Archive for category: Council News

Join a free guided tour at Stamford Cemetery over the coming months and pay tribute to the men and women of the Commonwealth Forces who lost their lives during the First and Second World Wars. 

Led by Commonwealth War Graves Commission guide Steve Baldwin, these tours highlight the identified war graves and memorials to many other casualties with a connection to Stamford who are buried elsewhere. 

Uncover the stories behind the names and explore the history that lies just beyond your doorstep. 

Reserve your spot today by following this link: Booking site 

The official signing of the Twinning Oath between Hostomel, Ukraine, and Stamford was celebrated before the full Town Council meeting in April.

The signed twinning documents were delivered by Ukrainian filmmaker Natalia Yakovleva, and a special signing ceremony was held at the Town Hall with Twinning Working Group Councillors.

A Cooperation Agreement, Memorandum of Understanding and Twinning Oath were drawn up and signed to formalise the twinning relationship between the two communities.

Mayor of Stamford, Councillor Kelham Cooke, said: “It’s a great honour for Stamford to be officially twinned with Hostomel. This partnership is more than just a formal agreement — it’s a symbol of solidarity, resilience, and shared values between our two communities.

“At a time when Ukraine continues to face immense challenges, we are proud to stand alongside Hostomel in friendship. We look forward to fostering cultural, educational and civic links that will strengthen and enrich both our towns in the years to come.”

Thank you to Oleksii Klitovchenko for providing these photographs of the event.  

Wow – what an incredible day we had celebrating at our VE Day 80th Anniversary event!

This special celebration event was organised to mark 80 years since the end of World War Two in Europe on May 8, 1945.  

Thank you to everybody who joined us for a lively afternoon and evening at the Recreation Ground. The sun shone as we enjoyed an incredible flypast by the RAF Lancaster, fantastic entertainment and plenty of tasty treats. Youngsters enjoyed fairground rides, arts and craft activities, and stilt walkers. There were also military vehicles and historical exhibitions on offer for visitors to explore.  

Large crowds throughout the day watched live music by The Vintage Singers, Wansford Ukulele Folk and Rutland Big Band. It was great seeing so many take to the dance floor! 

Stamford Town Council would like to thank everybody involved in making the day happen, including our performers, exhibitors, food stalls, the WI and Rutland & Stamford Sound for supporting the entertainment schedule at the event.  

Photography: Larry Wilkes Photography  

 

 

 

 

A team of volunteers have collectively given more than 1,000 hours of their time to support vital heritage work at Stamford Town Hall. The impressive total was achieved in the past year alone, with a team of volunteers dedicating their efforts to guiding, cataloguing, researching, and preserving our collections. An evening of celebratory drinks was held to recognise their incredible dedication to supporting and enhancing the heritage offering at the Town Hall, which is home to many significant pieces that form our Civic Regalia, as well as fascinating artwork and the renowned Phillips Collection. Heritage and Cultural Officer Victoria Newton said:

“We are privileged to be able to benefit from our volunteers’ expertise and enthusiasm for sharing their passion for the treasures we store here at the Town Hall, and we’re keen to celebrate each and every volunteer for the support they have shown Stamford Town Council over the years.”

Born in Leicester on 13 March 1770, Daniel Lambert became internationally renowned for his remarkable size and widespread popularity. By the time of his death in Stamford in 1809, aged just 39, he was one of the most well-known figures of his era — so much so that a waxwork of him later toured the USA.

As a young man he had been a keen swimmer and rider but began to put on weight steadily once, aged 21, he became the Keeper of Leicester’s House of Correction, where he was respected for his interest in the inmates’ welfare. When he was made redundant, he made money from the curious who paid to see him in his rooms in Piccadilly and soon became famous and well-liked by all who met him. He even met King George III. He enjoyed the races and died in the Waggon and Horses Inn the morning after visiting Stamford Racecourse in 1809. By then he weighed nearly 53 stone (335kg).

A large crowd watched as his body was removed and transferred to an extra-large burial plot in St. Martin’s Churchyard, still a popular historical site today. This rare poster from the Phillips Collection at Stamford Town Hall advertises an exhibition of Daniel Lambert’s clothing at the London Inn, reflecting a broader tradition in which inns and public houses acquired curiosities to attract patrons. The Stamford Museum collection holds a set of his garments, while his top hat is preserved at the Town Hall. Notably, the poster also references Tom Thumb’s attire — a pair of his boots and gloves also form part of our collection. Visitors to Stamford Town Hall can view a portrait of Daniel Lambert, and another portrait can be seen at The George Inn, where his walking sticks are also on display.