Essential Fundraising and Museum Support
The Friends of Chiltern Open Air Museum are a dedicated group of supporters, playing a crucial role in sustaining the Museum.
Their efforts, including running the Friends Centre Shop, organising fundraising events, and participating in local shows, contribute significantly by generating funds, vital for the Museum's operation. Additionally, the Friends serve as intermediaries for anonymous donations, ensuring confidentiality while facilitating the contribution process, claiming Gift Aid, and releasing funds when needed by the Museum.
Membership is free, and you can join below.
Your support is greatly appreciated.
The Friends Centre Shop
Based in Maidenhead Pavilion, the Friends Centre shop is a treasure trove of items for sale. Outside you’ll find plants grown at the museum that you can purchase to take a part of the Museum home with you!
On event days, you might also find our Friends running a cake stall or tombola.
All profits from the Friends Centre go towards funding projects at the Museum.
Friends Events 2024
Saturday 16th November 2024 - Annual Quiz Supper
Thank you to all who supported this enjoyable and successful event, which raised £500 for the Museum.
Friends Annual General Meeting 2024
The 41st Annual General Meeting of the Friends of Chiltern Open Air Museum was held at the Museum on Tuesday 26th March 2024.
The annual accounts for the financial year ended 31st October 2023 were circulated. The Treasurer highlighted that the Friends made donations to the Museum totalling nearly £32,000. Over £13,000 came from anonymous donations, over £10,000 from sales in the Friends Centre charity shop on site and over £3,000 from our final Auction. Further income came from our Quiz Supper, the 200 Club and Gift Aid on the donations. The annual accounts were duly adopted.
The Friends Committee were re-elected for the ensuing year: Chairman – Diane Thomas, Treasurer – Dick Lister, Secretary – Tricia Phillips, other members – Doreen Toomey, Alison Farlie, Barbara Hayes and Debi Zealey. We were delighted to elect a new member – Debbie Privett.
There remain vacancies on the committee and new members can be co-opted during the year, so if you are interested in getting more involved in the running of the Friends, please contact our Secretary at friendsmembership@coam.org.uk
How Can You Contribute as a Friend?
There are various ways you can support us, and we hope you'll discover something appealing from the options listed below:
Working in the Friends Centre Shop: Volunteer at the Maidenhead Pavilion Friends Centre, particularly on weekends and school holidays. Contact Diane Thomas through the Museum or via our contact form
Donations: Contribute unwanted presents, quality bric-a-brac, books, and toys for sale in the Friends Centre. Leave donations (excluding clothes and electrical items) at the ticket office or bring them to the Friends Centre if open. For bulkier items, contact Diane Thomas.
Plant Growing: Grow plants for sale at the Friends Centre. Contact Diane Thomas for details.
Preserves Team: Join the team of jam/marmalade makers, with supplies provided, and receive reimbursement for ingredients.
Event Support: Man stalls at local fetes and shows to promote the Museum.
Baking: Bake cakes for sale.
Social and Fundraising Events: Support us at various social and fundraising events.
Committee Membership: Consider joining the Friends Committee; vacancies are available.
Club 200 Draw
200 Club Draw 2024-2025
The monthly draw awards 2 prizes of £15 each. In addition, an annual draw will take place at the Friends AGM in March 2025, with 2 prizes of £60 and £30.
The lucky winners of the draw for the third quarter of the year were:
October: No.6 Ms K Fearn No.55 Mrs C Morton
November: No.26 Mr R Lister No.12 Ms F A Paris
December: No.60 Mr M A Hull No. 25 Mrs A Lister
As an independent charity, our museum relies on the generosity of individuals like you. Our buildings need continually looking after and all funds raised are invested back into the Museum. Your contribution, whether big or small, ensures the continuous enjoyment of this unique space for everyone. If you're a UK taxpayer, please choose to Gift Aid at the checkout, this will amplify your admission, membership or donation by an additional 25% and will give us us a vital bit of additional income at no extra cost to you.
Thank you for being a vital part of our mission to maintain the Museum's special place in history and community.