Chairman's - Newsletter Jan 2026
Tuesday 27th January 2026
Friends of Osborne Newsletter January 2026
Dear Members,
Another new year for Friends of Osborne and as with any new year there are some changes.
The House is open again from the 17thJanuary at weekends only until half term, with hearty roasts on Sundays in the Terrace Restaurant, which can be booked via the Osborne House website.
Our calendar of events for 2026 is already taking shape with: -
Easter Flower Arranging 26th March
As requested by members that joined our Christmas Wreath event, we can now offer you an Easter flower arranging event, so it’s time to get creative in the fabulous setting of Osborne House.
Please click here for more information of this workshop. Friends of Osborne | Easter Flower Arranging Workshop
Spring Colour Walk 22nd April
Come and join Toby, Osborne House’s Head Gardener, on his annual guided Spring Colour Tour of the flora of the Osborne Estate.
Please click here for more information of this tour. Friends of Osborne | Spring Colour Walk with Toby
Margaret Cameron and Dimbola Lodge 6th & 12th May
A woman ahead of her time, she was ambitious and freethinking when most Victorian women were passive and demure. She took on the challenges of handling large cameras and dangerous chemicals at a time when photography was known as ‘The Black Art’.
Please click here for more information of these visits. Friends of Osborne | Dimbola Lodge
More events including talks in the Education Suite with guest speakers, a Summer Drinks and Canapes Party on the Terrace, a visit to Highclere Castle, to name a few will be added as the dates are finalised.
We shall shortly be introducing our new membership system, which will automate much of our current system. Members will now be able to use copies of their digital membership cards with photo ID on their phones, as well as receiving automated renewal reminders. Our Membership Secretary will circulate more details of the new system in a separate communication.
The Committee while looking at the membership fees, which have not risen in the past three years, have decided to increase the membership by £5 this year. This will mean that a single membership will rise to £25, a joint membership to £45, students £15 and children £10..We consider this still to be extremely good value as it includes free access to the Estate when it’s open to the public, the House on Mondays and Fridays, together with a 10% discount on all goods, food and beverages.
In our last meeting with Victoria Stone, General Manager, the Committee were pleased to authorise the payment for the refurbishment of the wrought iron gates to the entrance of the Estate. This work will be carried out by a local contactor at the cost of £3,900.
Since the AGM our Treasurer, Mr Adrian Johnson, has decided to step down from his post due to other commitments. The Committee were pleased to appoint Mrs Mary Cheal, an existing Committee member as our new Treasurer. Mary will work together with Ade to ensure that a smooth transition is made.
On a sad note, the Committee were informed of the passing away of Mr David Bailey, the former Manager at Osborne. David was very instrumental in re-establishing the links with the Friends of Osborne after Covid and he will be sadly missed.
Friends of Osborne