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THE WINDSOR AND ETON SOCIETY

Incorporating Windsor Heritage

NEWSLETTER No 107 November 2024

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NOTE FROM OUR CHAIR
We are now enjoying our schedule of talks arranged by Philippa which I am delighted to see are well attended at the Old Court. I am now working on our Annual Dinner and we hope to have a concert next year. May I wish you all the Season’s Greetings and a Happy New Year. Thank you for your support for the Windsor and Eton Society.

NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
For those who are wondering why this newsletter is a little later than usual, I had a holiday booked for the first half of November and as we wished to include the report on the AGM and details of the Committee and Trustees for 2024/25 there was not time for me to edit and distribute the newsletter before I went away.

OUTINGS
Report on outing to Stratfield Saye – September 4th 2024
It was a fine day when 40 members visited Stratfield Saye – the home of the Dukes of Wellington. We were their last visitors for the 2024 season and experienced a very interesting day with guided tours round the house and to the amazing funeral carriage which carried his coffin through the streets of London (you can see the height in the above photograph). We were also well fed and watered. It was another excellent day out.
This was also our last outing for 2024. I hope to organise a trip to Goodwood House next season but details have yet to be clarified.

TALKS
In September Harry Farmer, an archaeologist employed by The National Trust, gave us a most interesting talk on his work when excavating the site at Ankerwycke and Runnymede. He told us of the history, in particular the evidence of occupation of the site in the Bronze Age and significant medieval archaeology relating to the nuns who lived in The Priory of St Mary Magdalen, founded around 1160. Later there were two mansions, one Tudor one Georgian on the site. As the talk took place on Zoom there was the opportunity to record it, and many members who were not free on the night of the talk took the opportunity to view it later.
Martin Denny, Festival Director, spoke to us in October about the beginnings of The Windsor Festival. Windsor Festival was founded in 1969 with Yehudi Menuhin and Ian Hunter as Artistic Directors. When Robin Woods, Dean of Windsor, met Menuhin at a Royal Academy Dinner, the acclaimed violinist and conductor offered to put on concerts in St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle. And so it was, that through their collaboration, an impressive evening of music took place in this prestigious venue. Subsequently the State Apartments and other venues around Windsor and Eton were also used, and the Festival has also grown to include a wider range of events.
Our November talk was given by Elizabeth Clark Ashby, Curator of Books and Manuscripts for the Royal Collection. This was a fascinating talk about the origins of Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House and in particular the miniature library. We learnt how authors had been selected to write or compose works to be included, and saw photographic examples of some of the more important works, including their bindings. For this year’s centenary of the Dolls’ House, 20 new manuscripts have been created, one written by Queen Camilla, to reflect not only the authors of today but the changing style of bindings.

FUTURE TALKS
Thursday 5th December – 3pm – The Old Court, Windsor
The Air Forces Memorial, Runnymede – a talk by Graham Grist, Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
Thursday 9th January 2025 – 3pm – The Old Court, Windsor
Westminster Abbey – a talk by Peter Symonds, Assistant Visitor Services Manager at The Royal Household.
Thursday 6th February – 3pm – The Old Court, Windsor
Dorney Court – a talk by Karen Townsend, Steward at Dorney Court
More details on each talk is published on The Society’s website.

HERITAGE & ENVIRONMENT
Quarterly Meeting
The first Quarterly Meeting with officers from RBWM took place in September where several issues were raised. We discussed many of the matters that we have had concerns about for many months. These include The Vision for Windsor, planning application issues, the voluntary work that The Windsor and Eton Society complete, rodent issues, how The Society can help other groups around the town and conservation issues. Our next meeting is set for December where we will again raise these issues along with trying to get a full conservation survey instigated on The Guildhall. This building is important to the heritage of the town and at the moment does not appear to have a conservation or maintenance plan to ensure its upkeep is planned. There has been work carried out in the past that has been emergency work due to this lack of maintenance. This is of course an expensive way to look after the building as the saying goes ‘a stitch in time saves nine’.
Windsor Town Team
We attended an inaugural meeting on 26th September with other residents to set up a Windsor Town Team in the same format as the Maidenhead Town Team, which works around Maidenhead to clear graffiti, plant bulbs and window boxes etc. Unfortunately, we have yet to have any further communication with the host since that meeting.

