The 30 pupils, from Maltby Manor, Maltby Redwood, Maltby Lilly hall and Ravensfield Primary Schools, took part in activity and learning sessions with the Preservation Trust’s team led by Skills Development and Learning Officer, Jen Wall.
Then it was off to the Grade I listed mansion’s State Corridor, now transformed into a snowy tundra, to discover verses from the famous Georgian Christmas poem unfolding in beautifully decorated scenes throughout the magnificent State Rooms.
The famous Marble Saloon, seen in a host of movies and TV productions, from Downton Abbey to The Crown, has been transformed into a moonlit forest, where Father Christmas’s sleigh is waiting. The young visitors climbed aboard for selfies.
The students’ visit was arranged by the Better Learners Betters Workers Primary Programme, which is founded and run by The Cutlers Company and Sheffield City Council to raise aspirations, broaden horizons and challenge stereotypes in the world of work.
Maltby Learning Trust’s students joined the year-long programme to develop their communication, confidence and teamwork skills, and their understanding of career opportunities when they leave school.
“The day was a big success. Most of the children had not heard of Wentworth Woodhouse before. They were fascinated by it and all of them want to come back and find out more about this amazing piece of their town’s history,” said Sarah Ward, programme manager.
‘Twas The Night Before Christmas is Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust’s second ‘home-spun’ festive spectacular. Once again, staff and an army of volunteers have pooled their creativity and skills to design the entire event and hand-make scenery and props.
The event runs until December 29 (excluding Mondays and statutory holidays), along with a spectacular Light Trail, which has transformed a new, fully-accessible route through the West Front gardens into a magical display of twinkling lights.
For days and times for both events, go to: https://wentworthwoodhouse.org.uk/whats-on/twas-the-night-before-christmas/
