No 111 November 2025
THE WINDSOR AND ETON SOCIETY
Incorporating Windsor Heritage
NEWSLETTER No 111 November 2025
NOTE FROM OUR VICE-CHAIR, CHRIS AITKEN
Many of you will be aware that Margaret Lenton, after her illness, decided to stand down from her role as Chair of The Society. At the AGM on Wednesday 29th October, Margaret formally stood down and Malcolm Leach, after being proposed unanimously by the Executive Committee, was elected as her successor. I am delighted, having been standing in for Margaret during her illness, to congratulate Malcolm on his election.
I would also like to pay tribute to Margaret who has led us brilliantly for her seven years and has contributed so much to The Society with such commitment and dedication. Thank you, Margaret, and we look forward to seeing you at our events in the future.
NOTE FROM OUR NEW CHAIR, MALCOLM LEACH
I am truly honoured to have been elected Chair of our esteemed Society, which plays such a vital role in protecting the heritage of our historic towns.
I follow in Margaret’s footsteps — big boots to fill indeed! Margaret has led The Society with skill and dedication over the past seven years, and it is a great shame that illness has forced her to step down. We thank her sincerely for her leadership and inspiration, wish her a full and speedy recovery, and look forward to welcoming her to future events.
Since being invited to join the Executive Committee in 2016, I have been privileged to contribute to The Society’s activities alongside a highly dedicated, talented, and professional team. These newsletters showcase the breadth of our work and the enthusiasm that drives it.
Our Society continues to play an active role in planning matters – scrutinising and responding to applications that could alter the historic character of our communities. We also offer a stimulating programme of talks throughout the year, featuring a wide range of speakers and topics that both inform and inspire.
I look forward to building on The Society’s achievements and working together to ensure that our heritage continues to be valued and protected for generations to come.
AGM 2025
The 79th AGM of The Society, held at The Old Court, St Leonard’s Road, Windsor on Wednesday 29th October, was attended by 31 members. Those attending learned that Margaret Lenton had decided to step down as Chair and thanks were expressed to Margaret for her contribution and leadership over 7 years. The proposal by the Executive Committee that Malcolm Leach should become the new Chair was carried unanimously. Chris Aitken, Vice-Chair, reported on The Society’s projects and events through the year and announced that, to allow us to continue to provide members with interesting events and fund the projects that have been suggested, membership subscriptions will increase in 2026/27 – the first increase in many years. After the business part of the meeting Lt. General Phil Jones, our President, gave a very entertaining talk about “Life Today in Windsor Castle” emphasising its multiple functions as Royal Residence, prestige venue for State Visits, home to Royal Archives and tourist attraction. 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 2025/26 are listed in another section of this Newsletter
ANNUAL DINNER 2025
On 3rd September around 60 members and guests enjoyed an entertaining evening and a delicious meal at our Annual Dinner at the Castle Hotel. The theme for the evening was Charles I and Windsor and table decorations reflected this period, with royal purple as the colour scheme and each place setting marked with a quote from the period attached to a small nosegay of lavender. The Mayors of both the Royal Borough and Eton were in attendance as well as Windsor’s MP. Our After Dinner Speaker was Barbara Askew, a local Blue Badge Guide and Arts Society lecturer, who gave us an interesting and lively talk on Charles I’s life and times in Windsor with a focus also on the possible history of the replica Execution Warrant that The Society is restoring. The replica warrant itself was on display as well as a photo collage of The Society’s events and projects which had been assembled by Alison Logan.
Photos courtesy of Philippa Johnson
HERITAGE & ENVIRONMENT
Quarterly Meeting
The Quarterly Meeting with officers from RBWM in June was postponed and, as yet, there is no new date. We asked for an update on the items we had raised at the last meeting, some of which were still unanswered.
Windsor Town Team
This was set up and run by an RBWM officer with the help of Windsor Councillors, but they are stepping back from this now and are wanting it to be run by volunteers. We can but wait to see who takes on the organisation of future events. The gardening events in The Heritage Garden, The Memorial Garden and The Charles Knight Gardens will continue to be organised and run by The Windsor and Eton Society.
