THE WINDSOR AND ETON SOCIETY 

Incorporating Windsor Heritage

NEWSLETTER NO 46 May 2009

Surgeon Vice Admiral Ian Jenkins

It was a sickening and almost unbelievable shock to receive the email on that February Thursday afternoon telling of the sudden & totally unexpected death of our President, Surgeon Vice Admiral Ian Jenkins. The Society had got to know Ian just one year earlier, soon after his appointment to Windsor Castle, when he and his wife Liz were guests at our annual dinner at Dorney Lake Clubhouse and stood to be welcomed by Sir Eric Anderson. A short time later Ian readily accepted my invitation to be put forward to succeed Sir Eric at our AGM in October. Ian was always very approachable, positive & enthusiastic. He gave everyone his undivided attention. He keenly supported the Society, came to meetings and was rehearsing his role for the Annual Dinner--which was not to be. His funeral was inspiring as was his memorial service which was held at Portsmouth Cathedral on 1st May.

ANNUAL DINNER

A very enjoyable evening was had by about 150 people who attended the Society's 49th Annual Dinner on Friday 27th February at The Mercure Castle Hotel, Windsor. The evening was hosted by our Chairman Dr David Murray-Bruce who expressed the shock and sadness felt by the Society on the sudden death of our President, Surgeon Vice Admiral Ian Jenkins. Past Chairman, Gordon Franklin, said Grace and guests then partook of a good meal. The Worshipful the Mayor of the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, Councillor Mrs Dorothy Kemp, proposed the toast to the Society and the Chairman, Dr David Murray-Bruce replied. Our Guest of Honour, The Lord Butler of Brockwell KG GCB CVO, who was accompanied by his wife, Lady Butler, responded to the toast to The Society's guests. Lord Butler had been Private Secretary to three Prime Ministers, Margaret Thatcher, John Major and Tony Blair. He entertained the company with anecdotes about his work and the realism of the programme series 'Yes, Prime Minister' which were much appreciated. MUSIC EVENT

The Music Event held on Thursday 19th February, under the auspices of The Royal Albert Institute, was completely sold out well before the day. Although the organiser was unable to be present members have said that Warren Wylie-Smith and Susie Parkes presented a very delightful evening of piano music by Chopin and a selection of songs and arias. Warren is a very accomplished young musician of note having played in many parts of the world including Carnegie Hall. His talented wife, Susie, has also sung in various countries.

We look forward to members' continued support in 2010. TALKS

In February, at very short notice, Christine Weightman came to speak to members about the Berkshire Gardens Trust and her talk created much interest and many questions were asked. In lieu of her fee the Society joined the Trust and this enables two members to attend any of their lectures. Hester Davenport returned in March to give an illustrated talk on 'Women in the Crimean War'. This popular speaker attracted a large audience of very interested members. At the April meeting Eve and Ron Jones entertained members with their talk 'Hanky Panky in the English Country House '. The evening was a 'wow'. As with Hester, we are always pleased to have a return visit of these so professional speakers. Date for your diary Thursday September 10th At this first meeting of the 2009/10 season Elias Kupferman will speak on Bygone Windsor in Photographs.

We look forward to seeing you all in the coming season.

OUTINGS

Salisbury and Arundells (home of the late Sir Edward Heath) - Monday 20th April 2009 We left Windsor at 9 o'clock sharp on a lovely spring morning and arrived in Salisbury in record time at 10.30. Members were then free to explore Salisbury and have lunch before our guided tours of Arundells. Our tours commenced with the guides giving us a brief history of the house which was originally a medieval canonry in the thirteenth century and much of the current house's appearance is due to John Wyndham who lived there between 1718 and 1750. After a period of neglect when demolition was considered, Arundells was renovated in the 1960s, and refurbished by Sir Edward Heath when he came to live here in 1985. We were then taken around the house where we were able to see Sir Edward's collections of musical and sailing memorabilia, Oriental and European ceramics, paintings (mainly by British artists, including two painted and given to Sir Edward by Sir Winston Churchill and John Piper), original political cartoons, bronzes and photographs. Finally, we were able to enjoy the beautiful two-acre walled garden stretching down to the River Avon. 47 members took part in this visit. Rodmarton Manor, Tetbury/Cirencencester - Thursday 4th June 2009 We will go to Tetbury in the morning where Members will be able to have lunch and to look in HRH The Prince of Wales's shop. We will arrive at Rodmarton Manor (a lovely Arts & Crafts house and garden) at approximately 1.45pm for our guided tour of the house and will have tea there before returning to Windsor . The booking form accompanied the last Newsletter and there are no more places available for this outing for which there is also a waiting list.

