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Stamford parking scheme introduced and changes to Stamford Hospital in our Mercury Memories




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.

25 years ago: January 30, 1998 –Bring and buy stars: Jade Collins, Lisa Spridgeon, Charlotte Glass, Chloe Harriman and Kim Spridgeon with the cheque for Blue Peter
25 years ago: January 30, 1998 –Bring and buy stars: Jade Collins, Lisa Spridgeon, Charlotte Glass, Chloe Harriman and Kim Spridgeon with the cheque for Blue Peter

10 years ago

February 1, 2013

Residents affected by plans to introduce a parking permit scheme in their streets were given the chance to find out more at an information day.

South Kesteven District Council presented plans for the scheme at Stamford Arts Centre on Friday and Wednesday.

Under the plans, residents of five areas around the town centre could be asked to pay up to £100 for a parking permit.

More than half of the residents in each area have to support a scheme for it to be put in place.

Steve Marsh, 53, who lives in Broad Street, said: “It is important we get some kind of scheme because people have been campaigning for it for a while.”

25 years ago: January 30, 1998 – The Stamford Division of St John Ambulance has welcomed a new divisional superintendent to its headquarters. Pictured: Divisional superintendent Les Barfield with other members of Stamford St John Ambulance
25 years ago: January 30, 1998 – The Stamford Division of St John Ambulance has welcomed a new divisional superintendent to its headquarters. Pictured: Divisional superintendent Les Barfield with other members of Stamford St John Ambulance

Experienced nurses will be in charge of the minor injuries unit at Stamford Hospital during a six-month pilot scheme.

Health chiefs at Peterborough and Stamford Hospitals Trust, which managed the hospital, have pushed ahead with plans for the unit to be led by a team of emergency nurse practitioners.

The move was suggested last year, along with a raft of improvements, as part of the trust’s plans for a major redevelopment of the hospital in Ryhall Road.

The trust’s medical director John Randall said: “Following a review of minor injuries units it became apparent that similar units nationally were being successfully managed by emergency nurse practitioners.

“We have grown and developed our emergency nurse practitioner service since 2003 and this approach has enabled us to have a team of skilled and experienced emergency nurse practitioner, who are able to provide the same service at Stamford Hospital.

“During the pilot at Stamford Hospital we will monitor the numbers seen and patients referred to Peterborough City Hospital for further assessment or treatment.”

A former chairman of Stamford AFC fears the planned move to a new stadium could take away the club’s autonomy.

The Daniels have revealed ambitious plans to build a new football ground and sports education facility, to be shared with New College, Stamford, in Ryhall Road.

The club says the £5m facility, which would be developed in partnership with the Burghley House Preservation Trust, would be used by both the club and the college alike.

But former chairman John Drewnicki is worried that by sharing the ground the club will lose its autonomy.

An outline planning application for a stadium to be used solely by the club on the same site has already been approved.

In a letter to current chairman Chris Rivett, which he also sent to the Mercury, Mr Drewnicki said that under the new plans there would be no dedicated clubhouse and large functions may have to use classrooms.

He added: “Without a compelling social side to the club, and the ability to hold events strategically throughout the year whenever required, it will become very difficult to maintain support (from fans) and the revenue that brings.”

25 years ago: January 30, 1998 – In the swim: Young members of the snorkelling club, based at the Vale of Catmose College swimming pool in Oakham, get to grips with flippers supervised by Phil Williamson
25 years ago: January 30, 1998 – In the swim: Young members of the snorkelling club, based at the Vale of Catmose College swimming pool in Oakham, get to grips with flippers supervised by Phil Williamson

25 years ago

January 30, 1998

Castle Cement says it is not expecting any opposition to its plans to burn a new fuel at the Ketton cement works.

The plant already burns Cemfuel and tyres alongside more conventional coal and will soon apply for permission to start trials of a fuel derived from paper and plastic production.

Neville Roberts, general manager at the Ketton plant, said: “What we are planning to do is burn what is essentially the by-product of the paper and plastics industry which would otherwise be put in a landfill site.

“It should reduce CO2 and NO2 emissions from the plant, and bales of plastic and paper will be brought here on our own lorries returning from delivery so there should not be an increase in traffic.”

Ketton resident Paul Johnson said: “This plan does not surprise me – I have long felt it would be inevitable that Castle would go down this road. Cemfuel was just the thin edge of the wedge.

“It’s looking more and more like a waste disposal plant than a cement works.”

The company has suffered controversy in the past over the burning of Cemfuel – a custom-made, solvent-based fuel – which was introduced in 1994, but Mr Roberts feels that won’t happen this time.

Villagers in Uffington are divided over plans for a new village hall, sporting complex and play area.

At a meeting in the present village hall on Sunday, plans were outlined for a proposed village hall and cricket pavilion off Greatford Road – to be built on land donated by the Naylor family.

