Find out about the past in Stamford, Rutland, Bourne and Market Deeping with Mercury Memories

April 13, 2012

Guide leaders are inviting members of the public to look around their new headquarters in Stamford.

The old wooden guide hut in Conduit Road was closed in 2006 on health and safety grounds, forcing a number of rainbow, brownie and guide groups to find new homes.

Since then a team of volunteer leaders from the Welland Valley division of Girlguiding has submitted a string of planning applications to South Kesteven District Council for the new headquarters.

Building work on the £80,000 centre was completed in November and the groups were finally able to move back to their original home earlier this year.

Tomorrow they will be opening their doors to the public to show off the new building and highlight what guiding in and around Stamford has to offer.

Leader of the 1st Stamford Rainbows, Lesley Foulkes, said: “The hall will be open for anyone who wants to see what we have done, especially those who might be interested in hiring the hall for one-off events or regular meetings.

“It is a fantastic building and the rainbows absolutely love it.”

A youth centre is set to hold a night of entertainment in the hope of raising some vital funds to keep its clubs running.

The Underground centre in Church Walk, King’s Cliffe, is hosting the event on Saturday, April 28, as it bids to raise the £20,000 a year it needs to remain open.

The evening, titled ‘Underground Rocks’ will feature a number of fun activities including a disco, live bands, a balloon race and children’s crafts.

There will also be a hog roast, dessert table and much more.

The centre runs activities and workshops for youngsters but it is currently struggling due to its popularity.

More than 300 children attend the three weekly clubs it holds but it is run by volunteers and money needs to be raised to hire a full time manager.

Volunteer coordinator for the centre Katy Weeks said: “The centre is thriving but has become too big to be managed by volunteers alone. To give the centre a sustainable future, a paid manager is needed and fundraising has started in earnest to try and secure one with the skills and experience needed to take it forward.”

Plans for a new tip have been approved.

Lincolnshire County Council granted PMK Recycling permission to build a household waste recycling centre in Baston Outgang Road at a meeting on Tuesday.

Councillors approved the plans on the condition that the developer provides new road signs so vehicles avoid Main Street and access the tip via Cross Road, a routing agreement for lorries, a speed reduction sign that activated according to vehicle’s speed and £40,000 towards future highway maintenance of the road.

The new tip will be built on the site of the firm’s existing waste sorting facility.

It will be able to take up to 28 cars queuing within the site to the off-loading lane and would incorporate a bypass lane to let traffic flow freely.

25 years ago

April 11, 1997

Plans for a new superstore at Market Deeping have been put on hold until after the General Election following a surprise intervention by the Secretary of State for the Environment. However, plans for a Stamford store are still a live prospect.

Using his powers under the Town and Country Planning Act, Secretary of State John Gummer has stopped South Kesteven District Council granting permission for Carter Commercial’s supermarket development at Godsey Lane. The company’s proposed store for Bourne is also affected.

SKDC planners passed the Carter Commercial applications last month and at the same meeting turned down two applications by Tesco for stores in the towns.

Council spokesman Harry Thomas said: “We are not allowed to make the decision on the Carter Commercial applications for Market Deeping and Bourne. It’s now up to the Secretary of State to decide the matter.

“We have to send him more information about the applications and he will either say ‘yes’ to the plans, or hold a public inquiry.”

Plans to lower the speed limit on a section of Empingham Road, Stamford, have been called “half-hearted” and “another case of the county council not listening to the people of Stamford.”

Stamford Town Council has been calling on Lincolnshire County Council to extend the 30mph speed limit on Empingham Road past Malcolm Sargent School, currently covered by a 40mph limit.

Pressure was stepped up after a five-year-old child suffered a broken thigh bone after being involved in an accident outside the school in November.

But at a planning and regulation sub committee meeting on Monday, members agreed to go along with officers’ recommendations to extend the current 40mph limit for a further 50 metres towards the A1.

Coun Derek Bell said: “Any improvements are welcome, but this is still inadequate and half-hearted.

