Delve into the past with Mercury Memories
10 years ago
Stamford Museum looks likely to be axed when councillors meet today to make a decision on its future.
A decision will be made at Lincolnshire County Council on the future of the museum in Broad Street, which has been threatened with closure since June.
The judgement will be made by the executive portfolio holder for economic development Eddy Poll (Con).
Despite a bid being put forward to save the museum, mayor of Stamford David Brailsford, who is also a Lincolnshire county councillor, told a Stamford Town Council meeting on Tuesday the museum will close.
He said: “I had an informal meeting with the portfolio holder who confirmed what we had thought and he’s quite positive it’s going to close.”
Coun Brailsford said the exhibits currently at the museum will be retained at the library and the town hall.
He added: “The county council agreed it would be useful for Stamford to have a heritage trail including the library, the town hall and Browne’s Hospital.
“Lincolnshire County Council will invest management time in making that happen.”
Stamford town councillors put together a bid to form a charitable trust and a feasibility study looking at ways to save the museum.
But it identified a £23,000 shortfall in funding, which it asked the county council to plug.
Campaigners trying to save Ketton Surgery have urged health service bosses to give them more time to adjust to the idea.
Ketton and Gretton surgeries face the axe next year, after Uppingham Surgery deemed them no longer fit for purpose.
A public consultation into the closures ended on November 24 and is now in the hands of NHS Leicester County and Rutland primary care trust which has said a decision will be made by the end of January.
Next week reports from the consultation process will be looked at and discussed by a panel made up of representatives from Rutland County Council, Corby Borough Council, Greetham and Ketton parish councils, Rutland Local Involvement Network and Uppingham Surgery patient participation group.
At a meeting last week villagers in Ketton discussed what it would mean for them if the surgery branch, run by Uppingham Surgery, closes.
The main argument of steering groups set up in both of the villages is that there is a majority of elderly people who rely on the surgeries and who would not be able to get to surgeries in the neighbouring towns of Stamford, Corby and Uppingham.
A school is celebrating after Ofsted inspectors gave it their top rating.
Casterton Business and Enterprise College, together with its nursery and the new sixthform at Rutland County College in Oakham have been rated as outstanding following a recent inspection.
Inspectors carried out the two-day review on November 18 and 19 and looked at many aspects of the school’s work. They observed 30 lessons and analysed 156 inspection questionnaires from parents and carers.
The team looked in detail at the impact of the college’s specialism in business and enterprise, at how well-established the new sixthform is and the impact it is having on outcomes for students.
25 years ago
Wild boars and artichokes came under discussion by Rutland District Council members on Monday when a farmer currently based in a small caravan on his land asked permission to build a house.
Richard Ellis, of Fox Covert Farm, Pilton, has worked his land for six years, building a business involving more than 40 wild boars and five acres of artichokes along with domestic pigs and forestry.
But permission to build in open countryside is only granted if the application can pass functional and financial tests. And this one failed, even though one independent expert’s response to a request for data was “you have certainly set me a poser!”
Mr Ellis explained that he must now make do with his 14 foot caravan for a further three years to prove his business is viable enough to support a dwelling.
Shortage of space at Bourne Cemetery has prompted controversial proposals to bury people facing west instead of the traditional east.
Town councillor were split over proposals to put a line of headstones the “wrong way round” at a meeting of the amenities committee on Tuesday.
Coun Peter Garner said: “I am concerned at the number of spaces in the cemetery.
“There are now about 30 but that does include the line of various spaces at the town end of the cemetery.
“As far as I know, it has been stated that to use those spaces the headstones have to be a different way round.
“Obviously they couldn’t care less about the tradition that people are buried looking east with the headstone at the west end, a tradition that has gone on for centuries.
“And I find any suggestion that this town council should bury people the wrong way horrendous.”
Clerk Mary Redshaw told committee members that although the practice had been in existence since medieval times there was no law to say people should be buried facing east.
