From:  The President                                                     Norman Tower

                                                                                       Windsor Castle

                                                                                      SL4 1NJ

 

 

 

 

This has been a busy and exciting year for a Society that continues to make its mark in Windsor and Eton in a very positive way, particularly in relation to the preparations for Her Majesty the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee next year.  Most especially, there has been the launch of the Facelift 2012 project, and also the ongoing work on Windsor ’s tribute to the Diamond Jubilee.  As I write, the Theatre Royal is nearing the end of an extensive re-paint that will be for all to see in the coming months, and will I hope inspire others.

 

With a full lecture programme, combined with an interesting and varied series of outings, the Society is clearly in very good heart. My only regret is that I am too often unable to join you.

 

Ian Macfadyen

 

 

 

 

 

With effect from 1 April 2008, all charities must demonstrate explicitly that their aims are for the public benefit. The Annual Report that follows indicates the many activities that the Society       undertakes in order to carry out its aims for the public benefit.

 

Chairman’s Review

 

During the year, thanks to you our members and particularly those on the Executive and Heritage & Environment committees, the seven aims and objectives of the Society have been addressed and achieved: these are clearly laid out on the back page of the membership application leaflets (regularly renewed on library leaflet racks): whilst usually the most evident aim is to provide encouragement and facilities for enjoyment of the arts, sciences, recreation and culture, this year there has been much focus on the other six.  In fulfilling that first aim and as you will read in this annual report, there was another sparkling series of illustrated talks and, largely due to a donation from the Windsor Waitrose Community Matters scheme, the Society now has its own laptop computer to complement our power point projector.  Outings have also been a delightful and well organised success, whilst the harp recital Musical Event was a triumph in the serene setting of the Royal Chapel, with the Society then contributing to their Appeal.  The 50th Annual Dinner was another entertaining event which then featured in a double page spread in Berkshire Life magazine with another picture in the Windsor Express.

 

The further six aims and objectives are being well covered by members of our committees, attracting much positive publicity and raising the profile of the Society.  The most well known are firstly the concept, launch and running by a committee, of a competition for a fitting permanent tribute for Her Majesty the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee with now the implementation and funding of the judging panel’s winning entry; and secondly launching and promoting another Facelift for the towns’ centres, in time for the Diamond Jubilee and nearby Olympics; both are using the talents of many very able people including individuals from other voluntary groups and the Council.

 

A meeting with David Burbage, the Leader of the Council, our speaker after the next AGM, led to reinstating valuable quarterly meetings with the head of planning for the Royal Borough and this Annual Report summarises much of the extensive work by the Society on planning matters.

The Society has welcomed new members and mourned the loss of others and continues to struggle with succession planning and replacement of Officers.

 

The Society is delighted for the Friends of the Windsor & Royal Borough Museum that, after 29 years away, the Museum is back in the Guildhall, and is very pleased that our Annual Report was included in the Time Capsule beside the new Dyson clock in the pavement.

The Society is also most grateful to the Mayor of the Royal Borough, the Deputy Mayor and the previous Mayor for their ongoing practical support.

 

Annual Dinner

 

On Friday 25th February the President welcomed close to 150 members and guests to the Society's 50th Annual Dinner, held in the recently refurbished Banqueting Suite of the Castle Hotel where we enjoyed an excellent meal.

The guest of honour, Lord William Waldegrave of North Hill, Provost of Eton College, who attended with his wife Lady Caroline Waldegrave, delivered a most entertaining after dinner speech.

The other official guests were the Reverend Canon John Ovenden who gave the Grace, his wife Mrs Christine Ovenden and the previous Mayor of the Royal Borough, Councillor Jesse Grey, who proposed the toast to the Society, and his wife Mrs Christine Grey. They had stepped in at short notice in place of the Mayor of the Royal Borough who was indisposed.

The dinner featured as a double page spread of colour photographs in the April issue of Berkshire Life magazine, taken by local professional photographer Maureen McLean who has joined the Society.

 

Talks 

 

Martin Sands opened our programme for the 2010/2011 year with a fascinating talk on a plant hunting trip to Borneo .  We were all amazed at the amount of preparation required before a trip can be undertaken to find plants for Kew Gardens .

 

At the first afternoon meeting at Gardeners’ Hall on October 23rd Frances Dimond spoke about Queen Alexandra’s photographs and explained how well she set up the groups of family and friends and this was illustrated by excellent slides.

 

Leslie Grout, a long standing member of the Society came to the Brigidine School to speak about London Burial Grounds in November and there were many questions from the large audience.

The December meeting was at the Brigidine School when Len Degavino, a member of the Berks, Bucks & Oxon Air Ambulance, told members how the service is operated and brought artefacts to illustrate this.  Members gave very generously to a retiring collection and I received a very appreciative letter from the Berkshire Fundraising Manager.  John Williams returned to speak to members in January, this time to tell us about a recent trip to Afghanistan .  The talk was illustrated by some pictures which were very moving and John also brought some of the extremely heavy kit that has to be worn by all who serve there.

