English Heritage held their popular two day festive event again this year. The weather was cold, but dry and bright with the snow machine in the kitchen courtyard adding to the Christmas atmosphere. The Friends had their stall positioned outside of our rooms where we offered coffee and mince pies to our members. This year, in addition to the Friends merchandise, we sold a range of Victorian inspired Christmas decorations made by a group of members who met every Thursday throughout November. A lucky dip ‘bran tub’ proved to be hugely popular with children. In addition Crawford Ivin, Friends of Osborne member and local author again signed and sold copies of his books. It was a busy weekend and with the help of a group of volunteers around £850 was raised.