Hundreds of years of history from Stamford, Rutland, Bourne and Market Deeping
A range of stories from up to 200 years ago feature in this week's Mercury Memories.
Every week we take a walk down memory lane, looking at stories up to 200 years ago, thanks to the support of the Stamford Mercury Archive Trust.
10 years ago
March 1, 2013
Developers wanting to build 400 homes on land on the outskirts of Stamford look likely to win planning permission next week.
South Kesteven District Council’s development control committee will discuss the plans at a meeting on Tuesday.
Despite receiving 29 letters objecting the the application, planning officers have recommended councillors approve the scheme, known as Stamford West.
Commercial Estates Group wants to develop land between Empingham Road and Tinwell Road, building 400 homes, a 10-acre business park and a neighbourhood centre.
The land was identified for development by the district council in its core strategy, which outlines where housing and business units should be built until 2026. Although the document has not yet been adopted as official policy, council officers have recommended the Stamford West site in order to meet Government housing targets.
Dressed in his school uniform, Edward Pinder appears the last likely of candidates for the title of Europe’s youngest knife-thrower.
But Edward, 10, has been sharpening his skills ready for his latest appearance in the family business, Pinder’s Circus, which is in Stamford this weekend.
And Edward won’t just be hitting targets on a board. His mother Erika has bravely volunteered to stand in front of her son while he throws six knives either side of her into the wooden board behind her.
The youngster, who lives in Bisbrooke near Uppingham and goes to Bluecoat Primary School in Stamford, was inspired to take up knife throwing by his uncle Jonny Fossett.
He said: “I’ve been doing many rehearsals and I think I’m quite accurate.
“The knives are about as sharp as kitchen knives but I’m not allowed to use the ones at home, only in the show.
“I’m not nervous at all but I think my mum is a little bit.”
A six-year-old girls’ campaign to encourage dog owners to clean up after their pets has swiftly become a success.
Grace Munton-Hague took action after getting fed-up with having to avoid dog mess on her walk to Market Deeping Community Primary School.
She put up posters in the alleyway between Bramley Road and The Grove asking dog owners to clean up the mess and we featured her campaign in the Mercury.
South Kesteven District Council has now put up several signs warning dog owners they face a fine if they do not clean up after their pets.
People will not face a rise in the amount of council tax they pay to Lincolnshire County Council this year after the authority decided to freeze it.
The council has frozen its share of the tax for the third consecutive year for the first time in its history.
The decision was made as the authority set its budget for 2013/14 at a full council meeting on Friday last week.
Councillors have pledged to protect essential services, find sensible efficiencies and invest for the future, with projects such as the introduction of faster broadband in the county and the Grantham relief road.
The council has found savings of about £80m over the past two years, while protecting services. The council has to save a further £45m over the next two years.
25 years ago
February 27, 1998
An angry couple have slammed proposals to farm ostriches for meat – as dangerous to children.
Mark and Jemma Andrews, of Bramley Road, Market Deeping, say they will personally stage a campaign and petition to stop the plans being turned into reality.
Birds will roam the two-acre site in Back Lane, Deeping St James, if planning permission for a food and equipment barn is granted.
Applicant Keith Anderson of Church Street, Deeping St James, will rear around six of the 8ft 25st African birds from chicks, then take them away for slaughter after 14 months.
Mrs Andrews said: “The effect of an escape would be horrific as the birds would be very scared and dangerous.”
But Mr Anderson hit back saying if he gets the go-ahead he will have to adhere to stringent rules governing how the birds are looked after.
He said: “I will have the highest security for these birds because the last thing I want to to have £1,000 worth of bird running at 40mph down the road.”
Pedestrians using a crossing in Broad Street, Stamford, are calling for changes to make it a safer place for them to use.
At the moment, the pavement at the top of Ironmonger Street has been widened making it easier for people to cross, but Don Lambert, chairman of Stamford Chamber of Trade and Town Mayor Alec Burt are worried that confusion over who has right of way on the crossing could result in serious injury.
