Looking back over old issues of the Rutland and Stamford Mercury with Mercury Memories
The Mercury publishes its Mercury Memories every week, thanks to the support of the Stamford Mercury Archive Trust.
Here we look back on articles we published 10 years ago; 25 years ago; 50 years ago; 100 years ago; 150 years ago and 200 years ago.
10 years ago
County council officials were in Stamford this week tackling a backlog of potholes.
Lincolnshire County Council workers were in Sutherland Way in Stamford resurfacing the road, which was highlighted in the Mercury last week as being one of the areas badly damaged by potholes.
The county council has a budget of £46.5m for all its road maintenance for 2011/12 but the recent bad weather has worsened an estimated £300m backlog of repairs.
Senior highways officer Adam Freear said: “The weather and time have taken their toll on a few roads in the Stamford area and each are in the process of being planned in for repairs.
“In the case of Sutherland Way, the need for the road to be resurfaced was identified a few weeks ago and we’re pleased to be making these improvements now, to protect the safety of all road users.
“This road, along with Radcliffe Road, St Mary’s Street, Queen’s Walk, Kesteven Road and Perth Road, developed potholes which were actually symptoms of the need for the whole stretch to be re-laid.”
Mr Freear said the work would start as soon as possible and residents would be notified of start dates.
A former Stamford man is helping to save African villagers at risk of death or mutilation on hidden minefields.
Bomb disposal expert Christopher Bull, who went to Queen Eleanor School, is spending weeks in the bush in south Sudan tracking down and disposing of bombs and minefields scattered around the countryside.
Mr Bull, 29, is working with G4S Ordnance Management in the Kapotea region of Sudan where he works with the Taposa tribe.
Mr Bull, who served in Iraq with the Royal Engineers and left the Army in 2009, has cleared 20 bombs ranging from 100kg to a 500kg device.
Mr Bull said: “I do this job for a number of reasons – the sense of purpose I get doing this as well as helping people is massive.
“I like the danger, which sounds strange but I am a bit of an adrenaline junkie at heart.
“Another factor is the fact that the only other skill I have is carpentry, which is miles part from this and something I am not into at this stage of my life.
“Every day is different and always a challenge. At the moment things are quite difficult here because of the referendum and the changes within the country are massive.”
An elderly couple escaped unhurt after a fire ripped through the roof of their home.
Bill Harris heard an explosion just after 7am on Monday as he was heading for the kitchen to make a cup of tea for his wife Marie, 81.
Mr Harris, 84, looked in the loft of the bungalow in Millstone Lane, Barnack, and saw what he described as a ball of fire.
The couple quickly escaped before part of the roof collapsed.
Their son Tim said: “It’s devastating for them.
“It’s just unbelievable, it all happened so quickly. I was called in the morning and you just can’t believe it until you see it.
“We’re going to go into the home and see if we can salvage whatever we can from it.”
Mr Harris, a retired quantity surveyor, called the fire service from the garden of their burning home and firefighters were soon on the scene.
25 years ago
Castle Cement, Ketton, is planning to burn waste tyres and is also looking at the possibility of using paper, plastic and textiles as alternative fuels to coal.
Following its success in getting authorisation to burn the industrial waste-derived fuel Cemfuel, Castle Cement is now applying to burn some of the 25-30 million vehicle tyres discarded annually in this country.
Initial response from Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Pollution suggests the company will get permission and burning of the latest kiln fuel could start within four months.
Castle’s works manager Neville Roberts said: “All the indications from years of tyre burning by industries worldwide are that it will help us make further improvements to overall emissions from the works. It will also be financially beneficial.
“The high operating temperatures of cement kilns - around 1,200 degrees celsius – ensure complete combustion of tyres. This means no black smoke or smells. And emissions of nitrogen oxides, an acid rain gas, are lower.”
Tallington-based construction company Costain Dowmac has been sold in a £10.5 million deal.
Tarmac has acquired the plant, along with two other sites in the Costain Building Products group, to further boost its concrete products business.
