Delve into the past of Stamford, Rutland, Bourne, Oundle and Market Deeping

10 years ago

February 3, 2012

Motorists and shoppers are being urged to make their views known about parking problems in Stamford town centre.

Stamford Town partnership, which raised its concerns about people illegally parking and driving in the High Street last week, is asking people to respond to a survey.

The survey, which is available to people on the partnership urban group’s new website, asks people if they understand the signs and whether they are a disabled badge holder.

Urban group chairman Don Lambert said: “The shops in the east end of High Street have been supportive of what we are trying to do so we hope shoppers will be as well.

“We are trying to raise awareness of the problems and w are also trying to get the street signs changed.”

Some of the oldest artefacts in the town now have a new home at Stamford Library.

Lincolnshire County Council has created a “heritage hub” in the library in High Street which is in part of the entrance hall and the community room.

The area, which is called "Discover Stamford”, opened on Tuesday and features many of the artefacts that used to be housed in Stamford Museum in Broad Street.

There is also interactive displays and some of the stories about the town are displayed on the walls.

The centrepiece of Discover Stamford is the 20th long Stamford tapestry, which had been on display in the museum since 2000.

Generator firm Cummins is closing a factory it co-owns in Oakham.

Markon Sawafuji, which makes alternators at its premises in Lands’ End Way, Oakham, is a joint venture between Cummins Generator Technologies in Stamford and Sawafuji in Japan.

Cummins will pull out today and Sawafuji will vacate the factory in April.

All 32 staff are facing redundancy and say that despite knowing about the closure since September, no-one has found another job to go to.

One said: “The feeling in the factory is not good at the moment.

“We don’t feel that we’ve been treated well and have not been told much information.

“They like to think we are being helpful and doing everything we can but it’s only because we have to.”

A spokesman for Cummins said the joint firm had not dominated the market in the way it had intended.

She added: “We joined forces to create a small two-pole alternator. The main market for this is north America so we at Cummins are moving production to our site in Mexico to be closer to the market.”

Thousands of people all over the Mercury area will be taking part in events to celebrate the Queen’s diamond jubilee this summer.

In Stamford, the town’s annual festival has been moved to coincide with the royal celebrations.

The popular Stamford Kiwanis Festival of Floats, scheduled for Saturday, June 2, will have a kings and queens theme while Stamford and District Lions family fun day on Sunday, June 3, will have a fancy dress competition for princes and princesses.

25 years ago

January 31, 1997

Lessons in self-defence are being offered to local Anglican clergy by police experts following the murder of a Liverpool minister last year and two further attacks on clergy members.

The Diocese of Peterborough is already starting a self-defence course for 60 clergymen and within the next few weeks the Diocese of Lincoln will decide whether to do the same.

The course for clergy in the Peterborough Diocese is being held by Inspector Peter Boatman of Northamptonshire police, and covers communication and awareness skills, risk assessment, response options, assertiveness and physical skills.

In the Lincoln Diocese, Canon Raymond Roger, Bishop’s Chaplain, told the Mercury: “We have written to parishes where clergy have had difficulties and invited them to a meeting which will take place in the next three weeks.

“We have already had discussions with crime prevention officers, members of the probation service and prison officers. Now we will meet to decide the extent of difficulties facing the clergy and decide what the next stage shall be.”

Celebrated journalist Jonathan Dimbley is to take BBC Radio Four’s popular programme Any Questions? to Barnack.

St John the Baptist parish church will be the setting for this topical and long-running weekly favourite in which a panel of four household names answer questions from the audience.

The programme is coming to the Cambridgeshire village at the request of the rector, the Rev Glyn Austen.

Mr Austen, of Millstone Lane, wrote to programme producer Nadine Grieve suggesting a broadcast of the programme as part of the church’s 1,000th anniversary in the year 2000.

But the BBC was keen to take up the offer and is planning to broadcast live on the evening of Friday, April 11, this year.

By then Britain could well be in the final throes of a General Election campaign, Mr Austen said: “It is quite a coup for the parish to be able to host this event.