She added: “But I am quite sure that people in Bourne would not want to be buried the wrong way round.”
Councillors adjourned the debate until the next meeting to view photographs of other cemeteries.
Friends of Bourne Wood could fold if more people don’t come forward to support the organisation.
That is the warning from Keith Wilson, district manager of Forest Enterprise, which set up the group two years ago.
Poor attendance at organised events such as a mushroom hunt and family cycle ride has cast doubts on the group’s future.
Mr Wilson said: “We are disappointed that the Friends hasn’t developed in the way we’d hoped but without the response there seems little point in continuing. We plan to distribute one more newsletter in the new year but we are holding off from planning a specific programme of activities for the group for the time
being.”
His words were echoed by Sarah Curtis, group liaison officer, writing for the next newsletter, she said: “I think it’s time for the Friends to do their bit. Forest Enterprise has worked hard on our behalf but we must remember that it is our group and we should make sure we keep it.”
Although the future of the group is unsure it will still be possible for people to buy a annual car parking permit.
50 years ago
The electricity workers’ dispute brought a black week to Stamford and district, the first power cut hitting the town on Tuesday morning.
Production stopped at local factories, shops sold goods by candle-light, and Stamford Hospital found itself with a massive linen problem as its laundry went out of
action.
Householders who rushed for candles after the first cut found that many shops has already sold out, and queued to buy the decorative variety.
Town Clerk Mr Harold Bedford said on Wednesday that steps would be taken to conserve electricity by switching off the town’s floodlights.
And the Mayor, Coun Jack Frisby, set an example the same day by switching off the lights on the Development Committee’s traditional tree at Browne’s Hospital, five minutes after he ceremonially switched them on.
Stamford Hospital lost over three hours of working time in their laundry on Tuesday when power cuts stopped the work.
The laundry, which also serves hospitals at Peterborough, Bourne, Wisbech and Doddington found itself with a huge backlog to catch up on.
Emergency generators kept the lighting going in the operating theatre, labour ward, premature baby unity and blood bank, although there was no lighting in the wards.
Parents at Bourne and Corby Glen will have given their verdict on comprehensive education by the middle of next week.
In a series of meetings organised by Kesteven Education Committee they will have voted on three questions which could vitally affect education in the area.
The three questions are: “Are you in favour of comprehensive education?” “Are you in favour of comprehensive education for this area?” and finally, “Are you in favour of the Education Committee working party’s proposals for this area?”
A meeting was held at the Charles Read County Secondary School on Wednesday for parents of the school’s pupils.
A further meeting was held at the school last night for parents whose children attend primary schools at Bitchfield, Burton-le-Coggles, Corby Glen, Irnham, Swayfield and Swinstead.
Parents of children attending Bourne Grammar School and Bourne Secondary School also met last night to vote on the proposals.
A final meeting will be held at Bourne Primary School on Tuesday for parents of primary school pupils at Thurlby, Morton Haconby, Edenham, Bourne Fen and Bourne Dyke.
A civic reception in the Victoria Hall, Oakham, on local sportsmen was indeed a unique occasion.
It was the first function of its kind to be arranged by the Urban Council and their justification for it was to be found in an impressive display of national trophies which now bear the name of Oakham.
The reception was to mark the outstanding achievements of the Oakham in Rutland Rifle Club, the Oakham British Legion Rifle Club and the Oakham White Lion darts team in bringing national honours to the town.
The proceedings took the form of a dinner of soup, roast beef, followed by sherry trifle.
100 years ago
As a result of the Blinded Musicians’ concert and the effort organised for the week, the hon. secretary (Mr. A. E. Dolby) has been enabled to send up the gratifying sum of £78 12s. 11d. In acknowledging the cheque Lady Pearson writes asking Mr. Dolby if he will convey her grateful thanks to those who by their generous help enabled such a satisfactory sum to be sent for the benefit of this wonderful institution.