A cash sum of £3.6 million has been paid for the three centres, the others of which are in Nottinghamshire and Lanarkshire.
Tarmac will also take liability for the trade creditors which is estimated at £6.9 million.
The three sites will now be merged into Tarmac Precast Concrete which has manufacturing facilities in Somerset and Nottinghamshire.
A Stamford business woman has called for a campaign to prevent the former Stamford outdoor swimming pool from becoming a car park.
The woman, who asked not to be named, believes the district and town council have wasted an opportunity to provide an area of grassland for children living at the new homes in Wothorpe Road and Station Road.
But Stamford Town Council clerk Tony Wain said the support for the car park scheme, including an amenity area by the River Welland, receive unanimous backing from councillors.
The woman who lives in Ketton, said: “To turn a prime piece of land alongside the river into a car park is sacrilege and there should be a campaign to save it.
“It seems as though it’s being sacrificed merely for South Kesteven District Council to make more money through parking charges. If Stamford must have another car park there must be less attractive sites to locate it.”
But Mr Wain said: “I don’t know ]of any councillors who were against the car park plan.
“We have also insisted that the scheme to fill in the swimming pool includes an amenity area for picnics, an information board and toilets.”
The population of Bourne could double if a building restriction is imposed on the Deepings.
More people are moving to the area and South Kesteven District Council is now faced with the dilemma of whether or not to impose restraints on developments in the town.
But if this happens it could mean the building of 1,850 new homes will be diverted to Bourne, on top of the 1,560 already planned.
The Local Plan allows for the development of about 500 extra homes to be bult at Bourne, which means land for an additional 1,350 would need to be allocated.
The proposals have been backed by the local planning inspector, who said he saw “no reason to question their (the council’s) decision to restrict development at the Deepings and increase the provision at Bourne to achieve the Structure Plan figures.”
50 years ago
Discharges of crude sewage from Bourne sewage works into the Weir Dyke, during electricity power cuts of December 8 and 11, had not resulted in the severe pollution at first feared.
This was revealed by an inspection of the dyke, Mr Michael Silverwood (Surveyor) told Bourne Urban Council, on Tuesday.
The situation was helped, he said, by wet weather and the consequent steady flow of surface water.
Mr Silverwood outlined the general engineering principles regarding discharges into the dyke, and he said that, altogether, crude sewage from the town’s drainage system flowed for about eight hours into the dyke.
An electric cable laid astride a surface water drain had been responsible for continuously running water in Burghley Street, the Council was told by the Surveyor. The Electricity Authority has adjusted the cable and laid a new pipe, and it was hoped that the street would now drain properly.
Most local firms and industries were relying on hand delivered mail this week as the strike-bound postal service ground to a halt.
The strike call got almost 100 per cent support from postal workers at Stamford and Bourne, but at Stamford some of the counter staff turned up for work on Wednesday.
If the strike continues Stamford post office will be open and staffed by volunteers on Tuesdays and Fridays for paying pensions.
Stamford Employment Exchange beat the strike on Wednesday by paying out unemployment benefit over the counter. “As long as people can come in to collect their payments we will be able to carry on as normal,” said manager Mr W. D. Climpson.
And people will able to collect social security benefits from the call office in All Saints Street, Stamford.
Ketton Cement Company is relying on delivery drivers to take further orders from customers. “We think the system is working fairly well and most of our customers have enough literature to make further orders,” said a spokesman.
Dow-Mac Concrete at Tallington is keeping in contact with the other two Dow-Mac factories by means of staff travelling round the factories.
“Apart from this we are relying on STD telephone and telex,” said sales director Mr F. J. Browne. “It is rather early to comment, but if the strike goes on I think it could make things rather difficult.”
Other local firms relying on telephone and telex included Mirrlees Blackstone and Newage Lyon. “We are sending orders out as normal,” said a Blackstone’s spokesman.
“But receiving no incoming mail doesn’t make life very easy.”