‘Slow Boat to Manchester ’ was the title of Richard Poad's talk in February when his enthusiasm for narrow boats was very obvious.  His lecture was very well illustrated.

The annual meeting in Eton College was held in March when Muriel Jones, a Blue Badge Guide and WEA Lecturer, returned to tell us about ‘Tall London’.  The slides showed members that not all tall buildings in London are modern and there were many questions later. 

Following the re-opening of Windsor Museum , Caroline McCutcheon told members about the history of the Royal Borough Collection some of which is housed at Tinkers Lane , Windsor and explained the availability of items and how research can be done.  It was a warm April evening and we were in the Library at Brigidine School instead of the hall which some members found uncomfortable.  However, there were many questions put to Caroline after the talk and at the end of the meeting.

I look forward to seeing all members at the Brigidine School on the evening of Thursday, 15th September when David Lewis will speak on ‘The Medieval Hospital of St. Peter, Windsor’.

 

 

A successor to Beryl Hedges continues to be sought for the vital role of arranging the programme of talks.

Newsletter

 

There have been four Newsletter publications during the year.  It would seem that they have been well received. In particular, members have appreciated the very full reports from the Heritage and Environment sub-Committee which detail local planning applications and appeals of significance to Windsor and Eton . It should be remembered that the Newsletter was initiated in 1996 by Dennis Neale who died earlier this year. He produced the first 44 issues for members, who were unable to attend meetings, to be made aware of what was happening within the Society. 

 

 

Outings

 

We started the 2010-2011 programmes with a visit to Combermere Barracks and the Household Calvary Museum .  John Lloyd gave a talk on the history of the original two regiments:  The Life Guards is the senior regiment of the British Army and with the Blues and Royals makes up the Household Cavalry.  The Life Guards originated in the four troops of horse guards raised by Charles II around the time of his restoration and The Royal Horse Guards was founded in August 1650 on the orders of Oliver Cromwell and formed part of the New Model Army.  The Royal Horse Guards was amalgamated with the 1st Dragoons to form the Blues and Royals (Royal Horse Guards and 1st Dragoons) in 1969.  We walked through the camp where we saw the WOs’ and NCOs’ mess and viewed their wonderful display of regimental silver, and the stables, to see some of the regiment’s many horses.  Our outdoor tour was undertaken in pouring rain, although this did not seem to dampen our enthusiasm.  We returned to the museum for refreshments and another talk which concluded with two young soldiers telling us about their experiences of tours of duty in Afghanistan - they were very informative and members were able to see the types of equipment they have to wear at all times when they are on patrol etc.  The body armour is very heavy and is worn in temperatures ranging from 2°C to 50°C.  20 members took part in this thoroughly enjoyable afternoon visit.

 

Our next visit was to Drapers’ Hall where we were given a most interesting and informative talk and guided tour by their Archivist, Penny.  The Drapers’ Company was founded in 1344 and is ranked third in precedence of the Great Twelve Livery Companies.  The original Hall, situated in Throgmorton Street , was bought from King Henry VIII in 1543.  Destroyed by the Great Fire of 1666, the Hall was rebuilt between 1667 and 1671 to designs by Edward Jarman.  In 1772, after a fire, it was rebuilt by John Gorham and was altered by Herbert Williams in the 1860s and again in 1898-9 by Sir Thomas Graham Jackson.  In the Middle Ages, the Company possessed great powers of control over the woollen cloth trade in the City of London and the medieval member might have had a shop where he sold drapery; wealthier members were merchants, traders in wool and cloth, and financiers.  The expansion of the English woollen cloth trade in the 15th century was reflected in the prosperity of the Drapers’ Company.  Our tour included the Court Room where we saw two Gobelin tapestries made in the reign of King Louis XV of France and two portraits of Lord Nelson and the Duke of Wellington, the Livery Hall with its magnificent ceiling paintings of The Tempest and Midsummer Night’s Dream, the Corridor where the Company’s royal charters and grants of arms, the Letters Patent of King Edward III in 1364 and the re-incorporating Charter of King James I, 1607 are displayed.  Finally, our tour ended in the Silver Vault.  After lunch we met up again at The Bank of England Museum where we were given a talk on the history and functions of the Bank and its history from its foundation in 1694 to its role today as the UK ’s central bank. Members were able to look around the Museum before the talk and to see the Bank's own collections of books, documents, silver, prints, paintings, banknotes, coins and photographs.  38 Members took part in this both enjoyable and informative visit.

