Looking back over the years with our Mercury Memories
10 years ago
Lives could be put at risk by proposals to cut the minimum number of firefighters allowed to attend incidents, according to union officials.
Fire engines in the county are not allowed to leave their stations unless they have four firefighters on board, but Lincolnshire’s risk management plan proposes to drop this rule from April.
Lincolnshire County Council says crews of fewer than four would only attend non-serious call-outs but the Fire Brigades’ Union fears small crews could result in lives being lost.
The union’s county secretary Craig Tuck said: “Crews of under four would not be able to safely use the largest ladders or send firefighters with breathing apparatus into burning buildings.
* Businesses in Bourne are being urged to do their bit for charity by getting behind a popular music festival.
Bourne Festival is one of the most important events in the town’s calendar, attracting thousands of people and raising lots of money for good causes.
But the three-day event costs £30,000 to put on, and Bourne Round Table which organises the event, is now asking businesses in the town for their support. It wants to get sponsorship from firms to ensure more profits raised from the event go to charity.
This year’s Bourne Festival will run from Friday, June 4, to Sunday, June 6, with a number of new bands taking part.
Some of the costs include £1,500 for insurance, a further £1,500 for toilets, £7,000 for the marquee, £4,500 for the stage and lighting along with £1,200 for security and fencing.
* A military dog has received the highest accolade an animal can gain for bravery in the line of duty.
Retired black labrador Treo, who served in Afghanistan and now returned back to his former unit at St George’s Barracks, in Pennine Way, North Luffenham, was presented with the Dickin Medal on Wednesday.
The heroic nine-year-old dog was commended for sniffing out bombs known as improvised explosive devices while working as a forward detection dog on two occasions in Sangin, Helmand Province, in March and September 2008, His detective work saved the lives of soldiers he was patrolling with as well as innocent civilians.
Before Treo’s deployment to the frontline, he and his handler Sgt Dave Heyhoe were based in Rutland with the 104 Military Working Dogs Support Unit, Royal Army Veterinary Corps, which has its headquarters in Aldershot.
* A former Royal Mail inspector has hit out at the company after receiving an erratic service.
Derek Beswick has complained to Royal Mail about the poor postal service seen in his village of Pointon and was told that the postman is having problems completing his round.
Mr Beswick says that he was told by staff at Sleaford delivery office that the round was set up by computer and the postman was bringing mail back to the office to deliver the following day if he ran out of time.
This is the second week that Royal Mail has come under fire for its service in that area.
Aslackby resident Peter Morris told last week’s Local that he had not received mail on Tuesday and Thursday over a four-week period.
Mr Beswick, 77, of West Road, would like the Post Office to test the round and says it has gone downhill.
25 years ago
Traders have vowed to deliver a 2,000-signature petition and a stack of letters personally to county councillors in a protest over the one-way system in Broad Street, Stamford.
The decision was taken following a special meeting where about 70 people, comprising traders, town, district and county councillors and members of the public, met to discuss their controversial traffic system.
Since the one-way system was implemented on a trial basis in Broad Street, traders in Ironmonger Street say they have seen a drop in turnover by about 20 per cent each week.
Trader Paul Chantrell told the meeting: “During my time in Stamford, traders have had to put up with a lot but nothing has had such a dramatic effect on this town as the one-way system.
“It is a difficult time for small businesses and every shop that ceases to trade in this town because of this traffic system makes Stamford a less attractive place.”
Stamford MP Quentin Davies has now backed their campaign and sent a letter of support to the meeting, stating that if Broad Street continued as a one-way system it would spell economic disaster for the town.
* Vandals and dog dirt continue to plague Ketton cemetery and play areas.
Last year the village cemetery was hit by a bout of vandalism with flowers disturbed, vases smashed and graves used as motorbike ramps. And this week
Ketton bobby PC John Dwyer revealed that more graves have been disturbed in the last month.
Villagers who walk their dogs in the cemetery and in Wheatlands play area are also being targeted because of concern about the mess their pets leave.
