Chairman's - Newsletter Feb 2026
Thursday 12th February 2026
Friends of Osborne Newsletter February 2026
Dear Members,
The House is open during February half term, 16th _ 22nd, daily from 10:00 to 4:00. Thereafter, it will be open Wednesdays to Sundays again from 10:00 to 4:00.
From 20th February, the library in the house will be open on Fridays until 1st April from 10:00 -12:00. The library is in room 100, as you come in from the ramped entrance, please ask a staff member to point you in the right direction. There is a wonderful range of books relating to Osborne and Victorian history available. Members can borrow two items for a period of three weeks.
Our calendar of events for 2026 now include:
Easter Flower Arranging 26th March
Please click here for more information of this workshop. Friends of Osborne | Easter Flower Arranging Workshop
Our Spring talks for March and April are:
An Historical Introduction to the IOW by Kevin Shaw, 27th March
A fast-moving talk through many of the better-known and some of the lesser-known aspects of our Island's rich history. From Dinosaurs, Neolithic and Roman remains, through events involving Henry VIII and Elizabeth I, Charles I and Queen Victoria. The talk will also include the fame of the West Wight in 'the Age of Fashionable Freshwater' when the Tennysons, the Camerons and their friends were visited by many of the greatest names in Victorian England.
Please click here for more information of this talk Friends of Osborne | An Historical Introduction to the IOW - Kevin Shaw
A ‘Yotties’ Tail by Jay Sowerby, 17th April
Jay joined the navy in 1988 and served on HMS Ark Royal during the Gulf War in 1991. Seeking a new challenge, he made a decision that changed his life for ever and requested to be considered for Royal Yacht service. He was accepted and drafted to HMY Britannia in 1992. He remained a ‘Yottie’ until he left the navy, at the same time Britannia was decommissioned.
Please click here for more information of this talk Friends of Osborne | A Yotties Tail by Jay Sowerby
Spring Colour Walk 22nd April
This event is now fully booked.
Margaret Cameron and Dimbola Lodge 6th May and 12th May
Please click here for more information of this visit. Friends of Osborne | Dimbola Lodge
Guided talk of the Terraces and Walled Garden 8th May
Frances and Cynthia, two garden volunteers, will give a detailed talk about the history and plants on the Terraces and in the Walled Garden.
In early May we should be able to see the tulips in their glory and there may still be hyacinths. In the walled garden there should be a lot of blossom.
Please click here for more information of this visit. Friends of Osborne | Guided Talk of the Terraces and Walled Garden
Trip to Windsor Castle 19th September
Following the success of last year’s Buckingham Place trip with Opal Travel, a visit to Windsor Castle is planned. The trip will include coach and ferry travel and entry into Windsor Castle. Members will have the opportunity to visit the State Apartments, Queen Mary’s Doll’s House and St. George’s Chapel. Allow about 1 and a half hours to 2 hours. There will be the opportunity to wander around the grounds and Windsor town before heading back to Southampton to catch the ferry.
Cost £65.
Booking needs to be made by April 30th.
We have booked a 53-seater coach but need 40 people to book for the trip to go ahead.
We ask for a £10 deposit which is non-refundable with the final balance having to be paid by Friday 24th July.
For more details of times/ pick up and booking forms click here. Friends of Osborne | Visit to Windsor Castle
Our new membership database system, membermojo, is up and running and working well.
Members now have the option of carrying a digital image of their membership card, inclusive of their photo, on their mobile phone. Our plastic membership cards will remain acceptable at Osborne when presented with a photo ID.
Members are now able to sign in to their own account via the link on our website or by clicking on this link https://membermojo.co.uk/friendsofosborne . Please use your email address when signing in for the first time; passwords can subsequently be created if you wish. Instructions, including how to sign in, add a photo to your digital membership card, add your card to your mobile and renewing your membership can be found on our website or by clicking on this link intoductiontomembermojo.pdf .
Members whose memberships expire on 31 March will receive automated renewal reminders on 3rd March with a link to membermojo. You can check your expiry date by signing in to your account.
In our last meeting with Victoria Stone, General Manager, the Committee were pleased to authorise the payment for the installation of a new lighting system for the forthcoming exhibition of the paintings by Victorian artist Emma Gaggiotti. Known as Mrs Richards, this new exhibition includes a self-portrait and her interpretations of Faith, Hope, Charity, Religion and Aurora. This work will be carried out by TM Lighting at the cost of £6372.94p
On a sad note, the Committee were informed of the passing away of Mrs Marja Tolley, a former Secretary of Friends of Osborne. Marja was very instrumental in establishing Friends of Osborne as a charity.
Friends of Osborne