Past events

Visit to Windsor Castle

Saturday 19^th September 2026

Our trip to Windsor was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone. We all felt we would have liked a little more time there, but we got a ‘flavour’ of Windsor Castle. There was an excellent multi - media  guide that gave us audio and visual information as we wandered through the State Apartments. We saw some wonderful paintings, including those by Holbein, Bruegel and Reubens, as well as beautiful tapestries. We also saw St.George’s Hall, which took five years to restore and rebuild after the fire in 1992.

The queue for Queen Mary’s Dolls’House was not too...

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Prince Albert - The Gardener

Friday 18^th September 2026

Thirty three people listened to Toby’s talk about Albert, the gardener. We were a ‘trial run’, as Toby is visiting Germany later this month to give this talk. The gardens and grounds at Osborne were somewhere Albert had complete control over; as opposed to Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle, which were already set out and designed. Albert was very keen on obtaining new plants and seedlings . He obtained two giant redwood saplings, only two years after the species was first introduced into Britain. In 1853 and 1855 he planted them at Osborne to commemorate Queen...

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2026 Quiz Night

Thursday 10^th September 2026

A sausage and mash supper was back on the menu at the Terrace Restaurant for our annual Quiz Night, provided by Osborne’s new catering manager, Tim, and his team.

The main quiz consisted of 4 rounds of searching questions on General Knowledge, Food and Drink, Sport, and History and Geography. With Jokers to be played and Table Questions of features of the Osborne Estate to be answered, this led to a most stimulating evening.

With 43 quizzers making up 10 teams, the overall winners were, Sue Moore, husband John together with...

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Guided Tour and Talk of the Terraces and Walled Garden

Friday 10^th July 2026

Again, this proved to be a very popular event, which was enjoyed by all, although the heat did reduce the number attending.  The group was divided in two with Frances leading the tour of the Terraces and Cynthia the Walled Garden.  Both Frances and Cynthia are extremely knowledgeable of not only the planting schemes but also the history of the house and gardens.  We all learnt so much.

At half time, the groups met back in the Education Rooms for refreshments, a chat and where historical information was available for members to peruse.  After being suitably...

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The Walled Garden Drinks Party 2026

Friday 10^th July 2026

What a sight greeted us as we entered the Walled Garden to enjoy our private drinks party on a lovely summers evening.

The garden looked resplendant with its colourful summer flowers in bloom and, together with the scent of the lavender, provided a splended setting for the party.

Drinks were served and canapés were provided as we were entertained by the harpist which all added to the atmosphere.

A magical evening for all to enjoy.

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Hidden Tour 2026

Wednesday 24^th June 2026

On a very hot evening, Dr. Chistopher Warleigh-Lack, curator of the Royal Collection at Osborne House, conducted two tours of the hidden parts of Osborne House.

After a refreshing drink in the Education Suite Christopher conducted our guests into the coolness of the basement areas of the house which are not open to the general public.

From here they made their way through the house until they reached the roof with stunning views of the gardens and the Solent beyond.

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Visit to Barton Manor

Monday 15^th June 2026

We had a wonderful afternoon on Monday 15th June, visiting Barton Manor.

Sarah Burdett, from the East Cowes Heritage Centre gave us an introduction to the history of Barton Manor.  Barton Manor was one of seven model farms around Whippingham that Albert used to develop new farming techniques. Dawn, the owner,  then walked us around the grounds and through the field meadow and woods to the beach, to see evidence of the Mulberry Harbours used in the D-Day landings.

Prince Albert took a deep personal interest in the estate, using his own...

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Garden Tour

Friday 8^th May 2026

On Friday 8th, everyone enjoyed a tour of the Terraces and Walled  Garden. As members came to the Education Rooms, for a half time refreshment, they were singing the praises of Frances and Cynthia who were conducting the tour.

Members said they had learnt so much.

There was historical information as well as information about the plants. Members learnt about Albert’s ideas and design of the Terraces and how water was channelled from Barton Manor for the fountains and reservoir.

