Delve into the past with Mercury Memories
10 years ago
An engraved brick or plaque to commemorate the forthcoming wedding of Prince William to Catherine Middleton could be built into a planned toilet.
The Friends of Stamford Recreation Ground are hoping to install a new toilet block on the park in July if they are able to raise £78,000 through the Spend a Penny campaign.
Chairman Penny Dawson said that the group is considering installing a brick or plaque with the couple’s initials to mark the Royal wedding in April and is also looking at a host of other fundraising ideas.
Buckingham Palace is now referring to Miss Middleton as Catherine after she was previously known as Kate, but the unfortunate combination of the couple’s initials WC has led to a change in design of official commemorative china.
Normally the bride’s initial would be under the groom’s but this has changed to CW for the forthcoming nuptials.
Efficiency savings have meant frontline services have been largely protected from cuts according to district council chiefs.
South Kesteven District Council is proposing to cut its winter collections of the green garden waste bin from twice a month to once a month. A collection service for bins that were put out late will be cut from twice a week to once a week.
The district council faces a cut in its Government grant from £10.14m to £8.29m in 2011/12. It will be reduced further to £7.73min 2012/13, a cut of 23.32 per cent over two years.
But chief executive Beverly Agass and council leader Linda Neal (Con) said these were the only service changes people should notice because they had worked hard behind the scenes to make savings.
Mrs Agass said: “We have spent the last two years preparing for this to make sure we are not just having a knee jerk reaction.
“We have been making management savings and efficiency savings so we can reduce the risk of redundancy and protect our frontline services.”
Workers will be digging up a town centre in a £92,000 project to replace gas mains.
The National Grid will be replacing approximately 290 metres of gas mains in High Street, Stamford in March and April.
Workers will be replacing the old metal gas mains with new plastic pipes, which will last for 80 years, during the eight week project, due to start on March 14.
High Street will be dug up in four phases between St George’s Street and St John’s Street. Temporary traffic lights will be set up in Red Lion Square in April.
Staff will be running a market stall on the corner of High Street and Ironmonger Street to explain the work today.
Project supervisor Mick Lewsey said: “We apologise for any inconvenience this essential gas pipe replacement work may cause, which is required to ensure everyone can continue to rely on a safe and secure gas network.”
Workers will be, where possible, inserting the new pipe through the old one to save time in the project.
Stamford Chamber of Trade and Commerce president Tim Lee said: “It is one of those things that has to be done.
“There should be a lot of publicity to make sure no one is caught out.”
25 years ago
Villagers are threatening to take the law into their own hands if steps are not taken to halt a mini-crimewave.
In November last year the Mercury reported residents in Easton-on-the-Hill were living in fear following a spate of house burglaries.
The community says crime is rife – and the strength of feeling in Easton is now so strong that if the thieves are caught red-handed the villagers are threatening to deal with the culprits by their own methods.
A resident, who asked not to be named, said he had heard that if the thieves were caught in the act they would be stripped and hosed with freezing water.
An open meeting for residents to air their views about the problems is due to be arranged in the next two months by Northamptonshire Police. According to one of Easton’s Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinators, Gerry Poole, the meeting will be well attended. One of the major concerns is the lack of policing in the village – a fact residents say has played a major part in its crime increase.
The Stamford Endowed Schools are to be administered by one principal following the retirement in 1997 of the present headteachers.
In a letter to parents of both schools Jean Forster, chairman of the governors, said the appointment of a joint principal would lead to greater co-operation and be in the best interest of the pupils.
The news has received mixed reactions from former pupils and prompted fears that the appointment is the first step towards the introduction of mixed schooling at the Endowed Schools.
This was refuted by Stamford High School headmistress Gladys Bland, who said: “Single sex education on two separate sites will continue. The appointment of a principal will build on existing strengths, increase co-operation between the two schools and make overall planning easier. We already have a joint director of music and share holidays and societies.”
