Photographic History of Eton Wick and Eton - Community Organisations and Social Life - Eton Wick Cricket Club

The Cricket Club was founded c1889 and played in its early seasons on the Great Common. After the 1914/18 War, home fixtures were played on Saddocks Farm, where rural outfield attracted several regular visiting teams. 

Winning Club Team of 1931

The photograph was taken on the occasion of the Club winning the District Cup in 1931 In the back row: Norman Lane, Harry Cook, John Lane, unidentified, Ted Moss. 

Centre row: unidentified, Ern Bryant, Sid Harman, (?) Percy, Arch Bryant, Fred Hammerton, Jack Stacey, Frank Lane, Hugh Haverly, and umpire Mr Henry. 

In the front: the first two on the left are unidentified, Tich Prior, Bill Moss, Edwin Buckland, Ted Morris and resident farmer, Arthur Tarrant. Saddocks Farm House is in the background. 

Leading the team in is Doug Tarrant, in sequence behind him are his brother Reg (sons Arthur), George Lewis (Clerk to Eton Town Council), Doug Slade, Jack Stacey, Stan Allaway, Stan Hewett, Ian Lewis (George's son) and Bert Prior. The photograph was taken in the mid-1950s; the club closed down in the 1960s. 

This article was first published in A Pictorial History of Eton Wick & Eton.

Photographic History of Eton Wick and Eton - Community Organisations and Social Life - Eton Church Lads Brigade

 

This photograph was taken c1928/30. The Eton Company of the Church Lads Brigade is assembled and ready to march off to the High Street to join the long parade of floats, fire brigades, and bands taking part in The Windsor Hospital Parade. The parade was held annually to collect funds for the hospital before the post war days of the N.H.S. The Church Lads Brigade was a fine and disciplined outlet for youths. It is believed that the Eton Company was formed in 1899. Between 1900 and 1902 attempts were made to raise an Eton Wick Company without success. 

The Sgt. Major in the photo is Bill Morris. The drummers in the front row are: Ernie Alder, unidentified, Albe Haverly, and Sgt. (?) Alder. The trumpeter is Tom Forman, George Birch has the big drum and the man with the medals is Fred Bosher. 

This article was first published in A Pictorial History of Eton Wick & Eton.

Photographic History of Eton Wick and Eton - Community Organisations and Social Life -Eton Wick Athletics 1952

 

The Eton Wick Minors F.C. changed its name to Eton Wick Athletic when it formed a senior team from former players in 1949/50. In 1952 the two village clubs Eton Wick United and Eton Wick Athletic amalgamated, becoming the Eton Wick F.C. Success was instant and the merged club won the much coveted Slough Town Senior Cup for the first time. They have won the cup again a number of times since. 

Captain Jack Ling is holding the cup aloft in this photograph. The team is, from left to right: 'Tich' Keen, John Batt, Mick Sibley, 'Roily' Woodley, John Grant, Jack Ling, Ron Carter, John Sheehan, Alf Vickers and Ron Pitcher. 

This article was first published in A Pictorial History of Eton Wick & Eton.

Photographic History of Eton Wick and Eton - Community Organisations and Social Life -Eton Wick Minors FC 1948

 

The Minors were formed in 1946 following the end of the War, when Harry Wakefield and Doug Cooper formed an Under 18's village football club. They played their home games in Eton Recreation Ground. Sports kit was still virtually unobtainable due to wartime clothing rationing, so the boys played in any light coloured/near to white shirt, and Mrs Bill Sibley (mother of two of the team) made black shorts for the team from off-coupon wartime blackout material. Village colours were traditionally amber and black, but here was born the origin of black and white for the boys team. 

In 1948 the team were able to have this photo taken in newly bought kit. They are, in the back row: Doug Cooper, Frank Bond (committee), Jim McDougall, Alan Herd, Ray Haverly, Tony Rodwell, Harry Wakefield and Cecil Thorn (committee). 

In the centre row: Ray Knight, John Grant, John Batt (captain), Dennis Phillips and John Knott. 

Bob Horton and John Newport are in the front row. 

