Chairman's Newsletter - August 2024
Tuesday 20th August 2024
Dear Members,
At last, we seem to have been having some sunny weather. I had a really enjoyable day down at Osborne last week where my granddaughter enjoyed the children’s trail of finding Noble’s shadow; then swimming at the beach after having watched the Punch and Judy show.
During August, Friends of Osborne don’t organise any events as it is a busy time for everyone. However, ‘All the Queen’s Horses’ event is on at Osborne from Tuesday 20th August to Thursday 22nd, but there is an additional charge for this.
Friends of Osborne have several events in September which are quickly being booked.
Over 25 people have already booked for Kevin Shaw’s talk on Thursday 5th September entitled ‘The Making of a Queen – Victoria’s Formative Years: Childhood and Marriage’. Kevin talks about Victoria’s isolated childhood brought up by a domineering mother. He follows her life as she became heir to the throne aged 11 and Queen of the most powerful nation on earth when just 18.
The talk begins at 11:00 am and members will be met at the green gate at 10:45 am where they will be given a lanyard and directed to the Education Rooms.
Please click here for further details and booking form Friends of Osborne | The Making of a Queen - Talk
The Quiz Night is taking place on Friday 13th September in the Terrace Restaurant from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. Several members have booked for this event already. There will be a sausage and mash supper. The caterers can make sure that any food allergies and intolerances are catered for, but it is important that you inform them when filling out dietary requirements on the booking form. You can book tables of four, six or eight and if you would like to come alone or as a couple we can match you up with other members on a table.
Please click here for details and booking forms Friends of Osborne | Annual Quiz Night
An evening of songs from Steve Love on Tuesday 24th September 6:30 to 7:30 pm. This event will take place in the Education Rooms. Steve's unique and original musical tour of the Isle of Wight takes an affectionate and amusing poke at Island life. Capturing the ups, downs and quirks of The Island, he sings about broken down ferries, donkeys, the Floatie (of course), hovercraft, gin, scooters, landslides and plenty more – and he’ll expect you to join in too. Steve recently performed at the Ventnor Fringe and brings a smile to your face.
Please click here for more details and booking form Friends of Osborne | An evening of songs from Steve Love
An Autumn Walk with Toby Beasley, Head Gardener on Wednesday 2nd October from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm.
Toby’s walks and talks are always extremely popular and informative. Toby will guide members around the grounds looking at the last of the summer bedding and also the late flowering herbaceous plants and trees starting to change colour.
Please click here. Friends of Osborne | An Autumn Walk with Toby Beasley
There is a talk on Thursday 17th October. ‘Princess Beatrice – Island Governor’ by Sarah Lang.
Princess Beatrice was Queen Victoria’s youngest child and closest companion. She also had a special connection to the Isle of Wight. Join us to find out more about her life and her role as Island Governor for more than 40 years.
More information and booking forms nearer the time.
I also hope in the next newsletter to inform you of when Christopher Warleigh-Lack will give another Hidden Osborne tour this Autumn.
The winning photo for July was ‘La Croix Verte’. We have seen some wonderful photos of the walled garden recently which is looking particularly colourful at the moment. Please continue to send in your entries and to vote for your favourite. Each month the winner is awarded an extension to their membership.
Photos can be seen in the Gallery Section of our website.
Let’s hope this lovely weather continues and you all have an opportunity to enjoy Osborne in the sun.
Best wishes
Allison Rogers