News from

Maidenhead Heritage Centre

---

20^th Anniversary
Celebration Dinner

The people are left to right, Richard Poad (Chairman Maidenhead Heritage Trust), The Right Honourable Theresa May MP, Colin Rayner (Mayor of Windsor and Maidenhead), Samantha Rayner (Mayoress of Windsor and Maidenhead), Peter Murcott (Trustee, the Advertiser Trust), Graham Barker (Trustee, Maidenhead Heritage Trust)

On Friday May 10^th 2013 supporters of Maidenhead Heritage Centre gathered at Hall Place, Burchetts Green for a 20^th Anniversary Celebration Dinner. Attended by the Mayor and Mayoress of Windsor and Maidenhead and by The Right Honourable Theresa May MP.

Proposing a toast to Maidenhead Heritage Centre, Mrs May congratulated all its volunteers on turning what began as a 6 month experiment in 1993 into a valued part of Maidenhead’s cultural scene.   Confirming that for her “heritage matters”,  she praised the temporary exhibitions staged at the Park Street venue for helping to inspire Maidonians of all generations about the history of their town. 

There is a special 20^th Anniversary Exhibition at the Heritage Centre until May 18^th.  It traces the centre’s nomadic journey from Bridge Street in 1993 to the final opening of the permanent Heritage Centre in Park Street five years ago.

---

Golden postbox for our

golden girl!

Maidenhead has its own golden postbox to celebrate the 3 Gold medals won by 24 yr old Sophie Christiansen in the Paralympic equestrian events at Greenwich Park. Sophie, who was born in Ascot and lives in Maidenhead, takes her place alongside rower Katherine Gainger MBE, who won the Women's Double Sculls Olympic rowing event at Dorney on 3 August along with her rowing partner Anna Watkins.

All at the Maidenhead Heritage Centre pass on our congratulations and good wishes to Sophie and Katherine, and to all the other local athletes who took part in London 2012. They all become part of Maidenhead's sporting heritage, taking their place alongside Bert Bushnell, Richard Burnell, Sir Stirling Moss and many more.

Photos below show the golden postbox at the junction of High Street and Park Street- within sight of Maidenhead Heritage Centre!

Next is Sophie Christiansen celebrating her third gold medal at Greenwich Park (photo EPA)

Third are Katherine Grainger and her partner Anna Watkins proudly showing off their gold medals at Eton Dorney on August 3rd.

 

---

Official Opening of

Grandma Flew Spitfires! Exhibition and Archive

on 19th October

by HRH Prince Michael of Kent

A selection of pictures taken on the day follows this news item If you wish to see the full set of pictures please click here.

23 veterans of ATA and other guests assembled in Maidenhead on October 19th to hear Prince Michael of Kent open the Grandma Flew Spitfires! exhibition and archive. Pilots, flight engineers, air cadets, fitters and parachute packers were represented. AVM Stephen Hillier RAF paid tribute to ATA, and Peter Garrod (Commodore of the ATA association) described the life of an ATA pilot before the Prince declared the exhibition open. Then he toured the exhibition and flew the Spitfire simulator, executing a perfect barrel roll!

After the opening ceremony Prince Michael and the ATA veterans moved on to White Waltham airfield (home of ATA's HQ during World War II), where they enjoyed a private lunch at the West London Aero Club.

Chairman Richard Poad greets Air Vice Marshal Stephen Hillier of the RAF.

Chairman Richard Poad greets Prince Michael of Kent.

ATA Veterans Don Hoare and Peter George.

The ATA Veterans wait for the speeches to begin.

VIP's, Prince Michael of Kent, Councillor Asghar Majeed (Mayor of Windsor and Maidenhead), Peter Garrod (Commodore of the ATA Association), Minnie Churchill (daughter of Gerard d'Erlanger, Commodore of the ATA) and Air Vice Marshal Stephen Hillier.

Prince Michael with the assembled ATA Veterans.

Prince Michael and the Mayor of the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead.

Prince Michael declares the Grandma Flew Spitfires! Exhibition and Archive open.

A row of photographs of ATA members catches the attention of Prince Michael.

Richard Poad explains the ATA Time line to Prince Michael.

Prince Michael flies the Spitfire Simulator.

Prince Michael chats to representatives of the Spitfire Society, Steve Williams, Chris Brice and David Evans.

Prince Michael examines Peter George's ATA Log book with Martin Nicholson, John Cochrane and Edna Taylor.

Prince Michael chats to ATA Veterans, Wyn Roper, Molly Rose, Mary Cuningham, Joy Lofthouse and Jaye Edwards.

Prince Michael chats to some more of the ATA Veterans, Primrose Ratcliffe, Larry Lambourne and Mary Ellis.

Prince Michael signs the Visitor's Book.