 

We arrived at Arundel Castle just after 11 o’clock and most members made straight for the nearest coffee shops.  There is a steep path to negotiate up to the Castle and some of our members made very good use of the excellent buggies provided to take them to the top.  As soon as you enter the Castle you realise you are going to experience something very special.  The seat of The Dukes of Norfolk, set in 40 acres of sweeping grounds and gardens, has been open to visitors seasonally for nearly 200 years. It is one of the great treasure houses of England and is home to one of the greatest private collections of paintings, including works by van Dyke, Reynolds, Gainsborough, Mytens and Lely, with furniture from the three great Norfolk family houses - Worksop Manor, Norfolk House and Arundel Castle .   Tapestries and stained glass, china and clocks, sculpture and carving, heraldry and armour are also in stunning room settings.  The gardens are beautiful especially the Collector Earl’s Garden, this new formal garden was conceived as a light-hearted tribute to Thomas Howard, 14th Earl of Arundel (1585-1646) who was known as The Collector.  It is an imaginative re-creation of what the Collector Earl’s formal garden may have been like at Arundel House, his town palace overlooking the Thames in London .  I think everyone agreed that the visit to Arundel Castle had been a great success.  46 Members took part in the visit.

 

We left Windsor on a lovely sunny morning and arrived at Hever Castle at 10.30.  After paying for and giving everyone their tickets, members were then free to spend the day as they wished.  Almost everyone felt that before tackling the castle, gardens and grounds they needed a coffee break at the Moat Restaurant.  Hever Castle with its double moat is in itself a mixture of the gatehouse and walled bailey dating back to 1270, the Bullen family added a Tudor dwelling within the walls and its most famous inhabitant was Anne Boleyn.  Coming into the 20th century, the castle went into the ownership of William Waldorf Astor who restored the castle, building the Tudor village and creating the gardens and lake.  The inside of the Castle is a marvellous example of Tudor portraits, furniture, tapestries including portraits and full size costumed figures of  enHenHenry VIII and his six wives in the Long Gallery.  The gardens are glorious especially the Rose and Italian Gardens .  There are many water features around the gardens including the Millennium Fountain and the long walk around the lake.  We all enjoyed our day at Hever with its wonderful castle and gardens and, of course, the all-important restaurant facilities.  45 Members took part in the visit.

 

 

Music

 

It was a great privilege to visit the Royal Chapel, set in the idyllic surroundings of Windsor Great Park , for the Music Event of 2011, in glorious weather.  Inside the chapel, those present should still be able to visualise the harpist, Lucy Haslar, framed against the chancel’s East Window, its jewel-like colours sparkling in the evening sunshine.
Lucy has a delightful personality and introduced each of the pieces with much relevant information, and she then played them with enthusiasm and great musical skill.  These items ranged from Handel to Debussy via a Jazz number, a Mexican folk-piece and other modern compositions, thereby demonstrating the versatility of the instrument and indeed the harpist.

Those who were unable to attend missed a veritable feast.

 

 

 

Heritage and Environment sub-Committee (HESC)

 

We have regularly given a report of the HESC’s activities in the quarterly newsletters so this is a brief summary of the year’s events.

 

There have been changes to the membership of the Committee during the year: Raewyn Porteous joined us in November.  She is leading the Windsor Residents’ Action Group (WRAG), which was formed to ensure that the development of the Imperial House site on Alma Road is acceptable to the neighbourhood.  David Eglise, who too is involved in the Action Group, has also kindly agreed to join us.  During the year Gordon Franklin and Laurie Hinton, who have both served with distinction for many years, have decided to resign. Anne Taylor and Toby Goodger, recent arrivals, both felt that, with their other commitments, they were unable to give the necessary time.  We thank them all for their help and advice.

 

Planning and the environment issues are a principal raison d’etre of the Windsor & Eton Society.  The HESC plays a small, but important part in the civic life of Windsor and Eton and is looking for new members with an enthusiastic interest in keeping Windsor and Eton the special places they are today to hand on to future generations. We welcome, especially, those who can offer some professional expertise. If you would like to help, please contact Andrew Melville on 01753 850379 or email  a.melville@tiscali.co.uk

The main items with which the Committee has been involved are:

 

Planning

 

This housing development is being carried out by Shanly Homes. Originally the access to the site was to have been from Victor Road . Victor Road residents and ourselves persuaded the Council that this was completely inappropriate and to change the access to St Leonard ’s Road. Demolition has started but in conjunction with the Berkshire Archaeological Society we have got the Council to agree that a proper excavation be carried out of a possible medieval burial site which is buried below a deep layer of concrete.

 

To our dismay the Inspector refused the Council’s appeal to reduce the size of this development.  The appeal meeting was held at Windsor Racecourse just before Christmas when the snow was thick on the ground.  The traffic issues were also brushed aside.  We understand that WRAG have succeeded in instituting a Judicial Enquiry into the manner of the Appeal process.

 

Following an extensive campaign by the Brocas Residents’ Action group both against demolition of the current buildings and development of the site, Bewley Homes have decided to try and sell the site for continuing use as a boat-house and a boat-building facility. To date we do not know what response they have had, if any.  We do not object to the development in principle but would like to ensure that its impact for local residents is minimised both by the use of the river during the construction and by reducing the height of the final buildings.