At the latest Ketton Parish Council meeting councillors decided on a two-point plan to clean up both areas and deter unnecessary visited to the cemetery.
Coun Mick Wren said: “Many times I’ve seen it and many villagers have complained to me that people are exercising their dogs in the cemetery and I’m disgusted with it.”
Councillors supported his suggestion that signs be put up at each site banning dogs, except if they belong to people visiting graves or, in the Wheatlands play area are kept on the path and are only passing through.
To dissuade people from needlessly going through the cemetery councillors took the advice of Mr Dwyer to put up a fence and thorn hedge at the edge of the cemetery – and not a stile as originally planned
* Priceless Anglo-Saxon jewellery, found in Market Overton at the turn of the century has been stolen from Rutland County Museum.
It is believed the 1,500-year-old gilt jewellery may have been stolen to order by a private collector as it would be impossible to sell it on the open market and worthless as scrap metal.
Keeper of the museum, Tim Clough, said the three-minute raid on Monday night was not just a disaster for Rutland’s heritage, but of importance to the whole of the East Midlands.
“These pieces are of regional importance. They would fetch a terrific price if sold privately , but what really matters is the loss of heritage.”
Mr Clough is worried that a thief may have mistaken the 8-9 gilt brooches and finger ring for gold and thought the metal value was high.
The pieces have been valued at £90,000, but Mr Clough said it was impossible to put a price on them and they could fetch double that.
50 years ago
The Oakham firm of Rutland Plastics, Ltd have just secured an order which will put them well and truly in the export business.
It is for the manufacture, for a Swedish firm, of a considerable quantity of injection moulded plastic components for kitchen equipment. It will be exported to Scandinavia and other parts of Europe at the rate of £100,000 worth a year.
Details of the articles are not being released until patents have been established in this country.
The order was initiated through Wyvern Export Promotions Ltd, of Gedling, Nottingham.
The article has been manufactured in Sweden but Rutland Plastics have produced an improved design.
Herr D Sjogren, a director of the Swedish firm, signed the contract when he visited the Oakham factory. He said he placed the contract in England because the price quoted was more favourable that he could obtain in Sweden.
* Existing councils, whether borough, district, urban, or rural, will be abolished if present intentions in reorganising local government are carried out, Mr J. J. D. Goulder (Clerk) told South Kesteven Rural Council on Thursday.
He has been asked broadly to outline the White Paper recently presented to Parliament.
“I think this matter is becoming more and more important if you wish to retain second-tier authorities,” said Mr Goulder. “It is all to easy to close our eyes and say ‘that’s it’.
“In broad terms, the White Paper comprises the Redcliff-Maud Report, but it defers decision on provincial councils until the publishing of the Crowther Report, in two years’ time.
Instancing the proposed Peterborough Unitary Authority, he illustrated the remoteness of control it will have,
“If we take the north side of this district to Bridge End Road, Horbling, it is 28 miles from Peterborough, and at the other end Ramsey is 13 miles from Peterborough, and that makes it 41 miles north to south.”
The Government, he continued, does not agree with second-tier authorities, except those which it specifically terms “within metropolitan districts” with populations of about 200,000.
* High praise for all that Bourne United Charities does for the town was given by Mr Michael Silverwood, on Friday, when as chairman of Bourne and District Round Table, he responded during ladies’ night to a toast given by Mr Gordon Fox, Round Table national counsellor, Area 30.
Mr Silverwood expressed pleasure that Bourne United Charities trustees and members of their swimming pool committee were present and he went on: “They are co-operative and progressive in spirit, and they have members on the joint committee with Round Table to raise money for the swimming pool fund. Because of the Charities, Bourne must consider itself among the more fortunate towns for the many facilities they provide.”