Stamford School headmaster Geoffrey Timm has told parents that a principal for the Endowed Schools will “ensure the continued success of this almost uniquely precious institution.”
The appointment is not being made to save money.
The aisles of St George’s Church, Stamford, were packed on Tuesday and Wednesday as parishioners and guests sang their hearts out for the BBC.
After months of planning and preparation the Songs of Praise team were in town to film the final scenes for a February broadcast.
Rehearsals with cameras and full lighting took place on Tuesday in preparation for filming the following evening.
An invited audience of 300 people representing all of Stamford’s churches took part. The organist was John Saunders who normally plays at All Saints’ Church.
The Rev Kim Swithinbank lead the prayer of blessing.
He said: “There was a wonderful atmosphere in the church despite the cameras and lights and the fact we had to do some hymns five or six times.”
The hymns included Lord for the Years and Rejoice, Rejoice Christ is in You.
The interviews of Stamford people have already been filmed and together with the narration and solos by Harry Secombe the programme will be broadcast on February 11.
50 years ago
Income from the Skells Legacy cannot be used to pay for the heating system being installed in Stamford’s swimming pool, the Borough Council heard on Tuesday.
Coun Mrs Winifred Smith asked at the council meeting: “Will the finance committee chairman please explain why the council’s contribution towards the cost of heating the municipal swimming pool cannot be met out of the income from the Skells Legacy?”
Ald George Swanson, chairman of the finance committee replied: “The income from the Skells estate trust fund, which is registered as a charity, can only be applied to one or more of the following purposes:
“The provision of parks and recreation grounds for the use, benefit and advantage of the inhabitants of the borough of Stamford.
“The improvement of streets and roads within the boundaries of the borough of Stamford.
“The improvement of the appearance, utility and amenity of buildings, walls, lamp posts, telegraph posts, fences and other structures, and of parks, car parks, bus and coach stations within the boundaries.
“Members will see therefore that a swimming pool, or the heating of a swimming pool is not one of these purposes.”
High quality flats on a raised base with car parking below could be built along Bath Row, Stamford.
This is suggested by Kesteven County Planning Officer, Mr B. Bell, in a letter to Stamford Town Clerk Mr Harold Bedford on historic areas in the town.
It was agreed at Tuesday’s Borough Council meeting that the letter should be considered at the next meeting of the town planning committee.
The site Mr Bell has in mind for the flats is to the west of the old Bath House. He says:”This is perhaps one of the most prominent sites in the borough and it possesses great potential as a site for building development of quality.
The most important physical features are the levels and the wonderful southern aspect looking out across the meadows.
“This could well be developed with a long row of high quality flats consisting of three storeys standing on a raised base with car parking for the occupants underneath.
“Approach to the basement car park could be at Bath Row level at the point now used for standing buses.”
Stamford Post Office counter may be made larger and the public entrance extended.
The Borough Council decided, on Tuesday, that an application for alterations to the sorting office and public office should be recommended to Kesteven County Council.
Stamford postmaster Mr C. W. Wightman told the ‘Mercury’ that it was planned to make a completely new counter which would be much longer. There would also be changes to the public entrance and the sorting office.
Charges for the use of the bowling green on Stamford Recreation Ground are to be raised, the Borough Council decided, on Tuesday.
The present charge of 2s 6d per rink per hour, is to be raised to 3s 3d.
The bowls club gave the Council a pat on the back. The club wrote thanking the council and its staff for the excellent greens that had been provided for bowlers.
100 years ago
Unusual circumstances were revealed at an inquest conducted at the Town Hall, on Tuesday evening, by Mr. Godfrey Phillips (deputy coroner), on the body of Henry Scott, aged 64, brickyard labourer, in the employ of Messrs. Williamson, Cliff, Ltd.