 

This is a former public house in St Leonard ’s Road near the football ground and is of historical importance since it is the last surviving example of the early modern (probably 16c.) inns, of which there were once thirty.  Shanly Homes is interested in developing the site and has obtained permission both to convert the inn to a nursery day centre with an accompanying block of flats and to return the inn to use as a restaurant and build a nursery day centre in place of the flats. We support the latter option but in the meantime the structure of the building is deteriorating. We have asked RBWM to carry out holding repairs to halt further damage.

 

We wrote to protest against the lowering of tone inflicted on a town of such historic importance as Windsor by these tacky objects. As yet no decision has been taken by RBWM but the number of banners seems to have proliferated. We will keep a watching brief.

 

The Windsor Club has been an active sports centre for over twenty-five years under various guises: racket/squash club, squash club plus gym and finally a fitness centre.  At the time of writing in the Annual Report last year the matter had not been resolved.  Time has finally been called on the club by the land-owners, having achieved planning permission to build a care-home/apartments for the elderly, on the site.  In spite of the strong objections made by the Windsor & Eton Society, the local community, residents, Tennis Club, members and staff, the four storey construction is due to begin in April 2012.

The club will be sorely missed by all members and staff alike, as well as all those who participated in the activities of this local and vibrant hub of the community. There is now no comparable centre in the private sector to rival the Leisure Centre in the locality.

It is understood that the building of squash courts at Windsor Leisure Centre, to replace those lost in the building programme, will not now take place.

 

Other issues

This marks the eighth project since the scheme was first undertaken in Windsor in 1961 (Windsor Street Improvement Scheme) under the guidance of the Civic Trust, and will formally include Eton for the first time.  Its launch this year coincided with the 50th anniversaries of both the Facelift Scheme and the “Dulux Dog”.  ICI Dulux Paints are once again supporting the scheme through the creation of a special “Core Colour Palette” for the Article 4 Direction Area (Windsor) and Eton High Street and through providing product discounts to participating property owners during this period.  The Windsor & Eton Society, Windsor & Eton Town Partnership, RBWM Council and the Windsor and District Chamber of Trade are working in partnership to organise and support Facelift 2012 which will culminate with the celebrations of Her Majesty the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the Olympic Games next summer.  More than 20 properties have already come “on board” since the beginning of the year, and a great deal of interest has followed in the wake of front page coverage in the local press and the official Launch by the RBWM Mayor at the Windsor Guildhall and Museum on 1st June.  The W&ES and Thamesweb Windsor websites, along with the Facelift Newsletter (available in Windsor Library, Windsor Museum, Tourist Information Centre and participating  hotels and restaurants), are carrying regular updates and contact information.  

 

·         Windsor Quay

This ugly turquoise copper-faced building has been the subject of great concern because of its intrusive position on the Windsor river-bank which severely diminishes the view of the Castle from the Eton side. We took readings of the actual building and compared them with the plans. We were convinced that the two did not agree and wrote to RBWM to ask them to verify. After a delay of three months we were told that our findings were not correct. We must accept their conclusions and, presently, have no intention of taking the matter further.

 

This historic tree was threatened with being cut down by RBWM.  After a widespread local protest organised by Roger Cullingham a reprieve was granted.  The Council’s intention to retain the tree until all options have been fully explored remains the same.  At present we are not aware that any decision has been reached.

 

 

 

 

We congratulated RBWM on successfully upgrading this area, although it is still blighted by the presence of large refuse bins at the foot of the stairs.

The Committee raised its concern that the trees had not been properly planted, specifically with regard to the spacing and watering.  Unfortunately some trees have also been vandalised.  RBWM has reassured us that the matter is being handled to its satisfaction by the Olympic Delivery Authority.  We will continue to monitor the situation during the coming months.

 

 

Diamond Jubilee Tribute

 

The Windsor & Eton Society decided to co-ordinate a campaign to commemorate Her Majesty the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012 in conjunction with the Windsor & Eton Rotary, Windsor St George Rotary and the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead.  A committee was set up comprising Andrew Melville (chairman), David Lewis, David Murray Bruce, Tim O’Donovan and Sally Macfadyen (Windsor & Eton Society), Paul Bayley (Windsor & Eton Rotary), Judith Diment (Windsor St George Rotary), Paul Roach (Windsor Town Manager) and Andrew Scott (RBWM Democratic Services).

On 13th October 2010 a party was held in the Mercure Castle Hotel to launch a competition for ideas and to gather suggestions. The aim was to have something original, innovative and new that reflects the current age yet pays respect to both the royal and the towns’ heritage. The competition was open to individuals, local organisations and schools.  It closed in mid-February 2011 when over 100 ideas had been submitted.  A Panel of Judges chose a winner and 2 runners-up from a short-list selected by the Committee.  The Judges were Cllr. Catherine Bursnall, the Mayor of RBWM, Hon. Lady Roberts, Librarian and Curator of the Print Room, Windsor Castle , Derek Bishop, President of Windsor & Eton Rotary, Rev Ainsley Swift, New Windsor Team Ministry and Andrew Melville.

