In this edition, our Chairman prepares to hand over the reins to his successor. Also, all the usual news.
From the Chairman
The ‘never ending’ scorching summer has now abruptly ended - welcome to the Autumn Newsletter, the year is certainly trotting along! We had hoped that, with the success of the Covid-19 vaccine programme, we would quickly get back to pre-pandemic operation this year with well attended monthly events and general forward momentum. However, our experience is that the pandemic has had a far greater effect than we anticipated with membership down and low attendances at our events - it seems that “Long Covid” applies to more than just the medical condition! The evidence points to a reviewing of people’s life styles and a resetting of their priorities. There seems to be a general malaise in all areas and this environment has not helped in our attempts to replenish our diminished Management Trustee resources that are essential to support our existing operating model with its monthly events and general community involvement.
We believe this is not a short term situation and that we need to react in a positive way to keep the Society relevant and moving forward. To this end we propose to re-model our operation to stay within our ‘Constitution Objects’, but to place more emphasis on the tangible projects of conservation and enhancement that are fundamental tenets of our Society. This will broaden the scope for Members (and families) to get engaged and enjoy the satisfaction of a more ‘hands on’ involvement in the ‘practical’ improvements we carry out in the Town. Further information on this approach will be covered at our AGM on October 25th. 2022 (see ‘Future Events’ section).
As I signalled in the last Newsletter, I will be retiring as a Trustee at the AGM so this will be my last Newsletter and I would like to take this opportunity to thank Members for their support during my term as Chairman over the last four years. I wish you all good health and fortune as we move forward through these difficult times.
We believe this is not a short term situation and that we need to react in a positive way to keep the Society relevant and moving forward. To this end we propose to re-model our operation to stay within our ‘Constitution Objects’, but to place more emphasis on the tangible projects of conservation and enhancement that are fundamental tenets of our Society. This will broaden the scope for Members (and families) to get engaged and enjoy the satisfaction of a more ‘hands on’ involvement in the ‘practical’ improvements we carry out in the Town. Further information on this approach will be covered at our AGM on October 25th. 2022 (see ‘Future Events’ section).
As I signalled in the last Newsletter, I will be retiring as a Trustee at the AGM so this will be my last Newsletter and I would like to take this opportunity to thank Members for their support during my term as Chairman over the last four years. I wish you all good health and fortune as we move forward through these difficult times.
Urban Group project update
Our urban project group has continued their very effective contribution to making a difference to the Town’s built heritage. Current projects include ground lighting repairs and general enhancements from Red Lion Square through Horse Shoe Lane into the Sheep Market; continuation with the medieval churches floodlighting programme; general plaques maintenance and restoration; and the early concept discussion of a proposal for river bank and tree work maintenance in Water Street
Recent events
Men of the Stones Annual Lecture – 21 July 2022 – David Ellis
Under our commitment to ‘The Men of The Stones’ (MoS) group when we brought it under the Civic Society wing, was an annual MoS lecture and this took place on Thursday 21st. July 2022 at Browne’s Hospital where David Ellis gave a talk entitled “The History of Collyweston Slate”. David recounted how he had been a Collyweston Slate man all his working life, starting with a five year apprenticeship when he was 15 years old. He guided us through each step of slate production from the hazardous ‘tunneling’ on hands and knees to prize out the blocks of stone, to the reliance on frosts to facilitate the splitting into slates. With the aid of some very interesting slide pictures he showed how the reputation of the hand crafted durable slate with its unique appearance as a roofing medium had led to its use on many imposing prestige buildings both in the UK and Internationally. A Q&A session that merged into the event’s social element with liquid refreshment and nibbles wrapped up the evening.
Under our commitment to ‘The Men of The Stones’ (MoS) group when we brought it under the Civic Society wing, was an annual MoS lecture and this took place on Thursday 21st. July 2022 at Browne’s Hospital where David Ellis gave a talk entitled “The History of Collyweston Slate”. David recounted how he had been a Collyweston Slate man all his working life, starting with a five year apprenticeship when he was 15 years old. He guided us through each step of slate production from the hazardous ‘tunneling’ on hands and knees to prize out the blocks of stone, to the reliance on frosts to facilitate the splitting into slates. With the aid of some very interesting slide pictures he showed how the reputation of the hand crafted durable slate with its unique appearance as a roofing medium had led to its use on many imposing prestige buildings both in the UK and Internationally. A Q&A session that merged into the event’s social element with liquid refreshment and nibbles wrapped up the evening.
Upcoming events
Our AGM will be held at Stamford Town Hall on 25th. October 2022, 6.00pm for 6.30pm. Refreshments will be available on arrival and also during the break between the completion of AGM business and a talk by Chris Close, Chairman of Collyweston Historical Society, on the search for remains of the substantial Collyweston Palace.
On Thursday 17th. November 2022 Professor Christina Riggs of Durham University will give a presentation at 7.30pm in Barn Hill Methodist Church entitled “From Stamford to Luxor; How Harry Burton Photographed the Find of the Century”. Whilst the talk and pictures will be of the highest standard it will be particularly apt as the Society, in June this year, installed a ‘Blue Plaque’ in Burghley Lane recognising Harry Burton’s birth place. Tickets £10 (SCS members and students £8) from [email protected] or 01780 754567/07887 780987 or on the door. Tea and coffee will be available from 7.00pm.
On Thursday 17th. November 2022 Professor Christina Riggs of Durham University will give a presentation at 7.30pm in Barn Hill Methodist Church entitled “From Stamford to Luxor; How Harry Burton Photographed the Find of the Century”. Whilst the talk and pictures will be of the highest standard it will be particularly apt as the Society, in June this year, installed a ‘Blue Plaque’ in Burghley Lane recognising Harry Burton’s birth place. Tickets £10 (SCS members and students £8) from [email protected] or 01780 754567/07887 780987 or on the door. Tea and coffee will be available from 7.00pm.
Stamford Conservation Area planning matters
Our Sub-group of experts has reviewed some 36 Planning Applications in the second quarter of the year highlighting the historic features affected and the appropriateness of the proposals in the conservation area. The Applications considered fell into 5 basic categories:
Proposals for Outbuildings, Fencing and Extensions #10
Exterior/Interior Decoration/Maintenance #16
Revisions to Shop Fronts and Signage #5
Change-of-Use of Land-parcels and Premises #3
Major Residential Developments #
Jim Mason
Chairman
Proposals for Outbuildings, Fencing and Extensions #10
Exterior/Interior Decoration/Maintenance #16
Revisions to Shop Fronts and Signage #5
Change-of-Use of Land-parcels and Premises #3
Major Residential Developments #
Jim Mason
Chairman
RSS Feed
