No 112 February 2026
THE WINDSOR AND ETON SOCIETY
Incorporating Windsor Heritage
NEWSLETTER No 112 February 2026
NOTE FROM OUR CHAIR
My first “Note” of 2026 begins with reflection as we celebrate our 80th year, then moves into gratitude and ends with a positive look forward.
The Windsor and Eton Society grew out of the widespread national determination following the Second World War to build a better society in Britain. Leading citizens of Windsor and Eton were similarly determined that these two closely involved towns should take on a new and better life. From the first, Sir Owen Morshead, Librarian of Windsor Castle, Mr R Weatherall, an Eton ‘beak’, Mr Raymond South, a Windsor Councillor and History Master of Windsor County Boys’ School, were involved. They saw the urgent need for establishing such a local citizens’ body. As a result of their discussions a meeting was arranged at Windsor Guildhall on Friday, January 18th 1946. The large attendance unanimously agreed to the formation of a Society to be called The Windsor and Eton Society. It was to be non-party and non-sectarian and the first of its objectives was to encourage among the people of Windsor and Eton an active interest in the history, present affairs and future prospects of their towns and to afford them the opportunity for constructive suggestions.
I thank The Society’s current Executive Committee for their commitment and tenacity and the time they freely donate to protect our valuable heritage – scrutinising planning issues, challenging inappropriate development, restoring historic artifacts of local significance, sponsoring local causes, arranging visits to historic locations and a much longer list.
We are delighted that our monthly talks have found a home at The Old Court in St Leonard’s Road and thank Martin Denny and his team for their hospitality, and also all those of you who regularly attend the outstanding talks by so many knowledgeable and interesting presenters.
We start 2026 with a determination to build a working relationship with the business and residential community of the Guildhall Island, which has been sadly neglected over recent years. This heart of our Windsor heritage has a number of concerns which we will identify and work together with the G.I. Community, the Royal Borough and local investors to resolve. Windsor, Eton and surrounding areas were together ranked the best place to live and work in the UK in the 2025 Vitality Index compiled by property consultants LSH, beating 100 other major towns and cities outside London. Windsor is one of the top visitor attractions in the UK with Windsor Great Park ranking 3rd highest place. The Guildhall Island deserves our support and we welcome ideas and thoughts from members, and in due course will be asking for any help you are able to offer
Malcolm Leach – Chair
HERITAGE & ENVIRONMENT
Quarterly Meeting
The Quarterly Meeting with officers from RBWM in June was postponed and has now been rescheduled for 12th February 2026. We asked for an update on the items we had raised at the last meeting some of which were still unanswered. We have also listed more items to discuss with them that have come to the fore since May last year.
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. 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 was a presentation made regarding the work being carried out on the vermin issue in parts of the town centre by the Environmental Team. The meetings are open to all residents, and the next one is at York House at 6.30pm on 25th March 2026.
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.
In December The Windsor Neighbourhood Plan Delivery Group came to the decision that it was time to finish its meetings. This was partly because some of the members of The WES HEC were members of both groups and therefore were repeating much of the work we do. We had been in discussion about joining these two groups together as we do similar scrutiny of planning applications so it was decided to ask the members of the group if they wished to join the WES HEC. As a result we have gained two new members from the WNP Delivery Group – Brian Carter and Susy Shearer (who was previously a member of the HEC Committee). Both have a good knowledge of the WNP and bring this to our meetings. Our committee now has ten members.
Theresa Haggart – Lead H&E
PLANNING APPLICATIONS
Letters written after the February 2026 meeting
The Cottage, Mill Lane, Windsor, SL4 5JQ – T1 Leyland cypress – fell, T2 Sycamore – fell, T3 4x Sycamore – fell, T4 Norway maple – fell or reduce to 6m monolith – T5 2x Tulip tree – crown reduction to a final height of 20m and spread of 12m, T6 Poplar – fell, T7 Poplar – fell, T9 Tree of Heaven – crown reduction to a final height of 17m and spread of 12m, T10 Catalpa – crown reduction to a final height of 17m and radial spread to S of 6m, T11 Lawson cypress – fell, T12 Crab apple – reduce and reshape by 1.5m to a final height of 6.5m (021/2004/TPO) (PA 26/00117/TPO)
Some trees to be felled others managed. Not a lot of information was given but photos show some obvious decay. As 9 trees are to be felled a letter was sent asking for replacement trees to be planted.
Canbrae, 8 Bell View Close, Windsor, SL4 4EX – enlargement of the existing roofspace with 1 rear Juliet balcony, 1 additional side dormer, and a detached outbuilding ancillary to the main dwelling (PA 25/03428 Part Retrospective)
A big extension and a very large outdoor building so letter sent asking for a condition that the outdoor building cannot be used or sold as a separate dwelling.