Windsor Forum
We continue to attend the Windsor Forum to ensure that we know what is happening in the town. It is open to all residents so do feel free to come along to York House to hear what is happening and to have your say. The dates of these meetings are routinely listed in the Local News section of this newsletter.

Committee Meetings
The Heritage and Environment Committee continue to note and respond to matters that are important to maintain the historic buildings in the Conservation Areas of the town. We also try to ensure that all planning applications are scrutinised and commented on as and when necessary. The Committee meets once a month to discuss the planning applications and related policy developments. We have been very fortunate to have members who have a vast knowledge of planning rules, laws, and policies, however if you feel you can contribute to protecting the historical aspects of Windsor and Eton as well as shaping its future, please contact Theresa Haggart via one of the emails listed at the end of this newsletter to find out more about how we work and possibly joining the Committee. Specific expertise is not as essential as a keen interest in safeguarding our historic towns and new members would be supported into the role.
The town centre shops continue to change tenants and therefore there are a number of changes to shop fronts and advertising signs to monitor. More and more applications submitted are for illuminated signs in the Conservation Area, which we resist if they do not meet RBWM policies.
In planning applications that involve the felling of a tree the committee continue to write a standard letter requesting a replacement tree is planted to ensure the renewal and improvement of the biodiversity and greenery of the towns. We have seen that this clause to replant is now in most of these permitted applications. Some roads of the town now have little or no greenery at all, as cars replace plants in front gardens especially with so many garages being converted into habitable accommodation.

Planning Applications

Letters written after the November meeting

  1. 54 and land at 54 Illingworth – single storey side infill following the demolition of the existing single storey side element to No. 54, 1 new detached dwelling, new front boundary treatment and 2 cycle storage sheds (PA 24/02366)
    A letter was written as this appears to be squeezed in therefore an overdevelopment of the site and out of keeping with properties in the road.

  2. Land Between 29-43 Poolmans Road and 78-80 Wolf Lane – new dwelling with dropped kerb and boundary treatment (PA 24/02189) Refused

  3. The Swifts, 31 Dower Park, Windsor – works to trees covered by TPO Proposal: Installation of posts within root protection area of Cedar tree, potential severing of roots. (PA 24/02488)
    The plans were inspected and drawings found inaccurate – concern for the health of the tree.

  4. 41 Frances Road – single storey side/rear extension, single storey rear extension, enlargement of existing basement, alterations to fenestration, new steps and hardstanding, following demolition of existing elements. (PA 24/02589/FULL)
    The plans were inspected, and a letter was sent commenting that it was a pity that a conservatory was being demolished to be replaced by a windowless box.

    Letters written after the October meeting

  5. 5 Marbeck Close, Windsor – single storey outbuilding ancillary to main dwelling (retrospective). (PA 24/02186)
    The plans were inspected, and a letter was sent requesting the addition of the clause that it is not to be used as a separate dwelling should the application be approved Permitted with the requested clause

  6. The Swifts, 31 Dower Park, Windsor – new front boundary treatment with access gate (PA 24/02125)
    Letter written as out of keeping with the open plan estate, the type of materials to be used, the height of the fence etc. Withdrawn

    Letters written after the September meeting

  7. 3 Dedworth Drive, Windsor, SL4 5NS – single storey side/front extension and single storey rear extension. (PA 24/01980/FULL)
    Letter of objection sent. Permitted

  8. 1 Clewer Avenue, Windsor, SL4 3QB – single storey side extension (PA 24/01935/FULL)
    The plans were inspected and it was agreed that it would look better if the extension was set back half a metre or so with some decorative brickwork. Letter of objection sent. Permitted at Panel partly due to no action being taken by officers for enforcement issues on 6-bedroom HMO.