100 years ago
A Stamford Ex-Alderman’s Wish – The interment of the remains of the late Mr. Henry Simpson, J.P., was marked by the observance of an unusual request by the deceased gentleman. After the service at St. George’s church, the cortege proceeded by way of St. George’s-street in order that deceased’s wish that a momentary halt be made outside the premises where he formerly carried on business (now occupied by the Co-operative Society) might be fulfilled. This request having been complied with the cortege proceeded on its way to the cemetery. Among the numerous company who assembled at the church to pay their last tribute of respect to the memory of this honoured resident and public servant was the Marquess of Exeter.
Stamford School Children Entertained – Happy are the reflections of the St. Michael’s school children since the New Year treat, given them by the headmistress (Mrs. Horridge) and staff in the girls’ school on Friday. About 120 children were catered for. Mr. A. W. Parker entertained them in his well-known styles, and distributed prizes to the best singers. The children exhibited their artistic talents in a presentation of “Cinderella,” while the Misses Warren and Musson (2) undertook the staging of another play, “Aunt Mary from Carolina.” Selections on the gramaphone added to the pleasure of the little guests and light refreshments and oranges were dispensed. Games and dances brought an enjoyable evening to a close. From 6 to 8 o’clock on Friday night, in the Albert Hall, a large number of the Congregational primary school children were entertained by their teaches and friends, and the pleasure of the youngsters was good to behold. The arrangements were admirably conducted by Mrs. Joyce and Mrs. Allen. At the conclusion, light refreshments were served.
The Gale – This district felt the effects of the gale which swept the country on Tuesday, but happily no serious damage was caused. A few trees in exposed parts were brought down, and one side of the roof of an old loft at the rear of Messrs. Tidd and Son’s premises in High-street was completely denuded of its slating, the rafters also being torn away. Telegraphic communication with Leicester was interrupted by the wire being brought down, but the inconvenience was of short duration, thanks to the action of the engineering department.
Workhouse Tea and Concert – Tuesday was a red letter day in the lives of those who are domiciled at the Poor Law Institution, when, as is the custom, the annual tea and entertainment given by the Mayor (Mr. A. Cliff) and Mr. J. Brown, took place. The dining hall had been tastefully adorned with streamers, evergreen, etc, and an excellent tea was greatly enjoyed by the inmates. Amongst those who catered for their happiness, both as regards the serving of tea and the whole of the proceedings, were the Mayor and Mayoress, Miss Gladys Archer; Miss Goodyer and Miss Hooson (lady guardians), Mr. and Mrs. J. Brown, Miss Parker, Miss Pepper, Miss Riley, and the Master and Matron. After tea an excellent entertainment which was of the highest merit, delighted the audience, both young and old.
150 years ago
Stamford and Rutland Savings Bank – The general annual meeting of the trustees and managers of this institution was held at the bank yesterday (Thursday); the Rev. D. E. Jones in the chair. The accounts for the quarter ending 20th November, 1880, were examined and passed. The annual statement was then produced and examined, when it appeared that the institution now possessed a property in investments and cash amounting to £94,782 0s. 4d., which, after deducting the sum required to pay the demands of all the depositors, amounting to £91,494 6s. 3d., leaves a clear balance of £3,287 14s. 1d.
The Committee of the Stamford Floral and Horticultural Society met on Tuesday last, and determined to limit the exhibition of this year to an open-air show, or rather show in tents, which is fixed to be held on Wednesday the 21st June; and if it can be obtained the site for the show will be the ground opposite Rutland-terrace. A sub-committee was appointed to draw up a schedule of prizes.
The Bachelors’ Ball at Stamford took place on Friday last at the Assembly-room, and was attended by upwards of 100 invitees, many of whom were from the country. Dancing commenced at 9 o’clock, and was kept up at intervals until between 5 and 6 next morning. Refreshments on a literal scale were provided. The Town and Country Ball, on Tuesday evening last, was also well attended, and carried on more perseveringly than that given by the Bachelors, it being 7 a.m. On Wednesday morning before the room was cleared.