Old Mill House, Mill Lane, Windsor, SL4 5JQ – T8 1x Lawson and 2x Leyland cypress – fell. (PA 26/00242/TCA)
Not much information is given although photo shows trees are on the river bank and not very attractive. There are more trees to remove than on the application title letter.
Letters written after the January 2026 meeting
Coffee Gallery Windsor, 27 Peascod Street, Windsor, SL4 1DU – consent for internal and external alterations to include replacement toilet, seating, micro lift, removal of partition walls, internal and external lighting, replacement air conditioning units, alterations to external finishes and signage (PA 25/03198/LBC) and (PA 25/03197/FULL)
The plans were inspected and it was thought the paint colour was a slight improvement, but the lighting requests were not right.
Pending
Updates to Planning Applications mentioned in previous newsletters
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.
Pending
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
Permitted
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.
Partial Refusal / Partial Approval
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’
Refused
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
a)Permitted b) Permitted but with changed signage and decoration
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.
Withdrawn
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
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
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.
TALKS
In December Peter Symonds gave another talk on Westminster Abbey, this time on Coronations, Weddings & Funerals. We heard about the long history of Coronations and how little the formula has changed over the years. We also learned weddings hadn’t always been in the Abbey until relatively recently although funerals were held there until nearly all the spaces were filled.
Our January talk was given by five members of staff from the Royal Archives. We first learned about the history of the Royal Archives in Windsor Castle and then each of them spoke about the archives from a different period of history. It was interesting to learn the details of such things as the menus for banquets over the centuries and also the household expenses.
In February Karen Townsend talked about the history and people who have lived in the historic Stonor House and Park, which has been in the ownership of the same Catholic family for all of its 800 years.
FUTURE TALKS
Wednesday 4th March – 7.30pm – Zoom Talk
“God Save the King” – Royal Connections of Maidenhead and District – a talk by Richard Poad.
Wednesday 1st April – 7.30pm – Zoom Talk
Billion Dollar Telescope – a talk by Alan Clare on the James Webb Space Telescope, the largest telescope in space.
More information on the talks is published on The Society’s website.
Philippa Johnson – Lead on Talks
OUTINGS
There is currently nothing to report concerning future outings.
RESTORATION OF REPLICA KING CHARLES I EXECUTION WARRANT
The work on the plaque is complete, and plans are being made for replacing it. This is now likely to take place later in the year as The Society wants to work with the local community to make sure that Church Street and the Heritage Garden are looking their best, before celebrating the restoration of the plaque. For the moment, the plaque is being stored safely at Manley Restoration.
Alison Logan – Lead on Project
GARDENING PROJECTS
The bulbs which The Society has planted in Bachelors Acre over the past several years, are all now beginning to show, and it won’t be long before they are flowering and giving pleasure to all who use The Acre.
We have been working out what to do about the toxic euphorbia in the Charles Knight Garden. Now that it has died down for the winter the sap is less of an issue, and a few of us are going to go there soon and remove as much as we can.
The work which the Borough carried out before Christmas on their building at the north end of the Heritage Garden caused a good deal of damage to our planting there. We would hope to replant in the spring, but the rats are still a huge issue, particularly in that part of the garden, and they need to be tackled before volunteers can work in that area.
Alison Logan – Lead on Gardens
MEMBERSHIP
We are pleased to welcome 13 new members to The Society. A few members were lost during the year but, as in previous years, these are fortunately compensated by these and other new members coming on board. I am starting to ask new members how they found out about the Society to assist us with publicity and recruitment
We have started once again asking people to sign in when attending our talks. It is certainly helping us to recognise and get to know our regular and new attendees, as well as measuring the number of members we are attracting to each event, which is useful information.
Please let me know if you have any membership queries – my contact details are at the bottom of this newsletter and I am always happy to help.
Katie Broady – Lead on Membership
LOCAL NEWS
Windsor Forum – The next 2 meetings are scheduled for Wednesday 25th March and Wednesday 13th May 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
FROM THE ARCHIVES
On the occasion of The Society’s 80th Anniversary it may be of interest to members to look back to what the key issues were for The Society at the time of its 40th Anniversary. Our objective of maintaining and extending the amenities of the two towns can be met through small scale local actions or by addressing wider environmental issues and in 1986 the latter was a particular focus. A proposal to build a 5th Terminal at Heathrow Airport had just been “shelved” but The Society had raised objections during the consultation and was maintaining a watching brief. There was also a proposal to build a hypermarket larger than Brent Cross on 261 acres of land adjacent to the M25 at Wraysbury. Alongside wider environmental implications, it was feared that it would affect the business of traders in Windsor and Eton. The Society raised objections and lent its support to bodies which were actively opposing these applications. At a more local level The Society was involved in the campaign for the creation of a town museum and was pressing for a review of charges for hiring the Guildhall, which had reopened after refurbishment.
Published by The Windsor and Eton Society www.wesoc.org.uk