Author: secretary

This touching tale of rehousing endangered newts was reported 27 years ago. Let’s hope the colony is still surviving in its Uffington idyll.

‘A rare species of newt has been found a new home by a major housing developer after it was discovered at an Uffington building site.

Around 70 to 80 Great Crested Newts, which are an endangered species, were found in a disused seasonal pond but are now living in water haven purpose-built by David Wilson Homes.

Th rescue operation was co-ordinated with the help of ecologist David Jones and English Nature who approved the new 100 metre square pond which features aquatic plants, shrubs and trees.

The company’s landscape architect, Margaret Leech, said: “It’s the first time the company has come across anything like this.

She added: “It was a nightmare transplanting them to the new pond. It took about four days with us catching them with nets and carrying them in buckets.”

Mrs Leech says the pond has been designed with gently sloping sides so it attracts other wildlife and when the newts were moved so were frogs and toads.

The rare newts which Mrs Leech likens to “little dinosaurs”, can grow to more that eight inches long and have a crest running down their backs.

The moist-textured reptiles are green and brown in colour and develop a blue and orange chest in the breeding season.

Most of the Great Crested Newt population lives in Europe and Mrs Leech said: “We have got to maintain our stocks for the rest of the world.”‘

The Stamford Mercury, 13th August, 1993.

Following the recent news that there should be thirteen zodiac signs, it was interesting to find this article from 1920. The International Fixed Calendar was designed in 1902, but never adopted by any country. Its strict rules, probably explain why! (Unfortunately, either Major Penberthy or the journalist who wrote the following item did not check his arithmetic: 13 x 28 = 364!)

“THAT THIRTEENTH MONTH! (by Major F. Penberthy). – ‘If someone suddenly asked me how many dates has August, I should automatically recite that doggerel beginning, ‘Thirty days hath September.’ I can’t help it. And I believe everybody else does it too.’ Writes Major F. Penberthy in the January Pearson’s Magazine. He proceeds to explain the coming reform of the calendar, which has been discussed for some time past by the International Convention, and is now likely to come into being. Major Penberthy’s article throws some extraordinarily interesting sidelights on a matter which is undoubtedly everybody’s concern. Under the new scheme the year will consist of thirteen months of twenty-eight days each. Leap year will be provided for by the insertion possibly between July and August of a day which could be made a world-wide holiday. How the new year will be worked from a business point of view is most interestingly discussed.”

Stamford Mercury, 16th January, 1920.

In 1816 travel to Paris would normally take 73 hours from London, but the relatively new hot-air ballooning craze meant this could be cut to ten hours! Sadly, we do know not if this undertaking was successful, nor could we find a picture of the dolphin-shaped balloon – one can only imagine!

‘TRAVELLING IN A BALLOON. – A Mr. Egg, of the Strand, (a German,) has nearly completed a balloon, in the shape of a dolphin, for the avowed purpose of carrying the nobility and gentry to Paris, and subsequently elsewhere. It is to be made capable of conveying from 15 to 20 persons to Paris in the short space of 10 hours or less: it is worked by steam, and the wings are intended to act as rudders. The journey from London to Paris by Dover, is now performed in 73 hours: viz. 12 hours to Dover; 7 hours (upon the average) to wait at Dover; 6 hours (average) the passage; 48 hours to Paris, supposing a traveller sets off without taking any rest; total, 73 hours. This scheme, if carried into execution, bids defiance to the usual exactions of innkeepers, the customary search of custom-house officers, and all the ordinary impediments which so frequently annoy sensitive travellers. Mr. Egg is prosecuting this undertaking in a building in Brompton. – Observer.’

Stamford Mercury, 23rd August, 1816.

Strict enforcement of the licensing laws were in effect in the years after the second World War. Police sergeants and police constables would be vigilant in upholding these laws. For one lucky man the law was not enforced as he had a friend who confirmed his own version of events.

“Glass Taken Away Too Quickly

Following the warning, given by Licensing Justices at the annual brewster sessions concerning the consumption of drink on licenced premises after hours, Stamford Police have made several checks on inns, and as a result Michael Reginald Edward Ranger. a corporal in the R. A. F. stationed at Swinderby, appeared before the borough magistrates on Saturday, charged with such an offence at the London inn on 7 February.

Evidence of a visit to the lounge of the inn at 10.15 p.m. was given by P.s. Swain, who said he found it crowded. There were three glasses containing beer on the bar, and one, a pint glass, which the defendant said was “dead.” On turning round, however, he saw defendant take up the glass and start drinking.

