THE FIRST FIFTY YEARS
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 Windsor and Eton Society. It was to be non-party and non-sectarian and the first of its objectives was to encourage among 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.
The proposed aims of the Society were:
1) To encourage among the people of Windsor and Eton an active interest in the past history, present affairs and future prospects of their towns, and afford them an opportunity for constructive suggestions.
2) maintain and extend the present amenities of the two towns, and in particular to care for old and interesting buildings
3)To provide encouragement and facilities for the enjoyment of the arts and sciences, recreation and culture.
4)And so in general to enhance the good names of Windsor and Eton, and increase the esteem in which they are held.
5)The Society shall be non-party and unsectarian, but shall not thereby be prevented from organising events of political or religious interest."
These were outlined to those present, and the motion to establish a society to pursue them was unanimously accepted. This was the first meeting of the Windsor and Eton Society.
The following is a list of significant events in the history of the society
1946 18th January Meeting at The Guildhall agreed to the formation of The Windsor and Eton Society
1947 First outings arranged and first AGM held in October
1948 First 'Guide to Windsor and Eton' sponsored by the society
1948 Small archaeological group formed to gain material on the history of Windsor
1949 Small Windsor History exhibition set up in the Guildhall.
1951 Proposals made to the Council for restoration of the Guildhall to incorporate permanent exhibition
1951 Princess Elizabeth opened exhibition in the newly restored Guildhall
1951-52 First series of Music Concerts
1961 Inaugural Annual Dinner
1961 First Windsor Facelift
1961 Windsor Heritage group formed
1964 Architectural and Planning Sub-Committee formed to assist the Town Council with safeguarding local amenities and to alert the public to threats to the amenities of Windsor and Eton
1966 Formation of a Landscape Sub-Committee to maintain vigilance on the Royal Borough's heritage of land not already occupied by buildings with Doris Mellor as secretary
1967 Yehudi Menuhin concert out of which The Windsor Festival was born
1969 Start of the battle for Bachelors Acre with diligent research by Miss Doris Mellor
1969 First Windsor Festival
1970 Major Tree Survey of all significant trees in the Borough
1974 The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead formed in Local Government reorganisation
1975 Bachelors Acre registered under provisions of Commons Act of 1965
1977 Miss Doris Mellor awarded MBE
1977 Architecture and Planning and Landscape sub committees amalgamated
1982 Small Guidhall Museum closed
1991 Annual Forum established with various local residents' associations and local members of Borough Council
1994 Local Senior Schools invited to present projects based on current local issues to the Annual Forum
