Meet The Team
Jill Collinge
I am the Stamford Blue Badge Tour Guide, the title being the symbol of excellence in tourist guiding with the motto “A Blue Badge Guide makes a good tour great”.
I have been the town guide for over 30 years and over that time have acquired a wealth of knowledge and expertise and have had considerable experience in the media both in local and national Radio, TV and the Press.
You will find my walks entertaining, informative and anecdotal and by taking a tour you will discover so much more about Stamford, one of the finest stone towns in England.
Most of my business is now by recommendation and word of mouth from happy, satisfied customers who have enjoyed the tours of Stamford and return time and again to discover more about our wonderful town.
Bill Cunningham
Some years ago, after a lifetime in industry and finance I decided to pursue my love of history, culture, and art by becoming a professional guide. I now live the dream conducting guests around this magnificent town of ours presenting its glories in an entertaining and enlightening way. I am also employed as a guide at Burghley House, one of England’s greatest Treasure House’s. I look forward to introducing you to our town’s ancient charms. Stamford is overflowing with history, architecture, intrigue, and scandal. It is a story that needs telling and I will be honoured to be one of its narrators.
Nicola Sandall
I have lived all of my life in and around Stamford, only leaving to attend Drama School in London for a couple of years. I am very active in the town in the theatre scene and just love being part of Stamford helping out with the Town Hall events throughout the year. When the opportunity to join Jill’s “Team” camein 2019, I jumped at the chance; the thought of learning about the history, people and the buildings that we have here, then sharing that with visitors and guests to our “finest stone” town really appealed to me.
I have a new found love, pride and excitement walking around our buildings and discovering the residents old and new. I feel that my Theatrical upbringing and training makes my tours fun and interactive for our visitors and guests to the town and keep each tour fresh and exciting. I have also recently added talks to my repertoire to local groups and societies, WI’s and U3A groups. So can be found either walking around the town or visiting our local Community, Usually in my pink coat! so apparently very noticeable. Do say hello when you see me.
It has been a pleasure to tour our town this last 6 years with our Daily tours and the Spooky Tale Tours touring with my alter ego of “Cassandra King”, the last person to be hanged in Stamford in 1704. Please join me and Cassandra on our very different tours of Stamford!
In 2023 we also added in tours of Oakham, and I love touring there as well visiting the Rutland County Museum and the Castle each week.
Simon Whatling
I have been a resident of Stamford for 28 years and I’m still in awe of this marvellous piece of England.
I have always been in the travel and customer service industry.
I am looking forward to delivering informative and enjoyable tours of this fine town to new visitors and local residents who, like me, still enjoy the pleasure that the town’s history brings.
Jim Grant
I am passionate about Stamford. I have lived in the area for 35 years and have the opportunity to put my semi-retirement to good use!
The study of history, particularly local history, has been a central hobby for me since I graduated from Newcastle University with BA (Hons) in Archaeology and History. I have worked in local secondary schools for three decades, always imparting my passion for history to young people.
I now live in a central location, giving me a real chance to get to grips with our wonderful town. Under the excellent tutelage of Jill Collinge I have a truly strong desire to ‘spread the word’ about the ‘ finest town, built all of stone, as you shall see’. It is a truism that the more you know the more you realise you ‘don’t know’ so my passion for Stamford is assured. I want to share this with so many visitors from near and far.
Kiffy Mitchell
I’ve lived in Stamford since the 1970s during which time I taught for 27 years at a local school. Like so many residents, I loved Stamford but knew very little about its rich history. In 2020, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to train with Jill as part of her new band of guides and that sparked an ongoing interest in learning about our fabulous town. I love sharing my enthusiasm with residents and visitors alike and feel privileged to be part of this group of committed guides.