Protecting resident bats is an important part of the conservation task at hand during the restoration of here at Wentworth Woodhouse. But now, the tables have turned as the story of one little bat, written by local children’s author, Sue Wilkins, aims to help with the preservation of their home.
Aimed at three to seven year-olds, Sue’s beautifully illustrated book tells the fictional tale of Billy, a bat born in the Stables in 1912. His adventures, told in rhyme, feature highlights of the House & Gardens whilst carrying an educational message about the habits of bats and our need to protect them. Historical facts are weaved throughout the narrative – Billy falls down a chimney into the grand Whistlejacket Room and goes to see King George V and Queen Mary who actually came to visit in that year.
CEO Sarah McLeod called on self-published author, Sue Wilkins, after working with her in 2016. Sarah was then CEO of the Arkwright Society which looks after the upkeep and renovation of Sir Richard Arkwright’s Cromford Mill, Derbyshire. Whilst in this post, Sarah commissioned Sue to write an adventure story for Cromford Mill’s mascot, Arkwright the Duck. “The book was really popular,” said Sarah. “I had one in mind for Wentworth Woodhouse – the story of a bat named Billy – after the 7th Earl Fitzwilliam. Sue was the perfect person for the task.”
Chesterfield-born Sue lives in Matlock and has been self-publishing children’s books since 2014 with the support of Calver-based Liz Furness, a talented illustrator and part-time carer. Sue said, “I’d never heard of Wentworth Woodhouse so Sarah suggested I visit. I fell in love with it and the amazing stories of its owners. Sarah told me about the Trust’s plans for the site, and I accepted immediately.” Sue had to learn about bats too: “I always thought they were blind,” she explained. “When I found that thought they rely heavily on sonar, they do have relatively good vision. I could plan what my character would discover on his adventures, such as the famous George Stubb’s painting of the Marquess’ racehorse, Whistlejacket, the bear pit which was once in the Gardens, and an encounter with the King and Queen.”
The book launched at Wentworth Woodhouse this month with a free bat crafting and book-reading event for children. Thomas Stephenson, 11, and his sister Anna, 7, from Wentworth village, attended. Said Thomas: “We enjoyed hearing Sue read the story. We love book and we love bats. They come into our garden and eat the plums and pears. Bats need to be protected and I think people need to understand more about them.”
Retired Sheffield Hallam University lecturer, Tim Mulroy, from Rotherham, and his wife had brought their five-year old grandson, Robert McWhinnie, from Macclesfield. Said Tim: “We are very proud of Wentworth Woodhouse. When relatives visit this is the place we bring them to. Robert is new to bats. He has learned a lot today and we will be reading the book at bedtime.”
Billy the Bat is now available to purchase in the Gift Shop here at Wentworth Woodhouse with a book and toy bundle priced at just £14.99!
George Stubbs’ famed painting of Whistlejacket, the 1st Marquess of Rockingham’s racehorse, features in Sue Wilkins’ beautifully illustrated children’s tale
Children’s author Sue Wilkins in front of the grand Georgian fireplace in Wentworth Woodhouse’s Whistlejacket Room, where Billy the bat’s adventures begin
Thomas and Anna Stephenson at the craft session launch of Billy The Bat
Tim and his family