Delve into the past of Stamford, Rutland, Bourne and the Deepings

November 18, 2011

Lincolnshire County Council’s head of adult social care has admitted council-funded day centres earmarked for closure would have to stay open if private providers do not come forward.

The Government wants all adult social care users on the personal budget scheme, which lets them choose where to spend their publicly-funded care grant instead of councils providing services for them, by April 2013.

More than 40 per cent of service users in Lincolnshire, about 7,000 people, are already on personal budgets.

Coun Graham Marsh (Con), portfolio holder for adult social care, hopes private providers and charities will come forward and offer more specialised care tailored to a user’s needs But he admitted if providers did not come forward, the council would have to keep its centres open.

He said: “We will not close any services down or stop services until we are satisfied that we have got an additional choice of services available for people to spend their personal budget on.

“If no-one comes along to replace the service then we will have to keep it open.”

Pupils will be able to travel to sports events and school trips in style in a new minibus.

The new minibus will be used to transport pupils at Stamford Queen Eleanor School in Green Lane to a range of events.

It will also be used to take pupils to joint sports events and the joint student council meetings at the primary schools in town.

One of the school’s older minibuses has been donated to The John Clare Trust in Helpston to help staff develop their work with the community.

Stamford Queen Eleanor School’s headteacher Wendy Hamilton said: “We have so many activities running at the school that this new minibus was a real necessity for us and shows our commitment to investing in the school and its facilities.

“We are also very happy to see our old minibus put to good use.”

An Olympic skating champion has become a patron of a brain tumour charity.

Robin Cousins MBE has offered his support to Stamford charity Anna’s Hope, which was set up by Carole Hughes after her three-year-old daughter Anna died of a brain tumour.

Robin, who won figure skating gold in the 1980 Winter Olympics, visited Addenbrookes Hospital in Cambridge to meet Alison Mitchell, the paediatric neuro oncology nurse funded by Anna’s Hope.

Robin said: “This was a fantastic opportunity to visit the ward at Addenbrookes Hospital where the Anna’s Hope story began, and to see how the money raised by the charity is used to directly benefit the young patients receiving treatment there.”

Robin is the creator of the Holiday on Ice show which comes to Peterborough every February and helps raise money for Anna’s Hope, which is the premier children’s brain tumour charity in the region.

Robin added: “It’s good to know the money raised through Holiday on Ice is helping to give real support to children and their families, particularly during rehabilitation after treatment.”

25 years ago

November 15, 1996

What does the future hold now for Quentin Davies, the straight-talking MP for Stamford, Bourne and the Deepings?

That was the question in Westminster circles this week after Mr Davies had demolished his fellow Conservative MP David Willetts during a cash-for-questions inquiry seen by millions on TV.

The barbed cross-examination by Mr Davies of Mr Willetts, left the Paymaster General fighting for his political future as Mr Davies dissected his claims not to have attempted to tamper with a Commons inquiry into the affair.

Political analysts were quick to question the motives behind the attack.

Andrew Pierce in the Times said: “The Tory high command spread the word that Mr Davies has been inspired by pique at his failure to become a minister. It is a theory given credence by Mr Davies’ wife Chantal.”

The Times added that she said: “Of course he should be in the Government. It’s crazy that he isn’t. I have no idea why he has not made it. You had better ask the Prime Minister.”

A five year old boy has been injured in a road accident outside his school, increasing calls for traffic calming measures to be introduced.

Daniel Bell was in collision with a car outside the Malcolm Sargent School, Stamford, on Tuesday afternoon. He was taken to Peterborough General Hospital with a broken thigh bone.

Daniel’s mother, Clare Bell said: “I feel that if any good does come out of this, they will reduce the speed limit. It’s stupid that you drive past the school, and then slow down to 30miles per hour by the Danish Invader.

Town councillors have been asking the Lincolnshire highways department for nearly two years to extend the slower speed limit to include the school. At the moment people travelling onto Stamford along Empingham Road can travel at 40 mph until they reach the Danish Invader pub.