Mr Lambert said: “Try watching a mother with a child and pushchair trying to cross at the so-called ‘safe place’. Nobody has a clue who has right of way, so she has to wait and hope someone eventually decides to stop.”
Coun Burt said: “The town council has always wanted a formal crossing, similar to the one in Red Lion Square. As things stand, someone could easily get injured on that crossing.
“Even when a driver does stop, it is not uncommon for the car behind to pull out and go past – which is incredibly dangerous.”
Nigel Simon, of Lincolnshire County Council highways department, said: “Broad Street does not warrant a formal crossing. Pedestrians only have to cross a three-metre-wide carriageway now – which is much safer than before.”
Stamford should start looking cleaner and brighter – thanks to a smart new mechanical street cleaner.
The state of the town has been the subject of concern for some time with people worried that it has started to look shabby.
Stamford Mayor Alec Burt said: “When I took office, I thought the streets and alleyways were sorely lacking in cleanliness and people have been saying to me recently that they thought Stamford was starting to look a bit grotty.”
The cleaner will be in Stamford two afternoons a week. This will increase when cleaning firm Onyx, which owns the machine, buys a second one later in the year.
Don Lambert, president of Stamford Chamber of Trade, has long campaigned for a street-cleaning machine to come to Stamford.
“We welcome this with open arms – it is a great benefit to the town. We owe a big thanks to Onyx for providing it. Stamford really does need cleaning up, and this will go a long way to doing that.”
50 years ago
March 2, 1973
Stamford’s main post office is to be closed on Saturday afternoons – the town’s peak shopping period.
And this week a spokesman for the local consumer group said the decision seemed stupid.
“Thursday afternoons is everyone else’s half day and that would seem to be the logical time to close the post office,” said the spokesman.
“Closing on a Saturday afternoon is going to cause a lot of people a lot of inconvenience.”
The GPO’s decision to close the Stamford office from 12.30 pm on Saturdays takes effect from tomorrow.
Sub post officers at Casterton Road, Kesteven Road and High Street St Martins will remain open.
The Post Office say that an agreement whereby all post offices close on Saturday afternoon or the local early closing day was reached last year with the Post Office Users National Council.
They said: “A full and careful examination has been carried out to determine which half day a Post Office should close, taking into account numbers of customers, amount of business, needs of business firms and effect on staffing arrangements.
“As a result it has been decided that Stamford Post Office should close at 12..30 pm on Saturdays starting March 3.
The danger of other heating and cooking appliances hurriedly pressed into use during the gas crisis, is emphasised by Mr T. A. Andrews, Kesteven Chief Fire Officer.
He says that a great deal of advice has been given on avoiding danger during the strike, but appliances pressed into use can be the greatest threats, because of reduced gas pressure.
He says: “Oil heaters could be incendiary bombs, and a carelessly used bottled gas container could wreck a kitchen. A 68-year-old woman died after a camping stove exploded while she was assembling it, in preparation for a possible gas cut.”
Mr Andrews adds: “Oil heaters need great care. Don’t use old ones unless you are sure they are safe and never buy second hand. Ensure that all parts are clean, that wicks are trimmed and there is no leakage.
“Stand heaters where they will not be knocked over, out of draughts and away from curtains, furnishings and furniture, in a slightly ventilated room. Never fill or carry them when lit or still hot.”
Dyke parents have sent a petition to Education Minister, Mrs Margaret Thatcher in an attempt to stop the planned closure of their local school which they say is the lifeblood of the village.
And Dyke’s action group believe they can win their last ditch battle in the same way that Greatford residents earned a reprieve for their village school.
About 90per cent of Dyke’s population of about 300 – the figure includes children – signed a petition which was sent to Mrs Thatcher.
Mr Kenneth Lewis (MP for Rutland and Stamford) has told the committee, set up at a village meeting immediately it was known the school was to be axed, that he will reinforce their views with the minister.
The 75-year-old school which has 30 pupils on its register at present, is due for closure, when a new primary school is built in Bourne.