Due to everything flowering much earlier than usual, the tulip display on...

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Visit to Dimbola Lodge

Wednesday 6^th May 2026

Julia Margaret Cameron was an 18th century photographer who transformed photography into her own unique art form. Her work, disregarded in history, we now know as soft lens effect which was ahead of its time.

Her many portraits include Alfred Lord Tennyson who was her close friend and neighbour. Amazingly, we found out Tennyson had his own entrance to Dimbola.

Penny, from Dimbola, gave us a very interesting talk about Julia, bringing her to life with stories of her kindness and generosity with details of Julia's life experiences,...

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Spring Colour Walk with Toby 2026

Wednesday 22^nd April 2026

Another fabulous morning with Toby, I think that Mary's photos say it all.

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A Yottie's Tail

Friday 17^th April 2026

30 members attended the talk by Jay Sowerby about his time on HMY Britannia.  The called was called A Yottie's Tail.  Yes - yottie's had tails! 

Everyone left saying how much they had enjoyed it. It was interesting and funny and gave us an insight into a very different world. 

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IOW Past and Present

Friday 27^th March 2026

Talk by Kevin Shaw

Sixty people booked to listen to Kevin Shaw’s talk on March 27 th, where he  gave us a whirlwind tour of the Island through the Ages.

We learnt about the strategic importance of the Island through history and about the  people who have had such an impact on the development and popularity of the Island.

He was only able to scratch the surface and he  left us with a desire to learn a bit more about many of the areas he discussed.

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Current Exhibitions at Osborne sponsored by FoO.

Friday 27^th March 2026

Queen Victoria’s Funeral Model

On 27 March, Osborne opened their new exhibition, Tradition and Innovation: Victoria's Final Journey.  The Friends worked with various local community groups and organisations to present the story of Queen Victoria's Funeral Procession passing through East Cowes on Friday 1st February 1901, and this year marks the 125th anniversary of this event.

The Queen’s body did not lie-in-state, as is now customary, so the only time the public could see the coffin was during its procession from Osborne House to the royal...

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Easter Flower Workshop

Thursday 26^th March 2026

The Easter flower arranging morning was a great success with lots of different variations of how the ladies created their baskets or pots to their own taste.

It was a very relaxing morning and great getting to know our Friends of Osborne members who said that they thoroughly enjoyed the event. 

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Whippingham Xmas Tree Festival 2025

Monday 15^th December 2025

Friends of Osborne Christmas Tree at St Mildred's Church.

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Carols in the Courtyard 2025

Friday 12^th December 2025

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.

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Christmas Wreath Making 2025

Thursday 27^th November 2025

Another very enjoyable workshop has been held for members making Christmas Wreaths with the greenery being supplied by Toby and gathered from around the Osborne Estate.  Sandy lead 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.

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AGM 2025

Wednesday 26^th November 2025

Osborne House Presentation by Victoria Stone.

Victoria started her presentation with a very quick resume of her Curriculum Vitae which highlighted her various positions with EH, here and at other properties.

The major restructure at Osborne and other EH properties now being undertaken has spanned 2024 into 2025 and will carry on throughout 2026. Within this, the entire senior level of staff, i.e. David Bailey’s rank had been culled. Currently, the economic climate is difficult and EH are not yet back to pre-COVID visitor numbers.

There have been changes...

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Christmas Trees 2025

Tuesday 11^th November 2025

Friends of Osborne provided and decorated 4 Christmas trees for Osborne this year.

A large tree was placed outside Petty Offiers' Quarters to greet vistors while 2 smaller trees were poitioned either side of the entrance. A further large tree was was placed by the Education Suite ready for this years Carols in the Courtyard  event.

All of the decorations used were made by our members in our Christmas Tree workshops.

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2025 Christmas Tree Decorations Workshops

Friday 17^th October 2025

Christmas Tree Decorations Workshops

On three consecutive Friday mornings in October we held a series of workshops to make decorations for the Christmas Trees that the Friends fund for display at Osborne.  This year with four trees to cater for we were busy adding to the decorations made last year and which survived the winter storms.  There were a number of new ideas put forward including reindeer, stars and Christmas bells.

