History at Oakham Castle

11th October: The Battle of Hastings  was brought alive for pupils of Catmose College yesterday at Oakham Castle.  Pupils learnt not just about chronology of battle but also what life was really like under the Normans. Great use of castle grounds & example of learning being fun.

An unsung hero!

October 10th – Congratulations to Joyce Bird of Ketton, Rutland who won Smallman & Son Unsung Hero Award at the rural achievement awards for Leicestershire & Rutland. A well deserved honour.

Celebrating Rutland Women

I was delighted to attend Rutland County Council’s women’s event today – Rutland Women 2019.  Women from all over the East Midland region attended (plus two brave men!). 74% of RCC staff are women, as are Rutland’s High Sheriff and yours truly as Lord Lieutenant.  We are proud of Rutland! Thanks also to Helen Briggs, RCC’s CEO.

Outdoors for all

October 6th: Accessibility & mobility are important for everyone. We had a great Sunday walk at Rutland Water organised by The Outdoor Guide – specifically planned as a wheel-friendly walk without stiles, which meant we could all get outside & enjoy it. What’s more, the rain stopped and the sun came out!  The Outdoor Guide website maps many such walks.

At the end of the walk, at Barnsdale Lodge, we had an unexpcted and thought-provoking demonstration.  If, like me,you are lucky enough to be able bodied it’s too easy to be unaware of the practical difficulties of disability. Mobiloo makes getting outdoors & taking part easier & more dignified. Hoist, bench, loo with rails, wash basin, showers, & assistance – brilliant! Thanks Ceri.

Pepper’s First Birthday!

October 4th: Pepper’s, at 2A High Street, Oakham, is a place for those with mental health problems to meet in welcoming environment. Yesterday they celebrated their 1st birthday.  Thanks to Judith Gilboy @LLRFoundation @WIPLeicsRutland & helpers, especially caterer Sara Mcallister & florist Pollen.

We’ve got the Bobby of the Year!

October 4th:  Huge congratulations to Rutland’s PC Joe Lloyd  who last night won ‘Beat Bobby of the Year’ at the Chief Constable’s Annual Awards Ceremony. Great policing makes for happier communities – well done!

Rutland’s Justice Service

October 2nd: Thanks are due to the Rutland High Sheriff, Margaret Miles, for a moving Justice Service in Oakham Church. We then went on to Oakham Castle, which is the oldest still-active court in the UK, and hearings presided over by Hon Mr Justice Jeremy Baker.  This is living Rutland history.

Ringing in Whissendine

September 28th: Bellringing is a great national tradition.  At St Andrew’s Whissendine we were pleased to welcome a visiting team from Thurmaston & Swithland, Leicestershire to our tower & 6 bells.

Music at Wilds Lodge

September 26: There was a range of delights including bucking bronco, inflatables music stage, silent disco, ponies and more at  the Wilds Lodge Music Festival, Rutland – a great school helping youngsters with autism & other conditions get most out of life.

‘Topping Out’ Oakham Grange

It was exciting to take part in the topping out ceremony for Oakham Grange Nursing Home in Barleythorpe.  This thoughtfully designed development will provide assisted care for the elderly. Congratulations to all at Clegg Construction & Ardale.  It’s looking great already and clearly will be beautiful.