Fōrm & Blōm: A New Destination for Quiet Luxury Opens in Mill Street, Oakham, Rutland.

Fōrm & Blōm: A New Destination for Quiet Luxury Opens in Oakham

There’s a new spot on Mill Street in Oakham, and it's bringing a fresh perspective on home and design to the heart of Rutland. Fōrm & Blōm has just opened its doors, curating a collection of understated British-made furniture, thoughtful homeware, and truly exceptional floral designs.

This isn't your typical home goods store. Fōrm & Blōm works with independent makers who embody what the shop calls "quiet luxury." This is a style that whispers rather than shouts—design rooted in heritage and a deep respect for materials with integrity. Think of furniture and homeware that feel timeless, built to last, and tell a story of careful craft.

But the shop's vision extends beyond beautifully made objects. Alongside their curated collections, they offer stunning floral arrangements. Described as "blooms with soul," these aren’t your average bouquets. Instead, they are sculptural and ever-changing designs meant to soften and enliven the spaces we live in. Fōrm & Blōm sees this blend of crafted goods and living florals as a lifestyle, one crafted directly from nature.

For now, the ground floor of the shop is open and ready for visitors. Work is currently underway to open the first floor, which promises to expand on their unique offering. Whether you’re looking to find a new piece of furniture, a unique gift, or simply a dose of inspiration, Fōrm & Blōm is a welcome addition to Oakham’s vibrant local scene.

Instagram:

www.instagram.com/form.blom/

Contact:

17a Mill Street, Oakham, LE156EA  01572 345976  

studio@formblom.co.uk  

http://formblom.co.uk/

Discover Oakham:

https://discoveroakham.co.uk/business/form-blom/

North and South Kesteven District Councils, Public Survey Launched on Local Government Reorganisation, survey is open to all residents and businesses in Lincolnshire and Rutland until October 12, 2025.

Public Survey Launched on Local Government Reorganisation

North and South Kesteven District Councils have launched a joint survey to gather public opinion on the ongoing process of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). The survey is open to all residents and businesses in Lincolnshire and Rutland and will run until October 12, 2025.

Local Government Reorganisation is a government-mandated process that aims to replace the current two-tier system of local government—with its county and district councils—with a simplified structure of fewer, larger unitary councils. The Government expects final proposals to be submitted by the end of November 2025, with a final decision likely to be made by Summer 2026. The new councils are expected to be in place by April 2028.

The survey is a key part of the engagement process. While the Government has set the framework for reorganisation, it also expects councils to engage with their communities. North and South Kesteven District Councils are using this survey to understand what local people value most about their area and their council services. This feedback will help shape their final proposal.

One of the central concerns highlighted in the FAQ section of the councils' website is the potential for a single, large unitary council to become too remote and disconnected from local issues. The proposal from Lincolnshire County Council, for example, would create a single council serving over 780,000 people, a size which many, including North and South Kesteven councils, see as being too large for effective "local" government.

The survey is an opportunity for you to have your say on these significant changes. You can find more information and access the survey by visiting the North Kesteven District Council website. The council emphasises that this initial survey is not about commenting on specific proposals, but rather about gathering a sense of what is important to you as a resident or business owner. Your input will help ensure that the final proposal reflects the priorities and values of the community.

https://www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/council-democracy/devolution-local-government-reorganisation/lgr-feedback-faqs

Survey: https://www.givemyview.com/lincolnshirelgr

Rutland County Council has opened the application process for secondary school places for the September 2026 intake.

Rutland County Council has opened the application process for secondary school places for the September 2026 intake. The deadline for all applications is October 31, 2025. This article provides a breakdown of the key information and steps for parents and carers.

The national closing date for all applications is October 31, 2025. It's important to remember that all applications submitted by this date will be given equal consideration, regardless of when they are received. So there is no need to rush your submission.

This process is for children who will be in Year 6 in September 2025 and are preparing to start Year 7 in September 2026.

The application process is coordinated by the local authority where the child lives.

If you live in Rutland: You must submit your application directly to Rutland County Council, even if you are applying for a school in a different area. The easiest way to apply is online through the School Admissions Portal. A dedicated admissions brochure is also available to help guide you through the process and provide details on schools within Rutland. While a paper application form is an option, be aware that you'll receive your school place offer later than those who apply online.

If you live outside Rutland: You must apply through your own local authority, even if you want to apply for a school in Rutland. You should visit your local council's website for specific instructions.

For parents of children who should be in Year 6 but are being educated a year behind their natural age group (in Year 5), you still need to submit a secondary school application by the October 31st deadline. In addition to the application, you must formally request that your child's admission to secondary school be delayed by one year. The council has specific deferred entry guidance available to assist with this process.

Need Help?

https://www.rutland.gov.uk/education-learning/school-admissions/starting-secondary-school

If you have any questions about the secondary school admissions process, you can contact the Rutland County Council admissions service by emailing admissions@rutland.gov.uk or by calling 01572 722 577.

Starting primary school

https://www.rutland.gov.uk/education-learning/school-admissions/starting-primary-school

Oakham Castle will undergo essential maintenance and repairs from Monday, September 22nd

Oakham Castle will undergo essential maintenance and repairs from Monday, September 22nd

Oakham Castle will undergo essential maintenance and repairs from Monday, September 22nd to Thursday, October 16th, leading to a temporary closure of the building itself. This scheduled work is a crucial step in preserving the historic landmark for future generations.

The castle's temporary closure is set to begin on September 22nd and last for just over three weeks, concluding on October 16th. During this time, the castle building will be inaccessible to the public to ensure everyone's safety while the necessary work is carried out. The project, funded by the UKSP initiative and backed by The Friends of the Museum, aims to address key maintenance needs, safeguarding the castle's structural integrity and historical value.

While the building is closed, the castle's café will also be affected. It will close its doors a bit earlier, on Saturday, September 20th, and will reopen on Tuesday, September 30th. This brief closure is necessary to accommodate the essential works.

Even with the castle and café closed, visitors will still be able to access the castle grounds on foot. However, parking and public vehicle access will be unavailable during this period. This is an important detail for anyone planning a visit, as they'll need to make alternative arrangements for transportation and parking.

This maintenance window was meticulously planned to avoid disrupting any of the castle's pre-scheduled events, including weddings. The careful timing of these repairs ensures that the castle's busy calendar can continue without interruption, a testament to the commitment to both its preservation and its role as a vibrant community hub.