The future of Stamford town centre and Rutland Water plans in Mercury Memories

January 13, 2012

Traders are optimistic about the future of Stamford town centre, despite several shops closing their doors.

The town has seen a few businesses cease trading over the last few weeks including Mayhem and The Fit Feet Fish Spa in St Mary’s Street and jewellery shop Sirius in St Mary’s Hill.

The future of Millets in the High Street also hangs in the balance after its owners went into administration.

The company has been taken over by JD Sports and bosses say they plan to close the least profitable branches.

But despite the loss of these businesses, Stamford’s remaining traders are confident the shops will soon be snapped up by newcomers who are keen to join the impressive mix of High Street and independent shops Stamford has to offer.

Craig Benson, the owner of Black Orchid in St Mary’s Street, said: “The next year is going to be hard work and we’re not going to get back to the boom years for a while, but the traders who are left will keep their heads above water.

“Stamford has some great shops. I don’t think there is any other town with such a range of independent retailers. The shops which close are always taken up quickly, so there is still life in Stamford.”

Campaigners opposed to a new low-level radioactive waste site have demonstrated against the arrival of the first consignments in King’s Cliffe.

More than 150 people marched through the village on Saturday to voice their concern at the action being taken by waste firm Augean.

It followed the company’s announcement that it had started receiving low-level radioactive waste at its Stamford Road site.

Permission was given for the waste to be disposed of at the site following a public inquiry.

A legal challenge by protestors is due to be heard at the Court of Appeal on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Chris Leuchars, who is a member of campaign group Wastewatchers said he was pleased with the turnout.

He said: “I think the march gave people the opportunity to have their say on how they feel about what has happened and it displayed the villagers’ sense of togetherness over this very important issue.”

A council has been criticised for leaving vulnerable adults and carers confused and upset during a consultation into social care policy changes.

Lincolnshire County Council launched a 90-day consultation in October on plans to close its day centre services and make care users choose where to spend their public care grant.

The Mercury has been campaigning against the plans. More than 450 readers sent in coupons calling for the council not to close the valued day centres in Ryhall Road, Stamford, and Abbey Road, Bourne.

John Butcher, of Edmonds Close, Stamford, is vice-chairman of the Northfields Neighbourhood Group which represents up to 1,000 people in sheltered housing in the town.

Mr Butcher said: “A lot of people realised that their own positions would be in considerable jeopardy. All they wanted was an outline of where they would stand.”

Mr Butcher has been trying to set up a meeting between the council’s head of adult social care, Coun Graham Marsh (Con), and day care users and staff so those with questions could get answers. But Coun Marsh was not able to find the time.

25 years ago

January 10, 1997

Castle Cement has been given permission by the Environment Agency to burn tyres at its Ketton works.

The company is to begin trial burning of tyres in the next couple of weeks. Castle plans to burn tyres as a partial replacement for coal in its two kilns.

Ketton general manager Neville Roberts said: “This is good news for Castle, but also helps with a national problem of how to recover energy from the 35 million tyres scrapped in Britain each year.

“Burning tyres will produce none of the smells and smoke associated with putting a tyre on a bonfire in the back garden. Because cement kilns burn at temperatures of up to 1,500 degrees Celsius, every part of the tyre is consumed – even the steel bands inside them – and there is no odour or smoke. Our neighbours will not notice any difference.”

Tyre-burning is already established at kilns in Britain, America, Germany and Holland.

The first tyres are due to be brought in by lorry next week. Both chipped and whole tyres will be burned. The Environment Agency will be monitoring the testing to ensure emissions are not worse than using coal in the kilns.

Anglian Water’s plans to spend £500,000 on improvements at Rutland Water will see a fine balancing act between the desire to further to reservoir’s reputation at Europe’s finest conservation area and attract more visitors.

The investment programme will see facilities at the 150-acre site developed or altered, including an extensive facelift of the birdwatching centre to cater for increased demand from the public, the building of a classroom and a bird of prey information centre.