“If a child or even an adult is hit by a vehicle travelling at 40mph it could result in death. At least if it was 30mh, traffic would be going that bit slower.”

A fight over a piece of council land in Market Deeping is set to drag on after councillors failed to resolve the matter last Thursday.

Originally South Kesteven District Council planners received a bid for £3,000 for the plot next to 3 Towngate West, from a resident who hoped to use it as an extension to his garden. He received a letter from SKDC indicating that his bid was accepted.

However, SKDC rejected the offer in favour of another bidder offering £10,000. This offer was later withdrawn in favour of a £7,000 bid, but reinstated after the council returned to the original bidder.

Since then an offer of £12,500 has been made by a rival bidder, which last Thursday was approved by 12 councillors to 11.

Some councillors were unhappy with the decision. Coun Reg Howard represented the original bidder at the meeting and spoke in his support. He said: “You might feel that for someone to make an offer for the land without finding out how much they would have to pay for services, then reduced the bid to £7,000 was ‘trying it on’. To follow this by re-instating the £10,000 offer is ridiculous. Now we have another bid for £12,500.

“I can’t understand why someone would want to put anything residential on this ‘fag-end’ piece of land next to a sewage station.”

50 years ago

April 14, 1972

Stamford’s pedestrian precinct proposal suffered what may be a major setback this week with the submission of six formal objections against the plan.

A public inquiry is now likely and this could delay the scheme for several months – even if the objections are finally overruled.

Four objections are from bus companies, one is from Stamford Chamber of Trade and the sixth is from a national transport association.

The Chamber of Trade have always supported the principle of a precinct but they are worried about restrictions on loading and unloading in the present scheme.

The whole of High Street and Ironmonger Street would form the precinct with loading and unloading banned between 10am and 4pm.

The four bus companies who will be objecting are United Counties, Lincolnshire Road car, Delaine and Barton’s.

The company most concerned is Barton’s who run the Stamford town service. The proposed diversion of the bus route along Wharf Road will take vehicles too far from the main shopping centre,” said a company spokesman.”

The sixth formal objection was lodged by the Freight Transport Association, which represents major firms with their own transport fleets.

Closure of Tallington county primary school was approved in principle on Wednesday by Kesteven Education Committee.

But the school will not be closed until a new housing development in Uffington is finished, and a survey of pre-school age children has been carried out in both villages.

If the Tallington school is closed, children will attend Uffington CE School and transport will be provided.

The committee heard that the present number of roll at the school was 20 but the estimated number for 1976-77 was 14.

Children living within the catchment area of the new comprehensive school at the Deepings will not be able to attend Bourne Grammar School.

The Education Committee re-affirmed an earlier decision that children in the Deepings area would not be assessed for places at the grammar school.

Bourne Urban Council heard from its Clerk Mr Frank Mason, on Tuesday, that he had had a letter from Bulley Davey and Co, of Peterborough, saying that Mr. M. E. Bulley was appointed, on March 16, receiver and manager for debenture holders of J. C. Firth (Refrigeration) Ltd.

No further supplies, the report said, should be delivered to the company, except against the receiver and manager’s personal order.

Bourne treasurer, Mr Kenneth Jordan, said that no payments were received by the Council, in accordance with the trade effluent agreement, since December, 1971.

On the first day of every month, £100 was due to the council under the agreement, so that there were now arrears of £300.

Quoting from the agreement, Mr Mason said: “In the event of any sum due remaining unpaid for 28 days, it shall be lawful for the council to cut off or disconnect the flow of trade effluent from Firth’s premises into the sewer.”

It was reported that the council had received £100 from the receiver, to cover the month of April.

100 years ago

April 14, 1922

More Pensioners – The monthly meeting of the Stamford Sub-committee of the Kesteven Local Pensions Committee met at the Town Hall on Friday evening, when there were present Messrs. H. T. Daniels (chairman, E. Joyce, A. Cliff, S. Dyer, and the clerk’s deputy (Mr. Cyril H. Dodman). Six claims were considered; five were allowed, and one was disallowed owing to lack of medical evidence as to blindness; and a question raised by the pension officer resulted in a pensioner’s allowance being withdrawn.

