Author: admin

Nov 12th: Remembrance takes many forms. The University of Leicester was founded as a living memorial to the fallen of World War 1. It was initially called the Leicester Leicestershire and Rutland College.

The University of Leicester is marking the centenary of its foundation by presenting remembrance wreaths across Rutland. Ashwell’s villagers received theirs yesterday.

In Rutland Remembrance Sunday was marked by services supporting the Royal British Legion and its Poppy Appeal across county in village churches, Uppingham and in Oakham, the county town. Shown below is a ‘YouTube’ video of the start of the Oakham march-past with 617 Squadron, RAF 504 squadron, cadets, Guides. and many others. It was good to see that our churches were so full, with participants of all ages.

And here’s the piper’s lament:

November 9th – Is this a first? Great liaison between Oakham Armed Forces Veterans Breakfast Club and Kendrew Barracks (617 Squadron and 7 Royal Logistics). They invited all Rutland veterans and their families for a special Remembrance breakfast today. Thanks to all – it was a great opportunity for veterans to meet serving personnel & ‘see behind the wire’. We were all made so welcome.

9th November – an evening of evocative music played by the 48-strong RutlandBand in aid of the Royal British Legion, Oakham. A fantastic sound in Oakham’s parish church. It got everyone in the right frame of mind for Remembrance Sunday. Thanks to all musicians and organisers – it was memorable.

Nov 3rd: Veterans gathered this morning at The Grainstore in Oakham for the usual chatty breakfast – but this month on Sunday, as the rugby was on Saturday. We won’t talk about that though…

All military veterans & families are welcome, normally on the first Saturday each month – great breakfasts! Please join in – all ages.

Here is a sneak preview of the wonderful art work which will be used by printers for my 2019 Christmas card. Created by a prisoner at HMP Stocken in Rutland I spotted it at an exhibition in the prison when I opened the new rehabilitation wing. The artist kindly gave his permission for me to use it.

27th October – Fantastic to see Oakham full of people enjoying themselves in the sunshine at the Rutland Food Festival! Such a variety of delicious food & drink – the whole town was buzzing. Thanks all who organised, had stalls & attended.

October 26th – The launch of the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal took place yesterday at Beaumanor Hall. A moving ceremony & great opportunity to meet veterans, especially Lillian Latham, and to watch Mike Kapur Leiceter’s Lord-Lieutenant present medals to Gordon Bennett.

Planning for a beautiful spring and pollen for bees: Oakham in Bloom planted thousands of crocus bulbs outside Oakham library. Bulbs were given by Rotary as part of the “Purple4polio” campaign to rid the world of polio.

26th October: The St John Ambulance Leicestershire & Rutland group recognised years of selfless voluntary service at a presentation evening. Congratulations to Karen Upton, 32 years service, John Kershaw 32 years & John Fox who has served 47 years!