“It’s brilliant and will help put Barnack on the map.”

Householders in Lincolnshire look set to be hit in the pocket by a hefty rise in council tax bills.

Final decisions have not yet been made, but average bills in the south of the county will probably rise by about 7 per cent, or £35 more than twice the rate of inflation.

And even though bills are going up, services may still be cut back.

Paul Brittain, chief financial officer at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “At the moment it is likely there will be an £18 million shortfall between what the government gives us and what we think we need to maintain services.

“Unless the government alters the capping limits, and I’m not optimistic they will do so, there will be some reductions in services, although it is too early yet to say where.”

South Kesteven District Council’s precept will rise to £70, and increase of 20 per cent on last year.

Coun John Kirkman, finance committee chairman, claimed the increase was due to an unfair government spending settlement. He said: “This is a nightmare scenario for South Kesteven. We have a good record of financial control over the years, and we have been punished for our prudence.”

50 years ago

February 4, 1972

Stamford’s long awaited pedestrian precinct was finally given the go-ahead by Stamford Borough Council on Tuesday.

But the new proposals agreed by the Council will mean a much bigger precinct than the one first suggested several years ago.

The original scheme was for an experimental precinct in High Street, between Red Lion Square and Ironmonger Street.

The new proposals include the whole of the High Street – from Red Lion Square to St George’s Street – and the whole of Ironmonger Street in the precinct.

The Council will now ask Kesteven County Council to bring in the precinct scheme for a temporary period of up to 12 months in the first instance.

The original scheme has been enlarged to cover all High Street and Ironmonger Street because the council believe this will cut out traffic difficulties inherent in the first scheme.

Highways committee chairman Ald John Cutting stressed that the order would only be for a temporary period.

“We feel we must have time to iron out snags or problems during the initial period, before we make the precinct permanent.”

Coal stocks are running out fast and local coal merchants said this week they would soon be unable to make deliveries unless the miners’ strike is settled.

Stamford’s largest coal merchant Ellis and Everard described the situation as “desperate”.

A spokesman said there was only enough coal left for 10 days – rationing it at 5 cwt a delivery.

He said the company would be holding some coal in reserve for “real emergencies”.

“Coal supplies are going down very quickly and obviously we would like to see the strike settled as soon as possible.”

And a spokesman for the firm’s Rockingham depot, which supplies Oakham and most of Rutland said: “our stocks of household coal are very depleted. We have some in stock for priority cases.”

But there is still plenty of smokeless fuel available, according to Mr Dick Flack, secretary of Peterborough and District Coal Merchants Association.

“Smokeless fuel is the alternative I would suggest. The public have been wonderful in co-operating with coal merchants.

Rents of council-owned property in Stamford will go up by an average of 50p per week, from April 1, as a result of the Government’s “Fair deal for housing” plan.

At Tuesday’s Borough Council meeting, Housing Committee chairman, Coun A. T. Brodie, said it was planned to hold a special council meeting to discuss the scheme so that members would understand its working.

He said the “fair rent scheme” was not really complicated, but the rebate scheme was extremely complex.

“Claims will be calculated on gross income and not take home pay, so it is important that people applying keep wage and salary pay slips.”

Coun Brodie stressed the importance of informing welfare authorities and other organisations about the scheme so that they could inform the council’s officers of anyone who did not understand how the rebate scheme worked.

100 years ago

February 3, 1922

Tragic Death – Mrs. Elizabeth Helstrip, who lived with her son, Mr. G. E. Helstrip, at 35, Vine-street, Stamford, was found dead in the lavatory there on Sunday. Aged 85, she had been previously attended by a doctor, and a certificate was granted, thus obviating the necessity of an inquest.

Church Deficit – A meeting of St. Mary’s Parochial Church Council, Stamford, was held on Monday at the residence of the Rector (Rev. T. F, Bailey), who presided. The accounts covering the period from Easter to Dec. 31, 1921, showed a deficit of £58, but much had been expended on the fabric and in meeting other exceptional demands.

