This the third talk of the History Group's 2024 series. The talks schedule can be found by clicking on this link along with a list of all the talks since the foundation of the Group in 1992.
Wednesday, 24 July 2024
Tuesday, 23 July 2024
Photographic History of Eton Wick and Eton - Community Organisations and Social Life - The Shoestrings
The 'Shoestrings' The Eton Wick Variety Group were reformed in 1962 as the 'Shoestrings' to raise funds for the Village Hall extension. They staged variety shows annually until 1971, some of them skits on contemporary T.V. shows, including 'That Was the Wick That Was’, 'Christmas Crackers' (1964), 'Licence to Laugh' (1965), 'Through the Rainbow' (in 19n-with ex Victoria Palace Black and White Minstrels Penny Rigden and Alan Hollidge 'Summer Interlude' (1967), 'It's here' (1970) and finally 'Starella Fantasy' in 1971.
The group performed in many venues. Comedy sketches were written by Albert Bond, Sid Eyre and Sid Gomm.
In this picture from 'Through the Rainbow' in 1966 are, back row, left to right: Kay Thompson, Sandra Ling, Rene Thompson, Sandra Wells, Jacquie Tickle (daughter of Francis in the photo of the Eton Wick Unity Players), and Caryl Cullum. In the middle are Jane Harper and Gail Groves. In the front: Susan Bond, Leslie Chadd, Jillian Bowyer and Denise Fogarty.
This article was first published in A Pictorial History of Eton Wick & Eton.
Monday, 15 July 2024
World War 2 Eighty Years On - June & July 1944
Tuesday June 13th
The attack by V1's, known as Doodle Bugs commenced, having been launched from the Pas de Calais area of occupied France. At 5am on June 15th. a V1. fell on the Bells of Ousley at Old Windsor. The explosion, heard over a very wide area, was quickly reported and brought the Civil Defence Services rapidly to the scene. Police sealed off the area so the rescue services, under their supervisor Templeman, could work without hindrance from spectators. Most of the hotel was destroyed and surrounding property severely damage. Within a short time some were rescued alive from under the debris but more were known to be trapped under the rubble. A second rescue party that had been called for found two more, unfortunately both dead. Among the injured was a three year old boy. On arrival the Rescue Squads found scattered among the debris many pound notes and pieces of the V1. Twenty four hours later the policeman on duty at the site was appalled to hear another bomb approaching on the same line and as its engine cut out, he threw himself to the ground. On losing power the V1. banked and dived across the river to explode in Wraysbury. Considerable damage was done to many houses, two people lost their lives and others injured.
Saturday July 1st.
During the afternoon a flying bomb was seen and heard coming from the direction of Slough to pass over towards Windsor. Within a very short time an explosion was heard as the bomb hit the chimney of the Windsor Corporation dust destructor in Kentons Lane. Many houses were damaged but no deaths, although many were injured by flying glass. Blast shattered windows at Edward Woolhouse’s cycle shop in the Eton Wick. Royal Navy Artificer P.O. Frederick Lamb from Sunderland remembered the incident as follows:-
He was put with a draft from Portsmouth at 5 o’clock in the morning on June 6th 1944 not knowing whence they were bound. His thoughts at that time were of going across the channel with the invasion forces but they were told on reaching Waterloo Station that their destination was the Slough Government Training Centre, and they would be billeted in Windsor. He considered he was lucky, had they gone the other way, who knows what the outcome might have been.
“After a hectic struggle to get across from Waterloo to the station for Windsor with all our gear we arrived on Saturday at Windsor. Another artificer and me had to go on our way to the Police Station to collect a double bunk bed and take it with us along with our kit bags, suit cases, hammocks and tool boxes. Eventually we were dropped off at a house near to a Pub. The family with whom we were billeted, a husband and wife with young girls had a small upstairs room for us. We carried our gear to the room and then assembled the double bunk bed. On the Monday morning we caught the train to Slough to work at the Government Training Centre on shifts from 2—10 one week, 6—2 the following week which brought us to July 1st. . The house was partially destroyed , roof windows etc. I think we were taken to a school , the lady there said they would put us up there for the time being and showed me to a mattress on the floor which was screened off. On wakening the next morning I could hear babies crying and women talking. Having dressed, I prepared to leave but at the door enquiries were made as to the my relatives and I explained that I was only billeted in the house.
Arriving at the Training Centre The Chief Petty Officer said “You are adrift, Captain’s report” to be charged with absent without leave."
Having explained my absence the charge was dismissed. Leave to find transport to Windsor and retrieve my gear. On arriving at the billet, it appeared the house was about to cave in any minute and I was faced with getting my gear out by myself as the driver was not going to risk his life. Having got my tools, hammock ,cases etc. I then set about finding a fresh billet. I finished the course and went to H.M.S Wildfire.”
WRNS were also taught engineering trades such as welding, machining, wood working at the Slough Government Training Centre passing out as ship mechanic(LC) for the repair of landing craft.
Wednesday July 10th.
The Flying bombs brought new fears of destruction and as a precaution against fire raids a demonstration on dealing with phosphorous bombs was arranged by Mr S. Romoff, the Council Fire Officer. This was held at Woodley’s Yard in Tangier Lane, Eton, being well attended by residents of Eton and Eton Wick.
This is an extract from Round and About Eton Wick: 1939 - 1945. The book was researched, written and published in 2001 by John Denham.
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