In this issue, our Chairman gives an update on a fresh look at the Society's aims and management; we have news of recent and upcoming events; a call for ambassadors; and project updates from the Urban Group.
From the Chairman
Following the AGM at the end of last year our new 2019 Committee began the new year not exactly with new resolutions but with a fresh look at the Society’s aims and management going forward. Whilst Conservation remains the core of the Society’s remit it was felt that a more open mission state - ment reflecting our desire to enhance Stamford’s appeal was an appropriate update and would bring us more in line with that of our national body, Civic Voice. The following statement has therefore been agreed by the Committee:
That we endeavour to make Stamford more attractive, enjoyable and distinctive and that we seek to protect heritage, enhance the urban environment and promote civic pride.
The Committee also felt that, in order to strengthen our influence in civic matters, there was a need to raise the profile of the Society. To this end we have established a new Marketing Sub-Group along- side our Planning Sub-Committee and our Urban Group, the latter having now been fully integrated into the Stamford Civic Society. A new Corporate Sponsorship scheme has been introduced to solicit support from Stamford’s businesses and we have defined more clearly the Society’s offer to Members in relation to their subscriptions. We have also enhanced and simplified the subscription payment options.
A programme of monthly discrete and wide-ranging events has been put together and issued in the form of a booklet delivered at the beginning of the year with the Society’s 2018 Review.
We have also initiated approaches to other Stamford Groups and Societies with regard to sharing event and programme information.
As a useful aid to Members, and also with visitors in mind, work continues, in association with Stamford New College students, to develop a mobile ‘phone App which can be downloaded to provide on-the-spot detailed information for Stamford’s historic buildings and sites. It is intended that this App will be demonstrated as part of the Heritage Weekend in September next.
We are now coming up to our third event this year and I hope that you are finding something that appeals to you all in our varied programme.
That we endeavour to make Stamford more attractive, enjoyable and distinctive and that we seek to protect heritage, enhance the urban environment and promote civic pride.
The Committee also felt that, in order to strengthen our influence in civic matters, there was a need to raise the profile of the Society. To this end we have established a new Marketing Sub-Group along- side our Planning Sub-Committee and our Urban Group, the latter having now been fully integrated into the Stamford Civic Society. A new Corporate Sponsorship scheme has been introduced to solicit support from Stamford’s businesses and we have defined more clearly the Society’s offer to Members in relation to their subscriptions. We have also enhanced and simplified the subscription payment options.
A programme of monthly discrete and wide-ranging events has been put together and issued in the form of a booklet delivered at the beginning of the year with the Society’s 2018 Review.
We have also initiated approaches to other Stamford Groups and Societies with regard to sharing event and programme information.
As a useful aid to Members, and also with visitors in mind, work continues, in association with Stamford New College students, to develop a mobile ‘phone App which can be downloaded to provide on-the-spot detailed information for Stamford’s historic buildings and sites. It is intended that this App will be demonstrated as part of the Heritage Weekend in September next.
We are now coming up to our third event this year and I hope that you are finding something that appeals to you all in our varied programme.
Recent events
In January this year a large audience listened to an absorbing and very well presented talk from a popular long term friend of Stamford, and enthusiastic supporter of all things ministerial, civic and social, the Rev. David Bond. David used the establishment and location of Stamford’s medieval churches as a vehicle for recounting the ancient history of the Town from the first Danish military settlement through the great days of the thriving walled town to the decimation of the population as a result of the ‘Black Death’ in the fourteenth century. He concluded with a description of the salient features of the six churches.
Our February event proved extremely popular and was very well received by the Members who were clearly and understandably curious about the residential and commercial developments foreseen for Stamford over the next 20/25 years. In The Shape of Things to Come our Committee Member Cllr. David Taylor, and SKDC Council Leader Cllr. Matthew Lee, gave a detailed presentation on the involvement of the community in the long term strategic plan, the legal process, and Central Government imposed demands and constraints for our local area. A lively Q&A session followed and a convivial social period wound up the evening.
Our February event proved extremely popular and was very well received by the Members who were clearly and understandably curious about the residential and commercial developments foreseen for Stamford over the next 20/25 years. In The Shape of Things to Come our Committee Member Cllr. David Taylor, and SKDC Council Leader Cllr. Matthew Lee, gave a detailed presentation on the involvement of the community in the long term strategic plan, the legal process, and Central Government imposed demands and constraints for our local area. A lively Q&A session followed and a convivial social period wound up the evening.
Ambassadors for Stamford
We have had two requests for volunteers in the last few weeks.
1. Andrew Norman, Head of Visitor Economy at Invest SK, is seeking to recruit Tourist Ambassadors to help visitors to Stamford. If you’re interested in being involved with this project helping please contact Andrew (01476 406412 or andrew.norman@investsk.co.uk).
Alternatively, have a chat at the Members’ Evening (see below).
2. David Wallington, the new Curator at Browne’s Hospital, is planning to open to visitors on a more regular basis. To help with this he is seeking volunteers to act as guides on an occasional basis. Again, if you are interested, please contact David (01780 765002 or davidwallington40@gmail.com). In both the above cases training would be given.
1. Andrew Norman, Head of Visitor Economy at Invest SK, is seeking to recruit Tourist Ambassadors to help visitors to Stamford. If you’re interested in being involved with this project helping please contact Andrew (01476 406412 or andrew.norman@investsk.co.uk).
Alternatively, have a chat at the Members’ Evening (see below).
2. David Wallington, the new Curator at Browne’s Hospital, is planning to open to visitors on a more regular basis. To help with this he is seeking volunteers to act as guides on an occasional basis. Again, if you are interested, please contact David (01780 765002 or davidwallington40@gmail.com). In both the above cases training would be given.
Upcoming events
You will note from the 2019 Programme Card and/or the SCS website that we have three inter- esting events being held in this March and the following two months.
1. Our annual Members’ Evening to be held Round the Fire at Browne’s Hospital on Thursday 21 March at 7.00 for 7.30pm. This will include a short talk entitled Stamford’s Heritage and the Visitor Economy by Andrew Norman and Claire Saunders of Invest SK.
2. A talk entitled Longthorpe Tower – A Medieval Treasure given by Don Chiswell at Browne’s Hospital on Thursday 11 April, again at 7.00 for 7.30pm. It is hoped that this may be the precursor to a visit to Longthorpe Tower at some time in the future.
3. A visit to RAF Wittering in May. Details of this visit are still in train and Members will receive full information on this visit as soon as it’s available.
1. Our annual Members’ Evening to be held Round the Fire at Browne’s Hospital on Thursday 21 March at 7.00 for 7.30pm. This will include a short talk entitled Stamford’s Heritage and the Visitor Economy by Andrew Norman and Claire Saunders of Invest SK.
2. A talk entitled Longthorpe Tower – A Medieval Treasure given by Don Chiswell at Browne’s Hospital on Thursday 11 April, again at 7.00 for 7.30pm. It is hoped that this may be the precursor to a visit to Longthorpe Tower at some time in the future.
3. A visit to RAF Wittering in May. Details of this visit are still in train and Members will receive full information on this visit as soon as it’s available.
Current project update
Statistics
Members at 28 February: 227
Corporate Sponsors at 28 February: new initiative. 5 so far
Planning Applications reviewed for Stamford Conservation Area, January & February: 17
Corporate Sponsors at 28 February: new initiative. 5 so far
Planning Applications reviewed for Stamford Conservation Area, January & February: 17
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