Many thanks goes to all who took part and contributed to the wonderful array of decorations made.

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Autumnal Walk 2025

Wednesday 8^th October 2025

Toby's Annual Autumnal Walk

Here is a selection of photos taken of the Autumnal Walk.

Lovely

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Buckingham Palace

Sunday 21^st September 2025

Buckingham Palace Trip Sunday 21st September 2025

After setting off at 6.30am in Wootton, the coach arrived in East Cowes in time to catch the 8.30am ferry.

We arrived in London just before midday and were dropped off near the ticket gates. Our entry time wasn’t until 1.30pm so we all went our separate ways until we could join the queue.

The unguided tour took us round the State Rooms, which included the Ballroom where The King’s Tour Artists exhibition was on public display for the first time. We also saw the new State Portraits of The King and...

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Naval College Talk

Thursday 18^th September 2025

Naval College Talk and Tour

By Sarah Burdett

On the 18th September Sarah Burdett gave a very interesting talk on Osborne Royal Naval College, followed by a walk around the grounds to see the remaining buildings. Thirty-four people booked this event and we were able to raise £212 for Friends of Osborne. We were able to see the plunge pool, which was used by the cadets each morning. It would have, of course, been filled with cold water. This is located behind Osborne’s old stable block where DHL is now based.

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2025 Annual Quiz Night

Friday 12^th September 2025

Over 40 guests attended our annual quiz night this year, with 7 teams taking part.

Our new Quiz Mistress, Allison , standing in fo Carolyn (who was unwell) provided four rounds of searching questions on General Knowledge, Geography and History, Sport, and Food and Drink. With Jokers to be played and Table Questions featuring a  Popular Music theme to be answered, this led to a most stimulating evening.

New overall winners were Stuart, Liz and Max Nichols who claimed the Challenge Cup, with. the McComb...

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Hidden Tour 2025

Thursday 19^th June 2025

Once again Dr. Chistopher Warleigh-Lack, curator of the Royal Collection at Osborne House, conducted two tours of parts of the house which are not open to the general public.

Both the 6:00 and the 7:30 tour were sold out and culminated with magnificent views of the estate from the roof top of the Pavillion, what a sight.

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Farringford House and Garden Tour

Thursday 8^th May 2025

Farringford House and Gardens has been beautiful restored with amazing quality and detail in the house. Using headsets you were given your own tour that you can take in at a relaxed time plus several tour guides were on hand to discuss any questions you may have. The gardens looked fantastic with a few new additions this year and a lot of thought and detail has gone into the planning to create beautiful scenery where you can truly relax.

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Talk on The Isle of Wight at War 1939 - 1945

Thursday 24^th April 2025

A large group of members were treated to a fascinating talk by Mark Earp on the Isle of Wight during the Second World War.  This was illustrated with many photos of areas that we still regonise today.  One of the many interesting facts we learnt was that Osborne House was not bombed due to the gardeners laying out large sheets in the grounds which, from the air, the bombers mistook for the roof of Osborne.

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Spring Colour Walk with Toby

Wednesday 16^th April 2025

Just some of the many photos taken of the spring colours at Osborne.

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Dame Judi's 90th Birthday Card

Monday 9^th December 2024

Friends of Osborne were pleased to celebrate our Patrons 90th birthday with the attached card.

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Christmas Tree Decoration 2024

Tuesday 12^th November 2024

On a bright crisp autumnal morning a small group of members decorated the Christmas trees outside of the Petty Officers Quarters which have this year been sponsored by the Friends.  The decorations had been made at our recent workshops and special thanks goes to Suz for her help and generous contributions.

The decorations have been wired to the branches and will hopefully withstand all the weather to come!