100 years ago
March 2, 1923
Stamford and Rutland Infirmary – Week ending February 27th, 1923 – Admissions and discharges of patients: In – admitted 14, discharged 13, in house 43; out – admitted 7, discharged 5, on books 37.
Late Mr. T. Sandall’s Will – Mr. Thomas Sandall, of Rusholme Lodge, St. Paul’s-street, Stamford, late borough treasurer, and a retired bank manager, who died in September last, left estate of the gross value of £9232, with net personalty £7585. The testator left £25 to Mr. Atter, £250 to his son Arthur. £10 to his nephew, Robert Sandall, £150 to his son Herbert Cecil, “He having chosen service in the Church, where he cannot look forward to pecuniary reward, and will need some help,” his residence and the proceeds of certain life policies to his daughter Charlotte, and the residue of his estate to his children, Charlotte, Thomas Edward, Arthur Ecklemans, Herbert Cecil, and Robert Alexander.
Railway Official Honoured – To mark his severance with railway life, in which he spent over 50 years in honourable service to the G.N.R. Company, Mr. J. George, until lately Stationmaster here, was on Friday presented by his colleagues on the local staff with a handsome gold-mounted umbrella. An inscription on the mounting marks the interesting occasion. Mr. H. Christmas, Chief Goods Clerk, made the presentation, and appropriate acknowledgement was made by Mr. George.
Liberal Club Company – The annual meeting of the shareholders of the Stamford and District Liberal Club, Ltd., was held on Tuesday evening, Mr. J. H. Bowman presiding. The Secretary (Mr. H. Kelham) presented the balance sheet, which showed a satisfactory state of finances. Mr. Kelham was re-elected secretary and treasurer, Mr. Joseph Stephenson, auditor, and those appointed on the committee were Messrs. J. H. Bowman, B. Reedman, A. Cole, Thos. Dickinson, John Frisby, T. H. Hippey, G. H. Taylor, and H. Kelham.
Gradual Increase in Annual Subscriptions
The annual meeting of subscribers to the Butterfield Hospital in Bourne was held on Tuesday, when Mr. A. E. K. Wherry presided.
The report stated that to comply with the Voluntary Hospital Committee’s requirements the account had been closed at the end of December instead of the end of February, so that there was only 10 months expenditure, whilst on the other hand practically all the subscriptions and other sources of income for the 12 months had been received in the 10. During the period 84 patients had been treated in the Hospital, and 31 patients in the district.
Mr. C. H. M. Baxter presented the balance sheet, which showed an income of £585 19s. 9d. The expenditure totalled £500 1s. 10d. The treasurer, pointed out that had there been a full year’s expenses there would have been at least another £60 expenditure.
150 years ago
February 28, 1873
We under stand that the Marquis of Exeter has consented to receive a deputation of the Stamford Town Council, to confer with them on the subject of providing cottage accommodation in the vicinity of the borough.
All Saints’ church, Stamford, is again undergoing examination by Mr. Jackson, of London, the architect who so successfully effected the restoration a year or two ago. The foundation of one of the fine piers of the south aisle is now attracting attention. This, we believe,was anticipated by Mr. Jackson on his former visit, and we are glad to think nothing really serious is anticipated.
Stamford Union – At the Board meeting on Wednesday the Clerk read a circular from a committee of several Unions in Yorkshire, announcing a conference of Poor-law Guardians at Leeds on the 11th of March, and inviting deputations to attend from every Union in the West Riding, Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire. The object of the conference is to produce common action in the administration of out-door relief and other important matters which Guardians of the poor have to deal with. After a short discussion, it was considered that the object of the conference was a useful one, and that the Stamford Union ought to be represented at it: and Mr. Paradise, Mr. Britton, of Thornhaugh, and Mr. Laxton, the clerk, were appointed as the deputation. The statistics of pauperism were as follows: Inmates 147, being four less than in the corresponding week of last year; recipients of out-relief 821, at a cost of £95 19s 81/2d., as against 879, at a cost of £96 17s 91/4d. In the corresponding week of last year; wayfarers relieved 24.
