Chairman's Newsletter - May 2025
Monday 12th May 2025
I visited Osborne on Friday and everywhere was looking beautiful in the sunshine. The terraces look lovely, as do all the trees and rhododendrons.
We had two very successful events in April. Toby’s Spring Walk was fully booked and members really enjoyed being shown the different areas of the grounds from the wooded area near the Ice House, the meadow areas alongside the boardwalk, the formal planting of the Terraces, the parkland in front of the House to the Walled Garden where we enjoyed drinks and nibbles in the Potting Shed.
Please click here for photos of the Spring Walk. Friends of Osborne | Spring Colour Walk with Toby
At the end of the month Mark Earp gave us a fascinating talk about the Isle of Wight during the war. Forty-eight people attended and we all came away having learnt something! Did you know that several Italian and German prisoners of war were detained on the Island? Some of them stayed after the war and Mark talked about some of the established families on the Island who are descended from these POWs.
Please click here for further details. Friends of Osborne | Talk on The Isle of Wight at War 1939 - 1945
At the beginning of this month, we had a visit to Farringford. Twenty-two members arrived on a sunny day to have a tour of the house and a guided tour of the walled gardens by the Head Gardener. It was a most enjoyable and informative visit with some members taking the opportunity to picnic in the grounds after the tours, whilst others continued to explore the extensive grounds.
Please click here for a summary of the visit and to view photos of Farringford. Friends of Osborne | Farringford House and Garden Tour
From past events to future events:
Our next talk is by Kevin Shaw on Thursday 22nd May and is about the struggles of ordinary men and women in early Victorian Britain. ‘The Best of Times; the Worst of Times; The Shocking Poverty and Suffering behind the Immense Wealth of Early Victorian Britain’.
Twenty-four people have booked so far for what promises to be an extremely interesting talk.
Please click here for more details and booking forms. Friends of Osborne | Talk on The Best of Times; the worst of Times: The Shocking Poverty and Suffering behind the Immense Wealth of Early Victorian Britain
On Wednesday June 18th Christopher Warleigh-Lack has kindly agreed to lead another Hidden Osborne Tour.
This is always very popular. As with previous years, Christopher will show parts of Osborne which are not normally seen by the public. It is a bit of a ‘mystery tour’, as Christopher doesn’t always know what he is going to show until the last minute. Also, whether members will be able to go on the roof, as this is weather dependent.
Please click here for more details and booking forms. Friends of Osborne | Hidden Tour at Osborne House
We are still waiting for final confirmation of The Walled Garden Drinks Party on Thursday 3rd July. Details and booking forms will follow shortly.
On Saturday July 26th Osborne Proms 25 takes place in the grounds. Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra will perform a selection of Proms classics.
For details, please click here. Early Bird tickets are on sale now. Friends of Osborne | Osborne Proms '25
Friends of Osborne has gained almost two members a day since March! We have now reached the 1200 membership ceiling set by EH. A waiting list is available, and we currently have 16 on the list. A link to this is on the Join Us page of the web site.
We have been so fortunate to have had so many beautiful sunny days so far this year. I hope you and your families are enjoying this marvellous weather and that you will spend some time enjoying Osborne and its grounds.
Best wishes
Allison Rogers