Armed Forces Week in Rutland

I was honoured to be able to celebrate the contribution of the military & their families to the peace and  stability of our county. Rutland’s flag-raising ceremony at Oakham Castle gave an opportunity to acknowledge what an enormous part the military have and play in Britain and locally in Rutland.

The 2nd  Battalion Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment is relocating to Kendrew Barracks and raised their flag at Rutland’s Armed Forces event today. The ‘Tigers’ hold the oldest battle honour in the British Army, dating back to battle of Tangier, 1662 -80. They will be providing peace keeping and training around world.

Catmose College Youth council attended the Flag Raising at Oakham Castle today as part of Armed Forces Week. I was so pleased to see them and that the audience had a wide age spectrum. The military do so much for our country;  it is important that young people know about it.

 

Gardens in glorious sunshine

24th June – Scrumptious teas were sold in aid of ForRutland at Prebendal House, Empingham this afternoon. It was a great treat to look around four very different beautiful gardens AND raise money for the various National Garden Scheme charities. A perfect way to spend time in the sunshine!

Ordination of Priests in Peterborough

24th June – I attended the Ordination of eleven new priests at Peterborough Cathedral.  Also present were three Bishops, a big congregation, a great choir, and of course a stunning building – all very moving. Congratulations to the new priests and all involved.

Also special congratulations to Rutland’s newest priests.  Charlotte Osborn & Iain Osborne ( no relation) are pictured with Donald, Bishop of Peterborough & yours truly in the sunshine after their ordination. Such good news for Rutland.

 

Celebrating Eid in Leicester

22nd June – Eid ul Fithr was celebrated last night at City Rooms Leicester.  I was invited to join the Dawoodi Bohra Community at their celebration. They provide a great example of working in and with different communities. Thanks for the joyous celebration of Eid, the kindness, generosity and hospitality.  Also the remarkable food  – it was delicious!

Casterton College prizes

22nd June -Casterton College Year 11 prize winners all set for happy futures. Casterton College is such an impressive school.  Both students & staff go the extra mile. It was a privilege to address them and present their prizes. Exams over, students can now look forward to well-earned summer holidays!

Remembering refugees at Leicester Cathedral

A moving, beautiful & thought provoking installation Leicester cathedral opens today (June 19th). Hundreds of items of refugee clothing discarded on their arrival at Lesbos. Arabella Dorman fires our imaginations to comprehend their plight. Some are only baby size. This is a ‘must see’.

Art & Design Degree Show

17th June 2018-  De Montfort University Art & Design degree show.  A great evening in the stunning setting provided by the new Vijay Patel building. Pictured (left to right) are Stuart Lawson, Associate Head Design; myself; Grahame Hudson, Design management and Imogen Aust, Programme leader for Design Crafts.

Cancer Research UK lunch and lecture

12th June – I attended a Cancer Research UK lunch & lecture at Greetham Valley Golf Club. There was a fascinating talk on the ‘liquid biopsy ‘ – research into using blood tests & genetic analysis to target cancer treatment. Congratulations to the High Sheriff, Sue Jarron for organising it. Picture is of Maggie Gover and myself.

Rutland High Sheriff’s community service

400 people attended High Sheriff’s service celebrating voluntary work in county of Rutland – a great tribute to the immense amount of good in county. Pictured High Sheriff Sue Jarron, the Mayor of Oakham Adam Lowe & myself.

Oakham in Bloom

Oakham in Bloom takes masses of effort by lots of people, some are pictured with me. Great for Oakham to look floriferous in the summer – well done to all involved.