Those in favour of the scheme feel the offer of a substantial piece of land is worth considering and hope that with adequate funding and planning permission the project can be pursued.

Barry Brown, of the village hall committee, said: “The whole committee is in favour of the proposal, but we still have an awfully long way to go.

“The cricket club needs a better area, children in the village haven’t got a play area at the moment, and now we have the offer of land that will take both and a new village hall.”

But others feel the plan, which is being linked to a proposed housing development on the present cricket field, is too ambitious.

One villager told the Mercury: “I think this plan will cause the village a lot of problems. The cricket club has been offered the land on the understanding that they are on the same site as a new village hall. This plan really sticks out on the Greatford Road, and I suspect the developers will just keep on going.”

50 years ago: February 2, 1973 – The Deepings have got their own fire brigade – for the first time since the war. Our picture shows the Deeping firemen at practice
50 years ago: February 2, 1973 – The Deepings have got their own fire brigade – for the first time since the war. Our picture shows the Deeping firemen at practice

South Kesteven District Council is to approve the contract for installing closed-circuit television in Stamford, Bourne and Market Deeping.

At a meeting of the customer services committee on Tuesday, councillors will be told that prices have been agreed with both British Telecom and Photo-Scan Ltd, the companies responsible for the installation of CCTV in Grantham.

SKDC spokeman Harry Thomas said: “Rather than put the contracts out to tender, councillors will be asked to approve the costings with BT and Photo-Scan for the schemes in Stamford and Bourne.

In Stamford, the proposed 14-camera scheme will cost a total of £251,604, with over £31,000 coming from pledged from the town council and businesses.

In Bourne, a six-camera scheme is planned costing £122,972. £6,000 has already been raised in pledges towards the scheme, leaving a further £14,000 to be raised.

Market Deeping’s four-camera scheme is being funded in partnership with supermarket developer Carter Commercial.

25 years ago: January 30, 1998 – Boys' bonanza: Members and friends of the 2nd Bourne Boys' Brigade at the Blue Peter sale on Saturday
25 years ago: January 30, 1998 – Boys' bonanza: Members and friends of the 2nd Bourne Boys' Brigade at the Blue Peter sale on Saturday

50 years ago

February 2, 1973

Householders and businessmen in Stamford are facing substantial rate rises for the year starting in April.

We understand the increases could add up to upwards of an extra 10p in the £.

And the town’s ratepayers will be asked to find £30,000 without getting any services in return.

These shock facts became clear this week as Stamford Borough Council committees prepared to make their estimates for next year.

Ald George Swanson, chairman of the town Finance Committee, explained to the “Mercury” just why a big increase could be in store.

He said that under the new valuations of properties published this month Stamford, Bourne, and South Kesteven were above the national average.

And whereas valuations in other parts of Kesteven based on an office in Lincoln had gone up by less than two and a half times, in the Stamford area based on Boston, the valuations had increased by nearly three times.

Said Ald Swanson: “It’s most unfair. It means that this area will end up paying more of the county rate than the other areas. But it will only get the same services.”

Stamford’s building boom has been halted in its tracks – because of pollution danger to public health if it goes on.

And the town’s planning committee chairman has warned that it could be two or three years before any new housing can go ahead.

The snag is that Stamford’s sewerage system is so overloaded that local river authority experts say more building will cause pollution.

A £500,000 sewage works at Barnack will open the way for new homes – but at the moment the scheme has not even got to the contract stage.

Town Clerk Mr Harold Bedford will be having talks with the Welland and Nene Rivers Authority soon in a bid to speed things up.

Already the building ban is hitting Stamford.

The controversial 30-home scheme for old folk’s homes on the Queen’s Walk allotments is being held up until the sewerage system is extended.

From information received by Oakham Rural Council from elderly persons’ clubs, Women’s Institutes and other organisations in the area, a scheme for providing cheap bus fares for elderly people appeared desirable, although the proportion of retirement pensioners who regularly used public transport was small.

This was stated at Monday’s meeting of the Council who had previously been given details of schemes which two bus companies had offered to operate.

One of these schemes involved the issue of annual permits costing £4 20 each, but the view was expressed that such payment would not be justified in every case and perhaps in only relatively few cases.

The council decided that the token system was preferable and it was agreed that the United Counties Bus Company be asked if they would fall in line with The Lincolnshire Road Car Company, Barton Transport, and Mr. R. H. Bland who had intimated they would operate a cheap fare token scheme.

