Look back in time with Mercury Memories
10 years ago
Potholes are causing a headache for county council officials as they face dealing with £300m damage to roads across the county.
Lincolnshire County Council has a budget of £46.5m for all its road maintenance for 2011/12 but the recent spell of bad weather has only worsened a backlog of pothole repairs.
So far the council has received double the number of reported of potholes as last year.
Assistant director for highways and transport Paul Coatup said the council was facing “impossible challenges with tackling potholes”.
He said: “Our estimated backlog is £300m is based on condition surveys which we will only be able to update after this winter but it’s likely to be worse following the recent terrible weather.
“Potholes are sadly an inevitable result of this extreme weather.”
Protesters are calling on villagers to send in their views on a 150-home development.
Members of Sensible Development, known as Send, are fighting against plans to put up the estate in King’s Cliffe.
Charles Church, which is part of the Persimmon group, has applied to East Northamptonshire District Council to develop a field in Wood Road.
The council’s development control committee will be making a decision on the plans at their meeting on Wednesday, February 9.
The protest committee says that the proposal would increase the size of King’s Cliffe by 30 per cent and that the village’s roads would be unable to cope with the influx of extra vehicles.
Committee chairman George Smid, of Wansford Road, King’s Cliffe, is calling on residents to send in their views to council within the next two weeks.
He also said the group was not against development in the village.
Mr Smid said: “At the moment we have 450 houses and that would increase the village by 30 per cent.
“The whole development is more of a suburban, town or city type of development.
“They don’t fit in with the character of the village.
“People don’t have long to write in and have their say.”
Families could be using new toilets at a playground in the summer if volunteers can raise £62,000.
Friends of Stamford Recreation Ground are working on plans to create a new toilet block on the park and they are hoping to have them in place by July.
The park’s current unhygienic toilet blocks are closed forcing families to walk into town to use the toilets.
The Friends of the Rec are looking to remedy this but are hoping that people in the town will get behind their fundraising Spend A Penny campaign.
The group is considering putting up a prefabricated building, which would have brick cladding, close to the Belton Gardens Bowling Club.
Friends of the Rec chairman Penny Dawson, of Exeter Gardens, Stamford, is calling on the town to get behind the campaign which has so far raised just over £13,000.
She said: “We are asking all Mercury readers to support us in this local project which will help all of us to enjoy the Recreation Ground more.
“If there is a toilet facility there you can go up to the Rec, have a picnic and stay there for longer.”
25 years ago
Plans for a business park on the old Mirrlees Blackstone site could provide upwards of 500 jobs in Stamford and have been universally praised.
Stamford Property Company want to turn the Ryhall Road site into an area of prosperity for the town and are encouraging engineering firms to look at the huge industrial factory area in the middle.
Spokesman Tom Hindmarch said: “It is ideal for engineering for two reasons. Firstly, the existing building is sound, had its own gantry and will be accessible by lorry. Secondly, Stamford already has half a workforce that are engineering trained because they used to work at Blackstones.
“We are using Stamford companies in the planning, and hopefully building, stages of the site to keep the project local. A large engineering firm, we hope, will also bring in the associated companies.”
Mr Hindmarch said the first six units, covering 22,000 square feet, and access roads will be finished by the end of the year, if permission is granted.
The second phase of the plan incorporates a commercial car garage on the site of the old social club, plus various sets of office space on the south side, and the company hopes to have this finished in five to 10 years.
Hundreds of travellers will witness stunning views from “one of the largest viaducts in the kingdom” when they take to Harringworth on Sunday.
A rare chance to see the engineering masterpiece from a golden railway age – and spectacular scenery across the Welland Valley – has come about because of repair work on the main Midland line.
And campaigners battling to re-open the historic line permanently hope that the huge number of people travelling on the Inter City 125 trains will help sway rail bosses.
Railway Development Society member and Gretton resident David Fursdon said: “I am sure many local people have actually driven under the viaduct, but to go over it is wonderful.
“It gives a totally different angle to the Welland Valley and brings home how beautiful it it.”
Work will begin next week on the future home of a Bourne doctors’ practice.
The Galletly practice, which serves around half the local population, is returning to 40 North Road, its original setting built by Dr John Galletly when he founded the surgery at the turn of the century.
County health chiefs had originally refused to provide financial help for the expansion of the surgery.
But they changed their minds following a presentation by the practice about the future needs of the community/
Practice manager Linda Johnson said: “Although Lincolnshire Health Committee first refused to back us, we were determined to carry on with the scheme regardless.
“The committee awarded us the grant though when they saw it was becoming more and more obvious what the future needs of the town were.
“Even with the grant though there is still a large deficit, which has been made up by the doctors.”
Work begins next week on both the new section of the surgery and the present building.
It is hoped the project will be completed by August and the practice is planning to move in by mid to late September.
50 years ago
A £7,500 sports pavilion has been built for Stamford by the Borough Council – but it hasn’t cost the ratepayers a penny.
The building, on Empingham Road playing field, was paid for out of the interest on a gift to the council from one of its members who died nearly 16 years ago.
