Whissendine 6 Road Race

July 4th:  300+ runners converges on Whissendine  for  the annual Whissendine 6ix road race! It was a hot evening for this stretching run. At the end, competitors seemed very glad of their bottle of 10/50 from The Grainstore. Whissendine was full of eager spectators.  Ferneley’s ice cream was a major hit for all. Well done everyone.

Oakham in Bloom…

July 4th – Fingers crossed for Oakham in Bloom! The judges came today, the sun shone and Women’s Institute gave a lovely spread at Oakham Castle.  Pictured are Oakham in Bloomers  (???), Rutland’s High Sheriff & yours truly.

A blessing for pets?

June 30th – No puddles, no fights & not too much mayhem at the ‘Pet Service’ at St Andrews Church in Whissendine . The congregation, apart from humans, were mainly dogs. All had a great time lots of excitement. A popular event for our whole diocese, perhaps? Congratulations to our brave vicar, Rev. Deborah Marsh.

Rutland’s wonderful schools

As Lord-Lieutenant I am invited to join the Governing Bodies of several of Rutland’s wonderful schools.  In the past week I have had the privilege of attending meetings of the Board of Governors of three of them – Uppingham School, Uppingham Community College and Oakham School.  While very different, all of Rutland’s schools share a great determination to deliver the best possible preparation for life for all their pupils.  It is heartening to see their pupils respond to this.

Armed Forces Day

June 24th: The best turnout yet today for the annual Armed Forces Day flag raising at Oakham Castle, organised by Rutland Council with support from many sources including  the Desert Rats, the Royal Logistics Corps, Catmose College and several primary schools including English Martyrs, Empingham and Great Casterton. Also the 1st Barleythorpe Brownies and many veterans.

Thanks to all who attended. It was a great opportunity for Rutland to recognise the vital contribution the military has made and continues to make.

900 years of Launde Abbey

June 23rd: The sun shone on Launde Abbey as we celebrated 900 years of contemplation and prayer in this sacred space. Thanks to the organisers for a wonderful Eucharist – poetry and singing and a moving communion.

Wild Flowers at Oakham Castle

June 21st – See the wild flowers now growing at Oakham Castle – they are spectacular. All chosen to have grown in Rutland historically. Providing forage for bees, insect life & birds. Looks absolutely beautiful. Thanks Root-and-Branch Out CIC (@branch_root) for organising the wild flower quiz! Oakham Castle is  a great visit for locals & tourists.

Uppingham Feast

June 17th – Great buzz of excitement in Uppingham yesterday for Uppingham Feast! Stalls, food, music, drink… and the weather held (just about).  Something for all ages! Congratulations to all organisers and volunteers who made it all happen. A very happy day.