100 years ago
Bourne Board of Guardians – Canon Lang presided at the fortnightly meeting. The following subscriptions by the Board were agreed to for the ensuing year: Bourne Butterfield Hospital £10 10s., Grimsthorpe Nursing Association £3 3s., Billingborough Nursing Association £2 2s., Peterborough Infirmary £2 2s., Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children £1 1s. On the question of Stamford Infirmary contribution, Mr. E. Clark pointed out that the finances of the Infirmary were in a serious condition, and urged that as such good service was rendered, especially on the West side of the Union by the Infirmary, the Board should increase their contribution to £2 2s. The Board unanimously decided to contribute £5 5s.
* Railway Meeting – The half yearly meeting of the Stamford and Essendine Railway Company was held on the 26th ult. The usual dividends were declared, with the exception that that on the Sibson Extension stock was 7s. per cent, for the half-year as compared with 7s. 6d.
* Presentations – For many years a member of the Congregational Church choir, Mrs. J. Line, who is leaving the town this week for Cleethorpes, where Mr. J. Line has purchased a grocery business, was during the week-end presented with a cut-glass cake basket and silver stand by members of the Junior Christian Endeavour Society. The members of the choir presented Mrs. Line with a silver purse and Miss Gladys Line (also a member) with a similar gift.
* Electoral Re-Distribution in the Borough of Stamford – Mr. S. P. Low, the Commissioner appointed to prepare a scheme for the determination of the boundaries of the three Wards into which the borough is henceforth to be divided, and to allocate representation thereto, sat at the Town Hall on Friday morning to hear evidence on the matter. The Town Council has adopted the minority report of its special Wards Committee, and Coun. H. Kelham, asked by the Commissioner why this was, said he presumed it was on the ground of cost, the scheme recommended in the minority report being regarded as likely to prove less costly. Both he and Coun. J. H. Bowman agreed that equalisation of voting was more nearly secured by the scheme advocated in the majority report, but Coun. Bowman pointed out that neither scheme was satisfactory, inasmuch as the preponderance of electors in All Saints’ Ward – if the inequality were to be eliminated by the present scheme – it would again arise in a year or two for the houses to be erected by the Council would all be in that Ward. He wondered if the existing ward boundaries could be altered without altering the ecclesiastical boundaries. If that could be done without much cost the Council, he thought, would be prepared to reconsider the matter, provided the question could be referred back to them for that purpose. The Commissioner intimated that he would take the direction of the Secretary of State in the matter. He regretted to find only two members of the Council present to assist him in his investigations.
150 years ago
The Town Council of Stamford has at length agreed to the scheme of drainage proposed for the Lincolnshire Lunatic Asylum. Four of the six members who opposed the project at the former meeting were absent from the hall on Tuesday, and there was a better attendance of the rational section of the Council. Only one voice was heard in antagonism to the drainage, and no amendment was offered in opposition to the motion for assenting to the application of the Asylum Visitors. The Council has thus redeemed itself from the appellation which for a time attached to it as a body of conservators of filth.
* A meeting of the Stamford Improvement Commissioners was held on Tuesday last: Present, Mr. Fysh (in the chair), and Messrs. Atter, Simpson, Baker, Bromhead, Paradise, Handson, Ford, and Parker. A report of the Finance Committee, recommending payment of bills, &c., was received and adopted. It was agreed that the contract for cleansing the streets, &c. be offered to Medwell (the present contractor) for the ensuing year at £120. Complaints were made of the dirty state of some of the street crossings and of some paved lanes. The Clerk (Mr. Desborough) said that Mr. Ward, the inspector, had complained of an open drain in front of Hopkins’ Hospital as being a nuisance. He (the clerk) thought if the Commissioners made an underground drain private individuals would make a better approach. The matter was referred to the General Purposes Committee.
* A licence for the performance of stage plays was on Saturday last granted by the Stamford Magistrates to Mr. Harry Windley, who has succeeded Mr. Clark in the management of the theatre. The licence is for 60 nights during the year.
* Amongst the recent subscribers to the Stamford soup kitchen have been the Marquis of Exeter £5, the Marchioness of Exeter and Lord Burghley £5, and Sir John Hay, Bart., M.P., £5.
