Haven’t you heard? We’ve got a BRAND NEW friend joining us here at Wentworth Woodhouse!
Billy the Bat was born in the Stables and he’s ready to share his amazing adventures with you in our brand new children’s book, Billy the Bat. From a bats-eye view of the King and Queen’s visit in 1912, to his good friend Whistlejacket, not much gets by Billy at the Big House – and you can read all about it in this brand new book!
Alongside focusing on Billy’s Wentworth adventures, rooted in the history of the House & Gardens, it also opens the door to education about bats for young audiences – how they live, what they eat, when they sleep. As a protected species then, Billy the Bat adds perfectly to author Sue Wilkins’ and illustrator Liz Furness’ collection of locally created tales for children. Both born in Derbyshire, Sue and Liz have also been commissioned to write and illustrate stories for the likes of Cromford Mill, near Matlock, Derbyshire and have had events hosted at National Trust locations.
On Thursday 7th August, Billy officially swooped into the Big House at our sold-out, book launch event where we celebrated with a special page-flapping reading by author, Sue, a brilliant bat talk by wildlife expert, Greg Slack, and a series of bat-inspired craft activities for attendees to sink their fangs into. The book, and accompanying plush toy, are both now officially on sale in the Gift Shop here at Wentworth Woodhouse.
As a warm up to the release, we took Billy out into the Gardens to stretch his wings and explore his home further. You can find out what he got up to HERE.
Be sure to pick up your copy, and very own Billy, on your next visit – and remember, any money made from your purchases goes straight into the Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust and contributes towards the restoration of this magnificent House & Gardens, and projects just like this one!
This project was made possible by the Dame Julie Kenny Legacy Fund.