Alleged Thefts of Cycles – On Monday before Mr. H. T. Daniels, Alfred Charles Haynes (48), of London, was charged with stealing a bicycle the property of Tom Johnson, of Pickworth, from outside the London Central Meat Company’s shop in St. Mary’s-street, Stamford. Mr. Johnson gave evidence that he left the bicycle outside while he went into the shop, and he saw the prisoner suddenly catch hold of it and walk off. A constable appeared, and prisoner was given into custody. On Insp. Sindall’s application, prisoner was remanded until Saturday. A charge of a similar nature was also heard against Thomas Armstrong, 50, of Newcastle-on-Tyne, the machine being the property of Olive Annie Cole, 51, Burghley Houses, Ryhall-road. P.c. Sharpe gave evidence of watching the prisoner, who was acting in a suspicious manner, and of seeing him take the bicycle from outside the Home and Colonial Store, High-street, Stamford. He asked prisoner whose bicycle it was, and he said it was his own. When he asked him where he got it from, he replied “Find out.” Prisoner was also remanded until Saturday.

Fifty Years A Wood Turner – At the age of 65, the death has taken place of Mr. Fredk. Hawkins, of St. John’s-street, Stamford. Deceased had been engaged in the business of a wood-turner for over 50 years. He had been unwell for the last six months, but did not take to his bed until the day before his death,which occurred on Tuesday. Deceased leaves a widow and daughter, who keep the greengrocer’s shop at the premises where Mr. Hawkins died.

New “Head” for St Michael’s Boys’ School

Out of 30 applicants, Mr. Henry Gardam, of Barnoldswick, East Lancs., was appointed last week to the headmastership of St. Michael’s School, in succession to Mr. W. F. Markwick, who is retiring at the end of the present month.

Mr. Gardam has been an assistant for the last 17 years at Barnoldwick School. He was in the army for nearly three years during the war, and obtained a commission.

An interesting fact is that he was at York Training College during the time that the late Rev. E. E. Nottingham was the principal there.

Passion Music – Following the evening service at Barn-hill Wesleyan church on Sunday, the choir, with the assistance of Mr. Kerfoot, of King’s Cliffe, who sang the tenor solos, gave an excellent rendering of Stainer’s “Crucifixion.” Messrs. Buller, J. Wheeler, H. Green, and H. Deer also took solo parts effectively; and Mr. A. M. Riddington was at the organ.

150 years ago

April 12, 1872

On Friday last Mr. J. Wright and Mr. J. Thos. Scotney were appointed overseers of the poor for that part of the parish of St. Martin’s that is in the Liberty of Peterboro’; and Mr. Thomas Pollard and Elizabeth Ann Smith were appointed overseers for Wothorpe.

Harry Liston, who is a favourite in Stamford, and whose entertainments are fairly entitled to the manager’s motto, “fun without vulgarity,” is announced to appear with his company at the Assembly-rooms on Wednesday next. Mr. Liston is to appear in a variety of characters. He will, however, be preceded by the C. C. C. Minstrels (the original Christy’s) who give a concert on Tuesday evening.

Stamford Spring Fair on Tuesday last was a large one for both beasts and sheep, the supply being heavier than in any year since the establishment of the fair. The sheep pens extended from the sheep-market to the western boundary of St. Peter’s-hill, and all the animals exhibited were in excellent condition, a few pens of Lincolnshire long-wools showing immense frames as well as weight of wool. Very few of the sheep had been shorn. Except for a few choice pens the sale was in the fore part of the morning very slow, sellers being willing to abate from former prices, but not to the extent buyers expected. Towards noon business became brisker, and there was a good clearance at an average reduction of about 4s. a head. In the cattle market transactions were also slow at the commencement, late prices being adhered to by vendors, and which in fact were pretty steadily maintained. Most of the stock changed hands. There was a fair at Melton on the same day.

