Welcome Friends of Osborne
Welcome to our website. The Friends of Osborne undertake an annual programme of fundraising events which are open to both members and their guests. We aim to encourage interest in Osborne House, its history, buildings, contents, grounds and gardens.
The money raised by the Friends of Osborne is used to support English Heritage's commitment to maintain Osborne House for the Nation. In 2015 the Friends became a registered charity. Since 1987 the Friends and its predecessor organisation have helped English Heritage with many renovation projects to the House and grounds as well as for educational projects.
Our more recent contributions have been towards the renovation of the Victorian fencing on the estate, the weather vane on top of the clock tower and the Andromeda Fountain on the lower terrace. The fountain fell into disrepair many years ago and the Terrace was closed to the public. With the assistance of a donation from the Friends the fountain has been beautifully restored to full working order and members were invited to a private viewing in July 2017. The Terrace and the Andromeda Fountain, which forms its centrepiece, is once again open to the public.
We are very proud and honoured that, following the filming of "Victoria and Abdul" at Osborne House in Autumn 2016, Dame Judi Dench agreed to be the first Patron of the Friends of Osborne.
New members are welcomed at any time and details of the benefits of being a member and how to join can be found on this website. Additionally, we are always looking for members who would like to join the committee or become a trustee and share their ideas and enthusiasm for Osborne.
Chairman's Newsletter - April 2024
April Newsletter from the Chairman
Dear Members,
I hope you all had an enjoyable Easter and were able to get out and about, despite the weather. The longer, lighter evenings certainly help to raise the mood.
Our membership is growing all the time. We have had 121 new members joining since the beginning of the year and have close to one thousand members now.
Sarah Burdett’s talk in March about Norris Castle was fascinating and very well attended. We had to close bookings for this talk at 40, due to the fact we were in the Duchess of Kent Suite....