Please see the attached photos

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Christmas Decorations workshop

Thursday 24^th October 2024

Several members have got together to produce a range of decorations for the Christmas Trees which the Friends are sponsoring at Osborne this year.  These are to be located outside of Petty Officers Quarters.  Our challenge has been to make decorations which will withstand all weathers from early November through to the end of December!

The following photos will give you an idea of some of the decorations which have been produced.  Many thanks to all involved!

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Hidden Osborne - October tour

Friday 11^th October 2024

Christopher's tour was fascinating.  He is so knowledgable and delivers the tour with real aplomb.

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2024 Autumnal Walk

Wednesday 2^nd October 2024

Another Fine Autumnal Walk with Toby

We gathered this autumn with no storm warnings in sight! Toby led us via John Brown’s chair to the Terraces where he explained the rationale of what plants to put, where and why. The cannas looked particularly ‘majestic’.

We headed off via the entrance to the Golf Club where there were a plethora of fungi including some fine traditional spotted toadstools. Toby instructed us how Albert, with his grand visions, had trees planted to create ‘avenue’ designs.

Next, we gathered by...

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Walled Garden Drinks Party

Wednesday 3^rd July 2024

How lucky we were to enjoy this new Friends of Osborne event with sunshine as we gathered to greet our guests.

The Walled Garden looked resplendent with the bright lavenders bordering the walkways and such an assortment of beautiful kitchen garden plants.

Our guests were served with drinks and tucked into delicious platters of finger food.

The harpist played beautifully tunes for all to appreciate.

What a pleasurable summers evening.

Please click on the images to see the photos in full.

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'Hidden Osborne' Tour

Friday 7^th June 2024

Leader: Christopher Warleigh‒Lack

Group 1: 6.00-6.45pm       Group 2: 7.00-7.45pm

Two groups were arranged to participate in this private tour as Christopher considered the smaller numbers in each group would have more space to move around in the rooms, and safety also for the Collection pieces.

Christopher started by outlining what the tour would involve (especially the number of stairs to the highest point) and the purpose which was to illustrate to the ‘Friends of Osborne’ members what he and his team were...

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Visit to Quarr Abbey

Wednesday 22^nd May 2024

Quarr Abbey welcomed many of our members on Wednesday of this week to a very enjoyable afternoon.  The rain cleared and we were greeted by Tracy

 Osborne, Director of Fundraising and were able to enjoy historic photos of the Abbey followed by a superb presentation in the courtyard by Dr.Dominic  Fontana Chair of Friends of Quarr Abbey then taking us into the Abbey allowing photos to be taken which was a special time.

Tea followed in the cafe where delicious cakes with tea and coffee were waiting for us enjoyed by...

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2024 Spring Colour Walk

Wednesday 24^th April 2024

A large group of Friends of Osborne enjoyed a Spring Colour Walk lead by Toby Beasley, Head Gardener at Osborne. Toby showed us a vast array of the amazing plants and shrubs to be seen on the terraces, around the walled garden, in the parkland and the meadow areas to the side of the broad walk, explaining their origins and growing requirements.

The following week the Country Press published an interesting article on Toby - click here to see.

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Christmas Wreath Making Workshop

Friday 15^th December 2023

A most enjoyable morning was spent creating Christmas Wreaths from a wonderful array of foliage supplied by Toby and his team from the grounds of Osborne.  Sue Swaby lead the session demonstrating various techniques for producing eye-catching wreaths suitable for both indoors and out. I'm sure that we all left left delighted and amazed with our creatations.

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Carols in the Courtyard - 2023

Friday 15^th December 2023

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Trafalgar Day Walk - Nov 2023

Friday 3^rd November 2023

Rescheduled after storm warnings the Autumn Walk finally took place on Friday 3rd November and we were met by Toby and proceeded to the Terraces.

Toby explained that due to storms, Babet and Ciaran, the lower half of Osborne Estate including the beach would be out of bounds for the foreseeable future.

At the Terraces Toby explained the new ways of drill planting as ecological considerations progress. We looked down the Broad Walk, which had been mowed in the new ‘eco’ way to reflect the process of animal...