Fat Stock Show – the annual exhibition under the auspices of the Stamford Fat Stock Show Society, to be held next Monday, promised to be as successful as those of past years. The entries for beasts and pigs are thoroughly representative, numerically, of herds of breeders and graziers who have in the past figured conspicuously in the local prize rings, but sheep will be a smaller show on account of the acute general shortage of this class of stock. A block test competition, for both live ad dead weights, in which valuable prizes are offered, will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and the annual luncheon will be held at the George Hotel at 2 o’clock. Col. The Hon. C. H. D. Willoughby, M.P., is announced to preside, in the unavoidable absence of the President.
The Stamford and District Egg and Poultry Society has declare a dividend of 5 per cent. on the past year’s trading, in the course of which 900,000 eggs have been dealt with.
Salvationists’ Welcome Meeting – The Salvation Army held a welcome meeting in honour of Capt W. Cooke and Lieut. H. Williamson on Monday night at the Citadel in North-street, Stamford. Coun. Harry Deer, who presided, said that the attendance reminded him of a meeting which he attended in connection with the Salvation Army in France. There was such a following there that he had to leave early, having so many kilometres to walk before he got to camp in time – which, if he failed to do, would lead to him being “put on the peg.” (Laughter.) Miss Pepper urged a revival of spiritual activity in Stamford. Mr. H. Burbidge (who represented the Congregational church) explained that as their church was without a pastor and their senior deacon was in London, it was suggested that he (Mr. Burbidge) should attend and say a few words of welcome to Capt. Cooke and Lieut. Williamson on behalf of their old church. The Rev. J. Westcombe (Wesleyan) and Miss Hart also spoke. At the commencement of the meeting Lieut. Williamson gave a Bible reading.
Guardians and Unemployed – At a special meeting of the Board of Guardians on Monday, over which the Marquess of Exeter presided, Mr. J. B Toms moved the following resolution, which was seconded by Mr. R. W. Dodman and carried nem. con,: “That the Board resolve, in pursuance of Article ix., of the Relief Regulating Order, 1911, to exercise the powers conferred by Articles x. and xi., of that Order, in dealing with cases of able-bodied men applying for relief on account of unemployment.” The effect of this decision is that subject to the approval of the Ministry of Health, the Board may grant out-relief to able-bodied men, destitute by reason of unemployment, and require such men to work, while in receipt of this assistance on the Workhouse premises.
150 years ago
The Stamford Temperance Society have this week been holding meetings at Ryhall, Collyweston, and Baston. On Monday the National school at Ryhall was crowded to excess, and addresses were delivered by Mr. Young (chairman), Mr. C. Chapman, Mr. Daniels, Mr. Varlow, and Mr. Wilson. On Tuesday a meeting was held at Collyweston school room, which was equally crowded. Mr. Stanyon, of Ketton, occupied the chair. The meeting was addressed by Mr. Mart (Derby), Mr. Daniels, and Mr. C. Chapman. On Wednesday the National school at Baston was again crowded, the meeting being presided over by the Rev. H. Prior, M.A.,Vicar of the parish. Excellent addresses were delivered by the Rev. J. S. Warren, M.A., Vicar of Langtoft, and others.
The drapers and grocers of Stamford have agreed to close their shops on the 26th and 27th inst.
Stamford Union – It was announced at the Board meeting on Wednesday that the Marquis of Exeter intended to give a dinner to the inmates of the Union-house on the 20th inst., when Lord Burghley will attain his majority, and that his Lordship has already sent £10 for the purchase of articles to be distributed among the women and children. The Christmas dinner of the inmates was fixed for the 26th, in consequence of Christmas-day falling on a Sunday. There were in the house at the end of last week 199, or four more that in the corresponding week of last year; and the recipients of out relief numbered 794 at a cost of £95 13s. 21/2d; the vagrants relieved during the week amounted to 47. The Clerk stated that he had ascertained the settlement of a young man named Sharp, an order for whose removal from St. Pancras to Stamford had been signed by Middlesex magistrates, was in St. Andrew’s, Holborn, where the father had paid rent and rates for two years. It was agreed to resist the order. It appeared that the pauper, who is partly imbecile, had been himself for more than a year a resident at St. Pancras, though his domicile at night was in stables, shutter-boxes, and cabs. The clerk ascertained that for a long period his nightly resting-place was a shutter-box in Tottenham Court-road.
