Remiss of me not to have noted the obituary of Major William Spowers, creator of the Windlesham Arboretum, who died on June 12th.
Here’s the part of the obituary describing his creation of the arboretum,
He began planting trees (between 4,500 and 5,000). He swapped seedlings with Chatsworth where he had earlier befriended the 10th Duke of Devonshire and catalogued his library. Inspired by Capability Brown’s work at Chatsworth, and Humphry Repton’s work at other great estates he had visited through Christie’s, Spowers drained the land and created hills, lakes and ponds. He built an amphitheatre, installed statues, follies, monuments and bridges.
What is perhaps less well known, is that the arboretum is built on the land that was Frommow’s Nursery, which was so important to the early development of Lightwater.
Major Spowers contribution to the beauty and amenities of Lightwater and Windlesham has been truly significant. We should be proud that such a man lived among us.
Lightwater 
Hello Mr Dodds,
I have only recently come across the name of Bill Spowers and via a most tenuous but nevertheless important connection. The Poseidon Fountain Restoration Society (of which I am a member) was founded almost twenty years ago with the aim of restoring the “Perseus rescues Andromeda” fountain and statuary at Witley Court, Worcestershire, a project which I am happy to say has come to fruition, despite the early scepticism shown by English Heritage who these days manage the property.
In addition to the main statuary itself, the fountain basin also contained a pair of lesser pieces known as “nereids” which formed part of the overall feature. These pieces were known to have disappeared from the site circa 1958, presumably sold by the then owner Mr John Wigington, antique dealer from Stratford upon Avon As a result of this situation, E.E. funded two replica pieces which were carved when the restoration was undertaken.
It has always been a mystery as to the fate and whereabouts of the nereids, some people even suggesting that they were shipped somewhere abroad at some point, however, purely by chance, our group chairman was in correspondence with a friend of his, Sir Tatton Sykes, who in turn was a friend of Bill Spowers. They apparently corresponded on various occasions and Bill mentioned the fact that the nereids have been resident in Windlesham Arboretum all these years after all. We are now planning a trip down to Bagshot, probably next year, in order to view at first hand our long lost treasures. Did Major Spowers have anything to do with Clock House Antiques do you know ?
Kind Regards,
David Pagett
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David,
What an interesting story. Don’t know anything about the Clock House Antiques connection. As Major Sowers worked for Christie’s auctioneers it’s highly likely that he would have excellent sources for what he required to create the arboretum. You should note that there’s no car park at the arboretum, best to park in Lightwater’s Broadway Road [behind the church] car park, and walk down. It’s not far.
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I remember my first visit to Lightwater toview a house had me enjoying a pint at the Half Moon in Windlesham whee I first came across Bill Spowers.
When I subsequently helped co-found a local residents association in Red Road to control future development Bill sent us a generous cheque on hearing the news but insisted on no publicity. I seem to recall he was alwsys offering free trees to other suitable recipients. The arborethum is a wonderful legacy and the land in trust keeps Lightwater apart from Windlesham ….as well as the M3!
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Hello,
My family and I lived in Lightwater for 12 years and I must say, my two now grown up children loved going for walks over the arboretum. I took them pond dipping and nature watching, deer and badger watching. They loved being there! It was always so quiet and only saw a few people at any time. We would walk through Major Spowers courtyard with respect to his land; he was most nice at all times. I would go there just to be quiet and reflect during busy or stressful times in my life then. A wonderful place!
Sandy P
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Having only found this hidden treasure (and paid the annual subscription) last year. Every time we have visited we are amazed at the sheer natural beauty of the trees as the seasons develop.
Each visit makes us question where the money came from to undertake the superb landscaping and tree planting? Does anyone know if the amphitheatre is ever used for music or theatre?
We would love to know if guided walks are ever organised to identify the trees or even a list and location trees?
Major Spowers has created a haven of natural beauty which is open to all to enjoy, what a man!
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My family have fond memories of the Chapel where my grandson was christened in
January 2009.
My daughter is visiting the UK from Australia in August and would very much like to have her new daughter christened in the Chapel.
Can anyone advise who we contact now that Major Spowers is deceased?
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From the latest FOWA newsletter:-
The trustees have concerns about the Chapel’s structural integrity – the last Carol service was cancelled, and a structural engineer is monitoring the building …. no knowledge at present as to when it might reopen.
On Sunday June 12th, a memorial will be unveiled to Mr Spowers – the 2nd Anniversary of his passing.
Contact email is FowAct@Gmail.com
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Surely if this was left for the pulic to enjoy, a provision should be made for a public car park ! Seems very petty to have an empty “private ” car park !!
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Visted today for the first time in over a year – much has changed and changes continue – in the shape of ‘miles’ of paling fencing and hedgerow planting, plus re-routing of the main footpath onto the existing bridleway along the front of Major Spowers old house… also some paths have been blocked and overall it seems that access to the land along the lakes, where you could follow the WindleBrook is no longer permitted …. obviously all existing Public foot paths are preserved, but somewhat more obviously denoted …
The signage features the name SCT – Spowers Charitable Trust – I guess this has taken over from the old FOWA ? The word ‘NO’ figures on most signs !
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…… with happy memories of walking my 2 Newfies along the WindleBrook from 2002 to 2010, I was hoping to introduce my new small bear-like chapess to the wonders of splashing thru rust-stained waters and rooting in loverlee stagnant smelly leaf mould!
But sadly not to be it seems, will FOWA refund my last Sub I wonder?
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What is happening? The whole place has taken a downward turn. Why are you making it so difficult for “the general public and mankind” as stated in your Charitable Trust status. Wholeheartedly agree with the above writer. Major Spowers surely would not be in agreement. There are enough rules and regulations in everyday life, why spoil a country stroll that was left for the local community thee joy. Your sign posts are misleading and threatening. AN ABSOLUTE DISGRACE – I and other many other local residents would welcome your comments – please reply to my email below.
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I have a feeling there is a much bigger picture to the recent changes in The Arboretum. Evidently these changes have been made by Major Spower’s Grandson. It is private land but it is almost as if the general public are now not welcomed there. There are clearly public rights of way and the awful and sometimes quite rude signs and fences seem to be designed to get the public away from the private (and most beautiful parts) of the Arboretum. These changes have certainly made a few people I know find other places to walk, which, if I were a cynic, may be exactly what certain people behind the new trust had hoped for.
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Windelsham Arboretum is truly a magnificent place that I used to visit with my family(before it got taken turn by the charity), I always wondered when passed by all the monuments wether it would be a theatre sourounded by the pond, or the statue of a lion…. what past they had. If anyone has any information about the monuments please either email me, I would be extremely grateful. Thank you.
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