On a smaller scale, but no less important, improvements are also planned for the signing around the reservoir and the condition of some of the paths and cycle tracks.

Staff at Rutland Water will be watching the developments with pride, particularly as the inspiration for many of the changes came from them.

It was the end of an era at the Stamford Museum when curator John Smith retired on Christmas Eve.

He moved to the museum in 1977 on a one-year contract when he was in between jobs, and became full-time curator a year later.

At that time, the museum was in the small gallery at Stamford Library, where the reference section is now. The museum’s Broad Street premises opened in 1980, and in 1983 Mr Smith became the curator of Stamford and Grantham Museums.

In 1985, Stamford Museum opened its storeroom, and in 1986 the Grantham Museum officially opened.

As well as overseeing all these changes, Mr Smith has also seen the number of staff grow from just two people in 1977 to a dozen people working between both museums today.

Looking back, he said: “I really am quite proud of the museum. We have built it out of nothing, and it’s definitely a ‘living thing’ now.

“One thing I’ve really liked is starting from scratch with an exhibition and telling the people of Stamford a story.”

In the first year of opening, the museum attracted 7,000 visitors. Last year, between 15,000 and 18,000 passed through the doors. The peak attendance was around 30,000, the year Middlemarch came to Stamford.

50 years ago

January 14, 1972

Kesteven schools were this week conserving coke and coal supplies in a bid to avoid closure because of the miners’ strike.

Those that normally burn coal will switch to coke when their supplies run out.

The education department say schools will be able to stay open as long as coke supplies last.

An education department spokesman said: “There are about 180 educational establishments in Kesteven, and about 100 of them are dependant in part or in whole on solid fuel for heating.

“Of this figure, some 30 establishments are dependent on industrial coal. It is the supply of this type of fuel which is causing the education authority the most concern at the present time.”

Meanwhile coal merchants in the area are tending to cut excessive orders from customers.

Priority will be given to old and infirm people, although even their orders will have to be restricted to 5cwt.

According to several Bourne urban councillors, obnoxious airborne smells continue spreading over the town.

“Since the last meeting, I, other councillors, and council’s officers, have been receiving complaints of odours,” Coun Percy Wilson said, at Tuesday’s Council meeting.

“Only half-an-hour ago, a member of the Hospital Management Committee telephoned me about the smells.”

Complaints now, he said, were coming from residents in West Road, Bourne – a considerable distance from the light industrial estate.

“I woke up at 2 am and the smell from Firth’s was abominable. It was noxious and rotten,” alleged Coun Leslie Day.

Coun Michael Taylor said that the Council should do all in its power for the ratepayers of Bourne to breathe fresh, clean air.

The Council asked its Surveyor, Mr Michael Silverwood to seek the advice of a consulting chemist or a consulting engineer.

The January issue of “The Geographical magazine” contains a succinct account of the plans and start of the building of the Empingham reservoir.

It was written by Bryan Waites, Leicester College, who forecasts that the area within control of the Welland and Nene River Authority will probably contain the largest population expansion of any river authority in the country, reaching 1,389,000 by
2001.

Writing under the heading; “Rutland: towpath round a lake”, Waites comments on the need for extra water: “A long term solution might be the Wash barrage or Wash Estuary Storage Scheme, as it should now be called.

“The present desk study may lead to a full feasibility study, but it will be some time before the scheme becomes a reality.”

He refers to the short-term solution – the large reservoir at Empingham.

“The site chosen, selected from 64 investigated, is in England’s smallest county.

“Since the reservoir will be the largest man-made lake in Britain with a total water area of 1,259 hectares and the second largest lake in England and Wales (Windermere 1,473 hectares) it seems Rutland will be reduced to a ‘towpath round the lake’.”

100 years ago

January 13, 1922

Great Northern Market Tickets – The Great Northern Railway has now reduced the fare for third-class market tickets issued from surrounding stations to Stamford and Bourne on certain week-days from the single fare and a third for the return journey. The tickets are now available by any ordinary train in each direction on the day of issue only. All particulars can be obtained at the stations.

