Carols in the Courtyard
Uke can Sing Carols
The Brazier was lit at 6.00 and this year’s annual festive Carols in the Courtyard was under way. Glühwein and hot Chocolate were poured, while Stollen and mince pies were served in the new Education Rooms.
Our new ukulele band ‘Uke can Sing’ from Cowes, braved the cold and started with some traditional carols together with festive favourites. Our guests gathered around the brazier, with the chestnuts roasting/burning on an open fire, singing with hearty voices, in the cold night air.
Back into the warmth, Secret Santa made her appearance and gifts were distributed to the lucky playing card holders. A fashion parade of the best Christmas jumpers took place on the ‘catwalk’ with Karen taking this year’s prize with a sparkling creation.
With more hot Chocolate for the drivers and Gluhwein for their lucky passengers our guests slipped off into the night.
Trafalgar Day Walk
Toby arrived and the sun come out.
After rain for most of the morning, as soon as 20 of our members were met by Head Gardener, Toby, then the sun began to shine.
Toby’s Autumn Walk lead us via the icehouse, down the valley path to the beach. Taking approximately an hour, with various stops along the way. Toby explained the various Flora and Fauna to be seen on the Osborne Estate at this time of year. As a trained arborealist his extensive knowledge of the history and planting of the trees by Prince Albert made for a fascinating talk, with plenty of photo opportunities.
On reaching the Exedra, with a wonderful view over the Solent towards Portsmouth, the group toasted Admiral Lord Nelson’s victory at Trafalgar, with hot spicey “grog” and enjoyed some delicious nibbles.
2022 Beach Party - 'What a scorcher'
Actually, the temperature down at the beach was rather balmy.
Forty members arrived on foot or were transported in the brand new electric minibus to the beach, with picnics to hand.
Captain Paul and his shipmate, Lindsay, entertained us with amusing sea shanties as we sat shore side next to the blue waters of the Solent.
The Beach Cafe was open to cater for our guests and we thank Debbie and Hilary of EH for their service.
At the end of the evening our driver, Fiona, was on hand to ferry our guests back to the car park.
2022 Quiz Night Review
With great delight Friends of Osborne held our relaunched Quiz Night on Friday 24th June in the splendid Terrace Restaurant. Teams amounted to 6 tables of four players and 2 of five. Quiz mistress, Ms McDoom and her trustee sidekick, Wisden the scorer, kicked off the evening with Round 1, Hobbies and Leisure. Round 2 covered questions on TV Gold for memories of old.
The supper was served during the interval and it was a most generous Isle of Wight cheese ploughman’s with alternatives for dietary reasons. Delicious.
The Living World Round was pitched rather too high. McDoom blamed Wisden, a former Biology graduate as in their practice rounds he scored 10 out of 10, so McDoom altered her original questions. Round 4, Food and Drink restored harmony for the final totting up of the scores.
A raffle was held with a quality hamper, among the prizes, up for grabs. Photos below are of the winners of the Quiz (bottle of wine), the table questions (bottle of Prosecco), and the team scoring the combined total (the cup), which amounted to a Hattrick. Winning aside, everyone participated with good humour and spirit.