Town councillor Geoff Winson said: “The current situation is not ideal at all. We have applied for the 30 speed limit to encompass the school, but because of the open field opposite, we were told it fell outside of the 30mph rules.

“It should have been done a long time ago, it’s ridiculous to not have such a speed limit.”

A new youth club has been officially opened in Cottesmore, providing an action packed agenda for youngsters.

The club consists of two houses knocked into one, and offers young people such facilities as a pool room, computer room, disco room, games room and cafe.

Present at the opening was Casterton Community College principal, Richard Bird, who said: “It was a splendid evening. It is marvellous to see how co-operation between authorities and young people can provide such excellent facilities.”

Funding for the club came from the RAF charities board and Leicestershire County Council. Trips, discussions, arts and crafts are just some of what will be on offer to the 90 children and teenagers who attend.

District councillor Kim Lee said: “I’m very impressed by the work. It really is excellent, there should be more of these sorts of projects. I’m just mightily impressed by it.

District councillor Jane Daw, who was also present at the opening, added: “Everybody involved should be very proud of what was achieved. It shows what can be done when everyone works together.”

The youth club is open four nights a week, with Fridays available for special events.

50 years ago

November 19, 1971

Angry Stamford businessmen may try to force a public inquiry over plans to demolish the historic Boat and Railway Inn, in St Mary’s Hill.

The scheme – prepared by the Borough Council and Kesteven County Council – is to improve the junction between Wharf Road and St Mary’s Hill.

This is necessary before the A16 truck road can be diverted from the High Street to Wharf Road, to enable plans for a High Street pedestrian precinct to go ahead.

Traders in St Mary’s Hill hope that sufficient formal objections will be lodged against the scheme so that a public inquiry will be necessary.

Mr L. E. Griffin, who owns a newsagents and confectioners in St Mary’s Hill believes that demolition of the old inn is unnecessary.

“I believe the council is planning on pulling the wrong building down,” he said, “The real blind spot for lorries coming out of Wharf Road is on the other side, caused by the old Conservative Club.”

He also thinks it is wrong to demolish a building of historic interest when the proposed east-west by-pass will relieve Wharf Road of much heavy traffic.

Forsyth and Ferrier Ltd. who celebrate their golden jubilee this year, pride themselves that they are still a family firm.

Founders Mr Stewart Graddon Forsyth (77) and Mr William James Ferrier (76) still do a day’s work with the business.

Their sons, Mr William Alan Forsyth (47) and Mr William Robert Ferrier (44) are joint managing directors.

Beginning the third generation in the firm, Mr Forsyth junior’s son, Neil (20) is doing a sandwich course at Luton Technical College, and hopes to join the firm when trained, in the managerial line.

The firm’s beginnings go back to before World War 1 when Mr Forsyth and Mr Ferrier served together in the Royal Navy.

In 1921 on their discharge, the two men took over a blacksmith and engineering business at Great Casterton, which then belonged to Mr. E. G. Knight.

Experience and training in the Royal Navy on steam engines led to substantial business in repairs on local threshing and ploughing engines operating in the district.

The next stage was the purchase of an orchard next to their premises in 1925 and hand petrol pumps were installed.

The following year a garage was built and some of the first work done there was on a fleet of lorries belonging to Mr Ferrier’s father.

The Sheep Market premises were bought in 1934 and converted into a garage.

Critical comments came from Coun Robert Stanton (Witham-on-the-Hill) when reporting on their attendance at the first meeting of the Post Office advisory committee meeting held in Bourne.

“The Post Office seems to think this is just a good idea,” Coun Stanton told South Kesteven Rural Council, on Thursday. “We asked that, if we attend meetings, whom do we advise. They did not appear to know.

“They are going to get one or two blasts from this area.”