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2023 Quiz Night Review

Friday 29^th September 2023

A new quiz mistress, new winners, and our youngest player ever.

A sausage and mash supper was back on the menu at the Terrace Restaurant for our annual Quiz Night, provided by Osborne’s new catering manager, Victoria, and her team.

Our new Quiz Mistress, Carolyn, provided four rounds of searching questions on General Knowledge, Food and Drink, Sport, and Popular Music. With Jokers to be played and Table Questions of Island features to be answered, this led to a most stimulating evening.

New overall winners, the Moore’s together with the...

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Talk on Conservation of the Royal Collection at Osborne

Tuesday 15^th August 2023

In August we had a very successful talk by Emma Hallums and Kirsty Huggett, who are responsible for the Conservation of the Royal Collection, about the way they protect the Royal Collection from sunlight, heat, humidity and bugs, to name but a few.  Forty-five members attended the talk and found it very informative.

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2023 360 Degree Tour

Friday 21^st July 2023

What a Glorious View

Fifty of our members, in 2 groups of 25, enjoyed the stunning 360 degree view of the Osborne Estate and beyond, from the Pavilion rooftop, on a beautiful sunny Friday evening.

Cameras were in abundance, together with binoculars, as our members took numerous photographs from this unique viewpoint

Our EH host for the evening, Dr Welstead (Therron), gave an informative talk about the history of the construction of the House, with many insights into Prince Albert’s involvement with the innovative ideas on the heating and plumbing of the property.

A fruit...

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The Royal Children at Osborne – talk by Mark Earp

Tuesday 11^th July 2023

Our talks continue to be very popular. We had thirty-seven members who came to listen to Mark Earp talk in June about the Royal Children. This was an interesting insight into each of the nine children, their personalities and achievements.

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2023 Beach Party

Friday 23^rd June 2023

Even Britannia stopped to listen to the music

The sun was shinning as our guests boarded the fleet of electric buses which ferried them down to the beach.

Tables and chairs were set up with lavish picnics, including at least one from Fortnum & Mason’s, as our new 15 piece band, The Freshwater Ukulele Group, prepared to play their ‘Songs of the Sea’

Food was consumed and the drinks began to flow as we all relaxed enjoying the view while listening to the jolly music.

Three great ladies of the ocean glided past the beach, with...

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Talk on St Mildred's Church

Wednesday 31^st May 2023

Talk at St. Mildred’s Church, Whippingham
by Janet McNeal 

Our talk at St. Mildred’s Church in Whippingham at the end of May was excellent. Janet told us so many fascinating facts and stories about the church. We really enjoyed our afternoon there and chatting afterwards in the tearooms. For anyone who has never visited the church it is well work a visit. Inside the church are several information boards and booklets for sale, telling the history of St. Mildred’s. One of our members on the tour remembered his time as a choir boy there and explained...

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Talk on German Twinning Association

Thursday 18^th May 2023

Many members came to the Education Suite to listen to a talk by Peter Jackson about the Isle of Wight German Twinning Association. This was full of interesting facts about Queen Victoria’s visit to Coburg, with extracts from her journals describing her thoughts about the trip. Osborne’s new curator, Christopher Warleigh-Lack, attended and it was nice for members to put a face to a name. The twinning association are planning a trip to Coburg in October and if any members are interested to find out more, please email Peter on redsand@roselake.co.uk.

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Visit to and Guided Tour of Brading Villa

Tuesday 16^th May 2023

Today Brading Roman villa welcomed a group of members to enjoy a guided tour of the wonderful historic remains.  We were greeted with cake and refreshments in the glorious sunshine sitting on the cafe deck followed by a wonderful tour Which was not only informative but amusing. 

Members were then given the freedom of the grounds on such a beautiful day to enjoy for the remainder of their stay.

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Spring Walk with Toby m

Wednesday 26^th April 2023

Dry but Chilly

Toby, Head Gardener, greeted a full party of 30 members for our ‘Walk and Talk’ and we moved off for a quick inspection of the fallen Cedar of Lebanon.

