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25 years ago
A-boards could soon be removed completely from Stamford town centre as district councillors and shopkeepers move closer to agreeing on an alternative.
Stamford Chamber of Trade and Commerce has been campaigning for adequate signs to let visitors know of the shops in the lanes around the town centre.
This week South Kesteven District Council’s planning committee agreed on its suggestion for wall-mounted signs at the entrance to Cheyne Lane, Wellington Lane, Silver Lane and a hanging sign at Stamford Walk.
One of SKDC’s conditions is that the chamber would ask its members not to display A-boards and give its support to their removal in the town centre. Chamber of Trade president Don Lambert has praised SKDC’s decision to back the signs proposal.
He said: “This will definitely be a major plus for the traders since it should guide shoppers to their businesses. The design will also add to the overall ambience and character of the town centre.”
He praised SKDC’s “positive approach” and on behalf of the Chamber of Trade expressed his thanks to the planning committee and officers, particularly Coun Derek Bell and chairman Coun Paul Genever.
Renovation of properties in St Mary’s Street and St Mary’s Hill are continuing ahead of schedule as men work round the clock with meticulous care to return the listed building to its former glory.
And while no stone is left unturned to clean and label the masonry that will be removed in the operation every effort has been made to minimise the inconvenience to shopkeepers and shoppers.
The work is probably the most significant in the area since the renovation of St Mary’s Church in the early part of the century.
What unites both projects is Stamford firm E. Bowman and Son, masons, joiners and decorators, based in Cherry Holt Road, and main contractor on both projects.
Alan Speechley, chartered building surveyor of Strutt and Parker, said: “Much of the stonework at Sue’s Flower House is damaged and had become quite dangerous because of the risk of it coming loose. We’ve cleaned all the stonework of the flower shop, Nancy French and Fancourt butchers in preparation for removing the stone.
“Each stone has been numbered and we will then rebuild replacing the damage and making the building stronger.”
In order to minimise the disruption contractors have waited until the shops are closed before starting cleaning work and the road cones have been moved to allow easier access to businesses.
Pupils at Stamford School have certainly met their deadlines in the eyes of judges of the Daily Telegraph’s annual newspaper competition.
The school’s sixth form news team has won the regional heat for their paper The Informer.
Editor Tim Cooke, news editor Mark Palmer, features editor Max Robinson and sports editor Philip McTeer and a gang of intrepid freelance contributors have scooped £200 worth of books for the school.
Control and content of The Informer is entirely in pupils’ hands and it takes about six weeks to produce.
Tim said: “Last year’s entry was quite an act to follow, but we made a number of changes, making The Informer more hard-edged in tone, but at the same time more appealing to sixth formers.”
And Max said he would definitely recommend working on the school paper to other pupils.
“It took up a lot of time and was a challenge. But I would definely like to further my journalism skills if I get to university,” he said.
The latest copy, which was sent to the Daily Telegraph, contains articles on Stamford Arts Centre’s cinema, a student trip to Italy, a Duke of Edinburgh expedition and music reviews.
Stamford stores Mulligans and Truffles paid for advertising space and, on the day it was published, The Informer sold all 150 copies by lunchtime.
Last year’s sixth form was the national winner with its entry, but this time the accolade went to Manchester Grammar School.
50 years ago
Stamford and District Scout Association annual meeting learned from the District Commissioner, Dr E. Gobbett, at the Toc H rooms, Stamford, on Thursday, that district scouting continues to flourish.
However, there was a small drop in number this year due to the closure of the Priory School and Roman Catholic groups. These had only cub packs, and the number of Scouts over 11 years had increased.
The adult leaders had a fine record of attendance on training courses, went on Dr Gobbett, and five had gained the Advanced Leader training award.
Dr Gobbett told the large attendance of leaders, friends and parents that parents should realise the amount of time given up by leaders.
Bourne and Thurlby group had now joined the district and it was decided to change the name of the association to the Stamford and Bourne District Scout Council.
Treasurer Mr P. M. Tomblin reported that the balance in hand had dropped from £202 to £30 because of the expenditure on equipping the Shacklewell camp centre. However, current fund-raising should swell this again.
