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.

A donation to Cottesmore Academy

August 31st: A great way to remember the late Air Vice Marshal Nigel Sudborough, past chair of Rutland’s British Legion, with a generous cheque for ⁦the Cottesmore Academy within Kendrew Barracks. ⁩ Thanks to all. A pleasure to join such enthusiastic children on the first day of term.

Arts for Rutland

August 27th: Some wonderful talent evident in ⁦ the Arts for Rutland⁩ exhibition ⁦at Rutland Museum⁩. I was delighted to award the prizes but very glad I did not have to do the judging!

2022 Cadet Camp

August 15th – A great visit to the ⁦Leicestershire, Northampton and Rutland Army Cadet Force⁩ camp at Longmoor Training Camp. Congratulations to all for coping with the heat & paint balling, field crafting, building rafts, kayaking & loads more! Thanks for my first paint ball experience. (See the video – I was told to empty the magazine, honest!). The Cadet Association offers young people marketable skills.

Don’t cross the Lord-Lieutanant…

OAFVBC birthday!

6th August. Celebrating the 4th birthday of ⁦the Oakham Armed Forces Veteran’s Breakfast Club⁩ today ⁦at The Grainy⁩! Thanks to the Grainstore for all their support – & fabulous breakfasts! Thanks to founders Mark & Tracey Taylor. Great to be joined by ⁦Rutland’s High Sheriff⁩ and independent town crier Adam Lowe. Plus, of course, over 100 veterans!

Our Fire Service’s busiest day

4th August. On 19th of July, as a result of the prolonged dry weather, our fire services had their busiest day since WW2. I was so pleased to meet the chief & crews of Oakham & Uppingham to thank them for all their service & learn more about their work.

Talavera Day

July 27th. Celebrating Talavera day with 2 Royal Anglians at Kendrew barracks. Congratulations to all, especially those who received Jubilee medals. Thanks to all.