Coun Harry Skells left the council Seaton Grange Farm, which was sold for £51,500. The money has been invested and brings in £4,500 a year.
A condition of the bequest was that the money should be used to provide recreational facilities in the town.
This is the first time that the council has used any of the interest from the bequest.
The pavilion was opened on Saturday morning by Mr D. J. Davenport Handley who was a trustee of Coun Skells’ estate. He was accompanied by Mr Robin Lowe and Ald George Swanson who were also trustees.
The Mayor, Coun Jack Frisby, and members of the council were also present.
Although the pavilion is not finished Borough Surveyor, Mr R. A. Wall, expects that it will be ready for use in about two weeks.
Bourne Urban Council will ask the County Council to divert traffic, on Thursdays only, from Bourne Market Place.
The decision, made on Tuesday, followed a special meeting of the estates and highways and works committees and a meeting with Mr Heeley, the county surveyor’s assistant.
But while Coun Derek Ward, Bourne highways and works chairman, could see the new arrangements lasting for some time and being beneficial, he forecast their being impermanent.
“Perhaps this is not the final solution, even now, of the Market Place problems,” he said. “Perhaps it is a little more than temporary, although not permanent.
“The making of North Street one way will cause some inconvenience but will facilitate traffic through the town. It will probably be a gain for shopkeepers, and more convenient for stallholders and people using the stalls.
“We feel that all matters considered together, the new arrangement will go a long way towards relieving problems. I think the system is well worth a trial. We are in the hands of the County.”
Gloom will be cast over the ball of Stamford Sailing Club on February 5 unless a solution to the problem now facing the general committee, is found before then.
Stamford Sailing Club, established 12 years ago, to provide facilities for the rapidly growing sport of dinghy sailing, now finds itself without water to sail on in 1971.
The club, constituted in 1958 with the help of Stamford Town Council, has been happily accommodated at the Langtoft gravel pits of F. B. Gibbons Ltd until this year, but now this water is no longer available.
The club now has more than 100 boats. Youngsters have always been encouraged to take up sailing, and a number of local schools regularly sail. Unless water is found within the next two months, members will have nowhere to sail this summer.
The club is financially in a position to rent any suitable water. Ironically, the Ministry of Environment has made available a grant for the erection of a new club
house.
100 years ago
Fire Brigade Ball – A very successful ball, under the auspices of the Stamford Volunteer Fire Brigade, was held in the Assembly Rooms on the evening of Thursday in last week, when about 130 people spent a most enjoyable time. The decorations from the Infirmary ball had been left, and the rooms, as was to be expected, looked very beautiful. Mr. G. A. Harper’s band supplied an excellent programme of music, which included twenty-four dances with three extras. The duties of M.C. were ably shared by Messrs. J. Dick, E. Dalton and J. E. Smedley, and a splendid supper was served by Mr. and Mrs. L. Barton, St. Mary’s-street. Wines, etc., were supplied by Mr. J. P. Thomas, Broad-street. The arrangements for the ball were carried out by the Fire Brigade Committee, with Mr. Walter Goodley as the energetic hon. Secretary, and the promoters are to be congratulated on the success which attended their efforts. Dancing commenced at nine and was kept up until nearly 2.30.
Barnado Day Record - Miss M. J. Parker, St. Mary’s-street, Stamford, has received a communication from the district organiser of the Barnardo day fund in which he thanks her for promoting her co-operation again in the coming summer. The letter adds how pleased the organisers were to note that the 1920 result was a record one. Taking into consideration the population of the town, the letter continues, the result was quite unique in the county.
Bourne: The scholars attending the Abbey Church Sunday school had their annual tea and treat in the Vestry hall. Mrs. Grinter presented the prizes, a lantern lecture was given by Mr. C. Story, and several musical items, including carols by the members of St. Agnes Guild, rendered. The children received sweets and cakes.
In connection with the Wesleyan Church a tea and concert was held in the schoolroom. Mr. W. Kelby presided at the concert, and amongst those who took part were Mr. A. Stevens, Mr. W. Hinson. Mr. Sid Harrison, Mr. John Ross, Master Eric Rickard, Mr. R. Palmer, and Mr. W. Goy. The proceeds were for the new organ fund.
Board of Guardians – Jan. 6th, Rev. J. Carvath presided. The Ministry of Health wrote approving of the appointment of Mr. Milan as vaccination officer. The Clerk to the County Council wrote that he had no authority to vary a precept issued by the County Council, but if the Board found themselves unable to pay the extra contribution on Bourne parish for special education expenses he did not think the auditor would take exception to the amount standing over to the next half-year to enable the Board to make adequate provision for its payment.
Urban Council – Tuesday: Mr. F. J. Clarke presided. The Surveyor reported on obstructions caused by tradesmen exhibiting goods outside their premises on market days, thereby partly obstructing the roadway, which in some instances was very narrow. Mr Shilcock asked what was to be done in respect of tradesmen who brought motor vehicles into the Market-place. This, it was pointed out, was permissible in the Market-place, but with regard to the other matters the committee recommended that the Surveyor see the tradesmen in question.