John Grant went on to play in senior league football. In later life he opened bakers shops in Windsor and Eton Wick. 

This article was first published in A Pictorial History of Eton Wick & Eton.

Photographic History of Eton Wick and Eton - Community Organisations and Social Life - Eton Victoria F.C. ('Eton Vics') 1933

 

This well known local football club played their home games on Eton Recreation Ground. In the back row from the left: Bert Cox, Ted Smith, Bill Swain, Bob Quayle, Alf Young, and Alf Flint. In the centre row: Tom Hart, Alf Haskins, Les Hall, Les Balchin, Bill Weymouth, George Birch, Harry Bampton, Stan Cutts and Doug Martin. The front row: Bill Folker, Ernie Alder, Gordon Cox, Jim Middleton, Ron Cox, Ron Martin and Albe Alder. 

This article was first published in A Pictorial History of Eton Wick & Eton.

Photographic History of Eton Wick and Eton - Community Organisations and Social Life - Eton Wick EC 1929

When the club was formed in 1881, home matches were played on Dorney Common, much later moving to their present home on Eton Wick Recreation Ground. 

This photo of 1929 shows the team at the front of the Village Institute (now Village Hall) long before the entrance stairs to the upper floor were covered. 

In the back row, left to right: Jess Binfield (committee member), Bert Percy, Tim Morrell, Bob Bond, Les Binfield, Archie Bryant, Bert Harman, unidentified, Ern Bryant. 

In the front row: M Porter (committee member) George Giles, Ted Watson, Bill Swabey (captain), Maurice Lane, (?) Prior, Tom Morrell. 

This article was first published in A Pictorial History of Eton Wick & Eton.

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.

Photographic History of Eton Wick and Eton - Empire Day, possibly.

 

This interesting old photograph is a mystery, leaving much to be guessed at. It is possibly an Empire Day gathering, some time between 1906 and 1910. The location, with the railway viaduct in the background is certainly at, or near to the south side of Eton Recreation Ground. The new Recreation Ground at that time would probably not have had the benefit of hedges, as it was all formerly Lammas land. 

The assembly of presumably Eton Porny school children and absence of uniformed boy scouts suggests it predates the Scout movement of 1908 (or 1910, if the formation of the Eton troop is allowed for). The flags, adults and speaker leads one to believe it was an Empire Day Assembly, a national celebration day inaugurated in 1902, May 24th to commemorate the birthday of the late Queen Victoria. 

This article was first published in A Pictorial History of Eton Wick & Eton.

Photographic History of Eton Wick and Eton - Eton Parish Church Fete

 

This photograph is believed to be the 'celebrity' opening of the summer c1974 Fete, by the Emperor 'Iedo Kung Fu' and his entourage. From the left are: the Rev. Christopher Johnson, Rita Pidgeon, Lesley Ballard, Celia Russell and George Paget. George was a very well known character, often to be seen with his carriage and horses taking tourists and bridal parties to their destinations (and the odd appearance in 1960s cinema films). 

This article was first published in A Pictorial History of Eton Wick & Eton.

World War 2 Eighty Years On - January 1944

The American bombers flying over the village on their return from daylight raids at times showed signs of battle with the damage plainly visible to those watching; occasionally debris was seen to fall from the bombers. The coloured recognition flares of the day were fired by the low flying and crippled aircraft to ensure their safety from the anti-aircraft guns. Unidentified allied aircraft could and did invite attention from local Ack-Ack Batteries. 

Four years of war had brought a dwindling supply of non-essential goods to the shops. Caleys of Windsor, in an endeavour to overcome the difficulty, placed advertisements in the local paper offering to buy good quality second hand jewellery, silverware, leather goods, good toys, perambulators, carpets, and furniture.  