P.c. Foreman corroborated.

Defendant, who pleaded, “Not guilty,” told the magistrates that he was not drinking from the glass, but only making a gesture of farewell.

A friend, Sergeant R. F. Banning, stationed at North Luffenham, said that as defendant picked up the glass the sergeant reached over and took it from him. He did not see defendant drink from the glass.

The magistrates dismissed the case.”

Stamford Mercury, 1st March, 1948.

Despite the argument about the price of his prawns, this fishmonger does sound quite jolly. The title of the piece refers to the iconic ‘Skegness is so bracing‘ poster, featuring a fisherman skipping down the beach.

A NEW “JOLLY FISHERMAN”

‘POLICE COURT SEQUEL TO ARGUMENT OVER PRAWNS.

Skegness police court was convulsed with laughter on Tuesday, throughout the hearing of a charge against Edward Evison, a Skegness fishmonger for using obscene language.

P.c. Mapleson said defendant was having and argument with a man concerning some prawns, and used very bad language.

Defendant: What did I say, for I’m blowed if I can remember?

On the constable’s report being read to himn, defendant commented: “I should think it’s about right. It’s about what I should say when I was telling anybody off.”

The Chairmamn: Why don’t you keep your mouth clean, Evison?

Defendant: I ought to, sir; I keep having it washed well.

In excuse for his linguistic display, Evison said the other man started “slavering” about the price of his prawns, and so he gave him some “chin wag” back.

On being told that the fine would be 10s., defendant exclaimed, “What again? Why, that’s more than I’ve took this morning. I shall have to get off and get shut of something quick.’

Stamford Mercury, 24th June, 1927.

A visit to the cinema was very popular in the 1920s. Films were, of course, silent, although this would all change in the October after these two films were shown, when “The Jazz Singer“, starring Al Jolson, was released by Warner Bros.

‘”BROWN OF HARVARD”

AT THE CENTRAL CINEMA.

Laughter-shaken audiences at the Central Cinema this week will testify to the success of one of the latest comedies. “Skinner’s Dress Suit,” picturised from Henry Irving Dodge’s book of the same title, and with Reginald Denny in the leading role. Denny conveys more with the life of an eyebrow than many others can with their entire bodies The film is an amusing sotry of a couple who attempt to live beyond their means and learn an embarrassing lesson as a result. In support of Denny is a cast of most capable and versatile players, including Laura La Plante.

“Brown of Harvard,” next week’s film, is a picture that will fascinate everybody. This film is a tale of modern college life, full of pathos and infectious humour. THrilling sport scenes of “rugger” games and boat-races supplement an egrossing love story between William Haines and Mary Brian, both well-known in the cinema world, but the outstanding actor is undoubtedly Jack Pickford.’*

Stamford Mercury, 11th March, 1927.

*Jack Pickford was Mary Pickford’s younger brother.

A nice little anecdote about a young Malcolm Sargent at his primary School.

‘Many readers will remember Sir Malcolm Sargent as a schoolboy, both at the Bluecoat School, Stamford and at Stamford School, and an acquaintance recalls an incident concerning young Sargent while at the former.

As is the custom among new boys at the beginning of a new school term, he received the inquiry from another lad “What’s your name?” “Sargent,” he replied, “what’s yours?” Apparently his interogator halied from Rutland, and his reply, “Watchorn,” came to Sir Malcolm’s ears as “What’s yourn?” Somewhat nonplussed, the young Sargent repeated his name and also his own question. My informant tells me there were several such exchanges before the lad Watchorn established his identity.

Sir Malcolm, by the way, once publically stated that his first appearance on a stage was with the Stamford Amateur Operatic Society when, as a boy, he had a part in the “Mikado,” but a friend of mine informs me that doubtless unknown to himself, Sir Malcolm once had a “carrying on” part – as a baby in an entertainment in which his father took part, at the All Saints’ Church-room, Stamford.’

Stamford Mercury, 4th June, 1948.

Charles Green‘s first ascent by balloon was from Green Park in London on 19th July, 1821 at the coronation of George IV. He made many more ascents, including this one shortly after gas street lighting had been installed in Stamford. The Gas Inclosure was on Wharf Road.

Under the Patronage of the Worshipful the Mayor and Aldermen.

