As part of National Volunteer Week, we have been showcasing many of the great characters who give their time so generously to Harewood House Trust. Here Sam Booth, volunteer gardener, tells his story.

“I have been volunteering at Harewood House Trust as a gardener since April 2016 and will sadly be leaving this June as I am moving to Australia.

During my work I have met some wonderful people, the other staff and members of the public all have made my time there a fantastic experience. I’ve even been fortunate to meet Lord Harewood, he was very friendly and it is clear how much I was appreciated by him and all the team at Harewood.

I have gained a lot of confidence, knowledge of gardening and taken many photos of all the inspirational things Harewood offers!!

I suffer from nerve pain following a head injury and memory problems, I kept a photo diary of the varied work that I’ve done and I will look back at this to remind myself of the great experiences I have had at Harewood. The team have been really supportive and made me really welcome, also understanding my condition and helping me whenever they could. I really appreciate this and it has made a positive difference to my life, I will miss them all.

I recommend volunteering at Harewood, you are really valued as a volunteer, I hope others have the same positive experiences that I have had.

Good luck to the new volunteers.”

If you’d like to find out more about volunteering, email volunteer@harewood.org

As part of National Volunteer Week, we’re celebrating the many interesting and valuable characters who contribute to making Harewood the place that it is….

Why do I volunteer?

I love working in such a beautiful place and helping visitors enjoy the House and Grounds.

What brought me to it?

After being retiring from teaching I wanted to do some other work with children and this seemed perfect.

What did I do?

Primary School Teacher
What three things do I enjoy?
Interacting with parents and children.
Working with other volunteers and staff.
Helping others to appreciate Harewood and its grounds.

What do I love most about Harewood?

Feeling as though in a very small way I am helping to ensure visitors appreciate and learn more of our history.

If you are interested in volunteering please contact volunteer@harewood.org 

As part of National Volunteer Week, we’re celebrating the many interesting and valuable characters who contribute to making Harewood the place that it is….

Why do I volunteer?

The ambience of the House and the fact that I love history and I am retired.

What brought me to it?

A friend was a volunteer and he thought I would be suitable for the House.

What did I do?

Worked for a lifetime as a solicitor.

What three things do I enjoy?

I learn something each time I come.
I meet interesting visitors who really do come from all over the world.
Both other volunteers and the staff are such a friendly bunch.

What do I love most about Harewood?

All the above but probably the history.

To find out more about volunteering volunteer@harewood.org

As part of National Volunteer Week, we’re celebrating the many interesting and valuable characters who contribute to making Harewood the place that it is….

Why do I volunteer?

Using my spare time to good advantage – social interactions with other volunteers and the public – the purpose seems very worthwhile.
What brought me to it?

It is the nearest stately home to my home.

What did I do?

I was a biology lecturer at Nottingham Trent University.

What three things do I enjoy?

Contact with pleasant, like-minded and friendly volunteers.
Gaining knowledge about a very complex topic (the history and fabric of the house).
Spending a day in such a special environment.

What do I love most about Harewood?

The views – to the north across to the deer and to the south across the terrace and the lake – magnificent.

If you are interested to find out more about volunteering, email volunteer@harewood.org

As part of National Volunteer Week, we’re celebrating the many interesting and valuable characters who contribute to making Harewood the place that it is….

Why do I volunteer?

I have always had a wish to give back, feeling that I am an extraordinarily fortunate person.

What brought me to it?

Living on the estate gave me the introduction.

What did I do?

Chief Executive of a small group of companies. Also chaired the committee of a newly formed charity called “Life for A Life “which reinforced my love of trees. My family and I own a wood in the Lake District where we planted trees for bereaved people.

What three things do I enjoy?

The people. Doing a bit of good one hopes. The view from the walled garden across the lake, which changes everyday of the year.

What do I love most about Harewood?

The staff and other volunteers. Otherwise it’s just pottering about as it’s a lovely place.