In this issue: reports of our visit to Cambridge and the annual summer party; forthcoming events; news of our latest Blue Plaque, plans for an Article 4 Direction and Stamford in Bloom; and discussions about a project in Water Street.
Since the last Newsletter
A small band of enthusiastic members visited Cambridge on 12 June, returning the Cambridge Blue Badge Guides' visit to Stamford in 2016. Our host was guide Liz Hodder, who entertainingly and informatively led us around the core of the historic university town. There was then free time to enjoy the many visual and epicurean attractions.
Members and guests enjoyed warm weather, if not unbroken sunshine, at St. Leonard’s Priory for the popular annual summer drinks party on 23 June. We were delighted to welcome the Mayor of Stamford, Mr Max Sawyer, as our guest. Member Anabel Morris provided refreshments, which were highly praised, especially the cheese scones! We are grateful to the many others who made the event such a success.
Members and guests enjoyed warm weather, if not unbroken sunshine, at St. Leonard’s Priory for the popular annual summer drinks party on 23 June. We were delighted to welcome the Mayor of Stamford, Mr Max Sawyer, as our guest. Member Anabel Morris provided refreshments, which were highly praised, especially the cheese scones! We are grateful to the many others who made the event such a success.
Forthcoming events
Events can be booked with the Treasurer.
Saturday, 8 and Sunday, 9 September--We shall again be opening St Leonard’s Priory for Heritage Open Days, from 12 noon to 4pm on each day.
There will be a small display looking at what happened to the Priory after the Dissolution of the Monasteries and how it was saved from complete destruction. On the Sunday, St Mary’s Schola will hold a service of Compline at 4pm in the Priory.
Tuesday, 25 September, 7.00pm for 7.30pm, Masonic Centre (no charge)—A joint meeting with the St Peter’s Community Group, when a recently produced short film on the life and work of Rutland Terrace resident Anne-Marie Evans will be shown. Anne-Marie is a noted botanical artist who practises and teaches in many parts of the world. The Masonic Centre is reached via the archway next to 14 All Saints’ Street or through the door at the back of the Scotgate car park.
Thursday, 11 October, 7.30pm, Town Hall—The Society’s Annual General Meeting. Members only, no charge.
Thursday, 22 November, 7.30pm, Browne’s Hospital (£3.50)—“Did Dr Fennell Save Stamford?” A talk by the Chairman about Dr Kenneth Fennell and how Stamford became the first Conservation Area.
Saturday, 8 and Sunday, 9 September--We shall again be opening St Leonard’s Priory for Heritage Open Days, from 12 noon to 4pm on each day.
There will be a small display looking at what happened to the Priory after the Dissolution of the Monasteries and how it was saved from complete destruction. On the Sunday, St Mary’s Schola will hold a service of Compline at 4pm in the Priory.
Tuesday, 25 September, 7.00pm for 7.30pm, Masonic Centre (no charge)—A joint meeting with the St Peter’s Community Group, when a recently produced short film on the life and work of Rutland Terrace resident Anne-Marie Evans will be shown. Anne-Marie is a noted botanical artist who practises and teaches in many parts of the world. The Masonic Centre is reached via the archway next to 14 All Saints’ Street or through the door at the back of the Scotgate car park.
Thursday, 11 October, 7.30pm, Town Hall—The Society’s Annual General Meeting. Members only, no charge.
Thursday, 22 November, 7.30pm, Browne’s Hospital (£3.50)—“Did Dr Fennell Save Stamford?” A talk by the Chairman about Dr Kenneth Fennell and how Stamford became the first Conservation Area.
Society news
BLUE PLAQUE—NELSON DAWSON
On Sunday, 13 May, the Society’s latest Blue Plaque was installed on the north side of St Mary’s Street. The plaque commemorates Nelson Dawson, the English artist, metalworker and enamellist, who was a member of the Arts and Crafts movement. We are grateful to the many people who postponed Sunday lunch to make this possible.
ADDITIONAL PROTECTION FOR THE CENTRAL CONSERVATION AREA
SKDC has started public consultation on new planning rules for unlisted homes in the central Conservation Area. The Society has been pressing for this additional protection for many years.
