Delve into the past of Stamford, Rutland, Bourne and The Deepings with Mercury Memories

10 years ago

Anglers have been urged to clear up after themselves after a dead otter was found tangled in discarded fishing wire.

Rich Beach, of Barnack Road, Stamford, often kayaks along the River Welland clearing up rubbish.

On Friday last week he was trying to untangle pike line from a tree near The Meadows when he found the otter.

He said: “It was pretty clear that it had spent the night in the river struggling. It is such a shame.”

Mr Beach said the fishing line was typical of what he finds every weekend.

He added: “People just don’t care about the river. I always come back with two bin bags full of rubbish. I’m appalled at what I find down there.

“There are signs saying it is a £70 fine for littering but everyone can get away with it. It’s a big issue.”

A woman who has been teaching just a few months has been given a top award.

Jo Grant, of The Crescent, Easton-on-the-Hill, only achieved her qualifications to teach in the lifelong learning sector in February.

But earlier this month she was named tutor of the year as part of an awards ceremony Lincolnshire County Council held to recognise the achievements of adult learners.

Jo received a glass engraved award, a certificate and a Marks and Spencer’s voucher.

Jo said she was incredibly proud to receive the award.

She said: “I couldn’t believe it that I was the overall winner. It is something I never would have dreamed of but I am very proud.”

As a single mum, Jo was looking for something to occupy her time so she began volunteering at Easton Garford School where her 10-year-old son Shane is a pupil.

She still helps out part-time as a learning mentor helping the children to read.

When the tutor retired from Rutland Adult Learning, Jo was offered a part-time position to teach book keeping.

She also teaches courses in accounting and crafts with Live and Learn, a community interest company which has a range of courses available across Stamford and Bourne.

A new day centre for the elderly is to open in Stamford.

Age UK is setting up shop in the John Van Geest wing of Stamford Hospital. Its new centre, which is scheduled to open in January will offer a range of services for older people.

The charity has been trying to set up a centre for the elderly in the town since it took on the former Darby and Joan Club building in North Street about 10 years ago.

It had planned to refurbish the dilapidated building, but found the cost too much and sold it on.

Chief executive of Age UK Kesteven, Valerie Vowles, said: “We have been desperate to find a home in Stamford ever since we sold the old building.

“Money from the old building is for Stamford, and we are thrilled to be able to set up the centre.”

The new centre will provide are for elderly people with a variety of needs, whether they require specialist care of are just in search of some company.

Exercise classes will be offered as part of Age UK’s Fit as a Fiddle project.

25 years ago

Green shoots of economic recovery are pushing their way through the remains of one of the landmarks in Stamford’s industrial heritage.

On Monday the first stage of the Stamford Business Park, in Ryhall Road, opened offering businesses the opportunity to expand in purpose-built, modern premises.

It comes less than two years after a consortium of town businessmen bought the land and four years since almost 300 people lost their jobs when Mirrlees Blackstone’s closed part of its Stamford operation.

Five units on a one-and-a-half acre site are now available for sale or let.

Another unit has already been snapped up by the Grantham and Peterborough-based Plumb Centre and the consortium, known as Stamford Property Company Ltd, is providing a mixture of office and industrial space.

More than 100 guests, including representatives from Stamford Town Council, South Kesteven District Council and Stamford Chamber of Trade and Commerce, were at the opening.

Stamford mayor Coun Dickon Sinker said: “The consortium has brought hope back to Stamford and this development is the beginning of the recovery we’ve so long been looking for. As each phase is completed more and more jobs will become available. I always hoped that the original job losses would be reversed and this is the start of that processes.”

A tardis toilet has landed in Stamford prompting a mixed reaction from bemused residents. But despite its sci-fi looks and running costs of over £7,000, the vandal-proof cattle market car park toilet has already been attacked before it has even opened.