At a reception in the Guildhall, Windsor on April 1st the Deputy Mayor, Cllr Asghar Majeed announced the winner and two runners-up. The winner was Caroline Basra, a 14 year old pupil at Windsor Girls’ School. Her suggestion is suitably innovative: a cluster of 60 balls on a plinth rising to the sky to be sited in King Edward Court between Waitrose and Daniels.

The tribute is estimated to cost in the region of £50,000 and a fund-raising campaign will shortly be launched.

 

 

Membership

 

The membership of the Windsor & Eton Society currently stands at 486, up 2 on this time last year.  30 new members joined, offset by 28 deaths and resignations.  The membership consists of 277 joint members and 209 single members. The majority, 64%, live in Windsor ; 8% in Old Windsor, 4% in Datchet and 3% in Eton .  Whilst the vast majority live in Berkshire and Surrey , some live in a further 10 counties. It is encouraging that members who have moved still wish to keep in touch with the "goings-on" in Windsor & Eton.  We continue to urge members to sign a Gift Aid form which allows the Society to reclaim tax paid on their subscription. As a result of a concerted effort by the Treasurer, John Scott, and me, we now have 309 forms signed out of a possible 347 joint and single membership. That means there are a further possible 38 opportunities to claim back tax from the Government. We will send out Gift Aid forms to those of whom we have no record in October.

October is the month for renewal of subscriptions and the vast majority pays by Banker's Order. However 160 members still pay by cheque and we inevitably end up with many forgetting to renew their membership. We would urge all those currently paying by cash or cheque to consider paying by Banker’s Order to avoid the annual problem of forgetting to renew their subscription, thereby causing additional work and cost to the society.

Earlier this year members were reminded that subscriptions were being increased to £10 single and £15 joint. Everyone received notice of this in the last Newsletters along with a new Banker’s Order which must be completed by those who currently pay by this method, to ensure their banks change the details.

This is a good opportunity for those who pay by cheque to help the Society by paying by Banker’s Order in the future.  Similarly 38 gift aid opportunities are lost and if those members who have not yet completed a Gift Aid form would do so, the Society would be enabled to reclaim, from the Inland Revenue, the tax paid.

 

 

Civic Voice

 

The Society has again this year renewed its membership of Civic Voice but after a lengthy discussion, tentatively and for only a further year.  Civic Voice is a newly formed association of civic societies from around the country which aims both to challenge the Government on issues impacting the urban environment and to provide support to member societies on matters of common concern.  The most recent initiative has been to encourage the celebration of ‘civic days’; special days devoted to the achievement of community goals or the recognition of civic success.  The idea is to draw communities together to take responsibility for their environment; an agenda not wholly dissimilar from the ‘Big Society’ initiative.

 

Although it might be possible to conceive of a ‘Civic Day’ in Windsor, the Executive committee’s view was that the Society had insufficient volunteers to support such a project at present.  The existing work of the Heritage and Environment committee and Diamond Jubilee Tribute committee fully utilised the time of those who were able to engage with the council.  As Civic Voice is a new organisation, however, and is still finding its feet, it is yet to prove its effectiveness and for this reason the Society has renewed its membership in 2011, but will reconsider the benefits membership has brought next year.

 

Potentially, there are two benefits offered by Civic Voice which may be influential to this decision: the offer of free planning advice and a beneficial insurance product.  The Society is yet to take advantage of these offers, but they will be investigated in the course of the following year.

 

From a survey of civic societies from around the country it is clear that there are a number of common problems, the most pressing being a declining and ageing membership.  One of the major challenges for the civic movement is to reverse this trend and our Society’s continued membership of Civic Voice is in part to assist their efforts to identify how Civic Societies can become more relevant to the communities they serve, and encourage greater community participation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE WINDSOR AN ETON SOCIETY  

 

Income and Expenditure Account for the Year ending 30th June 2011

 

           

Income                                                                   2011                 2010

 

Subscriptions                                                    2,757                2,728

Refund of tax on Gift Aid                                        682                   656

Surplus on Visits                                                  398                 327

Surplus on Concerts                                                     6                         

Surplus on Annual Dinner                                         (38)                         54                                              Bank Interest                                                                      60                     60                 

Casual Attendees                                                  34  

Waitrose donation                                                220                    

Sundry                                                                   50                  10

                                                                         ____                ____                                   4,169                3,835  

less                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

Expenditure

Administration                                                         738                   525                                       

Insurance                                                                  250                   250              

Newsletters, Annual Report, Event Cards             1,075                1,343                               

Meetings and AGM                                                  790                   855

Civic Voice                                                          450                  453                  Donations & Subscriptions to other Societies            73                    151

Computer                                                            298

Projector Depreciation                                                                177

Facelift Launch                                                                131

____                ____                                                                                                                                                             3,805               3,754

 

Excess of Income over Expenditure                     364                 81

 

                                                                          £4,169              £3,835 

 

 

 

