Since the last Newsletter
The Chairman reported that the committee is seeking a Chairman and Secretary plus new committee members. Volunteers are needed!
Martin Lander has taken over the role of Membership Secretary from Melanie Sockett. All future talks will be ticketless.
On 4 May, Cllr. Taylor will talk at Browne’s about Stamford First’s Local Plan - £3.50 on the door.
Members’ interest was sought for August garden outings: Grimsthorpe Castle and Foxtail Lilly’s in Oundle were the favourites.
Mike Sockett reported that Peter Stean will update the “Paving The Way” review. (Subsequently, Cllr. Brailsford sent a copy to Highways for their attention.)
Cllr. Brailsford suggested that members use the LCC website to report highway faults or call 01522 782070, not the unreliable “Up My Street”.
There followed a Q&A session with County Councillor David Brailsford, which members commented they had found enlightening.
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In his recent book, Simon Jenkins writes, “The medieval cathedral is the most spectacular and lasting accomplishment of the English people.” On 20 April, 22 members had an informative and enjoyable tour of an outstanding example at Peterborough, conducted by the Cathedral’s knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides.
Planning matters
2017 events
STAMFORD FIRST LOCAL PLAN Thursday, 4 May, 7.30pm (£3.50 on the door)
Cllr. David Taylor will talk at Browne’s Hospital about Stamford First’s Local Plan.
BROWNE'S HOSPITAL OPEN DAYS 2017 Saturday, 27 May and Saturday, 9 September
In conjunction with Heritage Open Days, from 11am until 4pm.
DRINKS PARTY AT ST LEONARD’S PRIORY Saturday, 17 June, 6pm to 8pm (no charge)
You are welcome to bring non-members with you.
SPECIAL VISIT TO BURGHLEY HOUSE Wednesday, 21 June, 6pm to 8pm (£20.00)
Places have been allocated by ballot.
AUGUST VISITS Thursday 3 August: (2.30pm, £9.50)
Private tour of Grimsthorpe Castle then independent visit to the attractive gardens. There is a café. We are also planning a visit to Foxtail Lilly’s in Oundle.
SAVE THE DATE: 50TH ANNIVERSARY
We hope to hold a reception on Thursday, 28 September.
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (TOWN HALL) Thursday, 5 October, 7.30 pm (no charge)
Please put this date in your diary.
Conservation Area 50th anniversary
HERITAGE OPEN DAYS
9 and 10 September, 12pm to 4pm
We plan to participate by opening St Leonard’s Priory, with a small display about the Priory..
ARTS CENTRE EXHIBITION
20 to 28 September, The Gallery
Our exhibition will explain the increasing concern about conservation in the 1960s; why Stamford was first to be designated; and why conservation remains important today.
STAMFORD SCHOOLS HERITAGE FILM FESTIVAL
Together with Heritage Lincolnshire and Historic England, we will be supporting a Stamford Schools Heritage Film Festival. Pupils will be asked to make short videos, illustrating the issues and features of their historic town that matter most to them. A professional film maker will give free training to students and teachers, supporting them in scripting, filming and editing a five-minute video of their own. Our exhibition will include these short films.
Special screening of the films
Wednesday, 4 October
A special screening of the films will be hosted at the Arts Centre on Wednesday, 4 October for all participants.
Society news
We are still in regular contact with SKDC about graffiti, but please continue to support these efforts by reporting graffiti on 01476 40 60 80.
THE ALBERT BRIDGE
Cleaning has now been completed; our thanks to Paddy Jelen for organising this and for the Town Council’s help in arranging the temporary closure of the bridge. A new light has been ordered and SKDC will fit it in due course.
SOCIETY PUBLICATIONS AND NOTE CARDS
The Stones of Stamford Revisited by Rachel Morley – a “must” for any owner of a stone house (£5.00)
The Magic Lantern Slides of Henry Traylen – nearly 100 old photographs of Stamford (£10.00)
The Society’s attractive note cards have images of Stamford by local artist Karen Neale. They are blank inside for use on all occasions. Packs of six cards with envelopes, in three designs, are £5.00.
To buy any of these, please contact Martin Lander by emailing treasurer@stamfordcivicsociety.org.uk, telephone 01780 754567, or by post from 28 Christ Church Close, Stamford, PE9 1HS. Note cards are also available at our talks.