50 years ago: February 2, 1973 – The new 5th Stamford Brownie Park at the enrolment at the Guide Headquarters, Conduit Road. At the back, to the right, is their leader, Mrs Joy Norman
50 years ago: February 2, 1973 – The new 5th Stamford Brownie Park at the enrolment at the Guide Headquarters, Conduit Road. At the back, to the right, is their leader, Mrs Joy Norman

100 years ago

February 2, 1923

Stamford and Rutland Infirmary – Week ending Jan. 30th – Admissions and discharges of patients: Inpatients – admitted 8, discharged 15, in house 35. Outpatients – admitted 12, discharged 5, on books 42. Medical attendant, Dr. Greenwood; weekly board, Comdr. Crichton-Maitland, Mr. H. Young, Mr. Duddington, and Mr. H. Phillips; weekly visitor, Mr. T. S. Duncomb. Acknowledged with thanks: Mr. H. N. Dunkerley, donation, £5; proceeds of Infirmary ball, £119 13s. 10d.; Cottesmore fancy dress jazz band, donation, £2; proceeds of fancy dress dance held at Langtoft, £11 10s.; Carlby house-to-house collection, £2 8s. 5d.; employees of Peasgood and Son, 13s.; employees of Mr. J. T. Clarke, £5; Mr. Mitchell, books; Mr. Greaves, magazines; Mr Hollis, apples and magazines.

Sandhurst Success – K. H. Treseder, of Stamford School, who last November took the examination for admission to R.A.F. College at Cranwell, and was placed fifth on the list of successful candidates, has been allowed by the War Office to transfer to Sandhurst and has been placed 29th on the list of those who enter the R,M.C. this week.

St. Mary’s Social – A company of about 80 attended St. Mary’s church social, held at the Stamford Hotel on Monday evening. The Rector (Rev, T. H. Bailey) presided. The programme consisted of music, games, and competitions, and a most enjoyable time was spent.

Lady M.C. - Mrs. Frisby was the M.C. At the Liberal Club whist drive on Monday. The winners were Mesdames Rudkin, Naylor, Laughton, and Chapman, Messrs. A. Haythorpe, G. H. Hudson, F. Fransworth, and G. Whatley.

Fire Brigade Dance – The success of the Stamford Fire Brigade in competitions last summer has encouraged the members to enter again this year, and with a view to raising funds to enable them to do so a dance was held in the Assembly Rooms on Tuesday night. There were present about 150, who danced to the music of the R.A.O.B. Orchestra. Firemen H. Dalton, C. Middleton, and D. Hall were the M.C.’s.

Bourne

Sacrilegous Act - A case of sacrilege has recently occurred at the Abbey church, the offertory box having been broken open and its contents stolen. The two locks with which the box were fastened were found in an adjacent pew, both having doubtless been opened with keys.

Surveyor’s Resignation – At a special meeting of the Urban Council on Friday the chief business was to receive the resignation of the surveyor and sanitary inspector (Mr. R. G. Coles), he having obtained the position of Borough surveyor at Sudbury. The officer’s letter stated that the Council’s financial methods had led to him seeking another appointment. He thanked the Council and officers for their kindness and courtesy. His reference to the Council’s finance was doubtless the 10 per cent. reduction in his salary which he strongly resisted, and further the Council have considerably reduced the estimates for highway work. The resignation was accepted, and an expression of appreciation for his services was passed.

50 years ago: February 2, 1973 – Presentation night for Morton and District Grass Kart Club. Picture shows club chairman, Mr R. Hall with trophy winners. From left: H. Francis, K. Goodliffe, Mr Hall, J. Cracknell, J. Marriott, P. Collier, B. Borwell. Seated in the kart is Mrs B. Hall, the chairman's wife
50 years ago: February 2, 1973 – Presentation night for Morton and District Grass Kart Club. Picture shows club chairman, Mr R. Hall with trophy winners. From left: H. Francis, K. Goodliffe, Mr Hall, J. Cracknell, J. Marriott, P. Collier, B. Borwell. Seated in the kart is Mrs B. Hall, the chairman's wife

150 years ago

January 31, 1873

The gentlemen appointed on the 11th Oct. last to act as a committee to consider the advisability of inviting the Lincolnshire Agricultural Society to hold their show for the year 1874 in Stamford, have been summoned by the Mayor to meet at the Town-hall on Friday, Jan. 31, at half-past 12 o’clock.

l A meeting of the Stamford Race Committee was held at the Town-hall on Wednesday last. It was shown by a statement of accounts that the expenditure had exceeded the receipts by about £20. This sum being small, it was decided to carry the amount over to this year’s account, instead of calling upon the guarantors to make up the balance. The Mayor, the ex-Mayor, and Mr. Johnson were deputed to wait upon the Marquis of Exeter to ascertain from his Lordship if he will grant the use of the course for another year, and at the same time thank his Lordship for the past in having subscribed £100 in addition to the free use of course, stand, etc.

