The last newsletter reported the return of the old sundial to its new resting place, inside All Saints’ Church, by the North door. This Newsletter can report the successful installation of the new one on the south side of All Saints’. There will be a brief ceremony to celebrate the new sundial, on Tuesday, June 25th at 2pm at the Churchyard. The Bishop of Lincoln will be present.
Tolethorpe Hall.
Thirty eight members of the Society enjoyed a delightful afternoon at the site of the Shakespeare Festival on the 11th April. Mike Harrison gave an informative and entertaining talk on the history of the Hall, which dates
back to Norman times, and the Festival, which has been at Tolethorpe since 1977. Following coffee and biscuits members were shown the work going on backstage in preparation for the new season and the wardrobe rooms on the upper floors. In all a fascinating and hugely enjoyable afternoon.
Events programme
Saturday 11 May, 10.30am to 12.00pm: Coffee morning at St Leonard’s Priory
The Society looks after the site of St Leonard’s Priory and has improved it over the years by installing an information board and planting many spring bulbs and a Mulberry tree. Join us for coffee and see how the grounds are looking – guests are welcome, and there is no need to book.
Tuesday 18 June – 6pm: Tour of the private apartments of Burghley House
There are only 25 places for this event and we will carry out a draw to allocate tickets. To apply to be in the draw, please advise the Secretary by Friday 17 May 2013. This event is strictly members only. Please note the cost for this event will be £20 per person.
Thursday 11 July – 6.30pm to 8.30pm: Open Gardens around St George’s Square and St Mary’s
This event will be open to members only, and the evening will finish with drinks at the Arts Centre. A proportion of the ticket costs of £5 per person for this event will go to local charities.
Thursday 5 September 2013 – 2pm: Visit to Milton Hall, near Peterborough.
Milton Hall dates from 1594, and is the historical home of the Fitzwilliam family. Places will be in short supply, and we will hold a ballot if necessary. The cost will be £15 per person. Attendance will be limited to members only.
Thursday, 3 October 2013 7pm: AGM at the Town Hall.
More information to follow.
Wednesday 6 November – 5.30pm to 7.30pm: Private tour of Peterborough Museum.
This evening visit will start at 5.30pm with a glass of wine, followed by our tour round the recently refurbished museum from 6pm to 7.30pm. The cost is £7 per person.
Heritage Fair – Sunday 19 May
About sixteen societies and organizations will be exhibiting at the one day event at the Arts Centre, including the Civic Society. It starts at 11am and is free of charge. Please come along and say hello!
Another place to visit this summer.
The Priest’s House, Easton on the Hill is open on Sundays July to August.
Built in about 1475, the National Trust’s Priest’s House at Easton on the Hill is opening its doors to the public every Sunday afternoon in June, July and August.
The building contains exhibitions on Collyweston slating and mining, and on the ironstone quarrying industry that flourished in the village between 1875 and 1920.
Additionally, this year there is a special exhibition on the Royal Flying Corps (which was founded just over 100 years ago) and the also including the early years at RAF Wittering.
Opening times are from 2pm to 4.30pm every Sunday in August. Entry is free.
State of the town
Many people are concerned about dangerous potholes appearing in local roads. If you notice any problems with the highways do report it first to Lincolnshire Highways – there is an easy-to-use form on LCC’s website, or you can phone Lincolnshire Highways West tel: 01522 782070.
If there is a problem with paving then please contact Peter Stevens, 17 Barn Hill, Stamford PE9 2AE, peterstevens.1@btinternet.com, who maintains a prioritized log of problems which are passed on to Lincolnshire Highways for action.
Heritage at Risk
Heritage Lincolnshire is running a conference on June 13th in Lincoln to mark the end of this national pilot project. The day-long conference will include a series of lectures and discussions.
Heritage open days
This year, the annual Heritage Open Days take place on 12 - 15 September; the Civic Society is expecting to be involved, and more information will follow.
Contact Details
Our website at
www.stamfordcivicsociety.org.uk has up to date information on events and projects.
Please contact Melanie Sockett, our Secretary for tickets and general information, by phone to 01780 752972, in writing to 16 Phillips Court, Stamford, PE9 2EE or by email to info@stamfordcivicsociety.org.uk.
We look forward to seeing you at our events during 2013.
Gwyneth Gibbs
Chairman
Registered Charity No. 242571 email info@stamfordcivicsociety.org.uk www.stamfordcivicsociety.org.uk