Join Stamford Town Council for a double dose of Halloween fun!
This Halloween, Stamford Town Council invites you to join us as we mark the spookiest time of the year with activities to entertain the whole family.
Saturday October 26
Location: The gaol at Stamford Town Hall, St Mary's Hill
Kick off your Halloween festivities with a tour of the historic gaol underneath Stamford Town Hall! We’re running family-friendly tours at 2pm and 3pm which are packed with spooky fun and tailored to suit children aged 13 and under. Each child joining a tour will also receive a Halloween treat bag to take home with them.
Later in the day we’ll be offering adult-only tours that are guaranteed to send a shiver down your spine. (5pm and 6pm). Please note, these tours are not suitable for children.
Tickets are now available and cost £5 for children and £8 per adult - please contact 01780 753808 or email townhall@stamfordtowncouncil.gov.uk to secure your place!
Sunday October 27
Location: Stamford Recreation Ground
Join us for a thrilling Halloween experience for the entire family at our annual Spooktacular event! Put on your favourite costumes and enjoy an afternoon brimming with crafts, competitions, spooky storytelling, face painting, and a whole lot more!
Organised by Stamford Town Council and Friends of Stamford and Rutland Theatre, we invite you to join us from 1:30pm to 3:30pm for a free, entertaining half-term afternoon.
Certificate presentation to recognise service to Stamford
Stamford Town Council recently recognised the incredible contribution to the town made by long-standing Stamford Civic Society committee member Peter Stevens.
Peter instigated or played a leading part in many major projects completed by the Stamford Civic Society after he joined the group in 2001. Now retired from the Society, Peter was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation by the Mayor of Stamford, Councillor Kelham Cooke, for his services to Stamford over an extended period of time.
His first project for the Stamford Civic Society involved working with other members on the restoration of St Leonard’s Priory, including on the medieval building itself. Peter went on to be part of numerous projects that benefitted the town, including Stamford’s Open Gardens initiative, the Blue Plaque installed to commemorate antiquary William Stukeley, and the replacement of the sundial at All Saints’ Church. He was heavily involved in projects to tackle graffiti, installing information boards explaining key features of the town and improvements to the Bastion and its grass verge on West Street.
Mayor Kelham Cooke said: “Peter has worked tirelessly for Stamford and this accolade is well deserved to highlight the incredible contribution he has made to the town”
Halloween gaol tours
Join us on Saturday 26th October for a spine-tingling visit to Stamford’s historic gaol!
- 2pm & 3pm – Family Friendly Tours
Perfect for children 13 years and under! Explore the gaol’s eerie past without the nightmares. Each child receives a Halloween treat bag!
£8 per adult | £5 per child
5pm & 6pm – Frightful Tours
For the brave only! These tours are not suitable for children but guaranteed to send shivers down your spine!
£8 per adult
Secure your place by calling 01780 753808 or emailing townhall@stamfordtowncouncil.gov.uk
Don’t miss out on the spooky fun... if you dare!
Town Hall Tours
There’s still time to take a tour of our beautiful Town Hall before the season ends on November 22.
Join our knowledgeable guides and enjoy a behind-the-scenes glimpse at the treasures of the Town Hall. See the important collection of civic regalia and discover the Courtroom, Council Chamber and the Mayor’s Parlour. Our small group tours last around an hour and are free of charge.
Please note, we’ve changed our tour times to 12pm and 2pm each Friday. Just pop in on the day or prebook your space by calling 01780 753808 or emailing townhall@stamfordtowncouncil.gov.uk
Inauguration of the Mayor of Stamford
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.
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 events
Stamford Town Council has a packed schedule of events coming up for all the family.
Embrace the spookiest time of year and join in an afternoon of Halloween half term fun at the Recreation Ground Bandstand on Sunday October 27. Whether you are looking to scare or impress (or both!), dig out your favourite Halloween fancy dress and join in a variety of eerie activities. There will be face painting, spooky tales from our storyteller, a competition for the best decorated witch’s hat, music and lots more.
Organised by Stamford Town Council and The Friends of Stamford and Rutland Theatre, join us at the annual Spooktacular between 1.30pm and 3.30pm for plenty of ghoulish goings-on!
Countdown to Christmas with our festive events, which start with the much-loved Christmas Lights Switch-on on Thursday November 21. There will be festive entertainment and the opportunity to see the town illuminated for the first time for the 2024 season between 5pm and 6.30pm.
The vibrant Stamford Christmas Market is back and bigger than ever! Held on Sunday November 24 between 10am until 5pm, the market will be filled with a diverse range of stalls with plenty of opportunity to get your Christmas shopping sorted early. There will be lots of delicious street food to sample, and tasty treats to take home as well.
Throughout the day you can enjoy live music, carol singing, stilt walkers, Santa’s grotto, fairground rides and opportunities to get creative with a range of craft activities. Get into the spirit of the season with our Christmas carols in St Michael’s Churchyard on Saturday December 7, featuring performances by the Stamford Choral Society. Take a break from your Christmas preparations and join us for some tasty festive fare and sing along to traditional Christmas carols.
• Stamford Town Council is looking for volunteers who would be happy to assist at our festive events this year. If you are over 18 and willing to spare a couple of hours to play a part on the day, we’d love to hear from you. Please email townhall@stamfordtowncouncil.gov.uk for more information.
Battle of Britain
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.”
Notice of poll
Please find a Notice of Poll for the election of a town councillor for Stamford Town Council - St Mary's Ward.
Stamford Town Council announces new Town Clerk
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.”
Notice of Election
Please find a Notice of Election for the election of parish councillors (for the Parish Wards of St Mary's and St John's.
Youth Council meeting
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 communications@stamfordtowncouncil.gov.uk
Notice of Vacancy in the office of councillor
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)
LAND AT QUARRY FARM, OLD GREAT NORTH ROAD, LITTLE CASTERTON, RUTLAND PLANNING APPLICATION
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.
STAMFORD NORTH PLANNING APPLICATION
The Stamford North Planning Application (Ref. S23/0055) is available to view on the SKDC website. Please click HERE to view the documents and plans.
PUBLIC NOTICE
Lincolnshire County Council - County Views – we want to hear from you!
A panel of people from across Lincolnshire who help us to identify our priorities and shape future developments.
To take part in future engagement opportunities, please register on Let's Talk Lincolnshire and choose to be part of the panel. To find out more about County Views citizens' panel click here.
The County Views citizens’ panel gives the people of Greater Lincolnshire a voice and connects them with their local authorities. Join the panel to:
- tell us about what matters to you
- show us where we can improve
- help us deliver better services
Our panel is growing and expanding in new directions. We need this large panel of people from all ages and backgrounds to reflect the people and views of Greater Lincolnshire. The more of you that take part the stronger your voice becomes. We are listening and we share survey results on Let’s Talk Lincolnshire.
Make a difference for everyone - join the panel today! Register online at: www.letstalk.lincolnshire.gov.uk/register Or call: 01522 782116
To stay informed about all the latest major roadworks happening near you, visit www.gov.uk/government/organisations/highways-england to register for the
latest alerts. If you have any enquiries please contact the Highways England
Customer Contact Centre on 0300 123 5000, or by e-mail to info@highwaysengland.co.uk
Permission to fly drones from open spaces in Stamford is required from both Stamford Town Council and RAF Wittering. To find out more information on flying drones and to view the Drone and Model Aircraft Code click HERE For drone safety information from the CAA please go to caa.co.uk/drones For drone safety information from NATS please go to nats.aero/airspace/drones/ For the commercial site Drone Safe Register go to dronesaferegister.org.uk/