Chairman's Newsletter - March 2023
Wednesday 1st March 2023
Dear Members,
It seems a long time since I sent my February newsletter. It was good to see so many members at the AGM at the end of February. Click here for the minutes 2023-AGM-Minutes.pdf (friendsofosborne.org). We held it in the evening and although I know it meant that some members were unable to attend, the general consensus was it should remain in the evening as it allows members who work to have the opportunity to come along.
David Bailey, Head of Historic Properties of The Isle of Wight and Hampshire, gave a very interesting presentation. He explained that part of EH’s long term goal was to make Osborne House and grounds a ‘flagship’ site where new and exciting things would be happening.
Our next AGM is going to be held in November this year. This is because September is the end of the financial year for us, so when we hold the AGM in February, we are not reporting on financial matters that have happened in the last 5 months. Holding it in November will bring everything in line with the end of the financial year.
Philip Palmer, our treasurer, is standing down in September 2024 and we are hoping that someone will volunteer to take on this role. If any of our members have financial experience and think they would enjoy the stimulation of becoming a committee member with a view to eventually taking on the role of treasurer, please get in touch. We have many new members and perhaps someone who has recently moved to the Island may want to get involved with Friends of Osborne to meet new friends and enjoy supporting our very successful charity.
We have been putting together a timetable of events and are in the process of confirming dates with English Heritage. These are for some of our most popular events such as the Beach Party, the 360-degree tour on the Roof Terrace and a Cowes Week Drinks Party on the Terrace.
Unfortunately, we have not been able to arrange a Quiz for March. There were problems with both the venue and the catering. Although EH hope to open The Terrace Restaurant in April they have only just secured a Catering Manager, so holding the Quiz at Osborne was not possible. However, the Quiz will take place in September.
We have several events happening this Spring. There are still places for the floral arrangement workshop on Friday, 31st March where Sue Swaby, who is responsible for many of the displays in the house, is going to show members how to make their own floral display.
Click for details – Floral Arrangement Workshop – Friends of Osborne
We have a few places left for Toby Beasley’s Spring Colour Walk on Wednesday, 26th April. Toby, the head gardener at Osborne, will talk about the terraces and flowers on the way down to the beach for a Spring Spritzer.
Click for details – Spring Colour Walk with Head Gardener Toby Beasley – Friends of Osborne
We have organised several talks for the Autumn but also one for next month. Sarah Burdett is going to give a talk on Wednesday, 19th April at 10:30 in the Education Suite. She is talking about ‘The impact of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert on East Cowes and Whippingham.’
Click for details – ‘The Impact of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert on East Cowes and Whippingham’ – Talk by Sarah Burdett – Friends of Osborne
A visit to Brading Roman Villa is being planned for Tuesday 16th May at 10:30. This will include a guided tour of the museum and a drink and cake in their lovely café.
Click for details – Visit to Brading Roman Villa – Friends of Osborne
Over Easter, Osborne is holding an Easter Adventure Quest, which is also available to our child members at £2, payable on entry. Click for details – Easter Adventure Quest at Osborne | English Heritage (english-heritage.org.uk)
I am delighted to advise that our members are again being offered a 25% discount on purchases in the shop over the Easter holiday period from April 1st -16th. Members will be required to show their membership cards with photo ID.
At our AGM, David Bailey also mentioned that Osborne would be hosting a King Charles Coronation Event on May 6th. This will be free but will be ticketed. Click for details – Coronation 2023 | English Heritage (english-heritage.org.uk)
Also, of interest to members may be the Coburg Twinning Society. Prince Albert came from Coburg and the twinning society have close links with Cowes and Osborne. Some of the Coburg members are visiting the Island from 26th to 31st May. If members are interested in meeting Coburg visitors or getting in touch with the twinning society please contact Peter Jackson on redsand@roselake.co.uk . For more information go to https://iwobserver.co.uk/vectis-view-bob-blezzard-secretary-of-the-iw-german-twinning-association/
With the longer days, and hopefully warmer weather, I hope members will be able to enjoy the beautiful grounds at Osborne. Wishing you an enjoyable and relaxing Easter.
Kind Regards
Allison Rogers