Balance Sheet as at 30th June 2011

 

 

Net Assets                                                                    2011           2010

 

Community Account at Barclays Bank                        1,323            230   

Charities Official Investment Fund Deposit

Account                                                                    8,967          9,657 Debtor DJT (see Note 1)                                          712            656

                                                                                     _____       _____

                                                                                  11,002       10,543                   Less Liabilities

Creditor Brigidine School                                           215            120

                                                                              ______     ______

                                                                             £10,787   £10,423

Represented by:

                       

General Fund as at 30th June 2010                              10,423      10,342

Surplus for the year                                                         364              81

                                                                                    ______     ______

General Fund as at 30th June 2011                             £10,787    £10,423

 

Note 1.         This amount is due to be refunded from the proceeds of the fundraising of the Diamond Jubilee Tribute, being the launch expenses of the project.

 

Honorary Treasurer’s Report   

 

Income this year is very much in line with expectation, except that we received a donation from Waitrose of £220. Expenditure was enhanced by the purchase for the Society of a computer to enable speakers to have Power Point available and we launched the Face Lift 2012. We have also advanced funds to launch the Diamond Jubilee Tribute which are expected to be repaid from the fundraising of this project.

The Society has opened a bank account for this project which is without transactions.          

 

J.W.Scott, Acting Honorary Treasurer                                     July 2011 

 

 

Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of the Windsor and Eton Society

 

I report on the accounts for the Society for the year ended 30th June 2011, which are set out immediately above.

As the Society’s trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. You consider that the audit requirement of the Charities Act 1993 (the Act) does not apply. It is my responsibility to state, on the basis of procedures specified in the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners under section 43 (7) (b) of the Act, whether particular matters have come to my attention.

My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the Society and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and, consequently, I do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the accounts.

 

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention: 

1. which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements       

     -   to keep accounting records in accordance with section 41                          

         of the Act: and

     -   to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records

         and to comply with the accounting requirements of the Act have

         not been met: or

2.  to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to    

     enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

 

S Le Bras, Chartered Accountant

6 Queen Anne’s Court

Peascod St

Windsor .                                                                                    July 2011

 

 

 

Agenda for the Annual General Meeting in Upper School

Eton College on Monday 31st October 2011.

 

 

We stand to remember Society members who have died during the year.

 

1.  Welcome and Apologies.

 

2.  Approve the minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on Monday 1st November 2010.

 

3.   Receive a report from the Chairman.

 

4.   Receive and approve the Treasurer’s report and accounts for the year ended 30th June 2011.

 

5.   Re-appoint Mr Stephen Le Bras as Independent Examiner for the ensuing year.

 

6.   Re-elect the following officers:

           Chairman                      Dr David Murray Bruce

              Vice-Chairman              Mr Dennis Garrett
               Secretary                         Mrs Elizabeth Bye-Jorgensen

             

7. Re-elect the following 11 members of the Executive Committee:    

 

Mrs Joan Biggs, Mr James Clark, Mrs Colleen Garrett, Mrs Margaret Gilson, Mrs Beryl Hedges, Dr David Lewis, Mr Colin Meads, Mr Andrew Melville, Mrs Elizabeth Robinson, Mrs Anne Taylor, and Miss Rosemarie Wood.

 

8.  Elect Mr Chris Simon FCA as Treasurer.

 

9. Elect Mr Chris Aitken and Mr Tim O’Donovan as members of the Executive Committee.

 

10. Receive any special resolutions. *

 

11. Receive any matters for general discussion.  (Suggestions and limited discussion on matters of public interest are welcomed).

 

·       Resolutions must be properly proposed and seconded and submitted to the Secretary at 55 Edinburgh Gardens , Windsor , SL4 2AW , at least ten days prior to the date of the Annual General Meeting.

 

 

 

 Minutes of the Annual General Meeting held in Upper School, Eton College on Monday 1st November 2010.

  

The 64rd Annual General Meeting was opened by the President who welcomed members of the Society to Eton College .

                

The President then invited members to stand and remember those who had died during the year.

 

Apologies were received.                                

 

Minutes of the previous Annual General Meeting.

 

The Minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on Monday 2nd November 2009 were received and approved.

                                                                                                 

Chairman’s Report.

 

The Chairman introduced the Annual Report for 2010 and reviewed the year’s events, noting that they supported the Society’s aim to be of Public Benefit.  He referred to the contribution made by the Heritage & Environment sub-Committee which has recently launched the Diamond Jubilee competition, and becoming a member of Civic Voice.  He thanked all members for their contributions to the Society.

 

 

 

 

Treasurer’s Report and Accounts.

 

The Treasurer presented the accounts for the year to 30 June 2010.   He made reference to the membership fees called for to belong to Civic Voice; these are more than for Civic Trust which it has replaced.

The accounts were duly proposed and adopted.

The Treasurer also talked about the Society’s proposal to increase the Annual Subscription to £15 for a couple and £10 single.  Junior membership will remain unchanged at £3.

