This week saw National Volunteer Week celebrated far and wide at Harewood House Trust, as we aimed to showcase many of our diverse and vibrant volunteers each day, both online and across the House and gardens.

As part of the celebrations, a number of staff from the administrative offices chose to donate their time to shadow a volunteer and learn more about a different department, whilst making new friends of course.

From Director of Finance, Martin Horbury, chopping up fruit for the birds in the Bird Garden, to other Executive team members Hannah Obee and Edward Appleyard driving the shuttlebus, it was an engaging and enjoyable week for those who took part.

Comments included; “There were over 50 different varieties of meal preparations for the birds in the morning, each bird getting their special diet, and it was so impressive to see the team reel off exactly what each bird was having by sight. I’d have happily eaten some of those dishes, if it wasn’t for the mealworms.”

“I particularly like the contrast between the modern and old art which gives a great ambiance to the House.” 

With a Volunteer Open Day to recruit potential new volunteers also, it has been a high energy and great tribute to Harewood’s army of volunteers this National Volunteer Week.

If you are interested to find out more 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 volunteer because I enjoy meeting people.

What brought me to it?

After being retired a while I wanted to do something different and enjoyed Historical Houses.

What did I do?

Financial Controller

What three things do I enjoy?

Meeting different types of people
By sharing the history of the house and its contents hopefully making it more enjoyable for visitors
The friendship of staff and other volunteers.

What do I love most about Harewood?

What I love most in the house are the ceilings and its contents.

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

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