100 years ago

November 18, 1921

For Those Left Behind – What has now come to be looked upon as an annual event – a treat for the widows and children of soldiers and sailors who fell in the war – took place on Tuesday week, when the delight afforded those present, especially the younger members of the gathering, must have amply repaid the promoters for the work entailed in the organisation of the function. The proceedings commenced with a matinee at the Picturedrome, by the kindness of the proprietors, after which about 100 children and 40 widows sat down to a sumptuous tea in the Albert Hall. Later, the company indulged in numerous competitions and games. The Mayor (Mr. J. W. Pepper), who visited the gathering, was vociferously received, and, in expressing the pleasure it afforded him to be present, intimated his intention of providing a similar function at a later date.

Whist Drive – At a whist drive on Tuesday, promoted by the Thursday Football Club, prizes were presented by Mr. A. Bowman (president) to Mesdames J. W. Wright, Everitt, C. Barnett, Farbon, Lucas, J. Dick, Rickman, and F. Clark. Messrs. G. Colyer, R. Oakley. B. Hallam, J. Allen, C. H. Topham, G. W. Robins, and A. Groves.

Do You Wish To Emigrate? - A representative of the Director of Migration and Settlement for the Commonwealth Government will visit the Employment Exchange on Saturday next to give advice and assistance to any ex-Service men who are thinking of making application for employment in Australia.

Choir Festival in Stamford – The annual festival in connection with the Wesleyan choir took place on Sunday evening, when a splendid musical programme, arranged by Mr. A. M. Riddington, was given by several well-known vocalist. The singing was led by a full orchestra, Mr. Riddington being at the organ, and the soloists were Miss Billing (Northampton), Miss T. B. Riddington, Mr. J. A. Kerfoot. Miss Grace Woolgar (leader of the orchestra) played violin solos, and organ and pianoforte duets were rendered by Mr. A. M. Riddington and Miss L. M. Riddington, the latter acting also in the capacity of pianist. The preacher at the services during the day was Mr. W. A. Briggs, of Alford, and the collections throughout were for the choir funds.

Bourne

Armistice Anniversary – This occasion was solemnly observed. At 11 a.m. on Friday a bugle was sounded in the Market-place by Mr. R. N. Pattinson, and silence reigned for two minutes. A service at the Abbey church was largely attended, and at the secondary school the scholars were addressed by Ald. J. T. Swift (chairman of the governors) and Mr. C. P. Matthews. Laurels were placed on the memorial tablets at the Abbey church, and at the Congregational church. The services at the Abbey church on Sunday were of a commemorative character. Rev. E. Fletcher preached in the morning and Canon Grinter in the evening. The National Anthem and the sounding of the “Last Post” by Mr. R. N. Pattison concluded the services.

150 years ago

November 17, 1871

Tuesday’s Gazette announces that the Queen has directed letters patent to be passed declaring that the Dowager Lady Aveland, the eldest of the surviving daughters of the late Peter Robert Baron Willoughby de Eresby, shall be Baroness Willoughby de Eresby. Her Ladyship’s son, the present Lord Aveland ,thus becomes prospectively heir of one of the most ancient baronies on the roll of the House of Lords.

The vacancy in the Town Council of Stamford caused by the election of Mr. Paradise as an Alderman appears at present likely to lead to a contest in St. Mary’s ward. Mr. W. Eddowes, surgeon, who declined last year to defend the seat which he had previously held, not wishing to excite any turmoil by resisting an opposition, has consented to serve again, if elected, and has issued a conscientious address to the burgesses. Mr. W. Dafforn has also issued an address, reluctantly as we are informed, seeking support mainly on the ground that his father has been many years a member of the Council.

The robbery of money at the Hole in the Wall public-house, Stamford, is supposed to have been committed by a person who stealthily gained access to the back premises, and secreted himself in the copper until the family had retired to bed. The thief, who must have been well acquainted with the house, was also well aware the landlord was not at home. Having broken open the bureau in the bar and abstracted the gold coin, he made his escape by the front door. Mr. Atkinson informs us that his family were not aroused from their slumbers by a policeman, but that on the discovery of the robbery the police were sent for.

