LL News Blog

8th & 9th July; Two delightful concerts organised in Rutland by Arts for the Heart of England. First, Sound the Trumpet at All Saints Church, Oakham featured the virtuosity of trumpeter Crispsin Steele Perkins & organist David Hill, along with a fascinating historical demonstration of the development of the trumpet:

Sound the #Trumpet a delightful #concert by #artsfortheheartofEngland at All Saints#Oakham featured the virtuosity of trumpeter Crispsin Steele Perkins & o#organist David Hiill pic.twitter.com/UQENNmzpDh

— RutlandLordLieutenant (@RutlandLL) July 9, 2022

Then on 9th July we had a phenomenal choral concert in the historic church of St Peter & St Paul at Exton:

Rutland’s diversity was well illustrated by the simultaneous and adjacent ‘Extonbury’ open-air rock concert. A very different musical event! But thanks to the acoustics of our ancient churches we didn’t disturb each other at all.

6th July: Visited the renowned workshop of James Elliot, with Mark Andrews, CEO of RCC. James is perhaps most famous locally for creating the new tombstone for King Richard III in Leicester Cathedral, but his fine stonework travels the world. His is a great example of how market-leading entrepreneurs can thrive in Rutland. Also how dyslexia is just a cognitive difference and one that can sometimes help you to excel in your chosen field. James provided fascinating insights into the problems he had to overcome.

The Volunteer Centre ⁦at Rutland Water Nature Reserve⁩ just⁩ celebrated 7 years of providing training & helping, to understand and increase biodiversity. To mark the occasion volunteer Joan Brady gave a beautiful painting ⁦of a particularly tranquil part of Rutland Water.

July 7th: A great ‘Osprey Cruise’ on the Rutland Belle yesterday, with proceeds in aid of ⁦Warning_Zone⁩ . We saw three ospreys & much else. Delicious canapés were served by recent High Sheriffs!

July 1st: Thanks are due to volunteers collecting for the Rutland Foodbank outside Tesco, Oakham, today.

June 27th: Sir Laurence Howard was awarded the ‘Freedom of Rutland’ at a delightful event hosted by ⁦Rutland Council⁩ ⁦at Oakham Castle⁩ . Sir Laurence & Lady Howard have done so much in and for Rutland. ‘Team Howard’ are held in great affection & esteem. Congratulations.

June 26th: The LNR cadet band D Company added their contribution to the Westerby Assam Cup polo match in Langham, a charity event supporting The Soldiers’ Charity. Thank you to all organisers & attendees. A very worthy cause.

25 – 25 June: CAMRA’s official beer festival comes to Rutland. 30 different Real Ales, along with wine, champagne, morris dancing, barbeque – all taking place ⁦at Rutland Museum.⁩ ⁦

While there I was delighted to meet ⁦Adam Croft⁩ , author of of the compelling mystery Stories set in beautiful Rutland. I was excited to hear that next Rutland book is being written. Will our Rutland ⁦beer festival get a mention? Adam supports local businesses so get your copy locally.

June 25th: Celebrating ⁦Oakham⁩ Pride ⁦at Oakham Castle⁩ today – hundreds of people, music , and support from ⁦Leics, Fire & Rescue⁩, ⁦East Midlands Ambulance Service Community Response Team,⁩ ⁦Leics PCC, ⁩ ⁦HMP Stocken,⁩ Peppers Safe Place… Fun for all!

June 24th – I was joined by the Lord-Lieutenant of Northamptonshire for a great visit to Kendrew Barracks to meet ‘The Poachers’, the 2nd Royal Anglians. Fascinating how busy soldiers are – only 10 weeks at base in a year. Pleased to see the beautiful silverware from the Rutland Regiment. Thanks to all for a memorable time.

A quote from a soldier I met:

26 years ago today, l joined the British Army. From a broken home in a small Lancashire town with no job prospects, little education (the Army discovered l was dyslexic & then helped me achieve) I’ve had a full career from Private Soldier to Officer. It’s awesome.