Bourn - 15th Lincolnshire Rifle Volunteers – We are sorry to have to announce the probable breaking up of this corps, on account of Major Parker resigning the command, and no other gentleman being found to accept it. At a meeting held at the Angel Hotel on the 31st Jan. (J. C. Lawrance, Esq., of Dunsby hall in the chair) it was stated that there was no scarcity of either men or means; and after the remarks made by Colonel Wilkinson at the inspection of the corps in October last, it was hoped that some gentleman would come forward and save the corps from the collapse which threatened it. It was unanimously agreed to solicit Mr. Pochin to take the captaincy, that gentleman having formerly held a commission in her Majesty’s service. We regret to state that the honorary secretary received a reply declining the appointment. It is now announced that the members will very shortly be released from their present engagement; and it is expected that the majority will enrol themselves in the 18th.
Billingborough – On Monday evening last a meeting was held in the Public-hall to take into consideration the great rise in the price of coal, and to determine whether or not a co-operative society should be formed for the purchase of coal at the pit’s mouth. About 200 persons were present. After some discussion, it was unanimously resolved to form a society, the limit of each share to be 5s. About 150 shares were speedily taken, and the meeting which was enthusiastic throughout adjourned to Monday next to adopt rules, appoint officers, &c.
200 years ago
February 28, 1823
Mr. and Mrs. Goose, of Friskney, have lately sustained the melancholy loss of all their three children, in the course of one week, by the complaint called the croup.
On Friday the 21st inst. A particularly fine Southdown wether, bred and fed by Lady Thorold, was killed at Syston Park: weight of the four quarters 120lbs., exclusive of 31lbs. Of fat. The mutton was of a peculiar fine grain and quality, and the sheep was allowed by eminent judges to be the finest of the breed they ever saw.
On Tuesday afternoon there was at Oundle a heavy hail storm, preceded by thunder & lightning.
At Oundle Valentine fair there was a tolerable show of good horses, but very few were sold, and those at lower prices: the want of foreign dealers, who had benefitted the fair for the three preceding years, was greatly felt. The beast fair on Tuesday had a middling show, but business altogether was very dull and flat.
During the inclement night of Sunday last, the coachman of the Yarmouth and Leicester mail became so benumbed by cold that he was obliged to resign the reins to the guard, who from the darkness of the night drove the coach against the post of a toll-gate between Guyhirn and Peterboro’ where they were both thrown from the box, and the coachman was very severely bruised. The mail was in consequence 45 minutes behind time.
The man who broke out of Skirbeck house of correction, as mentioned in our last, was not confined for an assault on Mr. Holland, of Wigtoft, but for a breach of the peace agaisnt Geo. Blow, of that place. The prisoner, whose name is John Lefever, is still at large.
High-street, Stamford, 27th Feb. 1823.
Joseph Goodwin, having declined business, takes this opportunity of acknowledging with kind thanks the favor and support he had experienced from his friends and the public during many years in trade, and respectfully begs leave to recommend to them his Son-in-law, Mr Thomas Dawson, who in future will carry on the same in his own account.
Thomas Dawson, having entered upon the business of a Confectioner, &c., lately carried on by his Father-in-law, Mr. Joseph Goodwin, respectfully solicits a continuance of that encouragement and support so liberally bestowed on his predecessor.
T. D. intends in a few weeks to commence Bread and Biscuit Baker in addition to the above, and hopes, by a strict attention also to that line of business, to merit a share of the public’s favor.
To be Sold by Auction,
By Mr. Beaver,
At the Red Lion Inn in Oakham, in the county of Rutland, on Saturday the 8th day of March next, between the hours of Three and Five in the afternoon, subject to such conditions of sale as will be then produced;
Fourteen Acres of Grazing Land, of superior quality, situate at Barleythorpe, within three-quarters of a mile of the town of Oakham, adjoining the road leading to Melton Mowbray, in the county of Leicester, upon which is a very extensive tiled Hovel, recently erected, and a large Yard adjoining thereto; late in the occupation of Mr. John Adcock, deceased. For further particulars apply to Mr. Ades, solicitor, Oakham.
