will run until the end of September 2023, giving AESSEAL six whole months to raise as much money as possible.

AESSEAL 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 Skys 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 Rotherhams Yemini community and young people from Rotherhams 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 Commissions 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.

Thank you for your support!