Future Outings 2009-2010 Arrangements for the October 2009 visit should be finalised soon and will be given in the next newsletter. The April and June 2010 visits are in the process of being firmed up and details will be given in the 2009/2010 programme

HERITAGE AND ENVIRONMENT

The Society has responded to the Royal Borough's Local Development Framework which is an important document. Our response has centred on protecting and maintaining the Green Belt and natural environment whilst focusing on improving the built environment. We have stated "The Society has always been against development of the Royal Borough's Green Belt Area and with this in mind the only option available is the Higher Density Growth. If any decision to build on the Green Belt is needed then full consultation with local people and all interested parties should be organised and stringent guidelines imposed. The Society would be interested to know the proposed areas identified in the Windsor and Eton area." Planning Applications Daniel The Society really fought to save Daniel's façade and even with a petition of over 200 signatures the decision went against us. The demolition will be a great loss to the street scene in Peascod Street and the substitute will spoil the character of the surrounding area. Windsor Rackets and Fitness Club, Helson Lane Discussions have been taking place between the Windsor Boys' School and the Windsor Fitness and Rackets Club regarding possible future sports' provision which would benefit the two establishments as well as the wider community. Legoland There have been two phases of consultation. The Society is pleased that the St. Leonard 's Mansion planning application has been withdrawn as a site for the proposed hotel. We were concerned that the St. Leonard 's Mansion would have been demolished. Princess Christian At long last work has started.

Alfred Young Nutt honoured with a Blue Plaque In over 40 years of service at Windsor Castle , Alfred Young Nutt held an unique combination of posts serving as Surveyor to the Dean and the Chapter of St. George's Chapel, Assistant Architect/Surveyor at Windsor Castle and Custodian of the Royal Mausoleum at Frogmore. Throughout his career he also undertook private commissions for the Royal Family and for the people of Windsor . Evidence of Nutt's professional skill and artistry can be seen in the Castle Chapel and Mausoleum and around the town of Windsor . On the 16th April this year, the Royal Borough's Mayor Cllr. Dorothy Kemp unveiled the blue plaque at 63 King's Road which was where he lived from 1867-1924. CIVIC TRUST

There is nothing significant to report since the February Newsletter. The following are reminders:

The Civic Trust's website (www.civicsocieties.org.uk) enables Civic Societies to exchange news and views and to contribute to Government consultations. The Civic Trust South East (CTSE), which is the main channel for communication with and support of member societies, has a website www.civictrustsoutheast.org.uk . The Civic Trust and English Heritage are jointly funding a free 2009 Civic Trust Training Programme designed to show how Civic Societies can widen community involvement in the historic built environment. For further information phone 0151 231 6900 or email helpdesk@civictrust.org.uk

MEMBERSHIP

Currently the Society has 494 members. The following have recently joined the Society and we welcome them and hope to see them at Society events.

Mr and Mrs Lockwood Datchet Mr Allan and Mrs Diane Smith Old Windsor Mr Graham and Mrs Ruth Mays Windsor Mrs M Treherne Maidenhead Mr Richard and Mrs Venetia Hislop Datchet Mr and Mrs Peter Ledger Windsor Mrs J Yates Windsor Mrs Jones Windsor Mrs D M Ratnage Windsor Mrs J Bozzi Windsor Mrs Taylor Beaconsfield Mr Philip and Mrs Anne Grime Windsor Mr Peter Charles Windsor Mrs B Woodhall Windsor