 

Appointment of Independent Examiner.

 

The re-appointment of Mr Stephen Le Bras was approved.

 

Appointment of Officers.

 

The President then proposed the re-appointment of the following officers who were elected unanimously:

 

            Chairman                     Dr David Murray Bruce

Vice-Chairman              Mr Dennis Garrett

Secretary                      Mrs Elizabeth Bye-Jorgensen

Treasurer                     Mr John Scott

 

Appointment of Executive Committee.

 

It was resolved that the following be re-appointed to the Executive Committee: Mrs Joan Biggs, Dr John Briscoe, Mr James Clark, Mrs Colleen Garrett, Mrs Margaret Gilson, Mrs Beryl Hedges, Mr Colin Meads, Mr Andrew Melville, Mr Dennis Neale, Mrs Elizabeth Robinson, Mrs Anne Taylor, Mr Garry Williams and Miss Rosemarie Wood.

 

 

Election of new members to the Executive Committee.

 

Dr David Lewis was duly elected.

 

 

Special Resolutions.

 

No special resolutions had been received.

                       

The business meeting ended at 8.20.

 

Following the conclusion of the business meeting, Cllr. Colin Rayner talked to members about his Windsor connections and, with his particular interest in Planning, why he became a Councillor.  On this point, he implored all members of the public to make contact with the Council individually with their concerns as he felt planning should be in the hands of local people.

 

Cllr. Rayner was thanked by Mrs Anne Taylor.  He was available later to answer questions.

 

Refreshments were again arranged and served by Colleen and Dennis Garrett, and the buffet was prepared by Anne Taylor.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PAST PRESIDENTS OF THE SOCIETY

 

1946-1958  Sir Owen Morshead, KCVO, DSO, MC

1958-1963   Sir Robert Birley, CMG

1963-1964  Mr 0 Van Oss

1964-1966  Tbe Right Rev Robin Woods, KCMG, KCVO

1966-1970  Rev C Dymoke-Marr

1970-1977  The Countess Alexander of Tunis

1977-1989  Lt-Colonel The Lord Charteris of Amisfield, GCB, GCVO, QSO, OBE

1989-1992  Admiral Sir David Hallifax, KCB, KCVO, KBE

1992-1998  The Very Rev Patrick Mitchell, KCVO

1998-2000  Sir Antony Acland, KG, GCMG, GCVO

2000-2008   Sir Eric Anderson KT, FRSE

2009             Surgeon Vice Admiral Ian Jenkins

 

PAST CHAIRMEN OF THE SOCIETY

 

1946             Mr R Weatherall

1946-1947  Mr S R South

1947-1958  Mr H Quinton

1958-1962  Rev C Dymoke-Marr

1962-1965  Mr W G Bebbington

1965-1971  Councillor R E Shaw

1971-1976  Mr P G A Ramsay

1976-1979  Mr P A Simpson

1979-1983  Miss F C Meech

1983-1990  Mr Alan Bowers

1990-1998  Dr John Long, CVO

1998-2004  Mr Gordon Franklin, CVO

2004-2007   Mr Michael Whatmough

 

HONORARY LIFE MEMBERS

 

1998   Dr John Long, CVO

2005   Mr Gordon Franklin, CVO

2008  Sir Eric Anderson KT, FRSE

 

 

 

GUESTS OF HONOUR AT THE ANNUAL DINNER

 

1961   Sir Owen Morshead                          

1962   Mr Duncan Sandys

1963   Sir Hugh Casson                               

1964   Professor Colin Buchanan

1965   Viscount Slim                                   

1966   Lord Caccia

1967   Miss Gwladys Hanbury-Williams    

1968   Sir Robert Birley

1969   Sir John Wolfenden                          

1970   Lord Goodman

1971   Lord Gore-Booth                              

1972   Mr Huw Wheldon

1973   Viscount Cobham                             

1974   Mr Bill Cotton

1975   The Right Rev Launcelot Fleming   

1976   Lady Jackson

1977   Major-General Sir Philip Ward    

1978   The Right Rev Michael Mann

1979   Lt-Col Lord Charteris                       

1980   Sir John Mason

1981   Marshal of Royal Air Force Sir John Grandy

1982   Dr W E K Anderson                       

1983   The Right Rev Robin Woods

1984   Judge Blennerhassett                         

1985   General Sir Hugh Beach

1986   Lord Vinson                                      

1987   Sir Rex Hunt

1988   Mr Sherban Cantacuzino                  

1989   Lord Montagu

1990   Lt-CoI Lord Charteris                      

1991   The Very Rev Patrick Mitchell

1992   The Lord Hailsham                                  

1993   Sir Antony Acland

1994   Lt-Colonel Sir John Johnston 

1995   Dr Timothy Stevens

1996   The Duke of Gloucester                    

1997   General Sir Patrick Palmer

1998   The Lord Carrington                                

1999   The Lord Weatherill

2000   The Earl of Wessex                        

2001   Ms Pam Rhodes

2002   The Right Hon Sir Robin Janvrin    

2003    -

2004   Mrs Penelope Lively                         

2005    Field Marshal The Lord Bramall

2006    Mr Philip Wroughton

2007    Sir Richard Thompson

2008    Shirley Williams, Baroness Williams of Crosby

2009    Lord Butler of Brockwell KG

2010    Air Marshal Ian MacFadyen CB OBE

2011    Baron William Waldegrave of North Hill PC

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PRESIDENT OF THE SOCIETY

                                Air Marshal Ian Macfadyen CB OBE

               

