Friends of Hurst

The Friends of Hurst Castle was formed in 1986 to act as a support group to a local site belonging to English Heritage. At that time the Castle was managed by English Heritage, but since May 1996 there has been joint management; with English Heritage still in charge of the fabric of the building and general policies and the Local Management, Hurst Castle Services, running the everyday management and services.

The Friends’ aim is still to support in any way they can: - financially with any project, enhancement of the building, to assist educationally and in any research that they can. We arrange social events and from time to time Newsletters for our Members.

Our financial year runs from 1st. Nov. - 31st. Oct. and new cards are issued each year on payment of subscriptions. The card is not transferable.

Hurst Castle Ferries offer a 10% discount to Members when buying season tickets and free passage to any Friends who are going to work at the Castle. The Friends’ Committee keeps the Ferry crew informed and there is always close liaison here.

The Friends have a workshop at the far end of the West Wing for leaving belongings, tools, artefacts, etc. and for holding meetings. There is also a Bar-be-cue facility on arrangement with the Committee.

Current work and on-going projects:
Castle Gardens - Exhibitions - Garrison Theatre....
Painting - Work shop - Castle Guiding.

Contact no. for Friends:
Mrs. J. Ellis, Thistledown, Sway Rd., Lymington, Hants. SO41 8LJ.
Telephone : 01590 676319
email: friendsofhurstcastle (at) yahoo.co.uk

Annual Membership: £6 per person.
Application forms from either the above or from the Castle.

Association of Lighthouse Keepers
A second voluntary group that have generously given their time and support to the Trinity House Exhibition that is to be seen in the West Wing of the Castle. They also have a room for their artefacts and together with the Friends continue to make improvements and restore what they can around the castle.
www.alk.org.uk