* Market Deeping – The Quadrille Ball which came off here on the 16th inst. was numerously and respectably attended. The room was tastily decorated for the occasion, and the stewards left nothing wanting to make their friends comfortable, and a most pleasant and enjoyable evening was spent. An excellent supper was provided by Mr. Motteram, and great praise is due to him for his arrangements.
* Fatal Accident – A melancholy accident occurred near Deeping on Saturday night last about ½-past 11. Mr. Topham Haynes, of Wensor Castle, was driving home from Peterboro’, accompanied by his wife and her brother, Mr. Levi Perkins, and on arriving within half a mile of his own residence, through some disarrangement of the reins the horse ran on the side of the road, and the off wheel coming in contact with a large stone heap overturned the vehicle. The occupants were thrown into the dyke. Mrs. Haynes was killed on the spot, and Mr. Haynes and Mr. Perkins escaped uninjured. An inquest was held on Monday the 21st, before Mr. Edwards, coroner, at Mr. Haynes’ residence, where the body had been conveyed. The following verdict was returned: “That Louisa Topham Haynes was accidentally thrown from a light cart driven by her husband, dislocating her neck, which caused instant death.”
200 years ago
Corby, Feb. 15th, 1820.
Whereas Elizabeth Cook, of Corby, in the county of Lincoln, Widow, did on the Third day of March last, by deed of assignment, assign over all her household furniture, stock in trade, book debts, and other effects, to certain Trustees therein named, for the equal benefit of all her creditors who chose to accept the same: - Notice is hereby given, that the said deed is left in the hands of Mr. Wm. Cox, of Corby, for the inspection and signature of such of the creditors who have not signed the same; and that all such of them who do not chose to sign the said deed within the space of one month from the date hereof, will be excluded the benefit of the same.
* To be Sold, at Uffington, near Stamford, Lincolnshire,
A Quantity of entirely new Hot-Bedframes, a beautiful collection of Green-house Plants, all young and in a very healthful state; together with a quantity of hardy Evergreens and Flowering Shrubs, in pots, well worth the attention of any person who may be inclined to purchase them. The frames consist of a large Brick Melon Pit, with five large lights, also a large three-light Cucumber Frame, one two-light ditto, and one one-light ditto.
The whole, if taken together, will be sold very cheap. If not, they will be Sold by Auction, in small lots, of which notice will be given.
For further particulars enquire of Thomas Neall, late nursery and seeds-man of H. T. Willcox, Uffington.
* To be Let, Furnished or Unfurnished, and entered upon immediately, or at Lady-day next,
A Pleasant and extremely convenient House for a small family, situate in the parish of All Saints, Stamford, recently occupied by Wm. Trafford, Esq. - The furniture mostly new.
A three-stall Stable with good Lofts, a Coach-house with Granary over, all adjoining the house, may be rented with the above, if required.
Enquire of Andrews and Hilliam, upholders, &c. High-street, Stamford.
* To be Sold by Auction, by Mr. Beaver, on Monday the 28th of February, 1820, at Greetham, in the county of Rutland, on the premises of Mr. Leonard Rimington, blacksmith, who is declining the business, All his Stock in Trade, Tools, &c.; consisting of a large quantity of sheet, rod and bar iron, in lots; ready-made horse-shoes, moulds, bag of nails, hooks, hasps and staples, fork shafts and spade trees, forge, 2 pair of bellows, steady and block, 3 pair of vice, grind-stone, and tools of all sorts, in good preservation, to carry on the above business.
* To be Sold by Auction, by Mr. Bloodworth, on Monday the 6th day of March, 1820, upon the premises of Mr. Bennett, at Market Overton, Rutland, who is leaving the great part of his land, Valuable Live Stock and Implements; consisting of 440 sheep, viz. 100 in lambed theaves, 120 in-lambed ewes, 190 lamb-hogs, 30 shearling wethers; 2 in-calved cows, 2 two-year-old heifers, 2 two-year-old steers; 1 three-year-old cart filly, 1 two-year-old cart colt; 1 waggon, 1 cart, corn drill, ploughs, harrows, farming implements, horse harness, &c. &c.