CiCLEClassic starts in Oakham!

April 28th – the 15th year of the international cycle road race CiCLEClassic started in Oakham today. 180 cyclists & 180 volunteers in support. It is fantastic for Rutland, which provides so many opportunities for cycling at all levels, to see cycling of highest standard.

Thanks for having me start the race and to all involved.

For jigsaw enthusiasts…

Here’s something new for Rutland  – a jigsaw festival! 240 complete jigsaws on display at the Victoria Hall, High Street, Oakham. Congratulations to the organisers, Oakham in Bloom committee members. The festival is open all Easter weekend – pop in & have a look!

Leicester’s hospitals promote healthy eating

Nutrition can make a big difference to our health & life span.  In Leicester’s hospitals  they are taking a novel approach to promoting this.  Each hospital now has a great quality great value market stall selling big range of delicious fruit & veg. It does not have to cost a fortune to eat healthily – & being healthy is priceless.

Local cancer research

It was a privilege to meet Prof Jacqui Shaw at Leicester University, who leads a team working on diagnosing cancers & recurrence by analysing DNA in blood samples before major symptoms are present. Early treatment is shown to improve prognosis – this may change the cancer picture. Thanks to the local charity Hope Against Cancer for organising the visit and helping to fund the research.

Is this summer???

The bees are buzzing, the sun is shining & there is a mass of blossom here in my garden in Rutland. Hoping for a sunny Easter weekend & plenty of healthy bees & honey this year!

Don’t Mention the Brexit…

Whatever happens with Brexit, Rutland & Oakham in particular are maintaining friendly relations with Germany. Oakham is twinned with Barmstedt. A great evening on for us and our German visitors on Friday at the Admiral Hornblower! Thanks to all.

MBE for Margaret Jennings

April 6th – Margaret Jennings MBE received her honour on Saturday morning at Barnsdale Lodge, surrounded by family and friends. She did not wish to travel to London so I had the honour of delivering it on behalf of The Queen. Congratulations Margaret! 27 years governor of Uppingham Community College, having been Deputy Head; stalwart of Rutland Sailability & Uppingham church.

Rutland Honours Committee

Expertise from London showed Rutland Lieutenancy and its Honours panel how to write good nominations. Thanks to Jennifer Ryan – a great workshop. We want to do Rutland & its many altruistic individuals proud. Please give names of deserving people to me.