Holland House virtual balloon race

Holland House in Cropthorne, Evesham has joined a virtual eco balloon race on Easter Sunday as a way to raise money for the diocesan retreat house. All are welcome to join the fun by sponsoring their own balloon for just £3 and follow its journey.

The race will start in Jerusalem on Easter Sunday and over the next seven days, computer technology will gauge how real-time weather conditions would affect the flight of each balloon, adjusting their course appropriately. Those who sponsor a balloon can customise it by choosing from different shapes, adding decoration and deciding how much helium is added.

As part of the wider race, the winner will receive a first prize of £500 from the organising company. For those who have signed up under Holland House’s sponsorship page, there is an additional special opportunity for their first place winner to receive a full afternoon tea for three (worth £54) at Holland House, when possible.

Warden at Holland House, Ian Spencer, said: “This is a much more eco-friendly version of a traditional balloon race and will hopefully help to ‘lift’ our spirits this Easter time! You can buy and design your own balloon and then track its flight to see where in the world the wind has blown it. We are hoping to reopen the retreat house from 17 May, so the funds raised from the race will help us to get the house and gardens ready to offer our legendary hospitality to all!”

• To buy a balloon, visit Holland House’s sponsor page.
• Find out more about the Eco balloon race.