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
Friday 10th July – Tutored Wine Tasting
7.30pm in Skippings Barn at the Museum. Details for booking to be advised.
Saturday 21st November – Annual Quiz Supper
7.30pm at Chalfont St Peter Church Hall. Details for booking to be advised.
Friends Annual General Meeting 2026
The 43rd Annual General Meeting of the Friends of Chiltern Open Air Museum was held at the Museum on Monday 16th March 2026.
The meeting included a report on the financial results for the year ended 31st October 2025. The Friends provided financial support for the Museum of £15,000, of which £10,000 went to specific activities and the balance to general funds. The main source of the funds raised was a very successful year for the Friends Centre shop which brought in over £13,000, and was helped by the perennials of the 200 Club and the Quiz. Expenses are kept to a minimum and were largely the cost of the essential insurance and the associated membership of the British Association of Friends of Museums. The annual accounts were duly adopted.
Sarah Fitzpatrick was elected as Treasurer, having taken over from Dick Lister. Diane Thomas was re-elected as Chairman and Tricia Phillips re-elected as Secretary. Doreen Toomey and Debbie Privett were also re-elected. The very sad and unexpected death of Barbara Hayes at the end of last year has left another vacancy on the committee. If you would like to give us your support and get involved in the running of the Friends, please contact our Secretary atfriendsmembership@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 2026-2027
The monthly draw awards 2 prizes of £15 each. In addition, an annual draw will take place at the Friends AGM in 2026, with 2 prizes of £75 and £30.
The two lucky winners of the annual prizes drawn at the March 2026 AGM were:
No.15 Ms K Fearn (£75)
No.45 Ms A Woodhams (£30)
The new Club year starts in April 2026. Please click here to access an application form with full details and method of payment.
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.