LL News Blog

New Walk Museum was a great venue for the Leicester Law Society civic dinner.  (Most of Rutland’s court hearings etc. are provided in Leicester).  It was great to see many people who are key to our justice system there.

A visual treat was unveiled on 25th January at Rutland Museum in Oakham. Arts for Rutland showcased young talent with their new  ‘Open your eyes, open to ideas’ exhibition. I met 11 year old artist Mara Bradbury Harrold,  Mo Gardener, Joy Everitt , Oakham Mayor Adam Lowe,  High Sheriff Sue Jarrom and many others

Citizenship ceremonies are always an enjoyable duty as Lord-Lieutenant. But on 24th January I attended Dr Montfort University’s Graduation Ceremony, so my Deputy Lieutenant, Kathy Robinson represented me instead. Congratulations to Yelena STEFANSKAYA from Pavlodar, Kazakhstan & Jennifer Lynn HOLLERING from Ohio, USA, pictured below, who are now British.

Congratulations to all graduating from the Faculty of Health & Life Sciences at DeMontfort University on 24th January. The  High Sheriff of Rutland Sue Jarrom & I were delighted to be part of your special day.

‘Dickens of a Christmas’ at Oakham Castle on 22nd December had everything – activities for children,  the Chater Choir singing carols, people in costume and delicious edibles! Fun for all. Our wonderful Castle is of course the best preserved Norman great hall in the country, with its vast horseshoes donated by visiting aristocracy over the centuries.

… and the carols are coming thick and fast!  Leicestershire Chorale  gave a highly polished performance at All Saints’ Church,  Pickwell:

We had mulled wine after a lovely service of lessons & carols yesterday at my own church of  St Andrew’s, Whissendine – singing carols together makes for a real feeling of peace & goodwill.

And this evening talent, tuition & tenacity were on show from Catmose College & Harington School  – a hugely entertaining Christmas concert. What a range of wonderful performances.  It is sometimes difficult to remember when you hear confident young people speaking, singing or performing that they are still at school. Congratulations to all!  Rutland’s schools are outstanding.

 

 

80 rather soggy Santas (of all ages) faced rainy weather yesterday to raise funds in Rotary’s first Santa Fun Run at the Rutland Show. Fun was had and funds raised for Rotary charities & Langham Primary school, Mind, Alder Hey,  Empingham Toddlers group, Pancreatic Cancer Action and The Donkey Sanctuary.  Great effort!

December’s Veterans Breakfast Club at The Grainstore in Oakham was particularly special. Brian Cummings MBE, Chelsea Pensioner, joined us all – and he found a comrade with whom he had served.  He delighted all with his wit and stories.

He visited Oakham Museum yesterday afternoon to give a fascinating & amusing talk for Oakham Armed Forces Veterans Breakfast Club on life as a Chelsea Pensioner.  Deputy Lieutenant Jane Clayton-Jones represented the Lieutenancy, air cadets in attendance.

In the evening I was delighted to host a small dinner for him at the Fox and Hounds in Exton.  We heard about about life at The Chelsea Hospital.  It was such a surprise & honour to be given a shield emblematic of the Chelsea Hospital (photo below). A very informative & amusing evening – Rutland will miss Brian, come back soon!

 

Making a difference takes many forms. Knight School teaches youngsters to be good citizens, show respect for themselves & others & the environment. One hour a week for 6 weeks makes big difference. Congratulations to the youngsters and to all the volunteers who make it work. The ceremony was held at  Oakham Castle.

An unsung Rutland hero now has well deserved recognition! On behalf of Her Majesty The Queen I presented Mrs Sheila Saunders with British Empire Medal for her service to Ketton & Barrowden where she was the driving force behind opening a community shop. It was a great honour for me to present the BEM.