Friends' Groups

Founded in 1969, the Friends of the Ashmolean Museum play an active and important role within the Museum. This highly sociable group organizes a wide variety of activities for its members throughout the year and helps to support the Museum in a variety of ways, including:

• Making vital contributions towards the purchasing funds of the Ashmolean
• Supporting museum staff
  
• Organising the Information Vounteers, who provide a welcoming and helpful resource for visitors

Current projects supported by the Friends of the Bate Collection include the funding of a computer for use in the gallery, the purchase, restoration and photography of new pieces to the collection, and provision of a Sound Guide for visitors.

Existing since 1925, the Friends of the Bodleian is the largest of the Library's support groups. Their aim is to expand the Library's collections by encouraging donations and providing an income, in addition to the Library's own funds for the purchase of manuscripts and printed books. The support of the Friends has enabled the Library to acquire research material across the whole range of subjects represented in the Library.

The Friends of the Botanic Garden share a special interest in the Garden and help to retain its excellence both as a centre of education and research and as a place of relaxation and enjoyment. They support the garden in many ways, including helping to raise money for special projects.

The Friends of Christ Church Cathedral promote links between the cathedral and individuals, both from the Diocese of Oxford and around the world. They have also contributed to the maintenance of the Cathedral through sponsored social events such as summer outings to other cathedrals, a summer party in the Hall and gardens of Christ Church and a Christmas party in the Hall.

Friends support the work of the Khalili Research Centre by facilitating research and education at the Centre and publishing educational materials and research results. They also provide, or assist in the provision of, bursaries, grants and studentships for students.

Friends of Lifelong Learning provide a community that links members to the Department for Continuing Education and Kellogg College. They also help to raise funds to support the growth of academic activities and provide student bursaries.

The Oxford Philomusica is the professional symphony orchestra in residence at the University of Oxford. The Friends of Oxford Philomusica play a vital role in providing crucial support for the work of Oxford’s professional symphony orchestra. By becoming a Friend of Oxford Philomusica you will not only help in sustaining the important work the orchestra undertakes in the city and beyond, but you will also enjoy a range of benefits exclusive to the Friends.

The Friends of Pitt Rivers support this much-loved Museum in a variety of ways. These include raising public awareness of the Museum and its collections, organising lectures and events, co-ordinating volunteers and providing support for museum purchases and publications.