Updates to Planning Applications mentioned in previous newsletters
Letters written after the August meeting

9. 131-133 Peascod Street, Windsor, SL4 1DW – outline application for access, appearance, layout and scale only to be considered at this stage with all other matters to be reserved for the redevelopment of the site to retain the 2 existing commercial units, and to provide an additional 3 commercial units (Class E) and 21 serviced apartments (Class C1) (PA 24/01728/OUT)
This is not a full application yet, but it was decided to send a letter requesting care be taken to protect the cobbled roadway during and after the construction.
Pending – new plans added on 28th October 2024 so this will need looking at again.

10. Langleigh Copse, St Leonards Hill, Windsor, SL4 4AL – (T1) Conifer – fell and (T2) Oak – crown reduce by 5m to leave a height and spread of 3m and remove deadwood. (005/1960/TPO)(24/01722/TPO)
A letter to be sent as no reason has been given for removing the conifer. We would also be requesting a replacement is planted. Permitted

11. Windsor Business Quarter, 67 Alma Road, Windsor – demolition and redevelopment of the site comprising the erection of new buildings to provide 118 units of extra care housing (Class C2) and 197 residential dwellings (Class C3) along with new basement to provide car parking, plant and associated ancillary accommodation, new public realm works, provision of amenity space and other works associated and ancillary to the proposed development (PA 24/01594/FULL)
A letter will be sent regarding concerns about parking. Pending
Letters written after the July meeting

12. 1 Dower Park, Windsor, SL4 4BQ – two storey side/rear extension, single storey front/side extension, alterations to fenestration and external finish (PA 24/01341/FULL)
Plans inspected and agreed this is an overdevelopment of the site, out of keeping with other properties in the area, and with potential damage to an ancient oak tree. Refused but has now gone to Appeal

13. Land Adjacent To 1 Farm Yard, Windsor – consent to display 1 internally illuminated double sided partially digitalised monolith sign (PA 24/01323/ADV)
These signs were discussed, and it was agreed that a strong objection letter should be sent as they were contrary to RBWM’s policies and unacceptable in the historic conservation area. Permitted

14. Land Adjacent 1 Thames Street, Windsor – consent to display 1 internally illuminated double sided partially digitalised monolith advertising sign (PA 24/01324/ADV)
As above. Permitted

15. 48 Bulkeley Avenue, Windsor, SL4 3NA – single storey wraparound (front/side/rear) extension to create an annexe ancillary to the main dwelling, following demolition of existing elements (PA 24/01338/FULL) Permitted

16. Blackboys, Roses Lane, Windsor, SL4 4JU – garage conversion to include a single storey extension and alterations to fenestration (PA 24/01481/Full)
This conversion was considered big and required a “no separate dwelling” letter Refused
Letters written after the June meeting 

17. Land at 11 and 11 Clifton Rise, Windsor – 1 detached two bedroom dwelling with associated parking and new pedestrian access to the rear, new drop kerb and cycle store to the existing property following the demolition of the single storey elements and detached garage (PA 24/01084/FULL) Refused

18. 59 Princess Avenue, Windsor, SL4 3LU – part single, part two storey front/side/rear extension, 1 single storey detached outbuilding and alterations to external finish (PA 24/01235/FULL) Permitted

19. 11 High Street, Windsor – consent for internal alterations to the first and second floor to facilitate a change of use from office to residential to create 4 flats (PA 24/01231/LBC) Pending
Letter written after the May meeting

20. 3 Butlers Close, SL4 5RD – single storey detached outbuilding ancillary to the main dwelling (part retrospective) (PA 24/00880/FULL)
Letter sent asking for a clause that this detached building cannot be rented out or used as a separate dwelling. Permitted 1st October 2024 with the clause that it cannot be used as a separate dwelling
Letter written after the October 2023 Meeting 

21. 39 Clifton Rise, Windsor, SL4 5SX – 3 front rooflights, raising of the ridge and eaves, 1 rear dormer and alterations to the external finish and fenestration (PA 23/02301/FULL) Permitted at Appeal
Letter written after the March 2023 meeting 