At the Stamford petty sessions, on Saturday last, a letter from Mr. Dabbs was read complaining of the unruly and disorderly conduct of boys and girls in St. Martin’s, more especially on Sunday evenings. The superintendent of the police stated that on the previous Sunday night he had paid extra attention to St. Martin’s to the neglect of other parts of the borough. The juveniles generally assembled near St. Martin’s school, but the moment they caught sight of a policeman they walked off. If any are actually detected committing any offences against the bye-laws they will be punished with such rigour as will no doubt act as a salutary warning to others.
Stamford Corn Market – A deputation from the farmers and merchants met at the Corn-exchange on Friday last to discuss and finally arrange the differences now existing between the buyers and sellers of corn. It was proposed by Mr. Bell, of Grantham, merchants, and seconded by Mr. Thompson, of Gretford, farmer, and carried, that the custom of Stamford market for the future be net cash in 14 days from the day of sale. It was proposed by the chairman (Mr. Lowe, of Ryhall), and carried unanimously, that the time for holding the market commence at one o’clock and close at three; the alteration to take place on Friday the 16th inst., and that all buyers be respectfully requested to leave the Exchange punctually at that time.
200 years ago
A most respectable meeting was held at Grantham yesterday for the purpose of framing a loyal address to the King – vide advt. In this page. A similar meeting took place in Leicester on Monday last; and one will to-morrow be held in Stamford.
At the annual meeting of the Committee of the Rutland Dispensary, it appeared, that the usefulness of that establishment is rapidly increasing; one hundred and eighty-two medical, besides surgical patients, having received relief in the course of the past year from the benevolent institution.
On Wednesday afternoon Mr. Campion, the constable of Spalding, returned to that place, having in his custody James Hindley and David Booth, labouring men, whom he lately apprehended at Manchester as stated in our paper of the 24th ult., charged with being two of the persons who robbed Mrs. Culy of Whaplode. The Hunsworths, we are sorry to say, are not yet apprehended. Mr. Campion and his two prisoners passed through Stamford, and were accompanied by Mr. Nadin, the Manchester police-officer.
On Saturday night last the counting-house at Mr. Phillips’ brewery in St. Martin’s, Stamford Baron, was entered by some thieves and robbed of all the silver and copper change in the desks, amounting to £5 or £6. The offenders seem to have been provided with keys suited to their nefarious purpose.
On Wednesday, John Roberts, journeyman chair-turner, was committed to the gaol of this borough, charged with stealing five bottles of wine from Matthew Abbott, of the Roebuck public-house.
Lewis and Davison, who were convicted, one of publishing a seditious libel, the other of publishing a blasphemous one, and who were sentenced to two years’ imprisonment in Oakham gaol, were sent off from London, for their appointed quarters, by the Leeds mail-coach, on Thursday night the 30th ult., properly attended.
Stamford and St. Martin’s Association.
Twenty Guineas Reward.
Whereas some person or persons did, late last night or early this morning, feloniously Slaughter
A Two-shear Turnip Wether Sheep,
The property of Mr. Thomas Thompson Whincup, in his Stack-yard at Wothorpe, and adjoining the Great North Road, and did Steal the carcass, leaving the skin, entrails, and tallow.
Notice is hereby give, that whoever will give information of the offended or offenders, so that he or they may be brought to conviction, shall receive a Reward of Ten Guineas from Mr. Whincup, and a further Reward of Ten Guineas to be paid by Mr. William Hopkinson, Treasurer to the said Association.
By order,
Will. Hopkinson, Treasurer and Clerk.
1st December, 1820.