At present, owners of properties that are not listed have ‘permitted development’ rights to make changes such as doors, windows and roofing. Under the Article 4 Direction that is now being proposed, changes like these would require planning permission. The intention is to preserve the town’s unique character, stop unsympathetic development and prevent the gradual erosion of Stamford’s heritage.
SKDC has already approved the Direction in principle and it has the support of the Society and of the Town Council. The proposed Direction would not apply to the Northfields Conservation Area at this stage.
An Article 4 Direction does not stop all development. All planning applications will still be processed and decided in the normal way, having regard to planning policies.
The Society will be a formal consultee in this process. We had hoped that this would be completed in the 50th anniversary year, but Year 51 will do!
STAMFORD IN BLOOM
Stamford is gearing up to look its best when the judges for the East Midlands area visit on Monday, 2 July.
This is the first time for many years that Stamford has taken part in the competition. Thanks to the hard work of co-ordinator Ann Ellis and many volunteers, and with the support of the Town and District Councils, Stamford is looking much more attractive.
Improved street cleaning and new planting have brightened up previously unloved areas. More details of the work carried out can be found on Stamford Horticultural Society’s website at bit.ly/SHSinBloom (a shortcut available from any web browser).
The Civic Society has worked with Ann to create a map of the route for the judges to follow. The route highlights both Stamford’s heritage and the floral displays. If you would like to walk the route yourself, you can find the map on this website.
On Sunday, 13 May, the Society’s latest Blue Plaque was installed on the north side of St Mary’s Street. The plaque commemorates Nelson Dawson, the English artist, metalworker and enamellist, who was a member of the Arts and Crafts movement. We are grateful to the many people who postponed Sunday lunch to make this possible.
ADDITIONAL PROTECTION FOR THE CENTRAL CONSERVATION AREA
SKDC has started public consultation on new planning rules for unlisted homes in the central Conservation Area. The Society has been pressing for this additional protection for many years.
At present, owners of properties that are not listed have ‘permitted development’ rights to make changes such as doors, windows and roofing. Under the Article 4 Direction that is now being proposed, changes like these would require planning permission. The intention is to preserve the town’s unique character, stop unsympathetic development and prevent the gradual erosion of Stamford’s heritage.
SKDC has already approved the Direction in principle and it has the support of the Society and of the Town Council. The proposed Direction would not apply to the Northfields Conservation Area at this stage.
An Article 4 Direction does not stop all development. All planning applications will still be processed and decided in the normal way, having regard to planning policies.
The Society will be a formal consultee in this process. We had hoped that this would be completed in the 50th anniversary year, but Year 51 will do!
STAMFORD IN BLOOM
Stamford is gearing up to look its best when the judges for the East Midlands area visit on Monday, 2 July.
This is the first time for many years that Stamford has taken part in the competition. Thanks to the hard work of co-ordinator Ann Ellis and many volunteers, and with the support of the Town and District Councils, Stamford is looking much more attractive.
Improved street cleaning and new planting have brightened up previously unloved areas. More details of the work carried out can be found on Stamford Horticultural Society’s website at bit.ly/SHSinBloom (a shortcut available from any web browser).
The Civic Society has worked with Ann to create a map of the route for the judges to follow. The route highlights both Stamford’s heritage and the floral displays. If you would like to walk the route yourself, you can find the map on this website.
Urban Group
RED LION SQUARE
There is no more news at present.
WATER STREET
The Urban Group has been working on proposals for a project to improve the green space in Water Street on the river bank.
A public meeting was held on 27 June. It was well-attended by local residents. It was agreed that a further meeting would be needed.
The consensus at the meeting was that the existing sensory garden should be retained.
Update: the drawings and illustrations shown at the meeting are now available on this website.
There is no more news at present.
WATER STREET
The Urban Group has been working on proposals for a project to improve the green space in Water Street on the river bank.
A public meeting was held on 27 June. It was well-attended by local residents. It was agreed that a further meeting would be needed.
The consensus at the meeting was that the existing sensory garden should be retained.
Update: the drawings and illustrations shown at the meeting are now available on this website.
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