The Lord-Lieutenant of Rutland
Serving the King and the community of Rutland
13th September – Sounding the Retreat by Band of Brigade of Ghurkhas in Oakham market place made for a special, spectacular evening in aid of The Soldier’s charity, the Armed Forces Benevolent Fund (ABF). What a privilege for Rutland. Rousing music, precision marching, fabulous (frightening!) displays with Ghurkha knives. It was a great honour to take the salute in Oakham market square. Thanks!
8th September – I attended a fascinating annual reception at RAF Wittering. I learnt so much. We saw Harrier planes, what happens when a bird strikes a plane, saw bomb disposal techniques and very accurate bombs – so good to meet so many knowledgeable & committed people. The fly-past by a spitfire was spine-tingling. Bomb disposal being demonstrated below. Thanks!
8th September – I visited ‘The Grainstore’ in Oakham this morning, where a ‘veterans breakfast’ was happening. There was a great atmosphere and great food (at discounted prices for our veterans). At least 50 people attended, of all ages together with army and RAF personnel having a good time together.
The next one is Oct 6 , 9.30am, at The Grainy. See you there?
8th September: Rob Persani (of Rutland Radio) and I helped open the new Greetham Community Play Area this afternoon. 3 years of work with over £100,000 raised. Greetham Community Centre is open till 6pm.
3rd September – The Red Ensign is flying over Oakham today to mark Merchant Navy Day. Our island nation still relies on our merchant shipping fleet, which remains largest in the world (though much of it is registered in other countries for financial reasons).
But for the bravery of the Merchant Navy, the two World Wars would have been lost. We need to remember that, and all the merchant seamen who died, as we approach the centenary of the end of WW1.
We have amazing schools, pupils & teachers in Rutland. I have now heard from all of Rutland’s secondary schools – ALL have exceptional GCSE & A level results! Congratulations to Uppingham Community College, Catmose College, Harington School, Casterton College, Oakham School and Uppingham School. We should all be proud!
Such talent was on show during Phoenix Associates Summer School week. Students (12-18) get a chance to learn from internationally renowned dancers and choreographers. Invaluable experience is offered at low cost to help talented youngsters from all backgrounds who aspire to succeed. Well done!
Preparations are underway all over Rutland for this year’s very special centennial Armistice Day. Shown here is the war memorial at Oakham All Saints’ Church being cleaned & repointed (thanks to Oakham Memorial Institute) on a glorious summer day, ready for the service at 2pm on November 11th.
Those who lost their lives are not forgotten.
August 18th: Cadets gain skills confidence friends & have fun! Leicestershire, Northamptonshire and Rutland annual Army Cadet Force (ACF) camp at the Warcop military training camp in Cumbria hosts 479 cadets supervised by 163 volunteer adult officers for the pinnacle of their training year. Abseiling, rock climbing, archery, shooting, canoeing, field craft, first aid & more. Watching them learn self-confidence and self-reliance was inspiring.
August 9th: Visited Top Stones near Tilton, which is currently a camp for 200 Guides and 90 Brownies! Thirty members of the senior section and adult leaders led a vast array of different activities. I saw masses of happy girls doing & making things & making friends. What a great way to spend their summer holidays.