“Obviously nothing is vandal proof, but the toilet has a rigid concrete shell, covered in black and gold cast steel and aluminium, and the inside and out are coated in anti-graffiti lacquer” said Monsieur Clement Debadie, area manager for toilet manufacturers J. C. Decaux Street Furniture.

A nearby resident said: “It’s an abortion. A complete waste of money. They should have planted some trees or bushes to hide it a bit.”

But a passer-by said: “I like it. It’s a real head-turner.

A parish council has objected strongly to applications to build both a new housing estate and a boat building factory in its village.

More than 100 residents from Baston turned out to a public meeting at the local primary school to hear a presentation from the applicants, Baston Marine Ltd, last Thursday.

Following a heated question and answer session between Baston Marine representatives, potential land buyers Allison Homes and the public, the parish council, during its monthly meeting, discussed the plans.

And it was unanimously agreed by all councillors they would protest to the application to build 225 houses on land next to the Urn Farm Estate, and also object to Baston Marine’s plans for a £4 million factory unit on Outgang Road.

Reasons against the housing development include it being too close to the A15, it would generate extra traffic through the village, the land is not allocated in the local or structure plan for development and many Baston residents are against it.

In objecting to the factory application, the parish council says the chemicals used in the boat building business are flammable and could be a potential fire risk and a danger to the public, and it would create added noise pollution.

However, despite the public opposition, directors at Baston Marine remain committed to their project.

50 years ago

Three Stamford people travelled to Norwich on Monday to take part in “Probe” - Anglia Television’s discussion programme – with Rutland and Stamford MP Mr Kenneth Lewis.

They were Conservative borough councillors Mrs Winifred Smith and Mr Ian Allen and secretary of the Constituency Labour Party Mr Max Winslow.

On the panel with Mr Lewis were three other MPs from the East of England. The discussion was on Common Market entry.

Mr Lewis and Mr Lance Mallalieu, Labour MP for Brigg, were in favour of entry, and Mr Richard Body, Conservative for Holland with Boston, and Mr Kevin Macnamara, Labour MP for Hull North were against.

New equipment was due to be installed yesterday at the Bourne vegetable processing factory, J. C. Firth, which is threatened with closure on Sunday by Bourne Urban Council.

The firm is alleged to have broken a trade effluent agreement with the Urban Council and has been served with a notice which could mean shut down of the factory if not complied with.

About 120 people could lose their jobs if the factory has to close down.

The firm has arranged to have new equipment installed by the end of this week and arrangements were made for a large oxidation tank to be brought in yesterday.

The tank will filter waste before it enters the sewers and reduce the strength of vegetable effluent.

The previous oxidation ditch and pit at the rear of the factory turned septic for a short time earlier this year.

It is felt with new equipment there will no longer be any trouble of this sort.

Thurlby villagers are going into “partnership” with Kesteven County Council to provide better leisure facilities for the village.

The parish council has been given just over eight acres of land for a playing field and a committee has been formed to raise money for the scheme.

Planning permission has been obtained and the parish council have agreed to the building of a new county primary school on part of the field.

The County Council is going to buy one-and-an-eighth acres of the field from the parish for the new school.

The scheme is being designed to provide a playing field, with possibly a school hall, kitchen, changing rooms, and toilets to be used jointly by the school and village.

The coming of the Empingham reservoir has spurred into intense activity those people interested in natural history and archaeology for they realise that time is not on their side if they are to find out and record more about the history of a large area of Rutland.

When the water flows in to cover more than 3,000 acres in a few years’ time any sites of archaeological and historical interest will be lost for ever and, so far as the naturalist is concerned, the whole area will be completely changed in character.

Rutland Natural History Society and Rutland Field Research Group for Archaeology and History have embarked on surveys.

100 years ago

“White Elephant” Sale – Promoted to augment the funds of the Congregational church, Stamford, a most successful sale was held in the Albert-hall on the 20th inst. There was a large attendance, and a brisk business was done at the various stalls of “white elephants” (articles no longer wanted by the owners), rummage, fruit and vegetables, fancy work, etc. The function was arranged and carried out by ladies of the congregation, several of whom dispensed dainty teas.