Five Hundred Happy Children – Messrs. Blackstone and Co. entertained over 500 children of the employees and recent employees of the firm on Monday in the canteen. Tea was served by about 40 helpers at 4.30 after which a marionette entertainment was given by Mr. C. D. Baylis, of Peterborough, much to the delight of the children. Mr. and Mrs. A. Lenox contributed a magical performance, and for over an hour they amused and mystified not only the youngsters, but everyone present. All the arrangements were admirably organised by the works club. Mr. H. V. Blackstone and Mr. G. M. Blackstone were present, and were untiring in their efforts to give the children a happy time. Upon their departure the kiddies were each given an orange and cake.

Choir Supper – the annual choir supper in connection with All Saints’ church was held on Tuesday evening. An admirable ventriloquial entertainment was given by Mr. H. Campion. Miss Clapton recited, and the Rev. Vivian Clapton and members of the choir contributed songs. Mr. T. Robins accompanied. The churchwardens, Mr. C. Springthorpe and Mr. R. W. Dodman were present.

Children’s Entertainment – Through the kindness of a friend and the teachers, the primary children, numbering 160, attending Star-lane Congregational Sunday school were entertained at the Albert-hall on Tuesday evening. At the hands of “Father Christmas” each child received a present from one of the two large Christmas trees, as well as being given an orange, bun, and crackers. Christmas hymns were sung, and some of the youngsters recited. Twenty-four children from Ryhall-road Home took part in the merry-making.

Run-Away Trailer - Whilst negotiating the right-hand turn from Red Lion-square into Scotgate, on Thursday morning the coupling connecting a furniture-removing van to a steam waggon belonging to Messrs. John Walsh, Ltd., of Sheffield, broke, with the result that the trailer continued its journey in a straight line. It collided with the bakehouse of Mr. A. Harvey. The stone work was damaged in places, and the van was injured also, but, fortunately no one was passing at the time or the result of the mishap might have been more serious.

Bourne

Treat to Children – The scholars of the Abbey church Sunday school were on Friday entertained to tea in the Vestry-hall, and received oranges and other seasonable gifts, and enjoyed a picture show at the Corn-exchange.

Tour In The West Country – In connection with the Congregational Guild, on Monday, a lantern lecture was given by the Rev. J. A. Halfpenny on a tour he made in Devonshire last summer. Limelight views were manipulated by Mr. A. W. Swift.

150 years ago

January 12, 1872

Stamford Infirmary – A donation of £2 2s. has been received from the workmen at the Rutland-terrace Iron-works; and subscriptions from the following: Rev. R. B. Rogers, £1 1s.; Hon. Miss Evelyn Heathcote, £3 3s.; Hon. Miss Margaret Heathcote, £3 3s.; Hon. Master Gilbert Heathcote, £3 3s.

A meeting was held in the Corn-exchange, Stamford, on the 4th, for the purpose of forming a “Tent” in connection with the Independent Order of Rechabites, which is a benefit society for teetotallers. Mr. Colam and Mr. Maltby attended from the Peterboro’ tent to explain the principles of the society. The former stated that the late Mr. Tidd Pratt, the Registrar of Benefit Societies, had asserted that this society was the healthiest and wealthiest in England. A resolution was unanimously carried that a branch be formed for the Stamford district.

Mr. Melbourne, brewer, of Stamford, lost a very valuable horse on Monday in a singular manner. He left his premises in a dog cart to proceed to Casterton, when the horse suddenly became restive, reared up and fell, and when released from the shafts was found to be dying. In a few minutes the animal expired. Its grand sire was the famed Daniel O’Rourke, winner of the Derby in 1852.