The Eton U.D.C. chairman spoke of the acute shortage of administration and maintenance people which made it difficult to maintain many public services such as maintenance to roads and footpaths which had declined since the beginning of the war. The proposal to amalgamate offices, such as the Ministry of Food in Eton with Slough, were not welcomed by local housewives who complained it would be inconvenient. After joining Slough, the Eton food office remained open for two days a week. Complaints to the council Surveyor from mothers who were finding it difficult to push a pram through one path which had become overgrown and was half the original width and also of the damage done by people who rode their hacks on the paths instead of the road brought no firm answer. The Surveyor replied that the matter would be looked into, but it must be realized that it was difficult to obtain labour and materials for those jobs that were not directly connected to the war effort. 

The Council Medical Officer reported on the virulent influenza epidemic that had swept the country during the winter, confirming that the outbreak was subsiding locally, and the worst was now over. He also spoke of an Eton College boy, who had been given permission to pursue his hobby of bird watching at the Slough Sewage farm and was attacked by a family of Coypu. The boy had lashed out at the animal and killed it by kicking it in the head. These large rat like animals were thought to have escaped from a fur farm in Henley in 1935 and established themselves on the streams around the Cippenham area.  

Salvage of many materials was still important in 1944 and Eton U.D.C. took the decision to continue the collection of wastepaper at Eton Wick, previously carried out under the supervision of Mr Chew. Fifty pounds had been raised from the salvage operation and the

monies were invested in National Savings. The saving certificates, purchased on behalf of the council, were in the names of the late Mr Chew and the Surveyor. 

Much of the salvage collected early in the war, such as household aluminium pots and pans and railings taken from public parks and private houses, was of poor quality and of little use to the war industries so was left lying in dumps. The Surveyor when commenting on the salvage situation said the council had a beautiful collection of salvaged bottles that could not be disposed of so the collection had been discontinued.

Light iron was also a problem and no more was collected, but as Eton had a baler, the collection of tin cans continued. Iron garden gates and railings had been taken away in 1940 by council salvage teams. It is alleged that a local resident buried his ornamental gates in a field to save them from the salvage.

Friday January 21st.               

A mixed force of approximately four hundred enemy aircraft, including heavy bombers, raided London. Ack-Ack* Batteries stationed in the Slough - Windsor locality went into action with very heavy gunfire and a similar raid followed on the night of 29-30th, again followed by heavy gunfire from the local Ack-Ack* Batteries. Night raids on London over the next few weeks brought more heavy AA fire from the surrounding gun sites. At least one shot down enemy aircraft was claimed by 608 Battery whilst stationed in this area. Much later a rumour was circulating amongst the battery troops that it had been a Canadian plane which forced landed with no-one badly hurt. The crew said after flying through the Flak of Germany and back ours was the most accurate. The last raid on London known as the Little Blitz was on the night of April 18th, 1944.

 

Photographic History of Eton Wick and Eton - The Eton Players

The Eton Players drama group was formed in the 1960s by Mrs Alice Burrow. The group presented a number of plays, performed in the Eton Church Hall and the Parish Church. Most of the costumes were designed and assembled by Mrs Peggy Payne of Eton High Street and local jumble sales provided the materials. 

In the photograph, from left to right are: Pauline Evans (wife of David A N Evans, Vicar of Eton), Sylvia Collier, Brenda Herriot (wife of the Headmaster of Porny School), Ivy Bowyer, Mary Pyke, Rita Pidgeon and Barbara Herriot. The play was 'The Six Wives of Calais'. Eton Parish Church Fete.

This article was first published in A Pictorial History of Eton Wick & Eton.

World War 2 Eighty Years On - 'Spit and Polish' and two crashed Flying Fortresses

The proximity of Windsor Castle with the Royal family and others of military rank brought a certain amount of ‘Spit and Polish’ to the local Ack-Ack camps, including Dorney camp due to the possible visits by "Red Tab " Officers from the War Office King George VI once visited the Dorney Ack-Ack camp having passed through the village un-noticed. By 1943 the camps had acquired a look of permanence with the inclusion of a fairly large NAAFI hut where Troop entertainment, such as Bingo, Film Shows and Dances were held. As this was a mixed battery, there was never a shortage of partners for camp dances where two musicians from the village, Andy Skeels on piano and George White on drums, often supplied the music. Both had been evacuated to Eton Wick to escape the bombing of London. 

