Haddo Update - August 2020
6 Aug 2020
Kids are getting ready to go back to school, combine harvesters are busy bringing in the harvest and we are experiencing some beautiful summer weather. If you have been asleep for the past six months, you would be forgiven for thinking life was normal. However, it has been a very strange year!
Here at Haddo, visitors have been returning to enjoy our beautiful surroundings. There is plenty of room to observe physical distancing and Mrs Smith’s has been open to provide snacks and a much appreciated take away cuppa and fine piece! The National Trust for Scotland has not re-opened the main house, shop, café and toilets yet but the toilets at the Pheasantry are open, with restrictions in place (notices are on the doors).
As we look ahead and begin planning our way forward after these uncertain time, we have received funding to cover additional support for Suzanna, visitor services officer, up until the end of October. The role will be shared by two people. The role includes looking after visitors and wildlife; organising events and activities; working with volunteers and partners; monitoring social media and the Haddo website; promoting the park and projects. The first temporary member of staff is in place and interviews are imminent for the other position.
One of the temporary members of staff is Gillian. She has been a visitor to Haddo for as long as she can remember. Her grandfather was a member of Haddo Choir back in the 1940s and 50s and her mum sang with the choir in the 1960s. Gillian has also performed here in various concerts but has latterly been delivering Outdoor Wellbeing workshops for all ages in the grounds of Haddo. Her background is in music, education and mental health & wellbeing, as well as a lifetime passion for the outdoors! Please stop and say hello to Gillian when you next visit Haddo. You will know it’s her because Sandy will probably be at her side. Sandy is a golden-white Spanish street dog who loves her new role as assistant to the new visitor services officer’s assistant! They are both delighted to be here and look forward to promoting Haddo and supporting the various projects, which are beginning to start up again, after the enforced halt back in March.
A very exciting project is the Haddo Sensory Garden. The Friends of Haddo are working alongside volunteers and the Ellon Rotary to design and create a sensory garden, quite close to the main car park. There will be a mix of plants, trees and features in the quiet, inclusive space, so that people of all ages can benefit. Day by day the space is changing, as volunteers spend a few hours here and there to weed and clear the overgrown areas, making room for the different features and new plants. Please get in touch if you would like to volunteer by emailing vsohaddo@gmail.com.