Windsor Forum
We continue to attend the Windsor Forum to ensure that we are aware of things that people are interested in around the town and to raise issues that affect the residents of the town. The main issue for the September meeting was still the new bus routes, which have been rerouted in the new timetables. Other issues raised were the continued infestations of vermin in the town, rubbish and litter, and the vegetation growing into the structure of Windsor Bridge. There is a work in progress to update the Local Flood Risk Management Strategy which is hoped to be in place later this year. The meetings are open to all residents, and the next one is at York House at 6.30pm on 26th November 2025.
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.
We have a new member of the committee, John Griffiths, who is an Eton Town Councillor and adds to our already knowledgeable team.
Planning Applications
Letters written after the November meeting
110 Tinkers Lane, Windsor, SL4 4LP – subdivision of the existing five-bedroom dwelling to create 2 three-bedroom dwellings with a garage conversion, single storey side/rear extension, alterations to fenestration, refuse and cycle stores, associated landscaping, parking and a detached outbuilding ancillary to the main dwelling (PA 25/01771/FULL)
Concern expressed over the outbuilding in the back garden. Agreed to send single occupancy letter.
24 Queens Acre, Windsor, SL4 2BE – single storey side/rear extension to existing garage, raised ridge, 1 side dormer and alterations to fenestration to the garage and main dwelling. (PA 25/02852/FULL)
Plans inspected. Agreed to send single occupancy letter
Oaktree Cottage, St Leonards Hill, Windsor, SL4 – works To trees covered by TPO – proposal: (T1) Silver Birch – fell; (T2) Silver Birch – crown reduce height by 5m and spread by 2.4m to leave a height of 11m and a spread of 5.6m; (T3) Cherry – fell; (T4 and T5) Oak x 2 – crown reduce height by 5m and spread by 4m to leave a height of 15m and a spread of 12m; (T6, T7 and T8) Conifers x 3 – fell; (T9 and T10) Oak x 2 – crown reduce height by 5m and spread by 4m to leave a height of 15m and a spread of 10m; (T11) Oak – fell; (T12 and T13) Conifers x 2 – fell and (T14 and T15) Beech x 2 – crown reduce height by 2m and spread by 0.8m to leave a height of 8m and a spread of 3.2m. (004/1962/TPO). (PA 25/02660)
It was noted that there was no report from any arboriculturist. It was agreed to send replacement tree letter.
Letters written after the October meeting
Lebanese Village Windsor, 41 Thames Street, Windsor, SL4 1PR – repainting of the shopfront, 3 new lanterns and new signage. (PA 25/02402/FULL 25/02403/LBC)
The paint colour seems the same but the name is ‘up in lights’
Pending
12 High Street, Windsor, SL4 1LT – consent for 1 accessibility ramp to front entrance, replacement windows and door to ground floor front elevation, 1 new door and new steps to rear elevation, infill of 2 windows to rear elevation, 1 air conditioning unit, 2 shop floor chillers, 1 chiller cold room, 1 shop floor freezer and 1 freezer cold room. (PA 25/02366/LBC)
Zizzi, 24 – 27 Thames Street, Windsor, SL4 1PL –
a)consent to display 2 externally illuminated fascia signs, 2 externally illuminated projection signs, 1 internally illuminated poster box and 1 internally illuminated menu box.(PA 25/02231/ADV)
b) consent for the redecoration of the existing shop front and new signage. (PA 25/02246/LBC)
We decided we should look at the proposed colour and signage
Enforcement Consultation (This will form the framework for how enforcements will be reported and dealt with in the Borough).
National and Local Validation List Consultation. (This covers the planning process for the validation of planning applications and what is needed by applicants to ensure all the documents are in place before applications are processed.)
Often applications do not have all the required documents to ensure the application can be fully assessed which frequently causes delays in making decisions.
The HEC sent in a detailed response to these two consultations
Letters written after the September meeting
1 Losfield Road and land at 1 Losfield Road, Windsor – part single, part two storey side/rear extensions to provide 1 dwelling with detached cycle store following the demolition of the existing single storey elements. (PA 25/02171)
Outside amenity space is too small. There is not enough parking as the original house is two/three bedroom – needs two parking spaces and new house has two bedrooms so also needs two spaces. There is only an awkward room for 3 cars.