Dr. J. A. Creighton, locum tenes for Dr. Elliott, said he was summonded to deceased on Friday. He complained of great internal pain, but witness found no external marks or broken ribs, and came to the conclusion that there was rupture of some internal organ, He was in less pain next day, but on Sunday witness was informed that he was dead. A post-mortem revealed general peritonitis arising from the rupture of the small intestine. The injuries were consistent with the mishap deceased told him he had had in falling over a wheelbarrow, but the circumstances were very unusual, in fact, it was the first case that had come to his notice in an experience embracing over a thousand post-mortems. The Coroner entered a verdict of death from general peritonitis caused by deceased falling on to a wheelbarrow.
Organ recital – There was a crowded congregation at St. Mary’s church, Stamford, on Sunday afternoon on the occasion of an organ recital given by Mr. H. S. Staveley (organist), whose skill in the rendering of the various items was greatly appreciated. Miss Nora Bailey, A.R.C.M., contributed violin and viola solos in excellent style, and a vocal solo was nicely rendered by Mr. Bellows. The collection, which was for the organ fund, amounted to £6 10s. 6d.
Conservative Club – The annual meeting of the Stamford Conservative Association was held at the Club on Thursday evening in last week, Mr. F. Carter presiding over a large attendance. The accounts for the year showed that there was a balance in the bank of £26 2s. 10d., and 3s. 7d. In the secretary’s hand, but outstanding bills amounted to £45 6s. 10d. The year commenced with a net balance of £31 7s., but heavy extraordinary expenses had been met, amounting, the Chairman remarked, to about £80. The assets include £95 invested in War Stock. The Secretary (Mr. W. Malcolm) reported on the work of the year, and said they might congratulate themselves on the position, particularly in view of the fact that during the two years he had held office they had met extraordinary expenses totalling over £180. The premises, he pointed out, left little to be desired in the way of equipment for any club pastimes.
Bourne - “The Yeoman of the Guard”. The performances of this opera by the Amateur Operatic Society were brought to a successful conclusion on Thursday last week, in the presence of a crowded house. After the final scene the curtain was raised, and Mr. Ingoldby, chairman of the Society, referred in terms of high appreciation to the officials who had so materially contributed to the success of the performances, including Mr. W. R. Leary (conductor), Mr. H. R. Green (hon. Sec.) and Mr. Nichols. The latter was now severing his connection with the society, with his removal to Skegness.
150 years ago
The Stamford Temperance Society held meetings at Ketton on Friday last, Ryhall on Wednesday, and Casterton on Thursday. At each village the places were crowded. The meetings were addressed by Messrs. Mart, Stanyon, Pearson, Hales, Cole, and C. Chapman.
A quarterly meeting of the Assessment Committee of the Stamford Union was held on Tuesday last: present, Lord Kesteven (in the chair), Dr. Hopkinson, and Messrs. Close, Paradise, Brittin, Bromhead, Greenwood, and H. Wright. There were several appeals, among which was one by the Rector of St. Michael’s, Stamford, who claimed a reduction on the ground that rectory-houses, as such, are of less real value than other residences because they cannot be let by incumbents without the consent of the Bishops, who do not countenance letting when the parsonage is fit for the incumbent’s residence. Another ground to justify the claim for reduction was that the new rectory was over-assessed in comparison with other houses of similar value in the town. On the latter ground the appeal was entertained, ad the assessment was reduced from £70 gross annual value to £60. Two appeals from St. Mary’s parish were rejected, and the assessments were confirmed. In the cases of appeals from Sibson and Wansford by Mr. Traylen and Mr. Wilson, the assessments were confirmed; but in the case of Mr. Hall, a reduction from £40 to £35 gross annual value was ordered. Mr. Edw. Dexter, miller, and Mr. H. Peasgood, baker, of Easton, each had their assessments reduced.
