Run To The Hills
22 Jan 2017
Slight delay to the blog this week as we've been ridiculously busy with our first big event weekend of the year.
We've just had the last race - the adult's 6 mile course- of today's Winter X-Country organised by Gathimba Edwards and raising money for children in Kenya. We've had to postpone this event a couple of times in past years but the weather's been kind this time round and there's been a superb turnout (quite a bit larger than we expected actually) for all the races, adults and kids.
The course here at Haddo is particularly tough, on lots of different surfaces and with a couple of killer hills, especially towards the end of the junior course, so huge congratulations to everyone who's taken part and I hope you've all got the times and results you were hoping for.
The RSPB have also been in the park this weekend. Adam from the RSPB has had a slightly less physically strenuous day than the athletes- running bird-y activities, making feeders, giving out lots of wildlife advice and promoting next weekend's national Big Garden Birdwatch- but it's been pretty cold out there today, even with the occasional cup of hot coffee delivered from the office!
If you missed meeting the RSPB here at Haddo they'll be at Duthie Park next weekend with more activities and you can get a pack to take part in Big Garden Birdwatch online at the RSPB Website.
Seeking Artists & Photographers
I've had the camera out quite a bit over the past couple of weeks, filling up the image library with some pictures of the frankly amazing sunsets we've had recently. I've also had a few hours in the house taking some more unusual images of bits of the decor and some of the items that don't always get noticed by visitors. We'll share a lot of the photos later in the year, and you'll have the chance to explore the house yourself once it re-opens in April.
We're hoping to hold a couple of photo exhibitions in the Pheasantry throughout the year, we'll be starting with an exhibition of pictures taken here at Haddo (on show through April) but we're happy to host exhibitions of (almost) any subject so if you'd like to showcase your photography, art etc then please get in touch and let us know. We've got lots of footfall down there so it's a great chance to show your work off to the public.
Haddo House Volunteers
If you really want to get to know all the hidden corners and secret stories of Haddo House, then why not join us a volunteer house guide? It's a great opportunity for anyone interested in history, whether you're looking to work in the heritage sector and want some practical experience, or you just fancy getting to meet lots of new people and talking about someting you enjoy. If you'd like to find out more, then email haddo@nts.org.uk or give them a call on 01651 851440.
Haddo Snowball
One final thing to mention is that on Saturday 4th Feb it'll be time for the annual Haddo Snowball, an evening of Scottish and traditional dancing raising funds for Haddo House Choral & Operatic Society. It's always a great evening with lots of music and plenty of food and drink to keep you dancing until midnight! Tickets are available online from haddosnowball.co.uk/