Explore local history across decades: innovative designs, charity events, community spirit, and unsolved mysteries.
Ten years ago, a designer improved microwaves. Emma Maskery made one that chills drinks fast and won the Odd Invention Challenge. Emma’s design beat 400 others; a karaoke shower was another idea. She won about $6,300! Emma wanted a freezer microwave because her kitchen lacked freezer space.
She didn’t believe she won at first. The judges built a prototype that used carbon dioxide to chill. Emma doubts it will be developed further.
Also ten years ago, an Oakham charity night honored cancer victims. Over 150 people went to “A Night to Remember,” raising money for local cancer charities. It happened at Victoria Hall, and organizers were very happy with the support.
Local businesses offered time and money. They collected over $8,800 that night. The party had music, magic, and food.
Lillian White turned 100, ten years ago. She lives in Bourne and celebrated with loved ones nearby. Lillian says humor keeps her young, and a ‘cheeky drink’ helps too.
She’s lived in Bourne for 23 years. Her nephew came from Australia She enjoys her neighbors. Lillian feels lucky in life.
People rallied for a library ten years ago. They wanted to save Deepings Library, which was threatened with closure. The Friends of Deepings Library organized it and wanted to beat a visitor record.
The council planned to cut library funds. They wanted volunteer groups to take over and over 680 people visited the library.
Stamford School pupils are celebrating, going back ten years. They won a regional business challenge by Coca Cola Enterprises. They designed a campaign that helped Special Olympics Great Britain.
Twenty-five years ago, teens swam to raise funds. They helped Kosovo through the Red Cross. St Guthlac’s youth group did it and collected about $177. Liz Waterland thanked the group who swam.
The Rev Derek Earis said they had fun.
Philip Day was rewarded then for helping keep Stamford safer. He worked with the Neighborhood Watch. For example, Mr. Day set up a newsletter.
The group covered a third of the town. He received an award from police and shared it who were involved in Neighborhood Watch.
Coffee mornings raised over $1700, also 25 years ago. Barnack residents held them at The Acres sheltered accommodation. Val Dawson organized the weekly events.
The money went to two places: Stamford Hospital and Alzheimer’s Research.
Kids learned about Christianity twenty-five years back. They attended workshops in Stamford. The workshops used crafts and drama.
It covered 2,000 years of Christianity. They discussed having a new start. Bible stories helped show the way.
A supper celebrated Scottish culture and raised money. A local church benefited 25 years ago; they wanted to replace the boiler. The Burns night raised about $1,250.
Games and a haggis made it fun. The event was at Lady Anne’s Hotel, and few attendees were actually Scottish.
Fifty years ago, a local debate team did extremely well. The team represented Rutland Round Table and reached the semi-finals in the East Midlands. Thirty teams entered their debate.
One hundred years ago, a doctor was hired. Dr. W. A. Hawes worked with infant welfare. The Kesteven County Council hired him. He gave each session every two weeks.
One hundred fifty years ago, an inquest occurred. It involved William Biddle’s death. His body was found in the River Welland. The coroner presided in Stamford. Biddle had been missing for months. He was 26 years old.
Two hundred years ago, a mystery was surrounding a Rutland field. It was named Chapel Close in Langham. People thought a chapel stood there, possibly before the Reformation. There’s no official record of it.