A report on the camp at Shacklewell was given by District Venture Scout Leader D. Botterill, who said that it had been used at weekends and school holidays by Scouts, Guides and Cubs not only from our district but from Bourne, Freiston, Oakham, Nottingham, Worksop, Grantham and Crowland. In fact there had been 548 nights camping and 872 day visits.
Weeds, in places head-high on the south bank at the confluence of the River Eau and Carr Dyke, are causing annoyance and inconvenience to residents of Eastgate, Bourne.
And the situation is fraught with possible dangers, in that children using the once clear footpath can now now pick it out. They must walk through nettles which entirely cover them.
To reach their allotments at the rear of the bank, gardeners have to forge through thick undergrowth.
From the neatly-kept back garden of the Anchor Inn, on the opposite bank, the outlook is that of a vast jungle.
On higher ground, from the front of Mrs Sandra Rowlands’ bungalow in Bedehouse Bank, a vast wilderness of nettles is exposed as far as Wilsons Drove bridge, some 200 yards away.
“These weeds are horrible and unsightly, especially when you contrast them with the neatness and tidiness of the river bank farther down the Spalding Road,” Mrs Rowland commented.
The River Board is responsible for keeping the river bank weed-free.
In the interest of law and order corporal punishment should be re-introduced.
This was a majority opinion expressed at Monday’s meeting of Oakham Rural Council and it is to be submitted to the annual meeting of the Rural District Councils’ Association at Brighton next week.
As president of the Association, the Earl of Gainsborough, a member and former chairman of Oakham R.D.C., will be presiding at the conference and he is firmly against the idea of bringing back corporal punishment.
The subject arose at Monday’s council meeting when members were discussing conference resolutions.
One of the resolutions urges the Government to ensure that all practical steps are taken for the maintenance of law and order, appreciating that law and order are the bulwarks of our freedom.
A piece of old England has died. These sad but appropriate words were used by Mr Anthony Smith, a prosecuting counsel, at the close of what could well prove to have been the last Rutland assizes to be held at Oakham Castle on Tuesday.
Usually only one judge is assigned to the Rutland Court, but on this historical occasion there were two – Mr Justice Lyell and Mr Justice Cusack – and watched by a large crowd the assizes were opened with all the traditional dignity and ceremonial.
The two judges were met at the county boundary by the High Sheriff of Rutland, Mr Dennis Player, and escorted to their lodgings, the home of Mr John Hassan on Oakham Market Place.
From there in their scarlet robes and full-bottomed wigs they walked in procession through the grounds of Oakham School chapel to the parish church for the customary Assize service.
100 years ago
A motor-cycling club for Stamford and district was formed at a meeting at the Crown Hotel on Monday evening.
At the Shropshire and West Midland Agricultural Society’s Show, held at Shrewsbury last week, Martin’s Cultivator Co., Ltd., were awarded the first prize silver medal for their new patent self-lift tractor cultivator and ridger.
Mothers’ Union – A joint meeting of the local branches was held at Browne’s Hospital, Stamford, on the 27th ult. The speakers were Mrs. Hulbert, of Ketton, formerly secretary of the Union for the Peterborough diocese, and Mrs. Dennett, who
presided.
The Resting Place of American Soldiers – A service was held on Sunday, in keeping with the national observances, at the graves of American soldiers who were buried in Stamford during the war. The Rev. C. Thompson (the Mayor’s chaplain) was away from Stamford, and at his invitation the Rev. L. Hale (Wesleyan assistant minister) officiated, and made feeling allusion to the men interred there. The mayor and other representative townsfolk were in attendance. His Worship has arranged for the graves to be kept in order. Each bore the American flag and was planted with forget-me-nots and pansies.
Property Sale – At the Stamford Hotel, on Monday, Messrs. Royce, of Oakham, sold by auction the freehold premises and dwelling-house, Nos. 1 and 2, St George’s-street, in the occupation of Mr. H. R. Peake, fishmonger. The tenant became the purchaser at £600. Messrs. Barnes and D. H. Bernard, of London, were the solicitors concerned.
