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Chairman's Newsletter - June 2026

Monday 29th June 2026

Friends of Osborne

Newsletter June 2026

 

Dear Members,

 

The Island is set to have a second heat wave this week so try to find some shady spots around Osborne if you are visiting.

 

Newly Painted Front Gates. After approving the request from Osborne to refurbish the main entrance to the house, this work has now been carried out by a local contractor AM Decorating Services.

 

 

 

 

Request for new equipment. After meeting with Ann Walters, the new Education Officer, the committee were pleased to approve a funding request for new gloves and aprons, for visiting schools to use when experiencing ‘The Queen is Coming Discovery Visit’.

 

Our days for entry into the House have been changed. As many of our members work and are unable to visit on a Monday or Friday, the new days for going into the House are now FRIDAY and SUNDAY. Also, it means that when family and friends visit at weekends, Friends of Osborne can enjoy visiting the House together.

 

The repairs to the ceiling of Victoria Hall (Terrace Restaurant) are now complete and the restaurant will be up and running for Sunday lunches and meals. Booking is available through Osborne House website

 

The library will be open on most Mondays and Fridays, from 10:00 to 12:00, throughout June, so please drop in and have a chat to the library volunteers and have a look at our books! A printed copy of the catalogue is available on our web site and in the library itself. Friends of Osborne | Osborne Library - 2026

 

RECENT EVENTS

 

On Monday 15th June, 24 members had a very enjoyable visit to Barton Manor. Sarah Burdett, from the East Cowes Heritage Centre gave us an introduction to the history of Barton Manor and its connection to Prince Albert. Barton Manor was one of seven model farms around Whippingham, that Albert used to develop new farming techniques. Dawn, the owner, then took us around the grounds and down to the beach to see evidence of the Mulberry Harbours used in the D-Day landings.  Click here for further details and photos  Friends of Osborne | Visit to Barton Manor .

 

UPCOMING EVENTS

 

Wednesday 24th June. Hidden Tours with Christopher Warleigh-Lack. Fully booked.

 

Friday 10th July. The Walled Garden Canapés and Drinks Party.

 

This event was hugely popular last year. Enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of the Walled Garden, while listening to a harpist. Please click here for details and booking forms. Friends of Osborne | The Walled Garden Drinks Party

 

Friday 17th July – The Terraces and Walled Garden tour.

 

Frances and Cynthia are repeating their May talk. Please click here for details and booking forms. Friends of Osborne | Guided Talk of the Terraces and Walled Garden

 

Saturday 19th September - Windsor Castle trip. £65

 

Following the success of last year’s Buckingham Palace 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 and their guests will have the opportunity to visit the State Apartments, Queen Mary’s Doll’s House and St. George’s Chapel. We ask for a £10 deposit which is non-refundable, with the final balance to be paid by Friday 24th July. Please click here for details and booking forms. Friends of Osborne | Visit to Windsor Castle

 

Autumn Events.

 

Details of the Quiz, talks and walks and the relevant booking forms will go out 6 weeks before the event. However, you may want to note them on your calendar.

 

• A Quiz Night in September. The supper will be reintroduced. Date and details to follow soon.

 

• Friday 18th September. A talk: ‘Prince Albert, the Gardener’ by Toby Beasley.

 

• Friday 9th October. A talk: ‘Prince Albert on the IOW. Out of the Darkness and into the Light’ by Mark Earp

 

• Toby’s Autumn Walk in October: date to be announced.

 

All our events (except Christopher’s Hidden Osborne) are open to friends and family members, as the money raised goes towards helping projects at Osborne. These events can be booked online. Although we prefer payment by BACS, we do still accept cheques.

 

Take care in this hot weather and perhaps enjoy the shade in the garden by the Gazelle Café down at Swiss Cottage or have a paddle down on the beach at Osborne.

 

Friends of Osborne

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