Author: admin

I think something very special happened on Armistice Day in Rutland. All across the county churches were packed with people of all ages remembering the lessons of WW1 – I hope it happened right across Britain. Let’s try & live happy lives that benefit others in remembrance.

There was standing room only for the service of Remembrance Day 2018 at St Peter & St Paul, Uppingham. People of all ages were present including many youngsters, meaning that ‘we will remember them’ is true. Thanks to Rev. Rachel Watts, Richard Cole and choir for a moving service and wreath-laying.

At the service we discovered that Uppingham has five women leaders!  From left to right below,  Mayor Miranda Jones, Vicar Rachel Watts, me,  Commander of Rutland Police Louise Cordiner and High Sheriff Sue Jarrom!  Historic for Rutland! How highly appropriate for the centenary of women’s suffrage. All are shown below gathered at Uppingham’s war memorial for the wreath-laying.

 

I attended a remarkable concert in Uppingham Church on the eve of the Centennial Armistice. We heard the Military Wives Choir, Uppingham Choral Society, poetry readings. Leicestershire Northamptonshire and Rutland Cadets put on a magnificent display with their corps of drums. Pipers gave a preview of the planned lament at dawn. Well done all organisers and participants. £1500 was raised for military charities.

Rutland now has its own Centenary Field, a green space for everyone to enjoy in Oakham. A great way of commemorating WW1.

Congratulations for a deeply moving & informative concert & readings covering the course of World War 1;  The Long, Long Trail in St Andrew’s Church, Whissendine.  Very thought provoking. Thanks to all involved.

I am so looking forward to the varied and beautiful events organised to celebrate this centennial Armistice in Rutland. My own weekend kicks off with music in my own village, Whissendine, at 7.30pm prompt in our beautiful ‘village cathedral’, St Andrew’s Church. Come and join me!

Great excitement at the Games of Remembrance 2018;  7,000 young people (and some a bit older) are here at the Notts County FC football ground for a women’s football match between English & German teams! Game on!! Now friends & allies, we all remember them.

£500,000 has been awarded for ‘Resilient Rutland’ from the National Lottery! This will provide mental resilience training & counselling to help young people, prevent mental health problems and equip them for modern life. All of Rutland’s schools and their pupils will benefit and youth mental health resilience will be increased. Congratulations to Ann and all those involved in this project.

Yesterday afternoon I watched an ex-servicemen team play the Royal Signals Army Rugby team at Coleville RFC ground, for a commemorative match. Good fun was had by all (the Signals won) and the Royal British Legion raised funds for Poppy Legion.  Thanks for having me!

Thanks again to Mark & Tracey Taylor who run the Veterans Breakfast Club at The Grainstore on the first Saturday morning of each month. Good company & good breakfast guaranteed – come along next on 9.30 December 1st. Veterans of any age and their families are welcome.

While there I was asked whether anything is happening in Oakham to celebrate the Armistice actually at  11am on the 11th Nov.   I didn’t know – I’ll be attending the service in Uppingham at that time – but I have discovered that the answer is yes.  A “Homage on the High Street” will be  taking place outside Crown Walk at  11am.

The main Oakham Remembrance Parade through the town is at 2pm and the Remembrance Service at All Saints starts at 2.30pm. All are welcome.