Guardians Becoming Impatient with Military – At Monday’s meeting of the Board of Guardians (the vice-chairman, Mr. J. W. Coulson, occupying the chair), Mr. H. T. Daniels inquired whether a settlement of the claim for the damage to the Board-room had yet been made by the military, and the Clerk (Mr. H. J. Tillson) replied in the negative, but added that he had again written to the authorities. Mr. J. B. Toms: I would like to move that we take legal proceedings against them. Mr. Daniels: I’ll second that. Put the lawyer on the case and they’ll soon pay. I think it’s quite time we pressed this matter. The Clerk thought no more could be done by the Board than was being done. The claim had to go through three departments, and it had now reached the last fence. Mr. Daniels said he would raise the matter at every meeting of the Board until it was settled. An application from the rates collector at Barnack for an increase of salary was referred to the Parish Council for their recommendation.
Bourne – A meeting was held at the Institute on Monday evening, Mr. J. T. Holmes presiding, of those interested in social welfare schemes to consider a way out of the difficulties which have beset the Y.M.C.A. Hut scheme at Bourne. Like the previous town’s meeting, there was a deadlock. Various propositions were put forward, but there were no seconders, and it was understood that certain guarantors would be approached on the matter of whether they were prepared to stand by the scheme if proceeded with. It would appear that a hitch has occurred on account of the initial expenses amounting to more than was at first anticipated, together with the fact that the equipment to be given by the Y.M.C.A. is not so much as was expected and promised at the outset. However, there is a disposition in some quarters to try and evolve a solution, as it is felt that the hut would supply a long-felt want in the town.
150 years ago
On Wednesday last a public meeting was held in the Assembly-rooms, Stamford, to inaugurate a Temperance Society for this town and neighbourhood. The chair was occupied by Mr. E. F. Young, and spirited addresses were delivered by Mr. Jones, Mr. Walmsley, Mr. C. Chapman, Mr. C. Tyler, Mr. Stockdale, and others. The Hon. and Rev. Leland Noel, M.A., Vicar of Exton, was enthusiastically and unanimously elected president of the society. The vice-presidents, treasurer, secretary, and 14 members of the committee were also appointed by the meeting. The meeting was larger than expected, and great encouragement was expressed that the labors of the society would be successful in staying the evil of intemperance. Letters of sympathy were sent by the Hon. and Rev. Leland Noel and W. Parker, Esq., enclosing donations to the society’s funds.
Only 16 persons from Stamford availed themselves of the special train to Epsom races, by the Great Northern Railway, on Wednesday last.
The Stamford Union Board was attended by only seven Guardians on Wednesday; J. H. Fysh, Esq. in the chair. The long drought has thrown some able-bodied men out of work and driven them to the Board for relief. The number of pauper inmates was 182, being 19 more than in the corresponding week of last year; and the cost of out-relief to 811 recipients was £91 7s. 9½d., or £1 2s. 2d. more than in the corresponding week of last year. 79 tramps were relieved in the house during the week. A letter from the Poor Law Board confirmed the election of Mr. Laxton as clerk; and a letter from the Auditor stated that the collector of rates at Wansford, Stibbington, and Thornhaugh was not entitled to his stipend, in consequence of neglect in the discharge of his duties.
An archaeological correspondent, alluding to the improvements in Broad-street, Stamford, supplies a description of the new school which has recently been built by the side of and in connection with the Roman Catholic Church. By the purchase of the old pig market and the removal of dilapidated buildings in the vicinity, the Rev. Canon Browne has abolished a long-standing public nuisance and improved the effect of the church. Upon a portion of this ground, carefully planned to harmonise with the church and presbytery, a handsome school has been erected. It is built entirely of stone, and in a style of architecture corresponding with that of the church: it is 46 feet long by 20 feet wide and 25 feet high inside; much room is also gained by flanking recesses to the inside. Adjoining the school every sanitary convenience is fitted up for the children, their comfort being studied in the most careful manner throughout. Messrs. Goldie and Child, of London, were the architects, and Messrs. Halliday and Cave the builders. It is hoped that Messrs. Goldie and Child, who designed the church, &c., may soon have the opportunity of completing their work by adding the campanile according to their original designs, when a more perfect group of modern buildings it will be difficult to find in or near this town. Reference to our advertising columns will show that a concert in aid of the building fund of the above-mentioned new schools will take place on Tuesday evening next in the Assembly-rooms. The programme is very attractive, and we have no doubt there will be a large attendance.
