Projects

Firstly I have to say that the event was a HUGE success!

There were well over 200 people in attendance, of all age ranges. I took great pleasure in watching such a diverse group of people come together and enjoy this underused area so much.

We had 9 bands and solo artists, all under 18, playing to win a chance to perform at the Riverside Festival (Bob Cliffe, Jump the Void, Centre Excuse, Bass End, Amicus, Hannah Joyce, Adam Richardson, Tux-edo, Charlotte Redding), and all were of a very high standard. Each band / individual played 2 songs, some were covers but there was also a lot of material written by the bands, which was great to hear.

There were 3 judges, Andy Croft from The Cellar Bar, Kendal Mills from Stamford School, and Michael Houlihan who runs Voodoo Lounge at Mama Liz’s, along with a public vote.

The first prize went to Centre Excuse, who are a three piece band from Casterton Community College, Teddy Lewis (15), Jamie Rush (17) & Alex Rush (15). This was actually their first gig ever, and they did amazingly well. Second prize went to Bob Cliffe (13). He has played live on Rutland Radio, and was a finalist in Casterton’s Got Talent a few months ago.

Centre Excuse played The Buskers Stage at 3pm on Saturday and had the place packed out! People were 10 deep out the doors of the tent! It was a fantastic show, and the band really went down so well. I hope to see much more of them in the future as I am sure they have a successful career ahead of them.

After some amazing auditions, there are 9 bands / solo acts that will be performing at The Bandstand on 1st July from 6pm.

All bands are competing to win a place to play at Stamford Riverside Festival, and 2nd prize are vouchers for Stamford Music Shop.

So, come along and show your support for these local young bands, you are guraranteed an entertaining evening.

This is a free event so make the most of it!

From the auditions 20th June

We are very lucky to have had a new bench bought for us by The Urban Group, part of Stamford Town Partnership. As many of you who walk up Recreation Ground Road will know, sometimes a rest is needed half way up. The previous bench was rather old and not very attractive.

Have you sat on the bench yet?!

Many thanks in advance to The Urban Group!

Love Parks Week is a national event, that was held between 25th July & 2nd August 2009, across the country. It is the perfect excuse to get outside and visit your local parks, and make the most of the events that they have to offer.

This year, Friends of Stamford Recreation Ground got involved with a number of different events throughout the week. These were held in and around the bandstand on the upper rec thoughout the week:

• Junk Drumming Workshop, organised by soundLINCS and sponsored by Stamford Arts Centre
• Bandstand Busking, organised by FOSR
• Story Telling. Picture book story reading, rhymes and songs for children and their families. Organised by Stamford Library
• Building ladybird hotels and digging for worms as part of the national earthworm survey. Organised by Stamford Wildlife Watch
• Toddler Fun organised by The National Childbirth Trust (NCT)
• Stamford Museum presented a history for the Recreation Ground, an opportunity to share your memories and photographs
• Kibworth Brass Band

We are hoping to be part of Love Parks Week in 2010, and look forward to seeing you there!

For more information on Love Parks Week visit  loveparksweek.org.uk

Start Date: Autumn 2008
End Date: Ongoing

Summary:
The Friends of the Rec. joined the Urban Group of the Stamford Town Partnership to begin the task of making the Belton Gardens live up to its Victorian origins. The area around the bandstand was the logical start:

• The design of the cruciform framework with Lavender and Box was agreed around the bandstand

• In autumn 2008, clearing and planting started in the Bandstand. Crocus, daffodil, tulip and allium bulbs were planted to ensure an array of colour for spring 2009

• In spring this year, hardy geraniums were planted in each quarter for summer colour

• March saw the introduction of 500 English bluebells and 500 snowdrops to the grounds. A planting party that included 2 students from Stamford High School spent a Saturday morning planting out these bulbs in three different beds.

Next Steps:

• Three silver birches will soon be arriving; these trees will be planted in the area between the play area and Recreation Ground Road.

• It is planned to add further shrubs here in the autumn of 2009.

If you would like to get involved in planting projects in any way, please contact us! We are always in need of a helping hand.

Start Date: 2009
End Date: Ongoing

Summary
Due to a long-term lack of capital investment and ongoing maintenance the facilities offered at Stamford Recreation Ground are limited and in a poor condition.

We desperately (!) need a toilet facility for ladies and gentlemen that includes a nappy changing station.  We are currently working with the Town Council, South Kesteven District Council, Belton Bowls Club, Stamford Skate Park Committee, Rock Tennis Club and local residents, to work up a Project Plan to achieve a new facility but would welcome your ideas and support for the project – please email us.

Photo courtesy of Stamford Mercury

The Play Project was led by the Friends Group between April 2007  and August 2008. The play areas were in a very poor condition;

• We consulted with 1069 3-10 year olds at five junior schools and five play schools in the town

• We raised £120,000 in less than 12 months

• We prepared a design brief for the new play areas and did lots of research on the best equipment on the market

• We have provided a destination in Stamford for children and their families or carers that is free for everyone to use

• We included a CCTV camera as part of the project that is linked to the Police Station they they can observe what is happening on a screen.  The CCTV is recorded so if an incident occurs evidence is available.

We are very grateful to all the grant bodies, local businesses and individuals for their help in achieving this project – they are all named on the sign in the Play Area.

The play area is now a busy, well-used space in this lovely parkland setting.