On Tuesday evening a meeting of working men was held in the School-room in Austin-street, Stamford, to discuss the expediency of establishing a Co-operative Store in this town. One or two individuals connected with a similar undertaking in Oundle attending the meeting, and explained the working of the society in that town. Resolutions were passed in favour of establishing such an institution in Stamford, and a committee was formed to carry out the necessary preliminary arrangements.

The assistants in the various houses of business in Stamford are agitating for a half-holiday on Wednesday afternoon during the summer months.

The beam and handrail by which for so many years people have crossed the brook in the meadows between Hudd’s Mills and Uffington Park have been dismantled during the recent heavy floods, and at present lie submerged 100 yards from their original position. The rude structure was the terror of children and nursemaids, and the cause of more than one accident to the aged; it is hoped that sauntrers along one of the prettiest walks about Stamford will before long see a necessary improvement effected.

Bourn: White Bread Meadow – The annual letting of this field, the bequest of Matthew Clay, took place on the Queen’s bridge, Eastgate, Bourn, on the evening of the 8th inst., by Mr. T. H. Carter. Mr. E. W. Beckett was the lessee at £7 7s. 6d., for the year ending March 25. 1873. The proceeds are distributed in bread to the householders and commoners of the Eastgate ward.

200 years ago

April 12, 1822

Between two and three o’clock on Friday morning last, an attempt was made to break in at the back part of the house of the Misses Brereton, in St. Martin’s, Stamford Baron, but a neighbouring baker, Mr. Blissett, being fortunately up at the time, the thieves were disturbed in their operations, and fled, leaving behind them a crow-bar, a hammer, and some other implements of their nefarious work.

On Saturday evening last an inquest was held at the Exeter Arms in Helpstone, by Mr. Hopkinson, coroner for the soke of Peterborough, on the body of Mary Anne Close, aged 8 years, who being left alone in the house, was so dreadfully burnt by her clothes catching fire, as to expire in ten hours. Verdict, accidental death.

At Leicester assizes the Grand Jury found a true bill against the Rev. W. Towne, for the wilful murder of Miss Wright, at Bottesford. Mr. Towne has fled the country, & will be outlawed unless he surrenders for trial.

Last week was committed to gaol at Peterborough, for trial at the ensuing sessions there, Lucy Goodman, of Oundle, on suspicion of obtaining divers goods under false pretences from Messrs. Crisp and Ball, drapers, of the former place.

Oakham Canal Navigation.

At the General Annual Assembly of the Company of Proprietors of the Oakham Canal, holden at the George Inn, Oakham, on Monday the First day of April instant;

George Marriott, Esq. in the Chair;

The Clerk having produced a Statement of the Receipts and Expenditure for the last year, it was resolved, that a Dividend of £2 per Share be paid by the Treasurer on the First day of May next. (Signed) George Marriott, Chairman.

The thanks of this meeting were unanimously given to George Marriott, Esq. for his attention to the business of the day. Wm. Ades, Clerk to the Company.

Oakham, 2d April, 1822

On Thursday the 4th inst. an inquest was held at Friskney, before Mr. Mastin, coroner, on the body of a fine and only child, named Edmund Cotman, not quite two years old, who being taken ill, as his parents supposed, of the scarlet fever, his mother gave him a syrup made of laudanum, sugar, and water, in a saucer, to pacify and soothe him to rest. The little innocent licked it all up, and fell into a sleep for about twenty-four hours, when he just awoke to close his eyes in death. It would be cruelty in the extreme to attempt to wound the feelings of a parent labouring under such affliction as this awful event has occasioned; but it is devoutly to be wished that more caution were adopted in a number of instances in which so valuable and yet so dangerous a medicine is resorted to. Verdict, “died from the effects of taking laudanum, incautiously and imprudently administered by Elizabeth Cotman, mother of the child, who was not conscious of its fatal tendency.”

We are requested to state that Capt. and Mrs. Bankes has deducted ten per cent. from the rents of their estate at Gosberton, in this county, notwithstanding it was let on lease.