You will see that the amount of paperwork has been cut down this year; there is no Chairman's letter or request for subscriptions. We have decided that this newsletter can cover these, hence saving paper and printer cartridges and significantly reducing my blood pressure when trying to get everything printed.
If anyone wishes to nominate an officer or committee member, please note that nomination forms must be returned to the Secretary by Thursday October 2nd. Forms returned after that, including on the AGM night will not be accepted.
Many charities and other organisations now try to cut the amount of paper and postage by asking members to receive the AGM paperwork by email. If you are happy to do this from 2015 onwards, please email us and let us know.
Subscriptions
The annual subscriptions are due for payment now, please. We hope that you will renew your membership and continue your support. The cost remains at £10 for single members, and £15 for two people living at the same address; we will not be proposing any change at the AGM. The subscriptions can be paid to Martin Grimes at the AGM or sent by post to Martin at 20 Phillips Court, Stamford, PE9 2EE (Please note that new members who joined after 1st April are not expected to pay again now!).
If you have not signed a gift aid form, please consider doing this so we can get a further contribution back from the tax man. Forms are available from Martin or the Secretary.
Members paying by standing order should please ignore this request.
Events programme
Tickets are available from the Secretary and at the AGM.
Unless otherwise stated, all talks will be at Browne’s Hospital, with tickets costing £3.50.
Thursday 23rd October: “Bless and Tell” - a talk by Civic Society Member, Canon Donald Gray.
Donald was appointed Canon of Westminster and Speaker's Chaplain in 1987. His role within the Westminster Chapter was that of Rector of St Margaret's Church, Westminster Abbey. He speaks about his time at the heart of the political establishment and gives some delightful insights into his work at Westminster and some of the people he met.
Thursday November 27th: David Pennell, the Estate Director for the Burghley Estate will be talking about the day to day issues and intricacies of looking after the Estate's listed properties in Stamford. This is going to be an insight into the workings of Stamford's major Landlord – not to be missed!
Talks and visits for 2015
After informal discussions, we have a list of possibles for 2015, though I think have too many ideas for trips. Even so, more ideas will be very welcome, and we hope members will discuss their preferences over a glass of wine at the AGM. Please note many of these have not yet been arranged, and some of the speakers have not yet been approached!
- Annual evening for members Spring 2015
- St Leonard’s Priory summer event 2015
- Talk by SKDC Planning Dept.
- Talk by David Ellis on Collyweston slate
- Possibly another talk by Stuart Orme in Winter 2015
- Private Visit to Harlaxton Manor
- Visit to Spalding Gentlemen’s Society
- Guided tour of Louth and its museum, by coach
- Private Visit to Island Hall, Godmanchester
- Visit by coach to the Wedgwood Museum, Stoke-on-Trent Autumn 2015
- Open Garden – Summer 2015
- Guided tour of SES gardens Summer 2015
The Society will be producing an Annual Review of news and articles – things which are too long for the Newsletter, in January. This will take the form of an A4 booklet which will enable us to explore in more depth the work of the Society and the challenges of balancing 21st century development with the conservation of the heritage environment.
Stone Trail
We have produced a new copy of the previously out of print Stone Trail, as part of the Sundial project, courtesy of the Heritage Lottery Fund. It will be available from the Library and the Tourist Information Centre, hopefully in mid-September at the price of £1. Proceeds will go to the Stamford Library and Heritage Centre.
Stephen Hart
It is with great sadness that we report the death of Stephen Hart, a few days before his 90th birthday. Stephen was one of the last remaining founder members of Stamford Civic Society. A longer tribute will appear in the Society's Annual Review.
The Magic Lantern Slides of Henry Traylen
Dave Baxter, who many of you know as a Civic Society member has digitised many of these slides that are archived at the Town Hall. They have been compiled into a book and the Civic Society has acquired a limited number of these that are available to members as long as our stock lasts at a discounted price of £9 per copy. It is a fascinating collection; it will solve our “what present can we give to our speaker” problem for the next few years!
If you would like a copy, they will be available at the AGM.