The Lord-Lieutenant of Rutland
Serving the King and the community of Rutland
A very special day on Tuesday 5th June . At a Buckingham Palace Garden party hosted by HR The Prince of Wales & The Duchess of Cornwall. Pictured below with Kate Hiseman, CEO of the Sustainable Land Trust, from Rutland – a brilliant organisation helping youngsters and environment.
Was @RutlandShow the best ever? We had great weather and there was such variety- living up to the county motto, ‘Multum in Parvo’! As is obvious below, I enjoyed myself on The Paras stand; the Army was well represented at the show.
I was happy to support For Rutland’s tombola. This annual event is a great effort on part of For Rutland’s hard working volunteers. The charity funds two specialist advisors at Citizens Advice. Since For Rutland started they have brought in £2.5 million of funding to help ill Rutlanders !
An example of the Rutland Show’s diversity of entertainment: Bee-keeping being taught to youngsters in the Leicestershire and Rutland Bee-keeper’s Association ‘bee tent’. It is so important that bees are understood and protected; much of our food depends upon them pollinating plants.
2nd June – Leicestershire & Rutland cadet force officers were two of 12 counties represented at the Commission Parade at Belvoir Castle. A spectacular event, with parade, bands & a great picnic at the finish. It’s fantastic what volunteer officers make possible. The cadets gain leadership skills, work in teams – and have fun. It sets them up well for future life, whether in or out of the armed forces.
May 27th – we are all ready for opening our garden to the public for charity, as part of the National Garden Scheme. The sun is out and so are my best peonies – so we are all set for opening at 2pm this afternoon. There are cakes galore in St Andrew’s church next door-I hope people come, so many delicious delights have been created! What a good way to spend a Bank holiday Sunday afternoon!
May 24th – A great evening at the Leicester Tigers stadium for Warning Zone! So privileged to meet senior sports stars. It’s in support of a great charity- Warning Zone serves 247 primary schools across Leicestershire & Rutland, bringing 10,500 children a year (92%) to their brilliant interactive sessions to prepare them for modern life, risks and responsibilities. Check out their website.
Glorious sunshine for the licensing of Revd. Don McGarrigle by Bishop Donald at the church of St Peter & St Paul, Great Casterton. The church was filled with everyone wishing him well. Don’s commitment & warmth for others shone. All of us hope he & Helen relish the new challenges.
The power of love! Stunning wedding. Congratulations to the new Duke & Duchess of Sussex who are set to shape world views for the better. All power to their vision & example. They are leading the way on non-gender stereotyping, acceptance of mental health issues, racial equality.
And what a gripping sermon! Full text at bit.ly/2rTTJLf .
“When we discover the redemptive power of love, we will make of this old world a new world.”
I attended RAF Wittering Family Day. Difficult to believe what the military have to carry -Engineer day packs weigh 30 kilos! Quite something to carry when you may need weapons as well. It’s about the same as my Golden Retriever dog! Skills & levels of military fitness are impressive.
Becoming Lord-Lieutenant is fascinating and varied. This week I met magistrates, the Heads of Casterton College & Uppingham School, planned World War 1 armistice commemorations, attended three charity committees and two formal dinners!
The photo is from an interesting meeting of local ‘opinion formers’ at Kendrew Barracks.
We just celebrated the 1st anniversary of the Rutland Macmillan Befriending Scheme at its tea party. The scheme improves the lives of over 18s diagnosed with cancer, providing an informed & sympathetic ear. Congratulations to Elaine Rootham & 21 local volunteers who are making a real difference in Rutland.