It was not all war and no play for the gunners, for in June 1943 the first sports meeting was held by the local H.A.A. Regiment at the old Polo Ground Datchet. A Bathing Belles competition, in which a number of the locally stationed A.T.S. girls took part, was judged by a committee of R.A. Officers. Various field events were also arranged in which both Gunners and A.T.S. took part. After the prizes had been distributed by the Brigade Commander, an enjoyable day was rounded off with a dance and cabaret. 

‘B Troop’ 564 Heavy (M) AA Battery R.A.  183 Regiment R.A.  38 Division.   SM7 Camp  Dorney Common.  1944

Officer Commanding.  Major Haines (seated centre).   Reverend Wingate, Vicar of St John the Baptist, Eton Wick.

 

The intensified Allied air offensive was seen and heard as Flying Fortress (B17) heavy bombers of the United States Air Force frequently flew over the village on their way to bomb targets in France and Germany. It was taken for granted that the aircraft overhead were friendly, but there was always the danger of a bomber crashing in the locality from having been damaged in an attack over enemy territory. Such an incident occurred to a U.S.A.F.(B17) bomber returning damaged from a daylight raid on Schweinfurt. The drone of the plane circling was heard in the evening at dusk as it continued to circle over the Windsor area for some time. After a while the increased roar of the engines was heard to be followed by the noise of the crash as the damaged Flying Fortress (B17) did a wheels up landing onto Beaumont College rugby pitch at Runnymede. but luckily, no injuries were sustained by the crew in the crash other than being rather shaken. The bomber had received damage to the hydraulic system during the raid over enemy occupied territory. A shaken but relieved crew made their way to the Bells of Ouesley public house where they were entertained by the landlord,  Mr. Barnett. Hundreds of sightseers visited the site during the weekend.

A second Boeing B17 of 91st Bomber Group crashed at Old Windsor
on December 30th, 1943.

Strict fuel rationing curtailed the service provided by the Blue Bus from Dorney - Eton Wick - Windsor, also it limited the availability of Taxis. An order, issued by the Ministry of Fuel and Power, stated that from the end of May 1942 no petrol would be available to Hackney Carriages licensed after April of that year. The only taxi in the village at this time was owned by Mr. Phillips who had got his taxi license in the December of 1942 before the report came out. 

Mr. Chew taking up the plea for a petrol ration, made the point to the Surveyor, that Mr. Phillips was fulfilling a very necessary need in the village as Eton Wick had already lost one taxi. A decision was taken to apply for a supply of petrol which resulted in a successful application. Motor fuel was available for private cars for essential war service, generally in the community. One case of misuse of fuel which resulted in a summons was the result of the watchful eye of P.C. Rainer the village constable. On four occasions within the month, he had noticed that the organist to Eton Wick chapel was collected after service by car. On questioning the lady driver, he established that the petrol was for church work, but he did not consider fetching the organist after the service lawful church work. Three and a half gallons of motor fuel was the ration that had been allowed for three and half months. On coming to court the Magistrate thought the case too trifling and dismissed the charge with cost. 

From 1940 until late 1945 the Blue Bus Service operated by  Mr. Cole was also subject to strict fuel rationing curtailing the Windsor to Eton Wick service, the last bus of the day being 9pm.

Travel difficulties experienced by the village were not helped by the influx of wartime inhabitants. The inadequate bus service made it difficult to get to work or to other activities. Often the bus coming from Dorney to Windsor was full on reaching Eton Wick which brought forth angry complaints from the village residents Eventually letters were sent to the Traffic Commissioners about the inadequacy of service by the Eton U.D.C. but no improvements resulted from these complaints and stronger action would follow by the village community in 1944.

Is your journey really necessary?

This reminder appeared on posters at many railway stations. Non-essential travel was discouraged because of military requirements. In 1943 some seaside beaches that had been closed as an anti-invasion measure were again opened to the public, there was no rush as travel on overcrowded trains and very limited seaside accommodation made holidays difficult. The innovation of "Holidays at Home", an organized week of activities by the local councils and voluntary organizations, helped munitions and other workers to enjoy their annual weeks’ summer holiday. Military displays, sport meetings, fun fairs, concerts and displays showing some of the local war production were held on Agars Plough during the week. Large gatherings were attracted to these entertainments.