The “Terriers” - An enjoyable evening was spent at the Drill-hall on the 20th inst., on the occasion of a smoking concert in conjunction with the distribution of awards won at the recent prize shoot. Capt. S. B. Edinborough, D.S.O., M.C., presided, During the evening Sergt-Major A. Peasgood referred in terms of gratitude to the manner in which the townspeople had supported the committee in their efforts to revive the annual shooting competitions, which has been very successful.

Rugby Football Dance – Although the attendance at the dance promoted by the Stamford Rugby Football Club in the Assembly-rooms on Friday evening was not so large as anticipated, those present spent a most enjoyable time. The rooms had been tastefully decorated under the supervision of Mrs. T. W. Pinder and a splendid programme of music was provides by the Peterborough Jazz band. The M.C.’s were Messrs. J. Peel and F. J. Lenton.

Bourne Property Market – On the 20th inst., Mr. A. W. Hodgkinson offered for sale a house on West-road (with immediate vacant possession) latterly occupied by Mr. Abbott. At £850 it was withdrawn. Messrs. S. W. Andrews and Son were the solicitors acting for the vendors.

Ex-Girl Guide’s Premature End - The death occurred on Sunday of Miss Clara Garfoot, at the early age of 16, after several weeks’ illness, the latter period of which was spent in the pavilion at the Isolation Hospital, Bourne. Deceased was a daughter of the late Mr. A. and Mrs. Garfoot, of West-street, Bourne. Up to the time of her illness deceased was a member of the Girl Guides, a contingent of whom were present at the funeral on Wednesday afternoon. The first portion of the service at the Abbey church was conducted by Rev. A. W. Fletcher. Miss O. Walker presided at the organ. There were some splendid floral tributes, which included one from deceased comrades in the Girl Guides and various prominent residents.

Congregationalism – The anniversary services in connection with the Congregational church in Bourn, were held on Sunday and Monday. Rev. A. Jackson, of Gainsborough, preached on Sunday, and addressed the children. The choir at the evening service rendered an anthem. On Monday there was a well-attended tea, and Rev. A. Jackson gave a humorous and dramatic recital which attracted a large audience.

150 years ago

All the Town Councillors of Stamford whose term of office expires on the 1st of November, with the exception of Mr. M. G. Browne, have issued addresses inviting re-election, viz., Messrs. Patterson, Handson, and Stapleton, in All Saints’ ward, and Messrs. Paradise and Lowe in St. Mary’s ward. For the vacancy in All Saints’ ward, Mr. G. Caswell and Mr. H. T. Betts are candidates.

The only business at Stamford petty sessions on Saturday last was the granting of a poor-rate of 6d. in the pound for St. Martin’s, and the issue of three summonses – one for assault, one for exposing goods for sale on the foot-pavement, and one for non-compliance with an order of the Sanitary Committee.

Stamford Union – At the meeting of the Guardians on Wednesday last, the plans for alterations and improvements in the workhouse, the cost of which is estimated at £1,500, were taken into consideration. The Clerk said in accordance with instructions given at a previous Board meeting he had applied at the office of the Local Government Board as to the probable cost of erecting a new workhouse with the requisite offices, and was informed that a building to accommodate 250 inmates could not be erected for less than £10,000, although the present house and infirmary cost a little over £6000. Mr. Browning said the proposed alterations would probably cost about £2000, and would not meet the requirements of the Local Government Board; whereas for a little more than double the money a new building might be obtained on another and better site. After considerable discussion, in the course of which the necessity of improved drainage was admitted and the suggestions of the poor-law inspector for an improvement in the house, a special committee, consisting of the Marquis of Exeter, W.A. Johnson, Esq., Mr. Browning, Mr. Lowe, Mr. H. Michelson, Mr. Close, and the Rev. F. Carroll was formed.

