Event to mark the 80th anniversary of VJ Day

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A commemorative event took place at the War Memorial on Friday to remember those who fought for our freedom on the 80th anniversary of VJ Day.
The Mayor of Stamford, Councillor Amanda Wheeler, welcomed assembled guests before a short service led by the Stamford Royal British Legion.
During the service, the national two-minute silence was observed at midday and wreaths were laid by RAF Wittering, Stamford Town Council and the Royal British Legion.
A man in uniform holds a British flag near a memorial wall, while a woman in a floral dress examines names inscribed on the wall outside a historic stone building.
Stamford Town Council would like to thank everybody who took part and joined us on the day.

Join us to commemorate VJ Day

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Join us at Stamford War Memorial on Friday 15 August as we gather to honour and celebrate the 80th anniversary of VJ Day.

Victory over Japan Day (VJ Day) marks the anniversary of the historic moment Japan announced its surrender to the allied forces, which ended the Second World War.

The Mayor of Stamford, Councillor Amanda Wheeler, will welcome assembled guests to the commemorative event before a short service led by the Stamford Royal British Legion. During the service, the national two-minute silence will be observed at midday and wreaths will be laid.

Please gather at the War Memorial on Broad Street from 11:30am as we honour the sacrifices of the past and pay tribute to the legacy of the Second World War generation.

Cemetery memorial repaired and repainted by College team

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Staff from Stamford College have refurbished and redecorated the Williamson Cliff Brick Works Memorial at the Cemetery on Radcliffe Road.

The original Memorial to brick workers who fought in the Second World War was demolished when the Williamson Cliff Brick Works was knocked down after its closure. Relatives of those named on the Memorial salvaged through the site to find the remains, which were reassembled into the existing Memorial by Stamford College and rededicated in 2013.

Two lecturers from Stamford College, Tom Deignan and Phil Prout, volunteered to paint and carry out repairs required at the Memorial, including painting and repairing the base of the structure.

We’d like to give our sincere thanks to Stamford College for funding the project and the pair for their hard work and support with this project.

Mayor sells local honey to raise funds for charities

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The Mayor of Stamford Councillor Amanda Wheeler is selling locally produced honey in a bid to raise money for her chosen Mayor’s Charities.

Each jar of honey costs £7 with 100% of proceeds going towards supporting MindSpace Stamford, George’s Food Hub and 2nd Stamford Town Scout group.

The Mayor of Stamford holds a jar of honey next to a man in a beekeeping suit holding a smoker, standing outdoors by trees.

The honey was produced by the Mayor’s father, local beekeeper Ian Aldred, who has enjoyed bee keeping as a hobby for more than 70 years.

To purchase a jar please pop into the Town Hall between 9am and 4pm, Monday to Friday (cash payment please).

Final 12 pitches available at Stamford Christmas Market

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Plans for the biggest ever Stamford Christmas Market on November 30th are well underway!

Demand for pitches and stalls have been high this year, and we now have just 12 pitches (3m x 3m) left to hire.

If you are interested in securing a pitch, please email communityofficer@stamfordtowncouncil.gov.uk to find out more!

Photograph: Larry Wilkes Photography

Technical equipment available for free hire to community groups

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Two men stand side by side indoors in front of a white projection screen. One wears a checked shirt and shorts, the other a red blazer and blue jeans.

 

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.

Stamford Town Council forms Working Group to lead Shack renovation

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Stamford Town Council is embarking on an exciting project to renovate The Shack site on the Recreation Ground, transforming it into a vibrant, accessible community space for local groups and residents alike.

The building is owned by Stamford Town Council and already available to hire by individuals holding parties and community groups who meet at the venue. A Working Group is being formed inviting passionate individuals to get involved in the project, which aims to revitalise the space and make significant improvements to the facilities on offer.

The redeveloped Shack will be a modern, energy-efficient, and flexible space, designed to meet the diverse needs of the community. Plans include a new kitchen and toilet facilities, improved accessibility, better insulation, and updated electrical systems – all aimed at creating a welcoming and functional environment.

What will the Working Group do?

Essentially, the Working Group will oversee and manage the entire renovation project. We’re looking for a diverse group of people, including residents with skills in project management or building, representatives from local community groups and businesses (future users, or philanthropic benefactors alike), and potentially students and others in education locally, with construction or design expertise.

If you’re interested in being part of this fantastic community initiative and helping to shape the future of The Shack, please email cllrjwaples@stamfordtowncouncil.gov.uk to find out more!

Inauguration ceremony takes place at Stamford Town Hall

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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.”

Armed Forces Day flag raising ceremony

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A flag raising ceremony took place this morning on the Town Hall Terrace to mark Armed Forces Week.

The Mayor of Stamford, Councillor Amanda Wheeler, welcomed guests and gave a short reading before the flag was raised to honour members of the Armed Forces community. We were pleased to welcome members of the Royal British Legion, representatives of RAF Wittering, councillors and members of the public for the short flag raising ceremony.

The Armed Forces Day flag will continue to fly on the terrace ahead of Armed Forces Day on Saturday, 28 June.

Pride flag cut down for the second time

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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)