Rutland Sailability

I have previously been very impressed by Rutland Sailability, whose members volunteer to help disabled people to sail on Rutland Water. They often find that their disabilities don’t hinder their performance in this new environment. Their Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service was well deserved. But I’m now pleased to find that my husband shares my enthusiasm to such an extent that he has joined them!

The installation of my new Lord-Lieutenant’s cadets

October 6th: I was delighted to present certificates and welcome my new Cadets in a sparkling ceremony at Casterton College. The event was strongly supported by the presence of senior military officers, impressive military hardware and by the amazing ‘Crash Zone’ virtual reality vehicle, courtesy of our Fire Service.

The Corps of Drums of the Leicestershire, Northamptonshire & Rutland Army Cadet Force provided an excellent performance.

A centenary in South Luffenham

Sept 27th: Congratulations to the people of South Luffenham, who today celebrated the recent renovation and 100th anniversary of their village hall – transformed into a warm, functional, light-filled space. Well done to all. Happy dancing, Pilates, tai chi, music making and all manner of community get-togethers.

The Proclamation of the new King

September 9th: Thank you to our High Sheriff of Rutland who delivered the proclamation perfectly (in spite of a vindictive wasp!) in front of a large and loyal crowd. A great Rutland occasion. Thanks also to all staff at Oakham Castle, Rutland Council and to Oakham School and their pupils; their head of music Peter Davis & Steve Foster with their students added greatly to the ceremony.

The State Funeral of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

19th September 2022.

Majestic, full of pageantry and emotion; Her Late Majesty’s funeral was overwhelming. I was honoured to attend, accompanied by my husband, to represent all the people of Rutland who could not attend. The dignity of the Royal Family⁩ & the respect we all felt will live with me for the rest of my life.

The death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

It is with enormous sorrow that I have learnt of Her Majesty’s death. We all have a great sense of loss and of the passing of an era.

For the vast majority of us Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second has been our monarch for our entire lives.

Queen Elizabeth ‘s reign has been one that included enormous social and technological change. Her Majesty’s image has been as familiar to us as that of our nearest relatives and friends. We have held her dear. Our sense of national identity was intimately bound to Her Majesty’s continuing presence as our Head of State. The Queen’s constancy and longevity in the face of such immense transformations have given us all a sense of security and nationhood through a period of time when such a sense was as potentially problematic as it was necessary.

We all remember Her life, lived in the public eye, with enormous respect and affection. Her Majesty provided an exemplar of public service, putting the needs of the majority and the country before Herself. The Queen’s example of service and duty  has focussed the public mind on needs and achievements beyond the immediate and the political sphere. Her Majesty’s life will for ever be recorded in history. Her reign being the longest of any British monarch. We all give profound thanks for a long life well lived. We remember Her life with immense gratitude.

Sarah Furness

Lord-Lieutenant of Rutland

Merchant Navy Day 2022

3rd September: Today is Merchant Navy Day, celebrated in Rutland at with a ceremony raising ‘The Red Duster’ at Oakham Castle. Rutland remembers the Merchant Navy’s service & sacrifice in the past & present. Without the Merchant Navy carrying supplies, both world wars would have been lost. There are still many dangers. Most of our imports & 25% of fuel is carried by Merchant Navy today.