Stamford Civic Society Newsletter Winter 2026
A Happy Peaceful and Prosperous New Year to you all.
Stamford Civic Society was formed in 1962 to lobby for the conservation and preservation of the town, while also looking to its future prosperity. This Society ethos still rings true today and is uppermost in all our work for the town, its residents and businesses.
We are concerned that a few of the buildings and sites within the town are showing signs of neglect or abandonment. In some instances, this process has been going on for a number of years. This we think could in part be addressed by talking with the owners, the local authorities and others, in order to accurately understand the situation pertinent to each individual property and its owner and seek a way forward.
Stamford Civic Society was formed in 1962 to lobby for the conservation and preservation of the town, while also looking to its future prosperity. This Society ethos still rings true today and is uppermost in all our work for the town, its residents and businesses.
We are concerned that a few of the buildings and sites within the town are showing signs of neglect or abandonment. In some instances, this process has been going on for a number of years. This we think could in part be addressed by talking with the owners, the local authorities and others, in order to accurately understand the situation pertinent to each individual property and its owner and seek a way forward.
To meet with this objective the Society has compiled a list of buildings and sites which have lain undeveloped and, in some instances, allowed to deteriorate for a considerable length of time (a number in excess of 10 years). The Society considers action needs to be taken by the relevant agency to encourage and implement change that will improve the visual amenity of the surrounding area.
Stamford Town Council had been happy to endorse this discussion document, which strengthens its relevance to the town.
In the production of this document The Civic Society is seeking to:
The Society and the Town Council are acutely sympathetic to the uncertain trading position that some businesses are facing, often through no fault of their own. The Society and Town Council are conscious of the fact that poorly maintained areas can detract from the general ambiance, visual effect and feeling of prosperity within an area. This can ultimately result in adverse comments by local residents and tourists combined and can act as a drag on the economic prosperity of the town. We have also suggested possible actions that the local government have powers to undertake.
However, we are hopeful that this discussion document may enable focussed discussions to take place to the ultimate benefit to all involved. We also hope that the wider public, Societies and organisations in the Town and elsewhere who have an interest in the built environment of this historically important Town will contribute positively to the debate.
Stamford Town Council had been happy to endorse this discussion document, which strengthens its relevance to the town.
In the production of this document The Civic Society is seeking to:
- Raise awareness of the necessity to ensure that buildings and structures are maintained to an appropriate standard for Listed Buildings status (where applicable).
- Promote the sensitive and beneficial maintenance of premises within the Conservation Areas or that affect buildings within Conservation Areas.
- Support the enhancement of the town central area aesthetics.
- Promote the concept that each building is considered as part of the overall architectural composition of the Town Centre.
- Encourage the viable development of derelict or vacant premises, and derelict sites to the benefit of the owner as well as the wider community.
- Encourage constructive dialogue between the building owners, occupiers (where appropriate the local authorities and the Stamford Civic Society.
The Society and the Town Council are acutely sympathetic to the uncertain trading position that some businesses are facing, often through no fault of their own. The Society and Town Council are conscious of the fact that poorly maintained areas can detract from the general ambiance, visual effect and feeling of prosperity within an area. This can ultimately result in adverse comments by local residents and tourists combined and can act as a drag on the economic prosperity of the town. We have also suggested possible actions that the local government have powers to undertake.
However, we are hopeful that this discussion document may enable focussed discussions to take place to the ultimate benefit to all involved. We also hope that the wider public, Societies and organisations in the Town and elsewhere who have an interest in the built environment of this historically important Town will contribute positively to the debate.
Our December Members evening
was very successful as you see we even had Father Christmas calling in. We were entertained by the Showstoppers Choir at the beginning of the evening, carols and Christmas songs were enjoyed by us all. We have received thank you messages which can be summed up by the following quotes:
was very successful as you see we even had Father Christmas calling in. We were entertained by the Showstoppers Choir at the beginning of the evening, carols and Christmas songs were enjoyed by us all. We have received thank you messages which can be summed up by the following quotes:
“I enjoyed it very much and I’m sure everyone else did too"
“The atmosphere was lovely and I never expected such high quality foo, let alone so -
much of it, all that drink too"
“a big thank you”
“The atmosphere was lovely and I never expected such high quality foo, let alone so -
much of it, all that drink too"
“a big thank you”
 |  |
For those of you who like to get out into the Town and enjoy the architecture; I can recommend:
Northamptonshire Walk 145 Stamford
(yes I know we are in Lincolnshire)
It can be found on the website:
northamptonshirewalks.co.uk
It may be something to do on a fine sunny day with family or friends when they come to visit Stamford
Northamptonshire Walk 145 Stamford
(yes I know we are in Lincolnshire)
It can be found on the website:
northamptonshirewalks.co.uk
It may be something to do on a fine sunny day with family or friends when they come to visit Stamford
Stamford Railway Station update:
As you know we have been lobbying Network Rail with the invaluable help of Alicia Kearns M P. for the preservation of the Waiting Shelter on Platform two and the Footbridge. A couple of months ago the upper part of the waiting shelter was painted which is an improvement, but by no means perfect. Also, the side parts of the footbridge were painted. Leaving the outer sides untouched and still needing urgent attention.
We have now heard that the outside parts of the footbridge are to be painted within the next six months. This is positive news, we await the outcome and thank Alicia for her help.
As you know we have been lobbying Network Rail with the invaluable help of Alicia Kearns M P. for the preservation of the Waiting Shelter on Platform two and the Footbridge. A couple of months ago the upper part of the waiting shelter was painted which is an improvement, but by no means perfect. Also, the side parts of the footbridge were painted. Leaving the outer sides untouched and still needing urgent attention.
We have now heard that the outside parts of the footbridge are to be painted within the next six months. This is positive news, we await the outcome and thank Alicia for her help.
A question for all members:
Have you stowed away in your home; any documents, papers, publications about or created by Stamford Civic Society?
We are in the process of investigating our archive of past minutes, events and work and are keen to create a full record of the past 60 plus years of the Civic Society in Stamford.
We are aware that there is a wealth of archive material stored in the Lincolnshire Library store and are in contact with them to gain access to this material.
In particular we are looking for material from 1962 to 1970.
Please get in touch if you have anything of interest.
Have you stowed away in your home; any documents, papers, publications about or created by Stamford Civic Society?
We are in the process of investigating our archive of past minutes, events and work and are keen to create a full record of the past 60 plus years of the Civic Society in Stamford.
We are aware that there is a wealth of archive material stored in the Lincolnshire Library store and are in contact with them to gain access to this material.
In particular we are looking for material from 1962 to 1970.
Please get in touch if you have anything of interest.
  Ursula Jones Chairman Stamford Civic Society | Our next meeting for members is on March 17th at 19.00 hrs in the Town Hall The South Kesteven Conservation Officer is coming to give us a talk about her work in Stamford . This should be an interesting meeting and we hope you will all come. More details will follow later. Enjoy the rest of the winter, Spring is on the way. |
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