Army Gymnastic team  giving a display during a ‘Holiday at Home Week’.

Displays of all types by the armed services were put on to recruit Men and women 

for wartime services and also supporting special National savings weeks 

On the declaration of war, the Government had commandeered the railways and some motor transport for the movement of military personnel and other essential war supplies. Whereas the proportion of passenger traffic to goods pre-war had been in the ratio of 80% to 20%, the ratio was now became reversed. A poster campaign constantly reminded civilian passengers that munitions and troop movement together with food and fuel had priority. The reduced number of passenger trains gave rise to longer journey times than normal. Blackout regulations, air raids, and the huge number of passengers traveling, often with as many standing as sitting. Service personnel often travelled with their full military kit which took up as much room as a normal passenger which made for uncomfortable travelling. During air raids, trains stopped at the first station they arrived at, allowing passengers to alight if they wished. Servicemen and women returning to their units from leave had to make an early start back in case they arrived at their camps late and were charged with being absent. 

This is an extract from Round and About Eton Wick: 1939 - 1945. The book was researched, written and published in 2001 by John Denham. 

 

Photographic History of Eton Wick and Eton - The Eton Wick Methodist Sisterhood

This photograph was taken c1960. Back row (heads only visible): Mrs Slaymaker, Mrs Gardner, Miss Majorie Morris, Mrs Lily Jacobs (probably) Third row: Mrs Sophie Chamberlain, Mrs Jacobs, Miss Mary Ayres, Mrs Brown, unidentified Second row: Mrs Harris, Mrs Woodley, Mrs Paice, unidentified. The child is believed to be A. Higgins, grandson of Mrs Woodley. Front row: Mrs G Kelly, Mrs Dobson. 

This article was first published in A Pictorial History of Eton Wick & Eton.

Photographic History of Eton Wick and Eton - Eton Wick and Boveney Women's Institute

The Eton Wick and Boveney Women's Institute was founded in December 1933, due largely, like many other village organisations, to the influence of Edward Littleton Vaughan. His wife Dorothea was the Institute's first President. The Women's Institute is a national educational charity and Mr Vaughan was an enthusiastic supporter of education for the working class.

Through the years Eton Wick and Boveney W.I. has gained a high reputation for its friendliness and standard of work in the many County and National competitions and events in which it has taken part. The Institute has made its voice heard on many local issues including the closure of Windsor Bridge, the proposed closure of the Library and, most recently, the construction of the Thames Flood Alleviation Channel. 

The Institute hosts events, both informative and purely entertaining for its members. To mark its 50th and 60th anniversaries in 1983 and 1993, Art and Craft exhibitions, open to all the village were organised. In 1983 members produced a Pictorial History of the village. The original is held in Eton College and a reference copy is available in Eton Wick Library. 

Photograph taken on the Institute's 40th Anniversary party in 1973. 

In the back row left to right: Unidentified, Mrs Greenwold, Mrs Paintin, Mrs Swatton, Mrs Harrison and Mrs Wyeth. 

Third row (standing behind table): Mrs Durbin (later Leary), Mrs Crook, Mrs Flint, Mrs Butler, Mrs Attride, Mrs Day, Mrs Tatham, Mrs Hessey, Mrs Harding, Mrs Ballhatchet (President), Mrs Kinross, Mrs Neate, Mrs Lund, Mrs Sharrat, Mrs Wilson, Mrs Joan Bond and Mrs Charlton (later Moss). 

Second row (either side of table): Mrs Millis, Mrs Elsie Bond, Mrs Friend, Mrs Jacobs (Past President), Mrs Borrett, Miss Bannister, Mrs Beckett, Mrs Jones and Mrs Ash. Front row (seated): Mrs Cutler, Nurse Lee, Mrs Wickens (Past President), Mrs Hartley (Past President), Mrs Pat James and Mrs Cooley. 

