|
Dear Members,
The festive season at Osborne is well underway.
Friends of Osborne provided and decorated four Christmas trees for Osborne this year.
A large tree was placed outside Petty Officer’s Quarters to greet visitors while two smaller trees were positioned either side of the entrance. A further large tree was placed by the Education Suite ready for this year’s Carols in the Courtyard event.
All the decorations used were made by our members in our Christmas Tree workshops.
Please click here for pictures Friends of Osborne | Christmas Trees 2025
Members were involved in a Christmas Wreath making workshop, with the greenery being supplied by Toby and gathered from around the Osborne Estate. Sandy led the event giving an excellent demonstration of what could be achieved. Mince pies, mulled wine and Christmas music all added to the festive atmosphere which was enjoyed by all.
Please click here for pictures Friends of Osborne | Christmas Wreath Making 2025
Reinstated for this year were Carols in the Courtyard. What a lovely evening, with the firepit lit, the courtyard Christmas Tree decorated, the OK Community Choir to lead our singing together with dry weather, who could ask for more. With mulled wine and mince pies at the interval, what a way to start the festive season.
Please click here for pictures Friends of Osborne | Carols in the Courtyard 2025
As usual this year Friends of Osborne provided a tree for the Christmas Tree festival at St. Mildred’s Church at Whippingham.
The festival is open to the public from Thursday 18th to Sunday 21st December.
Please click here for pictures Friends of Osborne | Whippingham Xmas Tree Festival 2025
During November, we held our Annual General Meeting, in the Terrace Restaurant at Osborne.
This year this event was held during the daytime to enable more members to attend, with teas, coffees and cakes provided.
Victoria Stone, the new General Manager at Osborne, gave a presentation of the future plans for Osborne and held a question-and-answer session.
Please click here for Friends of Osborne | AGM 2025
During the meeting our Chairman Mrs Allison Rogers announced that after six years as a Trustee of the charity, she was due to stand down. To replace her two Committee members, Ms Angela Critoph and Mr David Wisden, were proposed, seconded and duly elected as new Trustees.
For the new year, the committee are already putting together a new programme of events, with some old favourites together with some new events.
The ever popular ‘Talks’ in the Education Suite with guest speakers will continue, as will the guided ‘Tours’ with head gardener, Toby and curator, Christopher. Due to popular demand more Craft Workshops are planned this year starting with an Easter flower arrangement.
Social events will include, Quiz Night with supper reinstated, a Summer Drinks Party on the Terrace and Carols in the Courtyard.
External events could include a visit to Dimbola Lodge and either Highclere or Windsor Castle.
Our Membership Secretary has been very busy with a new membership database system which will enhance and simplify our membership experience. This will be introduced in January further details of which will be included in the January newsletter.
We wish you a merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
Friends of Osborne
|
