Inauguration of the Mayor of Stamford

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An official inauguration was held for the Mayor of Stamford, Councillor Kelham Cooke, in the historic courtroom at Stamford Town Hall.

The evening started 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.

The ceremony has been a time-honoured tradition embraced by other councils, but this is the first time Stamford Town Council has adopted the format.

During the ceremony, the Mayor takes an oath accepting the office and there is a presentation of the ceremonial robes of office and the chains of office. Ceremonial chains of office were also formally presented to the Mayoress Lois Simpson, Deputy Mayor Councillor Amanda Wheeler and the Deputy Mayor’s Consort Fergus Wheeler.

The Town Crier welcomed guests to the ceremony on September 26 and the Mayor’s Chaplain Rev. Fr. Neil Shaw provided a blessing. Musical fanfares were provided by Stamford Brass and a poem written for the occasion was read out by Stamford’s Poet Laureate Caroline Avnit.

During the ceremony medals were presented to the outgoing Mayor, Councillor Andy Croft, and the outgoing Mayoress Ann Croft. A shield was also presented to outgoing Deputy Mayor Marion Pitt and recognition was given to the incoming Mayor’s Cadet.

Honour and privilege

Councillor Kelham Cooke was elected as Mayor of Stamford in May 2024, with a term of office lasting until May 2025. Due to the 2024 General Election, the official ceremony was postponed until September.

He said: “It’s a great honour to take up the esteemed role of Mayor of Stamford and I am privileged to be able to serve my hometown and work hard on behalf of the residents of the town.

“It’s an incredibly proud moment for me to take part in the official inauguration and I thank everybody who played a part in a splendid evening of ceremonial tradition and celebration. I look forward to a fantastic year of civic engagements as well as playing a part in the wealth of excellent community events that take place in the town.”

Festive concert in aid of Mayor’s Charities 

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A large audience gathered in the historic Court Room at the Town Hall to enjoy an afternoon of performances from a range of talented singers.

The festive concert featuring the St Martin’s Singers was organised in aid of the Mayor’s Charities, MindSpace Stamford and Magpas Air Ambulance.

Tickets for the Advent Calendar Concert on December 1 sold out, helping to raise vital funds for both charities.

The packed programme was organised and compered by local musician Fergus Black, who played the piano during the concert. Julie Dearden played flute, and Ben Falkiner was on percussion.

Mayor of Stamford, Councillor Kelham Cooke, said: “It was fantastic to see such a good turnout at this special event, with a wealth of talented singers and musicians entertaining the crowd.

“What a perfect way to kick off the festive season while raising hundreds of pounds to support two important charities which both do so much to support the Stamford community”

Notice of poll

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Please find a Notice of Poll for the election of a town councillor for Stamford Town Council – St Mary’s Ward.

Land at Exeter Fields, Stamford

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The Exeter Fields planning application (ref S24/2198) is available to view on the SKDC website. Please follow this link to view the documents and plans (entering the reference number S24/2198): Search for planning applications (SKDC)

Notice of Election

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Please find a Notice of Election for the election of parish councillors (for the Parish Wards of St Mary’s and St John’s.

Stamford Town Council announces new Town Clerk

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Stamford Town Council has welcomed a new Town Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer to the team.

Sarah Dorson was selected to take up the Town Clerk role permanently after a period spent as Acting Town Clerk after Patricia Stuart-Mogg retired from the role earlier this year.

The role of Town Clerk involves looking after the daily operations of the council, ensuring compliance with its legal obligations and responsibilities, managing strategy, and providing support to elected Town Councillors.

Having worked for Stamford Town Council for more than seven years, Sarah holds a Certificate in Local Council Administration (CiLCA). Her responsibilities also include continuing in the role of Burial Clerk.

Sarah, who previously worked as Deputy Town Clerk, said: “It is a privilege to formally accept the role of Town Clerk, and as a Stamfordian I am proud to have this opportunity to play a key part in shaping the future of Stamford Town Council and the town. Along with my team and our hard-working elected councillors, I look forward to working hard on behalf of the community to improve the experience of Stamford residents.

“Stamford is filled with people who have a great pride in our beautiful town, and I believe it’s such an exciting time to work together to maintain and develop initiatives which help to make Stamford such a great place for everyone who lives or who spends time here.”

Youth Council meeting

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Stamford Town Council has a vibrant Youth Council made up of students from a range of local schools and colleges. The youth councillors met in June to discuss a range of topics, including air quality in the town and the role of the Stamford Street Pastors. They also heard more about how Stamford Town Council uses a range of different channels to communicate with residents and stakeholders.

The Youth Council was set up by Stamford Town Council to help give the younger generation in Stamford a voice. Youth councillors meet regularly with councillors to discuss a range of different issues that are important to them.

If you’d like to find out more about getting involved, then please call 01780 753808 or email [email protected]

Notice of Vacancy in the office of councillor

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Please find a Notice of Vacancy in the office of councillor (St Mary’s Ward) and a Notice of Vacancy in the office of councillor (St John’s Ward)

Battle of Britain

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A parade and open-air service were held in Stamford to mark the 84th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.

On Sunday 15th September, which is the date commemorated as Battle of Britain Day, a mayoral procession left from the Town Hall before a parade of personnel from RAF Wittering, 2071 (Stamford) Squadron Air Cadets, members of the Royal British Legion, and Stamford Brass.

The Mayor of Stamford, Councillor Kelham Cooke, opened the event and a service was led by RAF Wittering Padre, the Reverend Squadron Leader Andrew Tucker, on the balcony at Browne’s Hospital on Broad Street. Stamford’s poet laureate Caroline Avnit read a poem written specially for the occasion.

A two-minute silence was held, and wreaths were laid at the War Memorial. There was also a fly past by the RAF Lancaster Bomber from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

The Battle of Britain was the first major battle fought entirely in the air, which took place between July and October 1940.

Mayor of Stamford, Councillor Kelham Cooke, said: “It is an honour to play a part in this important commemoration and pay tribute to the determination and sacrifice of those who fought in battle. It’s also an opportunity to celebrate the close ties the town of Stamford shares with Royal Air Force Wittering, and we’re proud to have established such a close friendship with the station.”

RAF Wittering Station Executive Officer Squadron Leader Michael Masters said: “The Battle of Britain was a significant event in the history of the Royal Air Force, and it is a great honour to be able to commemorate the sacrifices made by the Few. Today is an important occasion and RAF Wittering is immensely grateful of the support that we receive from Stamford residents who recognise the bravery and loyalty of the Royal Air Force then and now.”

LAND AT QUARRY FARM, OLD GREAT NORTH ROAD, LITTLE CASTERTON, RUTLAND PLANNING APPLICATION

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The Quarry Farm Planning Application Ref. 2022/0227/MAO is available to view on the Rutland County Council website.

Please click HERE and enter the above reference number to view the documents and plans.