37 Kings Road, Windsor, SL4 2AD – Cherry Tree – fell to ground level and grind out stump. (PA 25/02153/TCA)
Large cherry to be felled because roots are damaging path and brick boundary walls – leave to Tree Officer but suggest replacement tree? Tree letter to be sent
Updates to Planning Applications mentioned in previous newsletters
Letters written after the August meeting
Crown Farm, Eton Wick Road, Eton Wick, Windsor, SL4 6PG – use of land for the siting of up to 35 mobile homes for human habitation (PA 25/01707/FULL)
Letter of objection sent.
Permitted
Elizabeth Court, Beaumont Road, Windsor, SL4 1HJ – sorbus x 3 – reduce width back to wall by 3m to leave a width of 5m (PA 25/01778/TCA)
These are prominent trees in the St Leonards Road streetscape, letter sent requesting a less severe cutting back to ensure the heath of the tree is maintained
Permitted and work was completed in a more sympathetic way than originally asked for
18 & 20 Washington Drive, Windsor – T1-T6, unknown species, fell (PA 25/01505/TPO) T8, unknown species, reduce as per photograph, T10 (neighbouring property), unknown species, cut to property line (PA 005/1960/TPO).
Letter sent requesting more information regarding the type of trees and suggesting some of the trees could have work on them to manage their growth. It was also suggested that as these are prominent in the landscape they should be managed rather than all felled.
Part Refused/ Part Approved including the refusal to fell the oak tree
84 Gallys Road, Windsor, SL4 5RA – garage conversion and subdivision of the existing dwelling to create an additional dwelling (PA 25/00937/FULL)
Letter of objection sent due to lack of parking for the newly divided house and space for it and the original house.
Refused citing the reasons stated in our letter
Ernest Jones, 1 King Edward Court, Windsor, SL4 1TF – consent to display 4 internally halo lit illuminated fascia signs, 1 internally illuminated back lit box sign, 1 internally halo lit illuminated double sided hanging sign and new window vinyls. (PA 25/01725/ADV)
Letter sent
Permitted but with less signage
35 Forest Road, Windsor, SL4 – certificate of lawfulness to determine whether the proposed detached outbuilding ancillary to the main dwelling is lawful (PA 25/01744/CPD)
Letter sent asking for a condition that this outbuilding cannot be rented out as a separate dwelling due to its size and possible rear access.
Refused as it was deemed too big
Letters written after the July meeting
Lord Raglan House, 132 St Leonards Road, Windsor, SL4 – application for prior approval for construction of one additional storey to building to provide 3 additional flats. (PA 25/01549/PT20A)
Letter sent regarding the loss of some of the architectural features and the setting of the Listed Building.
Refused
Ernest Jones, 1 King Edward Court, Windsor, SL4 1TF – external works including the full replacement of the existing shopfronts along both street facing elevations, painting of the exterior of the building, new illuminated signage, and the replacement of external air conditioning units, alongside internal works to facilitate the conversion of building for use as a cafe. (PA 25/01569/FULL)
Letter sent regarding the deep colour in the Conservation Area
Permitted
Letter written after the June meeting
29 Smiths Lane, Windsor, SL4 5PE – oak tree – fell (067/2004/TPO) (PA 25/01363/TPO)
The plans were inspected and the tree report was lacking. However it mentioned an Oak Processionary Moth Disease which should have been reported to the Forestry Commission. It was agreed to send a letter mentioning this and asking if this Oak is felled then another be planted in its place.
Pending
Letter written after the April meeting
Willows, St Leonards Hill, Windsor, SL4 4AJ – (T1), (T2) and (T7) cherry trees – fell. (T3) and (T4) goat willows – fell. (T5) conifer trees – fell. (T6) oak trees – fell. (001/1966/TPO) (PA 25/00480/TPO)
The plans were inspected and it appeared that 7 trees were being removed and it was thought at least 2 new ones could be planted.
Part permitted/part refused
Letter written after the August 2024 meeting
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.
Permitted Outline Planning Permission
Letters written after the March 2023 meeting
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.
Pending
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. There were further changes to the plans following our letter and one storey was removed from the top of the hotel.
