Autumn 2021

In this issue: an update from the Chairman, focusing on the AGM on 19 October; a short project update; reports of two recent events and news of upcoming ones; and a setback for the Stamford Neighbourhood Plan.

From the Chairman

In spite of the somewhat confusing official Covid-19 announcements impeding our normal lifestyles we have, quite quickly it seems, arrived at ‘Autumn 2021’ which, in addition to the seasonal reference, has a further significance this year in heralding the waning of the pandemic. Following the savage blow Covid-19 has visited upon our activities over the last 18 months, restrictions have thankfully now been largely lifted.

Whilst some mitigation activities have been possible for us over the term, we now need to set about ‘rebuilding’ our organisation.

The first significant step in this process is the business of our AGM on 19th. October 2021 where we will elect a new Committee. Our current Treasurer has unfortunately had to retire and a number of other Committee Trustees are also retiring at this juncture. The Society is a Registered Charity and cannot fulfil its Charity Commission obligations, contained in our Constitution, without an appointment to the office of Treasurer. The Committee of Trustees manages, on behalf of the Members, all the activities that the Society carries out including, projects that conserve and enhance the appeal of Stamford’s built heritage, the review and comment on all Planning Applications in the Conservation Area and talks, visits and social occasions for Members and their guests. All Committee positions are open for election at the AGM according to our Constitution.

The role of Treasurer basically involves managing our HSBC Bank Account (income & expenditure) and advising the Trustees in respect of the Society’s financial status together with any risks or opportunities that arise from proposals and forward plans.

Other vacant Committee roles are, in the main, related to sub-groups that are formed to address our wide range of activities and currently this would include team-leaders for ‘Events’ and ‘Market ing/Communications’ positions.

If you feel you (or anyone you know) would like to be part of an affable managing group of mo tivated Stamford Town development lobbyists then please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us before our AGM. We very much appreciate your unwavering support for our Society and I hope you will be able to extend that support by assisting us in our post pandemic ‘rebuild’.

Following the AGM we would normally be putting together our Events Programme booklet for Members covering the year ahead but, with the uncertainty still prevailing at a large number of destinations, it has not been possible to obtain arrangement commitments for the full year. This being the case, we will continue to timely communicate details of events in ‘bite size portions’ as we have been doing during the pandemic restrictions. We are very much looking forward to returning to a full year of substantial social gatherings and, in the business area, to addressing the proposed new national planning relaxations in permitted development rights, making the case for full community consultation in all aspects of development in our Town.

Project update

Our Urban Group continues to progress Town enhancement projects including Lighting of Churches, Sheepmarket Improvements and Town Plaques and Information Boards Care & Maintenance. Three new proposals have been received for the erection of Blue Plaques recognizing the accomplishments of highly regarded ‘Stamfordians’ of the past, John Pick, Harry Burton and Colin Dexter and these are under review.

Recent events

31 July 2021: Summer Party at St Leonard’s Priory: This event was signalled as our much anticipated return to face-to-face social meetings follow ing the last 16 months of pandemic restrictions. It was deliberately chosen for its open air nature to engender confidence in those still a little apprehensive about mixing in larger groups. Of course this meant a nervous week for us carefully studying weather forecasts which predicted continuing ‘very unsettled’ days! In the event, fortune was on our side and a gathering of some 75 Members, guests and dignitaries enjoyed a lovely summer evening in the surrounds of the imposing Priory building. With a wide range of drinks and nibbles available, the welcome buzz of socialisation, sorely missed over the past months, spread across the site. Small enthusiastic ‘reunions’ were the order of the day and overall our resumption of ‘normal’ event activity was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

9 September 2021: Visit to Flag Fen: Following a highly successful resumption of ‘post-pandemic’ face-to-face events at St Leonard’s Priory at the end of July, Thursday 9 September 2021 saw members and guests gathering in a sun bathed car park at another outdoor location, Flag Fen. Right from the start there was a distinct air of conviviality and the group eagerly assembled in the reception area to meet our guide.

Flag Fen

Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and, in a light style, led us through some 4,000 years of activity at the Fen site. We were fascinated by the experience of standing in a ‘meadow’ and listening to details of the activity over many centuries of ancient tribes and the changing composition of the earth beneath our feet. We learned of the serendipity in the discovery of a wood piled causeway, Roman roads and a considerable number of artefacts including tools, utensils, pots, weapons and even boats, from the many archaeological digs. We heard of the influence of the brick works centuries later that had been drawn to this area as a result of the special clay stratum. We viewed a Bronze-age Round House, a section of the causeway preserved in a giant water tank and presentations of a wide range of unearthed artefacts. After giving profuse thanks to our guide some of the group remained at the site taking advantage of the coffee shop for a drink and sandwich and also to mull over a very enjoyable visit on a lovely warm autumn day.

Upcoming events

Our next event is the previously referred to AGM on Tuesday 19th. October 2021 at the Town Hall starting at 6pm. In addition to the AGM business, there will be a talk by Robert Loomes , our well known Stamford clock maker plus the usual ‘tasty refreshments’.

In November we will return to our ‘home base’, Browne’s Hospital for a Talk, the details of which are currently being finalised.

Robert Loomes

We end the year with an early evening Seasonal Reception, again at Browne’s Hospital, on Thursday 16th. December 2021.

Stamford Conservation Area planning matters

In terms of local Planning Applications, during the first three quarters of 2021 our expert team of Planning Sub-group members has reviewed some 58 Applications and also triggered an Enforcement Order on an unacceptable change to a listed town building that had not been submitted for planning approval.

On a much wider front, the meticulously prepared (over 5 years) Stamford Neighbourhood Plan, which was the basis of our consented pathway for Stamford’s future development, has been derailed at the final referendum stage by Rutland County Council’s (RCC) decision to reject its own Neighbourhood Plan which was closely linked to Stamford’s in respect of the major development proposed for ‘Stamford North’. We will be carefully following the consequences of this unexpected disruption to the masterplan for Stamford’s long term development agreed between the SKDC and RCC authorities.

Membership

The Society has currently 244 Members.

Jim Mason
Chairman