Next, we sauntered off to the Terraces, with the tulips of red, pink, and yellow standing to attention. Toby explained about how a traditional ‘ribbon’ layout was adopted by the crew of gardeners… bright and colourful.

Our walk resumed from the Lower Terraces via the Grand Walk, where we spotted hosts of purple orchids. Then, on to the wooded area near the Ice-house where we saluted an...

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Victoria and Albert’s Influence on East Cowes and Whippingham

Wednesday 19^th April 2023

Talk by Sarah Burdett

Sarah Burdett gave a very interesting talk about the impact that Queen Victoria and Prince Albert had on East Cowes and Whippingham and in particular on the architecture and the very many houses that still remain in the area today. Over twenty of us enjoyed the talk and I think we all learnt something new about East Cowes!

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Floral Arranging Workshop

Friday 31^st March 2023

On 31 March we held the first of our fundraising events in the newly revamped Education Suite at Osborne where members enjoyed a demonstration of flower arranging by Sue Swaby.  Sue, who is responsible for many of the amazing floral decorations in the House, showed us how to create a simple, yet effective, arrangement using tin cans, hessian and spring flowers.  Some very impressive arrangements were subsequently created by members in a relaxed and sociable environment.  A special thanks to Gill Jackson for her help in the organisation of the event and for her delicious...

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Visit to Carisbrooke Castle

Wednesday 8^th February 2023

It was a pleasure to meet some new members and see some more familiar faces at Carisbrooke Castle. It was a beautiful frosty day with blue skies and those of us that went up onto the ramparts had glorious views. We had a very informative talk about the castle and enjoyed looking at the many fascinating items in the museum.  Sarah, one of the EH volunteers then talked to us about the donkeys and showed us the well house. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the morning there.

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2022 Quiz Night Review

With great delight Friends of Osborne held our relaunched Quiz Night on Friday 24th June in the splendid Terrace Restaurant. Teams amounted to 6 tables of four players and 2 of five. Quiz mistress, Ms McDoom and her trustee sidekick, Wisden the scorer, kicked off the evening with Round 1, Hobbies and Leisure. Round 2 covered questions on TV Gold for memories of old.

The supper was served during the interval and it was a most generous Isle of Wight cheese ploughman’s with alternatives for dietary reasons. Delicious.

The Living World Round was pitched rather too...

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2022 Beach Party - 'What a scorcher'

Actually, the temperature down at the beach was rather balmy.

Forty members arrived on foot or were transported in the brand new electric minibus to the beach, with picnics to hand.

Captain Paul and his shipmate, Lindsay, entertained us with amusing sea shanties as we sat shore side next to the blue waters of the Solent.

The Beach Cafe was open to cater for our guests and we thank Debbie and Hilary of EH for their service.

At the end of the evening our driver, Fiona, was on hand to ferry our guests back to the car park.

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Trafalgar Day Walk - 2022

Toby arrived and the sun come out.

 After rain for most of the morning, as soon as 20 of our members were met by Head Gardener, Toby, then the sun began to shine.

Toby’s Autumn Walk lead us via the icehouse, down the valley path to the beach. Taking approximately an hour, with various stops along the way. Toby explained the various Flora and Fauna to be seen on the Osborne Estate at this time of year. As a trained arborealist his extensive knowledge of the history and planting of the trees by Prince Albert made for a fascinating talk, with plenty of photo...

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Patron's dinner 2017

Dame Judi Dench attended the Friends of Osborne Gala Dinner as the first Patron of Friends of Osborne. Guests at the sell-out event enjoyed a drinks reception in The Durbar Room (with the opportunity to view costumes from the ‘Victoria & Abdul’ film), followed by a wonderful four-course dinner in the Terrace Restaurant.

Dame Judi was accompanied by her co-star in the film Victoria and Abdul, Eddie Izzard, who played Bertie, Prince of Wales.  Dame Judi, who had already been presented with a commemorative glass paperweight containing a flower from the Osborne...

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