Market Deeping – An accident of a serious nature occurred to Mr. W. Clark, farmer, of this place, on the 9th inst. He was returning from Stamford fair, and arrived near West Deeping, when turning a corner he suddenly met Lord Kesteven’s carriage. Mr. Clark was driving a young horse, and it instantly bolted at the sight of the lights, throwing Mr. Clark from his trap, and he was run over the head and neck by his Lordship’s carriage. By the assistance of Lord Kesteven and Mr. F. Tryon he was conveyed to an inn in West Deeping. He was found to have received much injury, and on recovering somewhat from the shock he was taken home by Mr. Ed. Smith. He is progressing favourably.

At Deeping St. James on the 9th inst. The juvenile Paganini, Maximilian Maitret, enlivened the village be a concert in the Vicar’s schoolroom. The performances of this boy of 10½ years of age on the violin were said to be excellent. The entertainment was enhanced by the services of the church choir and a brass band from Peterborough. The room was crowded.

Bourn

Madame Bodda-Pyne – This celebrated artiste is announced to give an entertainment in the Corn-exchange to-morrow (Saturday) evening.

At the petty sessions on Friday John Fittis, of Bourn, was fined 5s. and costs 10s. 6d. for drunkeness, at Thurlby, on the 1st instant.

Messrs. Wardroper gave one of their very clever entertainments to an appreciative audience in the Bourn public-hall on the evening of the 8th instant.

200 years ago

November 16, 1821

The show of beasts at Stamford on Friday the 9th inst. was very large, and the fair was with one voice pronounced to be the worst to sell in that ever had been known.

On Thursday night the 8th inst. about 8 o’clock, Henry Cotterell, the farming man of Mr. Alderman Robinson, of Stamford, on his return from the fair to his house on the farm in Tinwell parish, scarcely half a mile from Stamford, was stopped by two ruffians and robbed of £73 and his silver watch. The offenders, it seems, were waiting in the cherry-holt, (the first enclosure in Tinwell lordship after leaving Stamford fields,) and on the approach of Cotterell one of them knocked him down with a violent blow on the head with a cudgel, and the two instantly proceeded to rob him, which they effected after as much resisitance by the poor fellow as he was able to make, and then got clear off with their booty.

The early commencement of winter nights’ depredations in Market Deeping and the neighbourhood calls for the vigilance of householders and masters of families. Several thefts have been committed within the last fortnight. On the night of the 8th inst. the counting-house of Messrs. Mawby and Son, merchants, of Deeping, was broken into, and some books and papers were removed for a desk, but the only booty made by the offenders was a few shillings which had been left there. From traces of blood, the thief is supposed to have cut his hand with the glass window on entering the premises. On the following night, after the family at the Bell inn in Deeping St. James had retired to bed, some daring offenders entered the house and regaled themselves with liquor by the kitchen fire, which they re-lighted for that purpose. Some ducks were stolen on the same night from the Rectory-house in Market Deeping.

On Tuesday se’nnight Isaac Trueman, of Whittlesey, drover, was fully committed to Lincoln Castle, (by the Rev. S. E. Hopkinson,) on suspicion of stealing at Swayfield, in the night of Corby fair, Monday the 8th October, four lambs the property of Mr. Curtis Williamson, of Corby.

On Tuesday se’nnight an inquest was held at Wigtoft, before Mr. Mastin, coroner, on the body of a female illegitimate child, who died suddenly: after taking the opinion of a surgeon, the jury returned a verdict of “died by the visitation of God.” And on Friday, before the same coroner, at the Jolly Sailors public-house, at Boston Scalp, on the bodies of Wm. Rickson, a bachelor, and John Turnbull, a married man, seamen, belonging to the Supply of Sunderland, Captain Hopkirk. It appeared in evidence that the two unfortunate men had been to the house stated above, for two casks of fresh water, and were on their return in the boat to the ship about eight or nine o’clock at night. As each unfortunate men had received a bruise under one eye, it is apprehended that a quarrel had ensued between them, and that they had closed in the scuffle and gone over-board. This opinion is corroborated by the situation in which the boat was found next morning, near the bodies, with the oars and casks in their proper places. Verdict, “found drowned.”