On the 23d ult. the members of the Union Benefit Society celebrated their 50th anniversary at the Carpenters’ Arms, St. Leonard’s-street, Stamford, when about 90 sat down to a good dinner provided by the landlady. There are now 132 names upon the books, and although the expenses had been very heavy during the year, the balance still in hand amounted to £977 8s. 4d. On the following Monday 36 members and friends partook of a jubilee supper.
200 years ago
Ketton, Rutland, June 1st, 1820.
H. Parsons, Member of the Royal College of Surgeons Licentiate of the Society of Apothecaries, London, and late of the United Hospitals of Guy and St. Thomas, respectfully begs leave to inform the ladies, gentry, and inhabitants of Ketton and its vicinity, that he intends practising the three branches of the profession at Ketton, when he trusts, that by his abilities and by assiduous attention, he will not fail to give that satisfaction to those who may honor him with their confidence, which will promote the patronage of a liberal public.
Left, on Saturday the 20th of May, by a shabby-looking Man, (who, after drinking a pint of ale at Mr. John Lenton’s, Red Lion Inn, Market Deeping, proceeded on the London road,) two Cotton Gowns, two pair of Cotton Stockings, a Woman’s Cap, one Cotton Neckerchief all lately washed (supposed to be stolen), and a She Ass.
If not owned within one month from the date hereof, the same will be Sold to pay expenses.
J. Lenton, Constable of Market Deeping.
Market Deeping, 1st June, 1820.
Valuable Freehold & Tithe-Free Estate.
To be Sold by Private Contract.
A Most Desirable Freehold and Tithe-Free Estate, in the parish of Corby, in the county of Lincoln, called Heath Farm, containing about 92 Acres of Arable and Pasture Land, together with a newly-erected Dwelling-house, and other commodious Buildings. The land, adapted to the turnip and barley system of husbandry, is also of sufficient strength for wheat, and is in a high state of cultivation, as may be seen by the growing crops, The crew-yard is well supplied with water.
The estate is situated on the turnpike-road, half-way between the post-town of Colsterworth on the Great North Road and the market-town of Corby, distant from the former about three miles, about 11 miles from the excellent market-town of Grantham, and 13 from Stamford.
Upon the estate is an open Quarry of excellent Building Stone, of a good quality for the manufacture of lime, thereby affording an inexhaustible source of manure.
Half the purchase-money may remain on security of the estate, if required. Possession at Lady-day next.
For further particulars apply to Mr. Newton, at Irnham, near Colsterworth.
Tolls to Let.
Turnpike-road from Lincoln to Peterborough.
Middle District.
Notice is hereby given, that the Tolls arising at Bourn Mills and Kate’s Bridge Bars, upon the above road, will be put up respectively, for the term of Two Years from the 10th day of October next, to be Let by Auction, to the best bidder or bidders, on Saturday the 8th day of July next, at the Bull Inn in Bourn, in the county of Lincoln, at the hour of 12 at noon of the same day, pursuant to an Act of Parliament passed in the 13th year of the reign of his late Majesty King George to Third, “for regulating turnpike-roads;” which Tolls produced the last year the sum of £461.
Whoever happens to be the highest bidder, must enter into security, with sureties to be approved of by the Trustees of the said road, for the payment of the rent agreed for, and at such times as they shall direct.
Will. Hopkinson, Clerk to the Trustees.
Bourn, 31st May, 1820.
On Tuesday last a boy, son of Mr. John Ladds, of Quadring, was unfortunately killed by the sail of a mill in that parish.
