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Chairman's February 2023 Newsletter
Dear Members,
It was a pleasure to meet some new members and see some more familiar faces at Carisbrooke Castle last week. It was a beautiful frosty day with blue skies and those of us that went up onto the ramparts had glorious views. We had a very informative talk about the castle and enjoyed looking at the many fascinating items in the museum. Sarah, one of the EH volunteers then talked to us about the donkeys and showed us the well house. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the morning there.
Would members like us to organise similar visits to historical sites such as Brading Roman Villa, Bembridge Fort and Quarr Abbey and perhaps a walk in and around Puckpool Park? Please tell us if you have ideas about places you would like to visit.
With the winter months everything has been quiet at Friends of Osborne but we are planning this year’s calendar of events. Read more …
OSBORNE HOUSE AND GROUNDS
OPENING TIMES 10am – 4pm
20 Feb – 31 Mar (Wed – Sun)
Last admission one hour before closing time.
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 Heritageʼs 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 Abdulʼ 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 volunteers to support our charity.