Light Weight Butter – Short weight is not always intentional, as will be seen from the following conscientious letter, which was not meant for publication, but which is based on such wholesome sentiments as to render it worthy of consideration by those who are less scrupulous in their business transactions: “I have unconsciously placed myself in a position much to be condemned. Some of my butter was sold in the market last Friday week and proved to be short of weight: it was alluded to in your paper last Friday. I read it and expatiated upon the disgrace of such a thing, little thinking it was my own, though it was an exaggerated statement. I have had my weight tested, and find it is nearly half an ounce light. I have had it in use 25 years, not thinking it would decrease. I have now of course another, and it will teach me the policy of having it tested frequently. I know the world is uncharitable, and some persons may wish you to insert my name publicly, but as I have remunerated the person I trust it may there rest. The making up of the butter is one of the household duties I always do myself, and I must be more careful for the future.

The total amount collected in All Saints’ church, Stamford, on behalf of the restoration fund is £728s. 7d. A considerable deficiency remains to be met.

Billingborough – The Crown rent audit for the half-year ending Michaelmas last was held at the Fortescue Arms inn on Wednesday, after which the tenantry sat down and partook of a sumptuous dinner provided by hostess Smith in her accustomed manner.

While the butchers at Peterboro’, Grantham, and Sleaford are selling their mutton at the rate of 6½d per pound, the public here are paying 8½d and 9d. Why this difference?

200 years ago

January 11, 1822

From a Correspondent - “In your paper two or three weeks back, you said that Sir Gilbert Heathcote, Bart. had given 15 per cent. to his tenants in Lincolnshire: I can assure you that the same liberality was extended to all Sir G. Heathcote’s tenants, and not kept back where a lease had been granted.”

William Morgan alias Bailey has been committed, by George White, Esq. Alderman of Grantham, to the house of correction there, under the late Vagrant Act. He was found concealed under a bed at the Angel Inn, and had been begging under various pretences, generally representing himself as a distressed tradesman from Ware, where he had lost one or two of his children and all his property (amounting to £1400) by fire. He also represented himself as the brother of a respectable draper at Southwell. The said Wm. Morgan is 34 years of age, 5 feet 11 inches high, has grey eyes, dark hair, pale complexion, a scar on his nose, and a small wound on the back of his head, which he says he received in an engagement at sea. He was dressed in a blue coat, green-striped waistcoat, light corduroy breeches, half-boots, and a black silk handkerchief, and had with him a light rough great coat, several brass rings gilt, and a large silver watch.

The Rev. W. Hardyman, after giving the parishioners of North Luffenham till December 31 (being a much longer time than usual) to pay their year’s composition for tithes, generously returned them 15 per cent. upon the whole year.

The ball for the benefit of the National School in Stamford, on Tuesday night, was fashionably attended; 90 persons were present; amongst whom were, the Marquis of Exeter, Earl of Westmorland, Hon. Capt, Percy, Hon. H, Pierrepont, Gen. Grosvenor, lady S. Whichcote, Capt. Whichcote, Lady C. Sherard, Rev. Edw. Chaplin, Dr. Willis, &c.

The Lord Chancellor has appointed William David Bell, of Bourn, in the county of Lincoln, Gent., to be a Master Extraordinary in the High Court of Chancery.

Mrs. Hankey’s bounty to the poor of Essendine was distributed to them last week, consisting of £5 for coals and £5 for flannel and cloth.

On Tuesday a servant of C. Henson, Esq. of Bainton, near this place, had his hand so dreadfully shattered by the bursting of a gun, that immediate amputation was found necessary.

At Mary-la-bonne Police-office, London, on Monday last, a young woman was charged with being concerned in a robbery on the premises of Mr. Skeen, of Washley-hall, Huntingdonshire, with whom she had lived as cook. It appeared she had been in the habit of forwarding articles of his property to a woman in London, named Bellas (now in custody), whose apartments were searched, and property bearing the initials of the prosecutor was found therein, which was identified by him and a washerwoman. Buckridge, the officer, stated that he had searched the prisoner’s trunks, but found nothing to implicate her; and the only material evidence was some letters, which were sent to Mrs. Bellas in London.