Dame Julie Kenny: Saving Wentworth Woodhouse and an Astonishing Career in Business and Public Service

Some people said it just couldn't be done.Wentworth Woodhouse, one of the UK's finest Georgian stately homes had fallen into such a state of disrepair many folk thought it would be impossible to restore.But "nothing's impossible" says Julie Kenny. The house, originally built between 1725 and 1750 and once grander than Chatsworth is undergoing a remarkable restoration set to bring it back to its former glory.It's going to be a catalyst for change for Rotherham and a cherished asset for everyone. Dame Julie Kenny CBE DL, Chair of Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust, is one of hundreds of unpaid volunteers whose determination to save one of the most impressive historic buildings in England is making the dream of saving Wentworth Woodhouse a reality.And Julie's personal story is as remarkable as that of Wentworth Woodhouse as you'll hear in this episode.In this episode, Julie Kenny covers the work done to date to save Wentworth Woodhouse, her own fascinating career history involving business success and public service. It's a treat!Timings0 - 1:50 introduction.3:36 Julie Kenny, the Dame of Wentworth Woodhouse, explains the state the building was in and how the Trust secured funding to buy the asset (which was really more of a liability) and to start the restoration work.9:30 The house is a beautiful gem and hundreds of volunteers are getting involved to support repairs. A programme of capital works is already underway.14:00 The Wentworth Woodhouse Wishlist covers all sorts of things needed to support the house's restoration, from tiny to enormous. Individuals, organisations and businesses can help!16:40 Julie has described rescuing the house as one of the hardest and most inspiring challenges in her life. And what a life. Julie tells us about leaving Sheffield at the age of 18 with £45 in her purse and vowing never to come back.19:30 Julie qualified as a lawyer, headed up a local authority's civil litigation department - then "love brought her back" to Sheffield.20:42 When Julie sold her house - aged 28 - to raise capital for a business idea, she never considered the business would fail. "Perhaps I was naive" she says. Why did she succeed?22:45 Julie sold Pyronix in 2016; it was turning over around £25m and she'd also been working (as a volunteer) on Wentworth Woodhouse for a couple of years. "The stars aligned."25:00 Public Service has been central to Julie's life for decades. 26:30 Being a "woman in a man's world" as the first female chair of the British Security Industry Association – and some crucial advice.30:30 How to secure the support of politicians and get them on your side for community and voluntary projects.34:00 Julie was one of the commissioners asked by the Government to run Rotherham Council when the Government placed it into intervention. The town had been her home for 30 years, her business was based there, and she never had any doubt about taking up the role.38:00 "In lots of councils we fail young people...we need to keep our young people safe."40:30 a recap of some of Julie's other achievements and Julie introduces the track of music she chose for the radio.44:00 there are numerous exciting events coming up at Wentworth Woodhouse, such as "As the World Tips," a dramatic, environmentally-themed aerial performance spectacular. Julie hopes this will create inspiration and ambition.47:30 What else is on the Wentworth Woodhouse Wishlist and how can you get involved?