The last of the Stamford waits under the old Corporation regime has just passed away. Mr. Wm.Thompson, cork-cutter, became a town minstrel fifty-two years ago when the functions of the office retained some of their ancient pomp and pageantry. With five of his compeers, each clad in a cloak of crimson embroidered with gold, and wearing a cocked hat, he played before the robed Aldermen, &c on public occasions, accompanying those worthies on their mission of proclaiming the fair of St. Simon and St. Jude, at which season “the merry wanderers of the night” commenced their sable sallies, going their rounds three times a week until Christmas, when they got to “boxing.” The Municipal Corporation Act, however, robbed them of their splendour; and the waits are now so degenerate that they do little more than make “night hideous” to many people on their pillows, or excite involuntary mirth from others by rude and ludicrous efforts to produce
harmony.
A horse and cart belonging to the Rev. C. H. Lucas, of Edithweston, was on Friday last standing in front of Mr. Spademan’s shop, High-street, Stamford, the servant in charge having requested a lad “to keep an eye upon it” while he went across the road on an errand. The animal, in spite of the eye that was supposed to be upon it, bolted: it dashed along High-street, and turning down down St. George’s-street knocked a piece out of Mr. Stubbings’ window cill; continuing its career it came into collision with a wheel of the carriage of General Mitchell, and was upset. The harness snapped, and the horse, liberated from the capsized cart, went down St. Mary’s-hill, where it was captured. Luckily nobody was hurt.
200 years ago
Monday last, being the anniversary of his Majesty’s accession to the throne, was ushered in with the ringing of bells at all the churches of this town; and in the evening a respectable party had a ball at the assembly-rooms, where about 30 couples continued on the light fantastic until five o’clock next morning.
The Inhabitants of Corby, Lincolnshire, and its Vicinity, do hereby give Notice, that there will be a Market held for the Sale of Corn, &c. in the said town, to commence on Wednesday, the 24th of January, 1821, and to continue every succeeding
Wednesday.
On Tuesday night the 23d ult., some thieves broke into the house of Mr. Rimmington, the Rose and Crown, at Whissendine, Rutland, and stole to the amount of £4 in penny pieces and half-pence, also a chine of pork, a violin and bow, a table-cloth, a dozen knives and forks, two pair of shoes, and some other articles, with which they got clear off. The offenders entered by taking the glass out of a window in the bakehouse and then unfastening the casement, by which they gained access to nearly all the lower rooms of the house.
On the night of the above robbery, Mr. Arnold’s mill in Whissendine was also broken into, and a sack of flour was cut open, but the depredators it is supposed were disturbed, as they decamped without taking any thing away.
The late Mr. Wm. Greenwood’s Affairs.
All persons having any claim or demand on the estate and effects of William Greenwood, late of Tallington, in the county of Lincoln, farmer, deceased, are requested to send an account thereof to Mr John Stangar, of Ketton, in the county of Rutland, farmer, one of the Executors, immediately. And all persons indebted to the said William Greenwood at the time of his decease, are desired forthwith to pay the amount of their respective debts to the said John Stangar.
By order of the Executors,
T. H. Jackson
Stamford, 20th January, 1821.
To be Sold by Auction,
By Mr. Glenham,
At the Windmill Inn, Barrowden, in the county of Rutland, on Tuesday the 13th day of February, 1821, at 4 o’clock in the afternoon, unless previously disposed of by private contract, of which notice will be given,
A Small Freehold Estate, at Barrowden aforesaid, consisting of Three Tenements nearly new, and very pleasantly situated – For particulars enquire of Mr. John Milley, of Barrowden, the owner.
Oakham Inclosure.
We, the Commissioners for the said Inclosure, do hereby give Notice, that we shall hold a Meeting , at the Crown Inn at Oakham, on Monday the Twelfth day of February next, at Eleven o’clock in the forenoon; when and where the several proprietors may inspect their respective allotments, as schemed out and delineated upon the plan; and the Commissioners at such meeting will be ready to receive statements in writing of any complaints or objections against any such allotments, and then determine the same.
Given under our hands this twenty-fifth day of January, 1821
John Bonner, Jno. Burcham, Chas. Berkeley.