St. John’s Church Accounts – The annual Parochial Church Council and vestry meetings in connection with St. John’s church, Stamford, were held on Monday evening. In the places of Mr. W. S. Ennals and Mr. J. Edge, the Vicar (the Rev. W. H. N. Secker) appointed Mr. W. Manning to be Vicar’s warden, and Mr. Musson was elected people’s warden. Mr. Edge presented the balance-sheet, which showed a deficit on the nine months’ working of about £15. He also gave a forecast of the budget for the coming year, and he estimated that the receipts would amount to £210 and the expenses to £267. The secretary (Mr. German), in his report, also emphasised the necessity of working hard to prevent a deficit being shown next year. He referred to the loss the church had sustained by the death of the Rev. A. C Holthouse in May last year, and paid tribute to the work of Mr. Ennals and Mr. Edge, and also thanked the Rev. J. D. Day, who officiated at most of the services. The congregation welcomed Mr. Secker, and hoped he would stay with them for many years. (hear, hear.) Votes of thanks were given to the retiring wardens for their services.

Former Alderman’s Death – The death has taken place at Tempsford, near Sandy, Beds., of Mr. William Ward, who was formerly an alderman of the Stamford Town Council, to which he was first elected in 1880, and appointed alderman in 1902. He was over 80 years of age, and was a brother of Mr. J. T, Ward, of Ironmonger-street, being a son of the late Mr. Thos. Ward .For many years Mr. Ward was a member and active committeeman of the Conservative Club. He left Stamford, where he had carried on business as a cabinet-maker, on St. Mary’s-hill, 15 years ago.

Bourne

Sons make Father’s Coffin – The funeral of Mr. Joseph Story took place at Bourne cemetery on Friday afternoon. The first portion of the service was held in the Baptist church, where the service was conducted by Rev. J. A. Halfpenny, the Congregational minister. The family mourners included Mr. J. C. Story (son), Miss Story (daughter), Mr. G, A. Story (son), Mr. H. C. Story, Bradford (son), Mr. W. E. Story (son), Mr. and Mrs. A. W. Swift (niece and nephew), Mrs. Gilby, Corby (niece), Mr. G. Story, Corby (nephew), Mrs. E. Ayre, Mrs. Brake (niece). The coffin, which was of polished oak, had, by the request of deceased, been made by his sons. Many beautiful floral tributes were sent.

150 years ago

February 2, 1872

The windows of St. George’s church, Stamford – centuries ago enriched with life size effigies of the twenty-five first Knights of the Garter, of Edward III, the founder, and of St, George, the patron of the Garter, and ruthlessly despoiled during the civil commotions of the country – have within the last few years received tints and forms which, if not so dear to the connoisseur, shadow forth something of the “dim religious light” of the palmier days of the edifice. In 1869 the handsome window to the memory of Titus Berry, Esq., was put in the east end of the chancel, at a cost of about 200 guineas; a year ago Miss Hurst and others inserted in one of the lights of the window south of the communion-table a figure of St. George overcoming the dragon; and now, at the above lady’s expense, another compartment has received a representation of St. Paul bearing the usual emblems. Two other lights of this window contain some of the ancient glass, portraying St. Catherine & St. Ann, interesting fragments of medieval work being carefully set in the base. The next addition that may be made in the way of pictorial windows will no doubt be brought to bear on the north side of the chancel, and thus secure more softness and uniformity.

Stamford Union – The number of paupers in the workhouse continues very low; and on the women’s side there are scarcely enough to do the usual washing for the establishment. In the corresponding week of last year there were 217, as against 149, the present number, being a decrease of 68. Out-relief was given to 876, at a cost of £96 17s. 0¼d.; corresponding week of last year 891, at a cost of £101 13s. 1d. It was determined to advertise for a person to assist the matron, there not being sufficient women in the house to attend to the cooking and nursing of the sick females. A young man named Wright, formerly a modeller at the terra cotta works, was appointed porter, on the recommendation of Dr. Hopkinson.