This article was first published in A Pictorial History of Eton Wick & Eton.

Eton Wick Youth Football Team 1962-63

 

Back row left to right

Jas Alder, N Johnson, A Harrison, W Welford, S Durban, Les Emery (Captain)

Front Row left to right

Barry Eaglestone, D Price, John Alder (Goalkeeper), F Ormond, F Hatch

Eton Wick History thanks Alan Harrison for his kind permission to publish this photograph.  Alan Harrison was a team member and is in the back row third from the left.

Photographic History of Eton Wick and Eton - Eton Girl Guides Camp

The summer camp was run by Mrs Grizel Hartley, wife of Eton College master, with Miss Margery Mead. Photo taken about 1937. Left to right: Betty Devonshire, Betty Morris, Hilda Irvin, Edith Weeks, Gwen Allen (on running board), three unknowns, Winnie Thorn, Lilian Branwhite, Eileen Horsgood, Everlyn Irvin and Jean Morris. 

This article was first published in A Pictorial History of Eton Wick & Eton.

Tough Assignment - Steward's Epilogue

I see Thee not, I hear Thee not

Yet art Thou oft with me

And Earth has ne'er so dear a spot

As where I meet with Thee

These words, written for the Methodist Hymn Book one hundred years ago, express the feelings of one man for the church he loved and for the place where he had learnt his trust in God. They echo the determination of our society at Eton Wick to survive beyond a century with a chapel that has become, for us, a powerhouse of prayer and a springboard of service and mission.

The Primitive Methodist Chapel was built in 1886 as an act of faith by dedicated souls believing that many would come to hear the Word of God preached and take the love of God into their hearts. It was the direct result of a great groundswell of the movement of the Holy Spirit in that generation which produced many such Bethels throughout the land. They brought Christ nearer to the people, nearer to their lives and nearer to their ways of thinking. They brought challenge and response to young and old.

The story starts with one woman and her vision which was transmitted to others. The simple fellowship of Sunday School, House Meetings and Camp Meetings created the demand for a chapel and so the vision became a reality. Always since its birth the chapel has struggled to thrive and grow with the village and its 'New Town' image. Always the chapel met demand and opportunity - expanding, consolidating, re-equipping, and re-presenting itself to every generation until the present day one hundred years on.

Although this booklet is about the history of a building it is really about the lives of people associated with it. As such, many events must remain untold, but the story cannot end without reference to one hidden thread that binds our heritage. It can be found in the simple list of Ministers, allotted for brief spans of their time to shepherd the flock at Eton Wick. They above all others have welded the fabric to the fellowship and provided the impetus for our enterprise and the focus for our acts of worship. They have listened and advised, served and led through happy times and sad. Their glory is unsung, but their presence is felt within these pages. The ministers together with the never-failing band of local preachers have formed a corner stone in building up spiritual life and nurturing the continuity of faith. Without these evangelists our story would be about a struggling organisation instead of flourishing church.

We the Stewards and Officers of Eton Wick Methodist Chapel have raised this document as a remembrance and a memorial to the century that has passed - for all the life that has been dedicated here, for the worship in hymn and prayer, for the word that has been continually preached, for all the love and the care shown, for the teaching given and the guidance received. All this work has been accomplished in the name of Jesus Christ. The assignment has sometimes been difficult, but the reward has been in knowing that this place has always been a haven of blessing to many.

The achievement of any church is not measured merely in the size and quality of its building, or the number and popularity of its membership, but by the influence which its congregation has upon the surrounding area and in the lives of others. We hand on to the next hundred years, with its fresh faces, new ideas and rapidly changing lifestyle, the same tough assignment, and the same challenge for outreach. Whatever circumstances may arise and whatever the fashion or mood of the times, we pray that this chapel will meet the need and answer the call.

Once more we look to the future with a vision of hope. God bless us all.

Who puts his trust

In God most just

Has built his house

He who relies

On Jesus Christ

Heaven shall be his securely most surely

The Eton Wick History Group is most grateful for the kind permission given by the Eton Wick Methodist Chapel to republish this history, Tough Assignment on this website.

