Archive for category: Council News

 

Audio-visual equipment is now available to be loaned to Stamford community groups thanks to a generous donation from another local organisation.

The Stamford Probus Club has provided a range of technical equipment to Stamford Town Council so it can benefit the community and be used for free.

There is a digital projector, a large retractable screen on a tripod stand and a portable amplifier with microphones which can be signed out for use by community organisations. A simple form is required to complete the hire as well as a refundable deposit of £100. Instructions for use are provided and the equipment can be collected from Stamford Town Hall.

Probus Clubs promote friendship and fellowship among retired professionals and businesspeople. The Stamford Probus Club, which is aimed at professional men who are retired and semi-retired, was established in the town more than 50 years ago and meets monthly for lunches with an informative talk from a club member or a guest speaker.

John Pye, Secretary of the Stamford Probus Club, said: “As a club we had less of a requirement for this equipment as the venue we meet in has facilities we can use, so it made sense to donate it so others can benefit from it. We hope other clubs can make the most of the equipment and that it fulfils a need for groups that haven’t got access to their own. The audio-visual kit is portable, so it works well for outdoor events as well.”

Councillor Max Sawyer, who is also a Stamford Probus Club member, said: “Making the equipment available to all is an excellent example of the wonderful community spirit that can be found time and time again in Stamford. We hope clubs and community groups in the area can make good use of it.”

The Stamford Probus Club currently has vacancies to welcome new members. Visit the website to find out more about how to join: www.stamfordprobus.org

Please contact the Town Hall on 01780 753808 or townhall@stamfordtowncouncil.gov.uk to request the hire of the audio-visual equipment and fill in the Probus AV equipment hire sheet.

An evening of tradition and celebration took place at Stamford Town Hall tonight to mark the inauguration of the new Mayor of Stamford, Councillor Amanda Wheeler.

Mayor Making is a traditional civic event held at the beginning of the new municipal year and brings together civic dignitaries and guests for an official ceremony that marks the transition of leadership from the previous Mayoral team to the new Mayor and Deputy Mayor.

Guests were welcomed by Town Crier Andrew Downing and the ceremony began with a procession of the Civic Party entering the courtroom, led by the ceremonial maces and the 15th century wand of office from Stamford’s regalia collection.

During the ceremony, the new Mayor took an oath accepting the office, and there was a ceremonial presentation of the robes of office and the chains of office. The Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Lincolnshire Gary Waterfall delivered an oath to the King with the Mayor.

Medals were presented to the outgoing Mayor, Councillor Kelham Cooke, and the outgoing Mayoress Lois Simpson. Ceremonial chains of office were also formally presented to the Mayor’s Consort Fergus Wheeler, Deputy Mayor Councillor Jane Kingman and the Deputy Mayor’s Consort Philip Archer.

Stamford’s Poet Laureate Ross Ayres also read a poem written specially for the occasion. Recognition was also given to both the outgoing and incoming Mayor’s Cadet as well as the Deputy Mayor’s cadet, a new role introduced this year.

The Mayor, who also serves as Chair of Stamford Town Council, said: “I am extremely proud to take on the role of Stamford Mayor this year and to be supported tonight by so many members of the community that I have got to know during my time on the council.

“I am committed to doing my best to serve the people of Stamford during the coming year and to raising funds for the three charities I have chosen: Mindspace, George’s Food Hub and 2nd Stamford Town Scouts. I am grateful to the staff at the Town Hall for their dedicated service and the support they have shown me and would like to thank my fellow town councillors who give so much time, energy and passion to their roles.”

Stamford Town Council is disappointed to report the vandalism of our Pride flag for the second year in a row.

Last year the flag, which was displayed to mark Pride Month, was cut down outside the Town Hall. The new flag had been flying this year from the end of May to mark Pride, and it was discovered last week that it had been removed from the flagpole on the Town Hall terrace.

The incident has been reported to the police and replacement Pride flags have been ordered.

Town Clerk Sarah Dorson said: “We are extremely disappointed that our Pride Flag has been removed for the second year running and the ropes have been damaged again. Following the first incident we arranged for a replacement flag and rope, as well as paying for the repairs, so we could allow this flag, and others, to fly again.

“We ask that anybody who has any information about the incident, which occurred late evening on June 19th at around 10:30pm, to please call the police on 101 quoting ref number 71-20/6/25.”

Mayor of Stamford Councillor Amanda Wheeler said: “Stamford Town Council is united in showing support to all in our community and we will not be deterred by such unpleasant and criminal behaviour.”

Photograph: with kind permission The Old Building (@theoldbuilding)

A new defibrillator has been installed thanks to the efforts of local resident Averil Campbell and the residents of Anseres Place. The community project to install the lifesaving equipment in Wharf Road car park received funding from Harry Skells Trust and was supported by South Kesteven District Council.

A fundraiser has been organised to help maintain the new equipment, with funds needed to help replace batteries and pads and keep the device in good condition. You can find out more here: https://www.aeddonate.org.uk/projects/25-210/

Photo credit: Stamford Mercury

 

This week is Volunteers Week, a UK-wide celebration that recognises the invaluable contributions of volunteers.

Here at Stamford Town Council, we are indebted to our dedicated team of 11 volunteers who play a vital part in the heritage work that takes place at the Town Hall.

Among our volunteer team are five knowledgeable guides, who give up their spare time to provide informative tours of the building each Friday until November. There is also a dedicated team who support our Heritage and Cultural Officer Victoria Newton, offering their skills and expertise to help with the management of our archives and the preservation of our collections.

Thanks to their hard work and extensive knowledge, we can offer the public incredible access to our marvellous collections and share the fascinating history of the Town Hall across the centuries.

It’s also important to recognise the incredible contribution made by the numerous voluntary groups within Stamford – thank you to everyone who gives up your time to support others in the area!