The Friends of Hylands House
Registered Charity No 1059969
[I/Mb 403/1/21] reproduced by courtesy of the Essex Record Office

Until the café in the Stables Visitor Centre opened, the Friends’ Sunday teas attracted many regular visitors and were one of the main means of fund raising. Now, we have the Friends’ Second-hand Book Shop, manned by a team of more than 100 Friends volunteers, to raise funds. In addition we hold events in the House so that members can enjoy entertainment of different kinds by talented local artistes in the beautiful Drawing Room. Friends’ evening events in the House always include a wonderful buffet supper as well as a cash bar, and in February 2014 we held our first ‘Afternoon Tea and Concert’. This was a very successful occasion with light classical music played on the harp and flute, followed by a delicious afternoon tea in the Banqueting Room.
Several coach trips to other attractions and sites of interest are organised each year for Friends (and their friends). These trips are always well attended and are thoroughly enjoyed by all participants.
The Friends’ Christmas event for members is special – it is an occasion when we get together to enjoy a Christmas-themed meal in the grandeur of the House followed by Christmas carols around the piano in the Drawing Room.
Each March or April the Friends hold their Annual General Meeting in the House, chaired by the President. After the business meeting, a special guest speaker is invited to give a short presentation.
Please see Acquisitions Page for some of the items purchased by FoHH.