Forthcoming Events –
The next Coffee Morning is scheduled for Friday 17 March so we hope to see a good turnout of members there again. Always a chance for a good coffee and catch up on news.
The Riverboat Trip on the Thames will take place on Monday 17 April and there is a full programme of events throughout the year so if you want to sign up for one, be sure to do it as soon as you can to ensure capturing a place.
Coffee Morning January 20th
The January day saw a very busy and lively event at the Town Hall. This first event of the year was enjoyed by all with the raffle and the group was joined by Terry, the Town Crier who helped draw the raffle tickets. He certainly has the voice to ensure that all who are in no doubt when they hear their number. 
A number of new members joined on the day and were warmly welcomed. We look forward to seeing them at future events.
A great result for the Friends Bottle Tombola at the Abbey Christmas Fair
Saturday 26 November saw the return of the Friends of Romsey Abbey Bottle Tombola as an integral attraction within the Abbey Christmas Fair. The magnificent number of 229 bottles, all donated, made a superb display and ensured a continuous line of hopefuls for one of those with a ‘0’ or a ‘5’. The generosity of the Friends’ donations ensured that the Bottle Tombola raised a brilliant £604.15 out of the overall total for the Fair of £6040.17. Despite the current difficult economic situation, the Bottle Tombola income rose over last year by nearly 14%.
The venue for the Fair this year was changed from the Crosfield Hall to the Abbey itself and this proved to be a popular change giving more space for both stalls and visitors and certainly there were plenty of visitors for all the treats on offer.
A great way to round off a year of Friends of Romsey Abbey Events. Look out for the programme for 2023!
The last Coffee Morning of the Year!
Friday 18 November saw the Town Hall packed for the final Coffee Morning in this year’s programme of events. A happy and chatty atmosphere gave a great ambience to the event. Terry, the Town Crier once again ensured Romsey was aware of this enjoyable gathering and was extremely helpful when it came to drawing the raffle tickets and announcing the numbers. We’re all looking forward to the Abbey Christmas Fair where the Friends run and bottle tombola stall, the Fair taking place this year in the Abbey itself.
Annual Dinner – 11 October
61 Friends gathered at the White Horse Hotel in Romsey to enjoy the Annual Dinner. They were met with a welcome drink and the Stables looking decorative. A delicious meal followed topped by excellent entertainment from Tim and Dick. We look forward to the 2023 Dinner when we hope that more Friends will be able to join in.
Coffee Morning
An enjoyable Coffee Morning took place on Friday 16 September, heralded by the Town Crier – his bell was muffled as a mark of respect to our late Queen. A happy group enjoyed a range of biscuits and as many cups of coffee (or tea) as they could drink. The Town Crier joined the group to draw the raffle prize tickets and a fun morning was had by all.
Friends of Romsey Abbey – Trip to Watts Callery and Hatchlands Park – August 2022
Gathering on the first day of rain since the drought was announced, a group of the Friends set out to visit two attractions in Surrey – the Watts Gallery and the National Trust Hatchlands Park. The outing was arranged by Dick Hewett and our minibus was driven by Rob Gower: our first stop, the Watts Gallery was built to display the works of the Victorian Arts and Crafts movement artist, George Frederick Watts. It contains a very large collection of his paintings and sculptures showing how his style evolved over his long artistic career. None of us will forget his huge sculpture of Tennyson!
We walked to the Watts’ house, Limnerslease House which was their peaceful retreat from their official London residence and where Mary Watts lived permanently after her husband’s death. Our visit ended with a stop at the Watts chapel, a unique Grade 1 listed Arts and Crafts masterpiece, designed by Mary Watts. A truly unique and beautiful building.
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We then drove through the Surrey countryside to arrive at Hatchlands in time for lunch. Our guide explained that the house is still privately occupied and the main point of interest for visitors is the fantastic collection of historic keyboard instruments. Many of these were owned or played by famous composers such as Chopin, Beethoven and Elgar. Interestingly, they also had a Walker organ! There was plenty of time in which to enjoy the extensive grounds for which Hatchlands is renowned.