Photographic History of Eton Wick and Eton - Eton Wick Cycling Friends

Photograph taken c1900. Left to right: Nobby Talbot, Edward Hammerton, George Kirby, Arthur Woolhouse, Alf Miles and Jack White. The photograph was taken in Burnham Beeches. 

This article was first published in A Pictorial History of Eton Wick & Eton.

Tough Assignment - Do You Remember?

In the story of any society there are numerous incidents too trivial or fleeting to fit into the more formal history. Yet they too are part of the rich tapestry of events and deserve to be recorded, if only because we still sometimes think back and laugh once again.

... the services of not so very long ago when every woman wore a hat - and the children who loved to try and fill the hat brim of the lady in front with matchsticks?

... Eli Carter and Charlie Wilkins and other local preachers who made the journey to Eton Wick on cycles in all weathers.

... Mr Clifton, a Baptist preacher, who visited the Sisterhood in the 1930s? He had a fantastic imagination and kept his audience in fits of laughter, much to the consternation of Mrs Chew - though just before the end of his talk he would remember to include the requisite spiritual message.

... the local preacher whose false teeth used to chatter, or the occasion when one local preacher pulled a handkerchief from his pocket - and also his false teeth which clattered down the pulpit steps?

... the speaker who came to talk to the Band of Hope bringing with him a piece of diseased liver in a glass tube?

... Mr Frank Styles who played the organ for services, but who could also make it sound like a hurdy gurdy?

... Ken Clifton and the hilarious times enjoyed by all at the fund-raising socials when he was fed blind-folded with cold custard?

... the gas lamps on either side of the pulpit and the disastrous effect of those preachers who tried to make a point by flinging wide their arms?

... the morning when torrential rain kept us all from going home and the spout of water that gushed through the wall near the spot where the present pulpit stands?

... the 1947 floods and how Eton Wick was cut off from the outside world for almost a week, except for one phone in Chantler's Stores? The Salvation Army Concert arranged to be held at the chapel had to be cancelled. ... the oil stoves which were used to supplement the heating during the 2nd World War, and how, on at least two occasions, clouds of thick, smelly smoke billowed out of the chapel front door when it was opened for morning service? The services were held up until the smoke had cleared.

... the time when one young lady came to preach and entered the pulpit clothed in a scarf, balaclava, mittens and a coat. A voice from the back of the congregation asked in a stage whisper " Is she stopping? "

... the long serving Sunday School official (who does not gamble) who bet one his scholars that he couldn't get his father to come to chapel .... and lost!!

... when the fusebox began to smoke last year and how the organ had to be replaced by the piano until the offending fuse had been replaced.

... when Moore's Lane was so narrow that coaches could not turn the corner from Alma Road. This meant that the coaches had to reverse into Inkerman Road and then back towards the chapel.

... that just after World War II when funds were low the Sunday School children had to choose between prizes and a Summer Outing?

... the old negro penny savings bank which belongs to the Sunday School and is still loved by the youngest children?

Ladies Club Cowboy Supper 1967 

The Eton Wick History Group is most grateful for the kind permission given by the Eton Wick Methodist Chapel to republish this history, Tough Assignment on this website.

Photographic History of Eton Wick and Eton - The Horticultural Society

 

The Eton Wick Horticultural Society's float c1931, decorated with donated produce and about to leave Common Road to join the procession of the decorated floats, Fire Brigade, musicians, etc. taking part in the King Edward VII Hospital Parade. The route took the procession to Slough, Eton, up Thames Street hill and on to the Hospital. The horse and cart was traditionally supplied by Bert Bond, the village greengrocer. Parades ceased after WW2 when the National Health Service funded the hospitals.

On the float is Ted Bond. Standing, left to right are, Mr Benham, George Paget, Bert Bond, <r Hemmings (Secretary), Joe Clarke, Hugh Haverly, Ern Woodhouse, Bert Benham (not believed to be related to the Benham on the left) and Harry Young.

This article was first published in A Pictorial History of Eton Wick & Eton.