Merchant Navy Day 2020

September 3rd: Without the Merchant Navy both world wars would have been lost & our lives would be very different. Merchant Navy Day was marked in Rutland at Oakham Castle today, although numbers were severely limited due to the Covid-19 restrictions. Tribute was paid to those who serve our island country. Thanks to Capt Bob Strick for raising the Red Ensign.

Rutland Remembers V-J day, 75 years on

August 15th. We had plans for Rutland to celebrate the 75th anniversary of VJ day in style, in the company of Rutland’s many military veterans who I know would have been keen to attend such an event. Unfortunately, current restrictions to limit the spread of the Covid-19 virus make this difficult – especially as so many of the veterans who would wish to attend are of an age where contact with that virus would be particularly dangerous. So instead I organised small wreath-laying ceremonies at the war memorials in Whissendine, Oakham and Uppingham. I was so pleased that the High Sheriff of Rutland accompanied me.

I am particularly grateful to Nick Clarke of ‘Nick Clarke PR & Media’ for recording the following video so that all can, at a safe distance, share at a in our joint remembrance of those who suffered and died to preserve our liberty.

Post-lockdown Social Sunday in Uppingham

August 2nd: Flossie our dog was delighted to join me (wearing her best Burberry lead) in Uppingham for ‘Social Sunday’: an opportunity to meet, eat & greet in socially distanced fashion in the market square.

British Empire Medal awarded

August 2nd: A great honour to represent Her Majesty The Queen & present the British Empire Medal to David Ainslie of Uppingham, at a (socially distanced) ceremony at The Falcon Hotel. Amongst many other good works, David has been the driving force in establishing & running the hopper bus, a free service for all in Uppingham

Paul Harris Fellowships awarded in Uppingham

July 16th: A great pleasure to be at The Falcon Hotel, Uppingham for Uppingham #Rotary Club’s (socially distanced) award of the Paul Harris Fellowship for distinguished service to the community (posthumously) to Robert Wills. who did so much for Uppingham – and to my delight, also to me. I feel deeply pleased & honoured.

Remembering Dame Vera Lynn

July 10th – Today in 1940 the Battle of Britain started. Thanks to all who served for our democracy. There seems something fitting in it being today that Forces sweetheart Dame Vera Lynn is laid to rest.

Armed Forces Day 2020

June 27th – Armed Forces Day. No parades, parties or services this year because of Covid, but a big thanks to our military who are appreciated more than ever. Rutland is proud to be home to @7thRats @617_Sqn @MWD_News, many #veterans & our neighbours RAF_Wittering. Rutland says thank you!

The usual flag-raising ceremony could not be open to the public this year, because of the Covid lock-down restrictions; but we held and filmed a socially-distanced private ceremony at Oakham Castle. You can join in by viewing the video here: