East Midlands Ambulance Service unveils plans to replace ambulance stations - and other stories from the Rutland & Stamford Mercury archive
Delve back up to 200 years ago in our Mercury Memories, with the support of the Stamford Mercury Archive Trust.
10 years ago
November 2, 2012
A heated consultation meeting heard East Midlands Ambulance Service outline its plans to replace ambulance stations.
Andrew Spire, commercial director of the service, known as Emas, spoke to a packed room at the Business Centre at The George Hotel in High Street St Martin’s, Stamford, on Wednesday.
He said the organisation wanted to make the most of its limited resources by closing 66 ambulance stations across the East Midlands, including those in Stamford, Oakham and Bourne.
In their place, Emas wants to create 118 community ambulance posts and standby points. These would be small buildings or shared space with other services and would include toilets and rest facilities.
Thirteen ambulance hubs would also be built. Crews would start and end their shifts at the hubs, which would also house professional vehicle cleaning and maintenance crews.
Emas has suggested the closest to Stamford and Bourne could be in Sleaford and Boston. There will not be a hub in Rutland, with the nearest being in Leicester and Kettering.
But many of the 70-plus people who attended the meeting were not happy with the proposals,
A new history board has been unveiled in Stamford.
Members of St Peter’s Community Group were on hand to mark the official opening of the historical information board at St Peter’s Green.
The group decided earlier in the year to erect the board on the green as part of its diamond jubilee celebrations.
Research and text were prepared by the then chairman Jean Orpin. Jean de Gale did the drawings and Paul Eastwood provided the design. Additional funding was provided by The Skells Trust.
A historical talk from Stamford’s eminent academic, Professor Alan Rogers, is taking place in the town this month.
Professor Rogers will be speaking on William Browne of Stamford, about whom he has just written a book, called Noble Merchant: William Browne (c1410-1489) and Stamford in the Fifteenth Century.
Local historian Philippa Massey said: “Alan Rogers has been working on the history of Stamford since the 1960s and this will probably be his last publication. It is a culmination of all the work he has done over the years.”
A county council has backed a Government minister’s call to end the “invasion” of wind turbines across the countryside.
Energy minister John Hayes, MP for the Deepings, is reported to have said “enough is enough” and that wind turbines should no longer be “imposed” on communities.
On Wednesday Prime Minister David Cameron told MPs there had been no change to Government policy and plans to buildonshore and offshore wind farms would still go ahead.
But executive member for environmental services at Lincolnshire County Council, Coun Eddy Poll (Con), said: “This is an issue the county council has been concerned about for some time.
“We’re not calling for a blanket ban on wind farms. We have a duty to protect the environment and are in favour of renewable energy.”
25 years ago
October 31, 1997
Kwik-Fit has pulled the plug on its planned Stamford branch in Casterton Road – just a day after the firm gained planning permission from councillors.
Campaigners opposed to the plan were “jubilant” after Kwik-Fit founder and chief executive Sir Tom Farmer CBE personally intervened the halt the project.
Stephen Green, chairman of the Casterton Road Action Group, received the news on Saturday, just two days after the group’s campaign was dealt a major blow by South Kesteven District Council planners.
He said: “I can hardly believe it myself – the campaigners are absolutely jubilant with this news. Kwik-Fit were aware of the support for our campaign and didn’t want to come where there are not wanted.”
On Thursday councillors voted 31-6 to approve an application after the Department of the Environment ruled that SKDC had to take the decision.
The success of Stamford Festival was toasted at Stamford Town Hall last Thursday.
The 1997 festival was one of the most successful for several years, both financially and for attendance figures.
The committee and directors are hoping to build on the success for next year’s festival.
Chris Robinson stood down after two years as chairman of Stamford Festival directors at the annual meeting. He said: “It has been very pleasing to see the enormous success of the festival for the last two years, particularly on the Saturday where we had the highest number of floats ever.
“I did set myself and the directors a target to stop the slippage of our financial affairs and we have turned it around.”
The festival now has a healthy reserve of cash which will stand it in good stead for next year.
The Music on the Meadows event was well attended with 2,000 people in the audience. A fishing match, a new event for ‘97, was also well supported.
A Collyweston woman who was forced to pay off rogue workmen has warned others not to fall for the same trick.
The woman, who is too frightened to be named handed over the cash to two men believed to be from Peterborough.
They claimed they were working further up the road and had some road surfacing materials left over, which they were willing to give her free of charge.
After accepting the offer, they began to lay the drive and said they wanted £600 after completing 60 metres.
When she refused to pay, one of the men threatened her and started arguing with her husband.
She said: “When I refused to pay, one of the men threatened me with violence and said he would get me at work as well.
“A neighbour saw what was going on and called the police, but he said the police could not be there 24 hours a day.
“My husband then started arguing with them, and eventually paid £100 to get rid of them.
“I just want people to know what happened so they won’t get conned like we have.”
A Lincolnshire Police spokesman said: “I would advise anyone who is looking to get a drive or pathway resurfaced to get a number of quotes from reputable firms.
“Not everyone who knocks on a door is a conman, there are some who are genuine workmen.”
50 years ago
November 3, 1972
Scores of patients are being turned away from surgeries in a big dental crisis in Stamford.
All but one of the mainly National Health Service patient surgeries in the town are telling patients: “Sorry, we can’t help you. We’re full up.”
Some people are finding it a nightmare to fix up appointments as waiting lists grow longer and dentists more overworked.
Messrs Leatherbarrow say: “The situation had just become worse and worse until now it seems quite out of hand.
“A dentist can only do so much work in a day and with people becoming more tooth conscious, things aren’t getting any better.
“It is obvious that the town needs more dental surgeons.”
Emergency sessions for quick pain-killing are still being held in Stamford.
The town’s Medical Officer of Health Dr H. Ellis Smith agreed that there was a problem, although he had received no official complaints.
He said: “The trouble is you can’t compel people to set up dental surgeries in the town, even though it is plain that more are needed.”
Plans to make the ancient St Leonard’s Priory into a museum for Stamford seem almost certain to be scrapped.
The priory, founded in the seventh century, has been hit by a recent wave of vandalism. Priceless historic remains stored inside were wrecked.
Now four representatives of the Department of the Environment who visited the site have told the Borough Council they do not think it suitable for a museum.
They would prefer to see a museum nearer the centre of the town.
The council, which had earmarked the building for a museum, decided on Tuesday to take no further action for the time being.
And it seems, that like the disused St Michael’s Church, the future of the Priory will be left in the hands of the new district council in two years’ time.
Last month archaeology enthusiast Mr Garry Till, of 1 Stirling Road, Stamford, came up with an idea to use the present library as a museum with the library moving to St Michael’s Church.
But the council decided to leave the suggestion on the drawing board until local government is re-organised.
Stamford’s big council house modernisation programme could be held up – because building on another estate is running behind schedule.
This was the warning from the Mayor, Coun Alex Brodie, at Tuesday’s Borough Council meeting.
The trouble lies with the Edinburgh Road council house project.
These homes were due to be ready in September. But work is still going on.
And the Edinburgh Road homes are needed as temporary accommodation for families whose homes will be getting a face-lift under the modernisation programme.
The property maintenance officer has said he thinks progress at Edinburgh Road has been slow.
Said Coun Brodie: “If we are to start our modernisation programme it is essential these houses are finished quickly.”
The council decided to ask the architects to press the contractors to get the work speeded up.
100 years ago
November 3, 1922
Cookery Competitions – In connection with the cookery competitions at the Assembly-rooms, Stamford, promoted by the Raisley Flour demonstrators last week, 19 entries of cakes were received. The judge, Miss Collins, awarded the prizes as follows: 1, Miss Phyllis Shields, 8, High-street; 2, Mrs H .J Thompson, 8, Queen-street; highly commended, Mrs. Capewell, Priory-buildings, Brazenose-lane; Miss M. Swanson, 17, Cecil-terrace; and Mrs. Hayes, 12, West-street.
Flag Day – The sum of £42 18s. 4d. was raised by means of the flag day in Stamford on Friday in aid of the St, John Ambulance Association and British Red Cross Society. The arrangements were made by Mrs. F. M. Walker, hon. Secretary, and were admirably carried out by an energetic ladies’ committee.
Church’s 260th Anniversary – The Congregational church on Sunday celebrated its 260th anniversary with special services conducted by the Rev. C. P. Tinling, Leicester. There was a good attendance, both morning and evening. Anthems were given by the choir, “What are these?” and “The radiant morn.” Mrs. H. M. Lenox was at the organ, and Mr. J. L. Woods sang “Lord, God of Abraham.” On Monday there was a good gathering at the public tea in the Albert Hall, and following this, musical selections were given in the church. At the subsequent public meeting Mr. E. Joyce, J.P., took the chair, and he referred to the good record of the church since its foundation in 1662. The speakers were the Rev. C. P. Tinling, the Rev. A. S. Massey (Uppingham) and the Rev. J. D. Carnegie (Pastor), the latter proposing, and Mr. R. Tidd, J.P., seconding, a vote of thanks to all who had assisted at the anniversary.
Retiring Mayor Consents op Act Again - General satisfaction will be felt in the town at receipt of the news that Coun. J. W. Pepper has consented to allow himself to be nominated as Mayor-elect for the ensuing year.
Some controversy arose over the selection of the Mayor, and Coun. Pepper, who during his year of office has carried out the duties in a commendable manner and gained wide popularity in the town and district, consequently refused to act.
At a meeting on Tuesday the Council again unanimously invited Coun. Pepper to accept the position, and under great pressure he re-considered his decision and agreed to accept the office.
Bourne
For Homeless Children – A flag day on Thursday, in aid of the Church of England Waifs and Strays Society, realised £19 12s. 0½d.
Third Picking – Mr. H. Redshaw of Spalding-road, has gathered a third picking of raspberries this year. A remarkable fact is that this is the third year in succession that this has happened.
Cottage Hospital – Mr. G. C. Ingoldby, hon. secretary, has received a cheque for £10 from the Voluntary Hospital Commission (Ministry of Health).
150 years ago
November 1, 1872
At Stamford petty sessions on Saturday last Mr. Atter applied to the Bench to grant to the innkeepers and publicans throughout the town an extension of time for keeping open their houses during the two days of the fair. The Magistrates present (the Mayor and Mr. Paradise) readily granted the request, remarking that the Act was passed to diminish drunkenness and not to be an impediment in the way of fair trade and reasonable accommodation. The hours of opening were fixed at four a.m. and of closing at midnight.
Stamford Infirmary – The treasurer has received the following: Collections: Stretton, £2 2s.; Edenham, £5 13s. 6d. Essendine, £1 1s. 2d.; a donation of £15 from the Dowager Lady Exeter. Miss F. Tryon has sent a parcel of old linen to the institution.
The following poor-rates were granted by the Magistrates at St. Martin’s petty sessions on Friday last, viz., for that part of the parish of St. Martin’s that is within the Liberty of Peterboro’ 6d, Wothorpe 6d., Pilsgate 6d., and Barnack 4d.
Stamford Union – At the meeting on Wednesday the Clerk read a communication from the Local Government Board sanctioning the borrowing of £300 of the Exchequer Loan Commissioners to defray the cost of new drainage. The repayment of the loan and interest is to be spread over 30 years. The number of pauper inmates is creeping up to the average at this season. There are 130, being only 4 less than in the corresponding week of last year. The recipients of out-relief numbered 809, at a cost of £93 2s. 5¼d, against 855, at a cost of £97 15s. 1¾d.in the corresponding week of last year. The number of wayfarers is also increasing, 32 having bee received in the tramp wards last week. After the ordinary business of the Board had been disposed of the Guardians formed themselves into a committee of the Union Medical Club. It was reported that there had been lately a small increase of subscribers; but it was mentioned that some of the original members had not paid their subscriptions, and it as determined a notification should be sent to the defaulters to the effect that they will be deprived of the benefits of the club unless the amounts due be paid.
A malicious act of vandalism was perpetrated in All Saints’ church, Stamford on Wednesday. In the morning the organ, which has recently been enlarged and improved at considerable cost, was used and found in proper condition, but when played upon at the evening service it was discovered that some of the smaller and most valuable pipes had been damaged and the larger pipes battered at the top. Further investigation showed that some of the gas jets had been destroyed. The cause of the mischief is at present a mystery, but it is hoped that a reward for the discovery of the perpetrator of it may lead to his punishment.
Market Deeping – An inquest was held before Mr. Edwards, coroner, on the 26th ult. on the body of Michael George Joyce, a youth aged 11 years, concerning whose death unpleasant rumours had spread. It was alleged that he had been severely ill treated by his master about five weeks since, and had died from the effects of the chastisement. At the inquest this was entirely disproved, and a post mortem examination having been made by Mr, Deacon and Dr. Chapperton, the cause of death was clearly traced to haemorrhage from ulcerated bowels arising from typhoid fever, and a verdict to that effect was recorded.
200 years ago
November 1, 1822
It will, we imagine, gratify the subscribers to the plan for lighting Stamford with gas, to have laid before them the following authentic information of the present value of Gas Shares in various parts of the kingdom. The prosperous state of such property, it should be borne in mind, but for the imperfect knowledge with which at first many of the plans were entered upon, and the consequent squandering of capital in altering and bringing them to the present improved principle.
London (City) original £100, present £134; London (South) £100, £132; Leeds £100, £180; Liverpool £100, £150; Birmingham £50, £74½; Canterbury £50, £57; Derby £50 £70; Leicester £50, £70; Nottingham £50 £60½; Bradford £25, £35; Carlisle £25,£28¼; Edinburgh £25, £40; Glasgow £25, £30¼; Halifax £25, £35; Kingston £25, £25; Bristol £20, £ 25¼; Brighton £10, £20¼; Wolverhampton £20, £20; Worcester £20, £19; Sheffield £16¼, £37; Bath £16, £16.
There was an amusing mechanical and optical exhibition at Stamford theatre on Wednesday night; those persons who attended speak of it in very high terms of admiration. The exhibition is to be repeated to-night.
Yesterday the tolls at Newstead bar, near Stamford, were put up by auction at £330, and were let for £336. Tinwell gate was let the same day for £341, being an advance of £12 a year.
Dr. Jobson, Vicar of Wisbech, last year entered into a lease for his tithes at a reduction of 10 per cent. upon the former composition; and he has this year made a voluntary abatement of 15 upon the said lease, making together 25 per cent.
The Rev. Martin Amphlett has kindly returned £10 out of £90 on his tithes at Essendine, though let on lease.
A great many horses, beasts, and sheep were at Grantham fair on Saturday, and many were sold, but at prices ruinous to the graziers.
On Monday evening the 21st inst., during Sleaford fair, Mr. Fields, lace-manufacturer, of Lincoln, had a box stolen from his stall, at the time he was busy packing up, containing lace and net of eighty pounds value. A reward of twenty pounds has been offered for apprehension of the robbers.
A few days ago, a young person of Boston was gathering hips in Green-lane, he discovered a parcel, about two pounds in weight, wrapped in brown paper and containing a great number of counterfeit shillings, which were destroyed before the Magistrates on Friday last.
Caution to Publicans – John Clipsham, keeper of the public-house called the Paper-mills, at Stibbington, in the county of Huntingdon, was convicted before the Rev. Henry Freeman and H. Y. Smythies, Clerks, on the 23rd ult., in the penalty of five pounds, and costs, for wilfully permitting drunkeness and tippling in his house.
On Monday se’nnight a bitch, of the lurcher and greyhound breed, belonging to a gentleman of Northampton, pupped the extraordinary number of 15 whelps.
