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WHITWORTH HISTORY

Whitworth History

Our building and park are steeped in Victorian industrial history. Lady Louisa Whitworth, wife of the industrialist Sir Joseph Whitworth, had a vision of creating a place where people could meet for leisure, recreational and educational purposes. The Whitworth is unique in that it is the only surviving Whitworth foundation that continues to operate under the terms of its original endowment.

Click on the portraits to learn more about our founders.

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Lady Louisa Whitworth.jpg
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c.1898

View from cricket ground up towards Whitworth Institute

WHITWORTH TODAY

Today The Whitworth operates as a venue for a wide variety of events, all of which help to support the upkeep of the building and extensive park land. The Whitworth is a Charitable Trust dependent on the support of local people.  Every penny that comes from the sale of an ice cream in the cafe, or a donation made to us, is reinvested in the building and park. 

Whitworth Today

What we do

Reduce social isolation and loneliness in our community

Create stronger, rewarding relationships in families and local groups

Help people make greener choices and improve the environment

Enhance physical, social and mental well-being of local people

Management Team

Meet the Team

Paul Taylor

General Manager

Claire Roberts

Finance Officer

Kim Launert

Events, Sales & Marketing Manager

Tony Bates

Lead Venue Operative

Jayne Wynne

Chef Manager

The Whitworth is also supported by a dedicated, wider team who work incredibly hard behind the scenes to ensure The Whitworth is open 365 days a year. 

Our Board of Trustees

As a registered charity The Whitworth operates under the guidance of a Board of Trustees. Our Trustees all hold a variety of  skills across a wide range of areas which assist The Whitworth Team in the long-term management of the park and building. 

Our Board of Trustees
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Alan Long

Chair of the Trust

Finance (Chair)

Personnel

Buildings, Safety and Environment

Park Experience and Engagement

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Andy Sullivan

Vice-Chair of the Trust

Personnel (Chair)

Buildings, Safety and Environment

Finance

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Jonathan Riley

Finance

Park, Experience and Engagement

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Simon Gill

Buildings, Safety and Environment (Chair)

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Carolyn Curtis

Personnel

Park Experience and Engagement

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Andy Murdy

Buildings, Safety and Environment

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Dave Oakley

Park Experience and Engagement

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Duncan Taylor

Buildings, Safety and Environment

Personnel

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Jason Farmer

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Sarah Halliwell

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Sean 
Taylor

Buildings, Safety and Environment

Park, Experience & Engagement

Join Our Team

At the moment, we don't have any vacancies. Please check here again soon as we update our website regularly. 

Join Our Team
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