A cattle-dealer named Chas. Smith died very suddenly on Friday morning last at the Anchor inn, Stamford. He had just risen from his chair, after partaking of a hearty breakfast, when he fell down and expired instantly. Deceased had been unwell for some days past, but on the morning of his death he appeared much better. There being no doubt in the mind of the medical gentlemen under whose treatment he had been for some time, that the deceased had died of heart disease, an inquest was not deemed necessary.

Thanksgiving services for the ingathering of the harvest have been held in the parish church at Tallington. The church was suitably decorated for the occasion. A large and devout congregation attended the evening service, when the sermon was preached by the Rev. W. Layng. The offertory collections, which were for the Stamford Infirmary, amounted to £2 6s.

An inquest was commenced at Limehouse on Wednesday on the body of Peter Galganni, an Italian, aged 48, who had been for many years a moulder at the terracotta Works, Stamford, and left for London about two months ago. From the evidence it appeared that the daughter (aged 12 years) of a man who keeps a coffee-stall in the Commercial-road told her father on Sunday morning between twelve and one o’clock that she had been insulted by the deceased. The father, therefore, threw him down, and, as is alleged, so cruelly ill-used deceased, by kicking him about the neck and face, that he died almost immediately from the injuries he had received. The inquiry was adjourned.

On Friday evening last the annual meeting of the Mutual Improvement Society was held in the school-room, Horbling, when the accounts were examined and passed, officers appointed for the ensuing year, and a series of entertainments during the coming season agreed upon.

200 years ago

On Sunday last, the handsome new church lately erected at Pickworth, in the county of Rutland, by the Rev. Richard Lucas, Rector of Great Casterton, was opened for the first time (it being feast Sunday at Pickworth). Divine service was performed by the Rev. Edw. Brown, before a very numerous congregation.

The new town-hall at Bourn was opened by Earl Brownlow, Lord Lieutenant of the county, and a bench of magistrates, on Tuesday se’nnight, and was found to be admitably calculated for a sessions house, and for all uses for which the building was designed. Mr. Browning, of Doughty-street, London, is the architect.

We are happy to observe by the Kesteven sessions report , that the desperate horde of depredators at Morton, near Bourn, has again been routed by the arm of justice. The two persons convicted of stealing geese are of that parish. We lately published an account of seventy-six sheep stolen within a few months from 24 prprietors in Morton and four adjoining parishes.

A person has been committed to Falkingham house of correction this week for robbing the granary of General Reynardson, at Holiwell, on the night of the 29th ult. On the 16th inst. three sheep were stolen from different proprietors in the neighbouring parish of Castle Bytham.

On Monday last a young woman of Lyddington, who has in the preceding night voluntarily quitted her service at Uppingham, was found hanging in an out-house at the former place, and was not discovered till quite dead.

Stamford Sessions, Oct. 20. James Lindsey was convicted of stealing four yards of gigham from the shop of Mrs. Susannah Barker, draper, on the night of the 16th inst., and was sentenced to be imprisoned till Friday the 26th, and to be then publicly whipped from the gaol to the Cornhill and back. Jane Sykes, indicted for stealing two pieces of linen cloth, the property of Edw. Lennan, travelling draper, at the Boat public-house, on the 15th of September, was acquitted, the prosecutor not identifying the property. The prisoner, on being discharged, left Stamford by a coach to Leeds. Thos. Staples and Robt. Storey, two soldiers of the South Lincoln Militia then on duty at Stamford, were convicted of very filthy and disgraceful conduct at the Chequers public-house on St. Peter’s-hill, and of a violent assault upon John Hubbard (the landlord) and James Palmer, by whom the offenders were pursued; but in consequence of their making compensation to the injured parties, the court adjudged them to one month’s imprisonment only. John Latimore alias Corby, for stealing a metal watch from Kezie Laxton, was sentenced to one week’s imprisonment.