CUMBERLAND Lodge began celebrations for its 75th anniversary with a special launch event on Monday.

The educational charity, based at Windsor Great Park, saw the community attend its archive exhibition looking at its history and work.

The evening included a visit from Lord Anderson of Ipswich, a patron of the Friends of Cumberland Lodge, who unveiled a plaque to mark the occasion.

The exhibition features letters, photographs, books, programmes, and papers, which covers the period from 1650 to present day.

Dr Ed Newell, chief executive of Cumberland Lodge, said: “Our archive at Cumberland Lodge offers a window into the history of the charity, but also into the history of ideas, as it shows how thinking on important issues such as climate change, diversity and inclusion, and policing and criminal justice, has developed over generations.”

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The themes of the exhibition include 'Darkness over Germany', which introduces the work of Amy Buller.

Her book led to the establishment of an education foundation at the Lodge in 1947.

Slough Observer: 2. First edition, German edition and 2017 edition copies of Darkness Over Germany by Amy Buller. Picture: Cumberland Lodge2. First edition, German edition and 2017 edition copies of Darkness Over Germany by Amy Buller. Picture: Cumberland Lodge

The next display is in 'Cumberland Lodge at 75', which looks at the early years of the charity.

A range of photos and letters relating to both students and well-known visitors the Lodge has hosted over the years are on show.

Individuals featured in the display include Boris Johnson and Margaret Thatcher, the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan.

Slough Observer: Dr Ed Newell, Chief Executive of Cumberland Lodge, putting the finishing touches to the exhibition which includes photos of the Queen, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Kofi Annan. Picture: Cumberland LodgeDr Ed Newell, Chief Executive of Cumberland Lodge, putting the finishing touches to the exhibition which includes photos of the Queen, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Kofi Annan. Picture: Cumberland Lodge

And people could also look at conference programmes from the 80s and 90s to display the charity’s discussions on topical issues.

The last theme, 'Patrons', celebrates the Lodges’ past and present royal patrons.

A further demonstration relating to the history of the building includes a visitors’ book signed by Sir Winston Churchill and his wife Clementine, and by the inventor of radio Guglielmo Marconi.

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Dr Newell added: “Re-ordering the archive and improving access to our collection will help to ensure that the vision that shaped our foundation in the past continues to influence our work in the future, and I am hugely grateful to our team of volunteers who have made much of this possible.”

The exhibition is on show to guests attending events at the Lodge.

Open mornings will take place later this year.