HEART OF THE PARK
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.
The Whitworth is delighted to announce that it has been successful in receiving funding for its 1-million-pound heritage project ‘Heart of the Park.’ The funding, from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, will make a significant difference to The Whitworth, it’s heritage and the wider Derbyshire Dales community.
The project will reinvigorate the heritage of The Whitworth, including:
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Reinstating the original Victorian terrace, providing better access onto it and to the iconic views over the park and onto the Peak District
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Create opportunity through our heritage with activity programmes, volunteering schemes, interactive activity, and interpretation.
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Improve and increase the biodiversity of the parkland.
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Engage in planting for the future and conserving our wonderful original heritage features.
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To create a heritage hub
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To create a more welcoming environment through opening up the building, improving access to our heritage and creating a more welcoming space,
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Further reduce our carbon footprint through energy saving innovation.
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Improve vehicular access to the venue.
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Creating employment opportunities
The funding, initially for the development stage of the project, will future proof The Whitworth and its heritage for the generations of tomorrow.
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Alan Long, Chair of The Whitworth said: “We thank The National Lottery Heritage Fund and National Lottery players for their support. This funding will make a real difference to The Whitworth, the people of Derbyshire Dales and the environment. We are really excited about making this happen and working with local people over the next few years. There will be lots of opportunity for people to get involved in the project to ultimately continue the work of Sir Joseph and Lady Louisa Whitworth.”
Robyn Llewellyn, Director, England, Midlands & East at The National Lottery Heritage Fund said: “Investing in heritage means investing in the community it belongs to, which is why we are proud to support The Whitworth and 'Heart of the Park', thanks to National Lottery players.”
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.
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
Paul Taylor
General Manager
Kate Hurford
Finance Manager
Jennie Sim
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.
Alan Long
Chair of the Trust
Finance (Chair)
Personnel
Buildings, Safety and Environment
Park Experience and Engagement
Andy Sullivan
Vice-Chair of the Trust
Personnel (Chair)
Buildings, Safety and Environment
Finance
Jonathan Riley
Finance
Park, Experience and Engagement
Simon Gill
Buildings, Safety and Environment (Chair)
Carolyn Curtis
Personnel
Park Experience and Engagement
Andy Murdy
Buildings, Safety and Environment
Dave Oakley
Park Experience and Engagement
Duncan Taylor
Buildings, Safety and Environment
Personnel
Jason Farmer
Sarah Halliwell
Sean
Taylor
Buildings, Safety and Environment
Park, Experience & Engagement