22. Windsor Yards re-development – (PA 22/02893/FULL)
This application was discussed again in the light of the recent photographs taken, the developer’s response and additional papers submitted. It was agreed that all would view the additional papers after which a letter was sent. This went to April’s Management Panel and was permitted but the final letter is not on the website yet. Pending

Letter written after the January 2023 Meeting

23. Windsor Yards re-development – (PA 22/02893/FULL)
These plans had just been submitted but it was agreed that a response from The Society was required. Letter sent regarding the additional two floors on the hotel.
this was permitted at Panel but there is still no confirmation on the website as there will still be legal matters to sort

GARDENING PROJECTS
The Gardening Group had a summer break but were back in the Heritage Garden on 19th October to make sure it was neat and tidy for the winter and we also put in a few new plants and several bulbs for an even brighter show in the spring. The photograph alongside is a reminder of what it was like in Spring 2024.
Then on Saturday 2nd November we tackled two tasks: bulb planting at the Madeira Walk end of Bachelors’ Acre and planting winter pansies and bulbs in the Remembrance Garden. We also filled about ten bags with leaves from around the garden. Many more have fallen since, but it did look really good for a while! It would have been even better if the shrubs could have filled in more of the bare patches, but hopefully as time goes on the garden will look more “filled”.

MEMBERSHIP
We are pleased to welcome 6 new members, plus another lapsed member who rejoined! (This can happen when people forget to send a cheque, and then wonder why they are not hearing from us anymore! We are happy to reinstate you). Yet another good reason to set up a standing order, but thanks to a considerable number of members for sending their cheques, often well ahead of time, which is very helpful.
As far as membership numbers are concerned, these remain constant at around 312 , taking into account the sad passing of some members recently and 2 people moving away from the area.

AGM 2024
The 78th AGM of The Society, held at The Old Court, St Leonard’s Road, Windsor on Wednesday 30th October, was attended by over 50 members. After the business part of the meeting Anne Taylor, our Honorary Vice-President, gave a very interesting and well illustrated talk that reviewed some of the historical contributions of The Society to enhance and preserve the environment of Windsor and Eton. The talk focused in particular on The Society’s role in the town centre Facelifts to mark Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden and Platinum Jubilees, and in the project to create the sculpture behind Daniel’s store marking her Diamond Jubilee. At the end of the meeting those present enjoyed drinks and nibbles and the opportunity to socialise. Details of the Trustees and Executive Committee for 2023/24 are listed below

MEET YOUR COMMITTEE
Following the AGM, details of the President, Honorary Vice-President, Trustees and Executive Committee of the Windsor and Eton Society and RBWM nominees for 2024-2025 are as follows:
PRESIDENT OF THE SOCIETY Lt. General Philip Jones CB. CBE. DL.
HONORARY VICE-PRESIDENT OF THE SOCIETY Mrs Anne Taylor

TRUSTEES OF THE SOCIETY/EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Chair Mrs Margaret Lenton
Vice Chair Mr Chris Aitken
Secretary Mrs Anne Casson
Treasurer Mr Fred West
Ms Katie Broady
Mr James Clark
Mrs Janet Dawson
Mrs Theresa Haggart
Mrs Philippa Johnson
Mr Malcolm Leach
RBWM NOMINEES
Cllr Neil Knowles
Kerrstyn Laiss, wife of Cllr Devon Davies

LOCAL NEWS
Windsor Forum (formerly Windsor Town Forum) – The next 2 meetings are scheduled for Tuesday 28th January 2025 and Tuesday 18th March, both at 6.30pm in the Grey Room, York House, Sheet Street, Windsor. Minutes of previous meetings, the Agenda and dates of future meetings when available, can be accessed through the RBWM website http://www.rbwm.gov.uk

Published by The Windsor and Eton Society www.wesoc.org.uk
Edited by Janet Dawson,  editor@wesoc.org.uk
Chair: Margaret Lenton,  margaret-lenton@btconnect.com

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