Pending – this was permitted at Panel but there is still no confirmation on the website as there will still be legal matters to sort.
OUTINGS
In late August we had one of our most interesting days out. Firstly, we visited Lancing College Chapel. The foundation stone for this magnificent building was laid in 1868 but the chapel was not completed until 2022. We marvelled at the height of this stunning Gothic revival building and learned more about it with a most interesting talk.
We then visited St Mary’s House at Bramber, Sussex where we had a light lunch. This house was built in the 16th century and retains several features unique to that period. It has been carefully restored and the contrast to the chapel could not have been more stark. Our guides were most informative and we all learned a lot. We would encourage other members to visit this lovely house and extensive garden as it is important that future generations can benefit from visiting this genuine old building.
Photo Courtesy of Anne Taylor
I hope to arrange at least one visit for next year.
RESTORATION OF REPLICA KING CHARLES I EXECUTION WARRANT
Following its removal for restoration the plaque was first stabilised and put on a new secure backing. By early September it was sufficiently stable to be displayed at the Annual Dinner and many of you will have been able to inspect it there. Since then restoration work has continued. It is a slow process, and it is not yet possible to give an end date, but we hope that the plaque will be ready to be reinstalled fairly early on in 2026.
GARDENING PROJECTS
On 18th October a small group planted more daffodils in Bachelors Acre, tidied up a seating area in Madeira Walk and weeded and planted in the Remembrance Garden.
We put in more grasses there as these seem to survive best in the dry soil. Work on the Charles Knight grave area is still stalled due to the toxic euphorbia, and we are considering whether it is still safe to work in the Heritage Garden as the rat issue has not been addressed.
The Heritage and Environment Committee is discussing what more The Society can do to ensure the rats are kept under control. We will also continue to seek a contractor to take over some of the work, particularly the watering, which hopefully will enable us to have some more colour and flowers in the gardens next year.
Photos courtesy of Alison Logan
TALKS
In October Jack Rankin, MP for Windsor, gave a lively and informative talk about his journey from boyhood to becoming a Member of Parliament. He gave some insight into his work in the House of Commons as well as the very varied day to day activities he is involved in within his constituency.
In November we had a fascinating talk on Herne the Hunter by Dr Edmund Newell. Ed started with some very mysterious heavy breathing – the sound of a frightened stag – setting the scene for the myths and legends that have grown up around Herne the Hunter, depicted as a character with antlers. An important influence was the mention of Herne in Shakespeare’s Merry Wives of Windsor.
FUTURE TALKS
Thursday 4th December – 3pm – The Old Court
“Westminster Abbey – Part 2 – Coronations, Weddings and Funerals” a talk by Peter Symonds, Assistant Visitor Services Manager.
Thursday 8th January – 3pm – The Old Court
The Royal Archives, Windsor Castle
Thursday 5th February – 3pm – The Old Court
Stonor Park – a talk by Karen Townsend
More information on the talks is published on The Society’s website.
Please note that on our meeting dates The Old Court bar is now open from 2pm for members to meet for coffee or a drink before the talk.
MEMBERSHIP
We are pleased to welcome 5 new members:
Information about our Society’s events, plus information regarding Eton Action Fair, and Cumberland Lodge events have been circulated to members.
Please feel free to give Katie Broady, our Membership Secretary a call if you have any membership queries – she is always happy to help.
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 2025-2026 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 Mr Malcolm Leach chair@wesoc.org.uk
Vice Chair Mr Chris Aitken
Secretary Ms Katie Broady membership@wesoc.org.uk
Treasurer Mr Fred West treasurer@wesoc.org.uk
Mr James Clark
Mrs Janet Dawson editor@wesoc.org.uk
Mrs Theresa Haggart heritageandenvironment@wesoc.org.uk
Mrs Philippa Johnson talks@wesoc.org.uk
Mrs Alison Logan ndha@wesoc.org.uk
RBWM NOMINEES
Cllr Neil Knowles
Kerrstyn Laiss, wife of Cllr Devon Davies
LOCAL NEWS
Windsor Forum – The next 2 meetings are scheduled for Wednesday 26th November and Tuesday 3rd February 2026 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