MR. GREEN, who had the honor to ascend at his Majesty’s Coronation by order of Government, respectfully announces to the nobility, gentry, and other inhabitants of STAMFORD and its vicinity, the he purposes on SATURDAY, JULY 2d, at 3 o’clock in the afternoon, making his 35th aerial voyage, from that well-known commodious situation, the

GAS INCLOSURE, STAMFORD.

A committee of gentlemen will superintend the arrangements and provide for the accommodation of those who may honor Mr. G. with their attendance. A band of Music will also be stationed in the inclosure.

Mr. GREEN will be accompanied in his ascent by Miss STOCKS, the young lady who ascended last summer from London with the unfortunate Mr. Harris, and who, from the total and sudden escape of gas, literally fell from the balloon from a height of nearly a mile, in Beddington Park, near Croydon.

Tickets of admission to witness the process of inflation, attaching the car, and launching the balloon, 2s each, may be had of Mr. MORTLOCK, Mr. ROOE, and Messrs. DRAKARD & WILSON, High-street, and of Mr. GREEN or Miss STOCKS, at the Assembly-rooms. For the accommodation of ladies, platforms will be erected, and a number of waggons placed within the inclosure; tickets of admission to which, 3s.; Children and Schools will be admitted at half-price.

The doors will be opened and the inflation commence at Twelve o’clock.

It is earnestly requested that ladies and gentlemen will provide themselves with tickets before the hour of admission, as it will greatly facilitate their quiet entrance into the ground.

The balloon, inflated with atmospheric air, together with the car and its appendages, will be exhibited in the ASSEMBLY-ROOM, on TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, and FRIDAY, previous to the day of ascent. Admission, Ladies and Gentlemen, 1s. each; Chilren & Servants, 6d. Open each day from 9 in the Morning till dusk.

A perfect Model of the Balloon, 9 feet in circumference, formed with Gold-beater’s Skin and inflated with Gas, will ascend and descend in the room during the exhibition.

The Stamford Mercury, 24th June, 1825.

Baptism by immersion was often performed in the River Welland, although these two on a cold November day sound particularly unpleasant. However, the minister got wet too!

On Sunday morning last the religious ceremony of a baptismal immersion in the river again took place at Stamford, and attracted an immense crowd of spectators. The minister on this occasion was the Rev. J. F. Winks, of Loughborough; and the persons who underwent baptism were Mrs. Brownlow Westmorland (a young woman who is parted from her husband), and a servant-man named Edward Bull. The ceremony took place between 10 and 11 o’clock in the morning at Lamb’s bridge, the part of the river Welland before selected for such an exhibition, but certainly a very dirty and disgusting spot, and rendered particularly so on Sunday, by the swoln and turbid state of the water at that time. Singing and prayer preceded the descent into the river: the Minister also for some time with great earnestness addressed the assembled multitude in explanation of the rite he was about to perform, until a visible perspiration stood upon his head and face; and in this state of mental and bodily excitement he stepped into the water, sounding his way with a stick as he proceeded, until himself and his proselytes were up to their middles in a powerful stream. He then pushed them backwards and they were for an instant lost in the river; but by his aid they were replaced on their feet, and were suffered to make the best of their way to the shore, in one of the coldest and most comfotless winter mornings that can be imagined.

The Stamford Mercury, 20th November, 1829.

The Wesleyan chapel referred to still stands – a handsome stone building that is now a private residence in Toll Bar.

Opening of a Wesleyan Chapel at Casterton. – For a long time the Wesleyan Methodists of Great Casterton had to hold their services in an uncomfortably small room in the village, and the consummation of an effort to get a place suitable for public worship was celebrated on Thursday the 27^th Inst., when the new chapel was formally opened for divine service.  The new building, which has been erected at a cost of 377l, 6s, 3d., stands at the Stamford end of the village, a short distance on the Little Casterton-road.  It is built of local stone by Messrs. Scholes, Rouse, and Clarke, of Stamford.  The chapel will seat about 150 persons, and is a comfortable structure.  The school-room is at the east end of the chapel, and will accommodate about 50 scholars.  The building is 56ft. by 30ft., is a good height, and is well ventilated and lighted with lamps.  The east window, over the communion table, is a handsome stained and decorated one, with figures of SS Paul and Peter, and is the gift of Mr. H. Hart, of Stamford.  Altogether the Methodists have reason to be proud of their new chapel.

The Stamford Mercury, 5^th December, 1884.