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After the recent identification of Rutland as the third best place in the UK to live (what, only the third???) I was pleased to see the delights of Rutland getting national recognition in  the Sunday Telegraph!

 

On 11th February, so pleased to visit CharityLink which covers Leicestershire,  Northamptonshire & Rutland.  It has been finding funding for role in need since 1876. Yours truly pictured with Surinder Sharma DL (Leics.) & Susan McNieff CEO.

 

How many military veterans are there in Rutland? Best guess at the moment is approximately 900. First Saturday of every month chance to breakfast & chat The Grainstore. Come and join us March 2nd.

On 25th January I attended a beautiful memorial service for Katharine of Aragon, Henry VIIIth’s first wife, at Peterborough Cathedral where she is buried.  This is a remarkably durable tradition, as is the maintenance of a fresh pomegranate (her symbol) on her grave.  I was delighted to see the Spanish Embassy represented and historic links recognised.

New Walk Museum was a great venue for the Leicester Law Society civic dinner.  (Most of Rutland’s court hearings etc. are provided in Leicester).  It was great to see many people who are key to our justice system there.

A visual treat was unveiled on 25th January at Rutland Museum in Oakham. Arts for Rutland showcased young talent with their new  ‘Open your eyes, open to ideas’ exhibition. I met 11 year old artist Mara Bradbury Harrold,  Mo Gardener, Joy Everitt , Oakham Mayor Adam Lowe,  High Sheriff Sue Jarrom and many others

Citizenship ceremonies are always an enjoyable duty as Lord-Lieutenant. But on 24th January I attended Dr Montfort University’s Graduation Ceremony, so my Deputy Lieutenant, Kathy Robinson represented me instead. Congratulations to Yelena STEFANSKAYA from Pavlodar, Kazakhstan & Jennifer Lynn HOLLERING from Ohio, USA, pictured below, who are now British.

Congratulations to all graduating from the Faculty of Health & Life Sciences at DeMontfort University on 24th January. The  High Sheriff of Rutland Sue Jarrom & I were delighted to be part of your special day.

‘Dickens of a Christmas’ at Oakham Castle on 22nd December had everything – activities for children,  the Chater Choir singing carols, people in costume and delicious edibles! Fun for all. Our wonderful Castle is of course the best preserved Norman great hall in the country, with its vast horseshoes donated by visiting aristocracy over the centuries.

… and the carols are coming thick and fast!  Leicestershire Chorale  gave a highly polished performance at All Saints’ Church,  Pickwell:

We had mulled wine after a lovely service of lessons & carols yesterday at my own church of  St Andrew’s, Whissendine – singing carols together makes for a real feeling of peace & goodwill.

And this evening talent, tuition & tenacity were on show from Catmose College & Harington School  – a hugely entertaining Christmas concert. What a range of wonderful performances.  It is sometimes difficult to remember when you hear confident young people speaking, singing or performing that they are still at school. Congratulations to all!  Rutland’s schools are outstanding.