Issue - meetings

The Committee shall receive an annual update report from the Chair of the Friends of Nonsuch.

The Committee received an annual update report from the Chair of the Friends of Nonsuch, Richard Harris.

The Chair of the Friends informed the Committee on the following matters:

a)            He stated that this year was the 35^th anniversary of the Friends.

b)            He explained that a few members of the Friends committee were due to stand down at the coming AGM, and their positions would need to be filled. He stated that recruiting new members was proving challenging – he suggested that in part this was owing to the fact that the Park was currently experiencing a time of calm and stability, and that people are generally more keen to get involved during times of uncertainty or risk.

c)            He explained that the Friends manage the Nonsuch Park museum/gallery, which is run by volunteers. He stated that the number of volunteers was decreasing as individuals were getting older and choosing to leave the role, and that recruiting new volunteers was also proving challenging. He stated that the museum/gallery had had c.4000 visitors across the year.

d)            He explained that the Friends host talks and music performances in the mansion and that he was currently developing a plan of events to hold throughout 2026. He felt it was important to increase the profile of the Park and the events in the mansion, and stated that efforts were being made to promote the Park and said events on the Friends’ social media pages.

e)            He mentioned the works that had been completed to repair the damaged wall in the formal gardens, which had been the project of a former Chair of the Friends, the late Gerald smith. He said the Friends were looking into raising the profile and awareness of the Palace site, Banqueting Hall site, and other historical aspects of the park.

f)             Following a suggestion from a Member, he stated that he would be happy for the Friends to work collaboratively with local educational establishments such as Nescot and UCA to promote and highlight the beauty and rich history of the Park.