An old man named Wm. Drummond, an inmate of the Stamford Union-house, while passing from the infirm-ward to another room on the 24th. ult. fell down three steps, and sustained a fracture of the ribs and other injuries, which caused his death on Friday last. The circumstances were explained to the coroner, who did not think an inquest necessary.

Bourn

A quantity of timber off the estate of W. A. Pochin, Esq., was sold by auction by Messrs. Lawrence and Carter at the Angel Hotel, Bourn, on the 22nd ult., & realised £430 6s. 6d.

On Friday afternoon last, on the arrival of the train from Sleaford, the engine, after having taken in water, was proceeding along a siding, when it ran off the rails; but it was got on again in about twenty minutes. It is supposed that the great amount of wet we have had lately occasioned the sleepers to give way.

Market Deeping

A serious accident happened last week to a labourer named Milborn, in the employ of Mr. Preston, of Northborough Castle. He was loading faggots, and by some mischance he slipped and fell from the waggon on a piece of wood, breaking three of his ribs and otherwise injuring himself very severely. He lies in a precarious condition.

200 years ago

February 1, 1822

Oakham Turnpike-Road

Notice is hereby given,

That a Meeting of the Trustees appointed by an Act of Parliament passed in the 35th year of the reign of his late Majesty George the 3d, and also by another Act of Parliament passed in the 58th year of the reign of his said late Majesty, will be holden pursuant to adjournment at the Crown Inn in Oakham, on Saturday the 9th day of February next, at 12 o’clock at noon, for the purpose of passing the Treasurer’s and Surveyor’s accounts, and for the transacting such other business relating to the said road as may then appear necessary.Wm. Ades, Clerk to the Trustees.

Oakham, 29th Jan. 1822.

A young man named James Bigmore performed the extraordinary feat of running 50 miles in 7 hours and 36 minutes, on Tuesday se’nnight, in Vauxhall Gardens in Boston, taking 2600 turns in the distance. He calls himself “the Suffolk Pedestrian,” and it is said will perform a still greater match before he leaves Boston. He some time ago ran by the side of the mail-coach from London to Norwich, 112 miles, in the short space of 14 hours.

On Friday night last the shop of Mr. Orson, silversmith, in Grantham, was broken open, and robbed of 32 watches, a quantity of silver spoons, and various other articles.

Mr. Bugg, of Spalding, has been fined £50by the Trustees of the South Holland Drainage, for having broken the door of a tunnel communicating with the river Welland during the late high flood.

At the quarter sessions for the county of Northampton, Thomas Dalby, for want of sureties to keep the peace towards Daniel Heate, of Bulwick, was sentenced to be imprisoned and kept to hard labour for six calendar months; and William Lenton, for entering into a wood at Bulwick, armed with a gun, for the destruction of game, to be imprisoned and kept to hard labour for three calendar months.

On the 14th inst. was found in the gravel pits near to Partney Mill, two miles from Spilsby, at about 12 feet below the surface of the earth, a tooth belonging to some animal with which we are unacquainted at this day. It appears to be one of the grinders of an animal of immense size, and is not in a state of petrifaction. Its weight is 2lb. 3oz.; and it answers to the description given in the Encyclopaedia Britannica of one of the grinders of the Hippopotamus.

Extraordinary Mildness of the Season – Mr. Whitsed, of Sutton St. Edmund’s, a few days before Christmas cut several heads of asparagus grown in his garden, equally as good and large as at the usual time for cutting that vegetable.

Mr. Dolby, gardener, of Spalding, has at this time a sample of self-grown potatoes produced from last year’s stock, of a good size; three of them which were lately dug weighed a quarter of pound. This, perhaps, is as remarkable a fact connected with the history of that plant, as has ever been witnessed at this season of the year.

Nottingham fair on Friday last was the thinnest of stock ever seen; there was not a sufficient supply of stores, and fat beasts were sold at better prices.