TRUSTEES OF THE SOCIETY                                                                                  

 

HONORARY OFFICERS

 

Chairman                 Dr David Murray Bruce, Jubilee Cottage, Queen Anne’s Road, Windsor ,          SL4 2BJ         01753 856899                       davidmurraybruce@o2.co.uk

Vice-chairman         Mr Dennis Garrett, 4 Ladywood Grange, Lady Margaret Road , Sunningdale     SL5 9QG                         01344 638836

Secretary                  Mrs Elizabeth Bye-Jorgensen, 55 Edinburgh Gardens , Windsor SL4 2AW

                                01753 840813                                           e.byejorgensen@btinternet.com

Treasurer                 Mr CMA Simon FCA, 13 Malt House Close, Old Windsor  SL4 2SD

                                01753 862194                                         ChriSimon@compuserve.com

 

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS

 

Mr Chris Aitken                       53 King’s Road, Windsor  SL4 2AD         01753 859668

                                                                                           chris_aitken@btconnect.com

Mrs Joan Biggs                        51 Quaves Road , Slough SL3 7PD            01753 522493

 

Mr James Clark                        Monks Walk, The Friary, Old Windsor , SL4 2NR

                                                01753 841202                             James.Clark@bita.org.uk

Mrs Colleen Garrett                                 4 Ladywood Grange, Lady Margaret Road , Sunningdale

(Music)                                    SL5 9QG                             01344 638836

Mrs Margaret Gilson                                28 Cell Farm Avenue, Old Windsor SL4 2PD   01753 863542

 

Mrs Beryl Hedges                    2 Marbeck Close, Windsor SL4 5RB

(Talks)                                     01753 864354                          b.hedges123@btinternet.com

Dr David Lewis PhD BSc         5 Gloucester Place Windsor SL4 2AJ    01753 864935

(Civic Voice)                                                                                            dglx10@hotmail.com

Mr Colin Meads                       9 Harwood Gardens , Old Windsor SL4 2LJ

(Membership)                          01753 863555                                     meads@dsl.pipex.com

Mr Andrew Melville                                15 Gloucester Place Windsor SL4 2AJ

(Heritage and Environment)     01753 850379                                   a.melville@tiscali.co.uk 

Mr Tim O’Donovan                   11 The Avenue, Datchet , SL3 9DH                 01753 543333

                                                                                                timodonovan05@sky.com

Mrs Elizabeth Robinson          14 Bedfordshire Way Wokingham RG41 3BA

                                                01189 794062                  elizabethrobinson@brigidine.org.uk

Mrs Anne Taylor                     Canon Cottage, Bishop's Farm Close Oakley Green SL4 5UN

(Newsletter)                             01753 866873                                        taylorad22@o2.co.uk

Miss Rosemarie Wood             32 Osborne Court , Osborne Road , Windsor SL4 3EP

(Outings)                                 01753 863608                         rosemariewood@waitrose.com

 

Ex-officio

Mr Gordon Franklin, CVO          10 Cumberland Lodge Mews, The Great Park , Windsor  

                                                SL4 2JD                   01784 473817

Dr John Long, CVO                  2 Bolton Crescent , Windsor SL4 3JQ              01753 865808

 

 

 

THE WINDSOR AND ETON SOCIETY

(Incorporating Windsor Heritage)

 

 

The Society is established for the public benefit for the following purposes in the area comprising WINDSOR AND ETON, which area shall hereinafter be referred to as ‘the area of benefit’:

 

(a)    To stimulate public interest in the area of benefit.

(b)    To promote high standards of planning and architecture in the area of benefit.

(c)    To secure the preservation, protection, development and improvement of features of historic or public interest in the area of benefit.

                                

 

In pursuance of its Objects, the Society aims:

 

To encourage the people of Windsor and Eton to take an active interest in the history, present affairs and future prospects of their towns.

To maintain and extend the towns’ amenities and to encourage care for old and interesting buildings.

To provide encouragement and facilities for the enjoyment of the arts, sciences, recreation and culture.

To enhance the good names of Windsor and Eton and increase the esteem in which they are held.

 

 

The annual subscription is due and payable on 1st October at the following rates:

 

                       Single member                  £10

                        Husband and Wife/Partner   £15      

                        Junior Member (under 18)    £ 3

                        Guests attending a talk          £ 2         

 

www.wesoc.org.uk

Registered charity No. 266768

A member of Civic Voice