The Friends were established in 1991 in order to raise extra support for the Garden's developing strategy as well as being a way to increase the links between the Garden staff and its admirers and visitors. It has been a great success raising over £1.5 million pounds and offering a very popular programme of events and other benefits. These pages report what we have done, our programme of activities and what we plan to do.

The Garden and Arboretum have very exciting plans for their collections, facilities, education programmes and scientific and environmental work. The Friends are increasing their efforts to make these plans possible.

Patron: HRH The Prince of Wales

President: Lord Patten of Barnes

Vice Presidents: Lawrence Banks, Robin Herbert, Lady Lapthorne, Sir Ghillean Prance, Sir Crispin Tickell, The President of Magdalen College, The Dean of Christ Church.

Directors and Trustees: Richard Mayou (Chairman), Jennie Turner (Secretary), Martin Lamaison (Treasurer), Mary Isaac, Sarah Taylor, Anna Nasmyth.

Council: Maura Allen, Jane Annett, Marie Jane Barnett, Crystal Dobson, Jeanne Gurr, Sue Haynes, Sally Orriss and Walter Sawyer.

Botanic Garden Newsletter No.75