It is with great sadness and regret that we inform you that the following stalwarts of the society have died along with the untimely death of the incumbent president of our society. Mrs Mary Sewell Windsor 25 yrs member Miss Dolores Monreal LVO Windsor 12 yrs member Surgeon Vice Admiral Ian Jenkins, CB, CVO Windsor President

LOCAL NEWS

Friends of the Windsor & Royal Borough Museum The Windsor and Eton Society are Corporate Members of the Friends of the Windsor and Royal Borough Museum and, as such, all members are entitled to attend lectures etc. The Annual General Meeting of the Friends is on Wednesday 20th May at The United Reformed Church, William Street at 8.00pm and the evening will include a short talk by Leslie Grout. There are a few seats available for the outing to Parham House, Pulborough , Sussex on 24th June and there will be a visit to Staines Museum on 16th July. For details about these visits contact Mrs Hester Davenport 01753 866198.

For Museum information contact Chairman Dr Brigitte Mitchell 01753 774642 Or visit www.windsormuseumappeal.org.uk

Royal British Legion Meetings are held on the third Monday of the month (not August or December) at 7.45pm at Combermere Barracks, WO & NCO Mess. Bring ID. For more details contact Garry Williams 01753 861911.

Windsor Castle Royal Tattoo In support of the Royal British Legion this will be held on May 14, 15, 16. Advantage card holders can book and receive a discount at the Royal Station Information Office.

Windsor Parish Church Concerts Short Lunchtime Concerts are held at the Parish Church on Wednesday lunchtimes at 1.10pm . A light lunch is available beforehand.

At 7.30pm on 1st July the Choristers of St George's will give a concert to raise money for restoration of the church organ. For more details contact jphalsey@btinternet.com End Cottage, Ashford lane, Dorney SL4 6QU

Royal Holloway College - Magna Carta Lecture This is to be given by Rt. Hon. David Davis MP (Shadow Home Secretary) in the new Windsor Building on Monday 15th June and will be based on his 'freedom campaign and his concerns regarding civil liberties' It is the fifth in a distinguished sequence. Parking will be available, but not necessarily close to the lecture venue. www.rhul.ac.uk/whats-new/events.html 01784 443824

WEA Windsor WEA is running a special day on 'The Surprising History of Medieval Windsor' at St George's School on Saturday 17th October. The history of Windsor has often concentrated on the castle but the settlement of Windsor is older than the castle and recent research has uncovered the diverse and surprising past of a thriving community. The team of speakers will be led by Dr David Lewis, PhD London. For more information contact Tony Davenport 01753 866198

Meet Your Committee

In each newsletter there will be pen portraits of some members of the committee.

Chairman - Dr David Murray-Bruce David grew up in nearby Chertsey and Wentworth, studied medicine at Cambridge and St Thomas ' Hospital and later specialised in Occupational Medicine, most recently at the Houses of Parliament. He is married to Suzanne and they have four grown up children, who were educated locally, and two grandsons. They have lived in the Windsor area for many years, moving from Datchet to Bolton Road and then to Queen Anne's Road. David has been a lay steward at St George's Chapel since their son was a chorister. He considers it as great a privilege to chair the Society as it is to be a doctor.

Vice Chairman - Dennis Garrett Dennis was born in Essex . Having studied accountancy, on leaving school he worked for the international Federation of the Phonographic Industry. He then moved into Education where he remained, working for Grey Coat Hospital School, Westminster as Secretary and Finance Officer before moving to Surrey County Council where he was responsible for schools and units in the Special Education Department. This was one of the largest councils caring for children with special educational needs and he stayed there for the last twenty one years. Dennis moved to Windsor in 1982, joined the Society in 1983 and has served on the committee as Secretary and Vice Chairman.

Secretary - Elizabeth Bye-Jorgensen Elizabeth spent her childhood in Northern Ireland and came to England to teach Domestic Science. She got married and after teaching she went into business. After living in Scotland and Germany she settled in Windsor in 1982 and retired in 1995. Elizabeth joined the WES in 1992 and became a member of the committee in 2004.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Published by The Windsor and Eton Society www.wesoc.org.uk

Edited by Anne Taylor, Canon Cottage, Bishop's Farm Close, Oakley Green, Windsor SL4 5UN 01753 866873