Stamford Union – At the weekly meeting on Wednesday last week, the statistics of pauperism showed an increase of 13 inmates over the number in the corresponding week of last year; and on the relief list were the names of several able-bodied men who applied in consequence of being unable to obtain employment. A fortnight previously, when the frost was severe and the ground covered with snow, the Board granted out-relief to two able-bodied men with families, not wishing that the weather-bound labourers should break up their homes. The cases were reported to the Poor-law Board on the 4th inst., and the sanction of the central authority to this departure from the usual course was applied for; but on the 13th inst. A reply was received of such a tenour as precluded the Stamford Board from again affording out-relief to able-bodied men, no matter how hard and distressing the circumstances may be. The subject of boarding-out orphan children came incidentally before the meeting, that the principle was generally approved; but its adoption was postponed for further consideration.
The Bourn Elocution Society gave another entertainment on Tuesday evening the 17th inst., attracting, as usual, a very large and appreciative audience. The plays chosen for representation were “Poisoned!” and “D’ye know me now?” the characters in which were ably sustained by Messrs. Clarke, Redmile, Potter, Gibson, Turner, and Carter. This has been spoken of as one of the most amusing entertainments that has yet been given in the town. Mr. Clarke, with his comic singing and acting, kept the audience convulsed with laughter, and on his appearance as Nogo Dumps elicited thunders of applause.
200 years ago
The Town or Borough of Stamford, in the county of Lincoln.
This is to give Notice, that the General Quarter Sessions of the Peace, Oyer and Terminer, and General Gaol Delivery of our Sovereign Lord the King, will be holden, in and for the said Borough (by adjournments), at the usual place, the Town-Hall there, on Tuesday the Twenty-third day of this instant January, by Ten o’clock in the forenoon; when and where all persons who are bound be recognizance to appear, prefer, prosecute, or give evidence upon, any indictment, appeal, trial, or other proceeding, or to make any answer or defence thereto, or do any other business there, all all jurors, constables, peace-officers, and others, who have any thing to present to do at the said Sessions, are to attend, and not depart the court without licence – dated this 15th day of January, 1821.
J. Torkington, Clerk of the Peace.
Pounded and Stray-Marked at Irnham, in the county of Lincoln, a Brown Mare, with a deal of white in the face. Whoever has lost the same may have her again, by applying to Mr. Stringfellow, of Irnham aforesaid, and paying the expenses.
N.B. If not owned by the 26th instant, she will be sold to defray the expenses.
We are happy to say that the Dorcas ball in Stamford on Tuesday night was well attended: in consequence of this liberal support, the Committee was enabled yesterday morning to give supernumerary tickets to more than sixty poor persons who had not before been benefited by this excellent institution.
The liberality of Sir G. Heathcote, Bart. has this week been extended to the poor of Uppingham; the overseers of that parish received £20 as a donation from the benevolent gentleman
A tall man, who calls himself John Beardsmore, a native of Tuxford, travelling about selling nuts and oranges, and a woman who says she is his wife, were apprehended on Saturday last, and are now in custody at Grantham, for uttering base half-crown pieces at different public-houses, and it is suspected that they also succeeded in paying away several in the market. The counterfeits are of the date 1819.
On Wednesday an inquest was held at Barnack, near this place, by Mr. Hopkinson, coroner for the Soke of Peterborough, upon the body of Henry Squires, aged two years, who being left by his mother near an unguarded fire whilst she was gone to the well, was so dreadfully burnt as to occasion his death. Verdict, accidentally. This is the second fatal instance of child-burning in the same village within 12 days.
Two inquests were last week held by Mr. Edwards, coroner: at Deeping St. James, on Wednesday, on the body of Mary the wife of Robert Lancaster, who was discovered by her husband dead in bed, having retired to rest in her usual health; and at Pinchbeck, on Friday, on the body of Ann the wife of ---- Brown, who retired to rest in apparent good health and died in the course of the night. Verdict in each of these cases, died by the visitation of God.