The Invitation Ball of the Stamford Rifle Volunteers, held at the Assembly-rooms on Friday last, was attended by upwards of 360 guests. The principal room was tastefully ornamented, the banner and side arms of the corps being conspicuous among the adornments, banners and evergreens being added to assist the artistic effect. The company commenced to assemble between 8 and 9 p.m. And so great was the soiree enjoyed that it was 6 a.m. on the following day before the entertainment closed. Mr. Wells’s band was indefatigable in keeping up the saltatory exercises; and to the usual programme of quadrilles, waltzes, and gallops, were added some of the old fashioned country dances, which seemed to be heartily appreciated. An ample supply or refreshments was provided by Mr. Dawson, confectioner.

Mr. G. W. Browning, St. George’s-square, Stamford, has just presented several fine heads of African wild animals, snakes, &c., to the museum of the Stamford Institution.

Mr. Howard Paul’s musical and comic entertainment at the Assembly-rooms, Stamford, on Monday last, was supported by a very large audience. The singing of Miss Annie Goodall and the pianoforte execution of the juvenile Miss Nellie Ford were admitted; but the comic delineations of Mr. Howard Paul, although free from vulgarity, failed to produce much effect.

Accidents – On Friday the 17th inst. a very serious accident happened to a lad named John Mee, whose parents live at Ryhall. He was playing with other children in the village street, when a pony drawing a trap galloped along the road, and before the poor boy could get out of the way he was caught by the vehicle and crushed against a wall: his right thigh was fractured, and he received a severe scalp wound. He was at once conveyed to the Stamford Infirmary, where he is progressing favourably under the care for Mr Gibbings, the house surgeon. On the 22nd John Bailey, a labourer in the employ of Mr. Pearson, of Essendine, whilst assisting to cut chaff with a steam chaff-cutter, had his right hand drawn in between the rollers, and before the machine could be stopped he had one hand and arm sliced off piece by piece to above the elbow. The unfortunate man was taken to the Stamford Infirmary, where amputation was performed by Mr. Eddowes. He died on Wednesday evening.

50 years ago: February 2, 1973 – Some of the guests at the Bourne Abbey Bowling Club dinner and presentation evening at the Corn Exchange last week
50 years ago: February 2, 1973 – Some of the guests at the Bourne Abbey Bowling Club dinner and presentation evening at the Corn Exchange last week

200 years ago

January 31, 1823

Such was the singular state of the streets in Stamford from the frost on Monday last, that numbers of persons skated up and down them, proceeding uninterruptedly from Scotgate to the top of High-street.

Two accidents, rendered by their coincidence very remarkable, occurred in Stamford on Tuesday. Mrs. Butcher, the wife of a person in St. George’s-street who works in the tan-yard, fell down in the street, owing to the slippery state of the pavement from frost, and broke her left arm just above the wrist. Her sister-in-law, the wife of a sawyer named Richardson, living in the short street leading from St. John’s-street to the Sheep-pens, hearing of the accident, left her home to visit Mrs. Butcher, but slipped down when near the Theatre, and broke her right arm, also just above the wrist. She was assisted to the house of the first-named sufferer in St. George’s-street, and the surgeon who had been called, there performed the necessary operation of setting the bones of both.

The Glasgow up-mail has daily this week been after time in its arrival here, owing to obstructions from snow in the North. On Wednesday afternoon the coach was four hours later than the appointed time;and on reaching Stamford, driven by an occasional coachman, was upset at the turn in St. John’s-street. There were four inside and two outside passengers, but providentially no person was much hurt: the coach windows were shattered by the overthrow on the pavement. The turn in St. John’s-street is considered the worst on the Great North Road. A clergyman of Yorkshire who was lately thrown over in a post-chaise, good-humouredly declared that he had only once before, and that several years ago, posted on the road, and that it was extraordinary his chaise should on both occasions pull out the window of the shoemaker’s shop!

On New-year’s day a wren’s nest was taken from a shed in the yard of Mr. Breffett, of Allington, near Grantham, containing five eggs, all whole, and perfectly warm when taken, which may be considered a very remarkable circumstance at this season of the year.

An inquest was held at Uppingham on Monday last, on the body of a child named Bilsdon, which, in the absence of its mother, was so dreadfully burnt on the Saturday preceeding as to occasion its death.

On Tuesday se’nnight, a large bag, containing several gold and silver watches, and numerous other valuable articles, belonging to Mr. Hart Jacob, was stolen from the front room at the sign of the Mermaid, in Boston.

Mr. Mould, of Oakham, has this week received from Sir G. Heathcote, Bart. the sum of £20, which has been distributed to the necessitous poor of that place; and likewise £2 for the prisoners in the gaol at Oakham. The bounty of Sir Gilbert Heathcote has also been bestowed on the poor of Uppingham: the overseers have been presented with £29, which is intended to be laid out in the purchase of coals.



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