150 years ago
The Marquis of Exeter, with his well-known generosity, at his rent-audit, last week returned to his tenants on light land farms 10 per cent of their rents, in consequence of the adverse season experienced by most of them last year.
Stamford Soup Kitchen – During the past week a most liberal act of kindness has been exhibited towards this institution by Lord Aveland, of Normanton Park, in sending two fine does to be added to the material for the production of the soup, accompanied by an intimation that his Lordship will send two a week during the present season. This offer is as opportune as it is considerate. During the past week subscriptions of £1 from Lord Burghley, £5 from Miss Harriet Hurst, and £3 from Miss Ellis, of Stamford, have been received.
There were several parties of farming lads in Stamford on Monday, dressed up in fantastical fashion and with charcoal-bedaubed faces, to represent “plough-witches.” They of course attracted the jeering salutes of the juveniles, and proved to be a great nuisance to the tradespeople.
Skating has been zealously pursued on the river Welland for more than a fortnight, with only one day’s interruption, when a rapid thaw set in and flooded the ice. On Burghley lake the exercise has been pursued with facility, Lord Exeter having caused a large portion of the ice to be swept daily, and thus kept clear of snow.
The new Act relating to hawkers’ licences will be found very prejudicial to the poor-rates. Already there are three men with their families inmates of Stamford Union-house, who are forced there in consequence of being unable to pursue their ordinary calling: they are liable to apprehension for vending wares or mending chairs without a certificate, which they are unable to obtain.
At Stamford petty sessions, on Saturday last, there was again a blank charge-sheet. A watch-rate of 3d. in the pound for the parish of St. Mary was signed; and the licence of the Cross Keys public-house, St. Mary’s-street, was transferred from Wm. Shepherd to Wm. Marshall, late of Hull. A report from the Inspector of Prisons was received by the Visiting Justices and considered. Although about three years ago certain alterations were made in accordance with the suggestions of the late inspector, who afterwards expressed his content with what had been done, the new inspector found fault with various matters, one of which was that the male prisoners had to wash at a cistern instead of in a wash-basin in their own cells!
On Sunday morning a most diabolical outrage was found to have been committed during the night on two pigs belonging to a widow named Mary Monck, a laundress living in East-street, Stamford. The animals were in a sty in a garden by the roadside, and they had been cut and maimed in a horrible manner: one had a cut a foot in length and four inches deep, reaching, in fact, to the ribs; the other was slashed down the flank and above the hock. A more humane butcher was called in immediately, and the poor things were put out of their misery. The garden gate had also been broken. It is sincerely to be hoped that the miscreant will meet with his merits.
On Monday the 5th the Marquis of Exeter gave a ball and supper at Northampton to the staff-sergeants of the 48th Northamptonshire and Rutland Militia, and some of their friends, to celebrate the coming of age of Lord Burghley.
200 years ago
Absconded, some weeks ago, leaving his Wife and Family chargeable to the parish of Bourn, in the county of Lincoln, William Fox, by trade a tailor, about 40 years of age, slim made, and of middle stature. Whoever will apprehend the said William Fox, and lodge him in any of his Majesty’s gaols, or will give information of him to the Parish Officers of Bourn aforesaid, so he may be apprehended, shall receive Two Guineas Reward.
Oakham, January, 1821. Miss Scotney’s School occupations will recommence on Wednesday the 24th of January, when she will be most happy to see her young friends again.
The Marquis of Exeter entertained a large and distinguished party at Burghley on Friday and Saturday last. Amongst the company were six Knights of the Garter, viz. the Dukes of York and Rutland, and the Earls of Lonsdale, Chatham, Winchilsea, and Westmoreland. The amusement of shooting was taken on both days in the preserves at Wothorpe, Easton and Duddington: 70 hares and 60 pheasants were killed on Friday, and 80 head of game on Saturday.
On Monday night an unfortunate and remarkable accident happened to a young man of this town, named Richard Lightfoot, son of the late Mr. Nathaniel Lightfoot, flax-dresser. Some time ago his elder brother, who was engaged in carrying a sedan-chair, found in the Beast-market a hand-grenade, which probably had dropped from a military ammunition-waggon passing through the town. He took it home with him, and it was an object of curiosity with his family, who formed various conjectures as to its use. The elder brother afterwards usually kept it locked up in his bed-room; but on Monday night last, Richard, the younger, a lad about 15 years of age, unfortunately found it in the drawer of a table, and putting it very close to a candle whilst examining it, the fuse of the shell took fire. He then, ignorant of the probable fatal consequences, walked through the bed-room of a lodger in the house, named Spolton, and had scarcely passed by him when, the fuse having run its time, the grenade exploded in the young man’s hand, and shattered it in so dreadful a way that amputation at the wrist was found necessary. Providentially no other person was hurt; but a large piece of the top of a table was knocked off by the explosion and a number of windows were shattered.
The Ness troop of Yeomanry Cavalry assembled at Baston, by order of Gen. Reynardson, for the first time since the death of their late respected commander, Sir John Trollope. The promptitude and punctuality of their attendance (for, to the credit of this respectable corps, it may be remarked that there were only two or three absentees) is the best proof of the right spirit and proper feeling with which each individual is actuated.