Highlights of the year

It had been an eventful year, our Chairman Gwyneth Gibbs reported at the AGM. Celebrations to mark the 50th anniversary of Stamford becoming the  rst Conservation Area were a major highpoint. The Society mounted an exhibition at Stamford Arts Centre that told the story of the Conservation Area covering why this happened and why it was important then and continues to be important today. (See p. 6-7 for more on the exhibition and associated events.) She thanked all those who had contributed and the Committee members who ran an infor- mation desk throughout the exhibition so that there were people on hand to talk to visitors.

A private visit to Burghley House for those members lucky enough to be chosen by ballot was another highpoint. Our tour gave us the opportunity of visiting some of the rooms that the public do not see.

The Urban Group continued to tackle projects to improve Stamford’s townscape, and successfully renovated St Michael’s Churchyard so that it is now an  inviting spot to sit and relax. Sadly members of the Group, including their hardworking and enthusiastic Chairman Don Lambert, have decided to take a well-earned retirement from these demanding projects. Gwyneth thanked them all and sounded an optimistic note that the work of the Group would continue under new chairmanship and membership, with Graddon Rowlands, the one original member, providing continuity.

Gwyneth Gibbs with the Mayor and Mayoress, Tony and Val Story, at the annual St Leonard’s Priory party

Other notable projects underway included working with the owners of Harrison & Dunn hardware shop to improve the look of Mallory Lane. The shop frontage along the Lane is often the target of graffiti and the wooden boards will be replaced by illustrated graffiti-proof panels. The Society will contribute to the work that Burghley Estates and Lincolnshire Highways are planning to protect the verges at the entrance to the town by the Bottle Lodges - these have been damaged by cars parking on the grass.

For 2018, Gwyneth noted that the Society hopes to erect another Blue Plaque – this time to Nelson Dawson, an important  gure in the Arts & Crafts movement who lived in St Mary’s Street.

The most significant change for the Society will be the departure of our secretary Melanie Sockett, who has done a tremendous amount for the Society during the last nine years. Gwyneth paid tribute to all her hard work and the support she provided to the Committee and members.