Oakham Castle is currently run by Rutland County Council it secures huge annual losses like most things the Conservative council attempts
to run.
About a year ago the council permitted a survey of the boundary wall and this saw the destruction of the hedges and some trees exposing the wall to vandals.
Roger Begy Conservative Leader earlier this year announced a £1 million bid to restore the wall.
The bid has now been increased to £2m to include work the Great Hall improvements. known as the castle.
I am surprised his deputy Conservative Councillor King has not suggested demolition, so he can approve many more much needed homes, rather like his wish for Barleythorpe Hall. another of Rutland's heritage sites so badly neglected by this Conservative council...
£2m Oakham Castle Bid
The official launch of a £2 million bid to improve Oakham Castle takes place this weekend and Rutland County Council needs your support!
A successful bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund would pave the way for extensive restoration work throughout the castle, exciting events such as an annual community archaeological dig, as well as a regular programme of re-enactments and living history.
Local residents are invited to visit the Castle (Sunday 26 August from 10.00am) to find out more about the ambitious project and how they can get involved.
Later that afternoon at 3.00pm, a special open-air theatre production of Richard III will take place in the castle grounds. Tickets for this event are still available.
Conservative Council Leader Roger Begy
Council Leader Roger Begy commented: “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to work with the Heritage Lottery Fund and potentially carry out substantial restoration and repair work to Oakham Castle. This will ensure that one of the leading attractions in Rutland will be retained and preserved for generations to come.”
Roger Begy added: “It’s not just about protecting the past; this project is very much about looking to the future. We’re working hard to develop an activity plan as part of the bid which will include lots of new things for people to see and do. We’ve already had a busy year with Tony Robinson and the Time Team filming, we have outdoor theatre this weekend, and we’re already working to boost our attraction to local schools and families.”
Tony Robinson at Castle Gates
Starting this weekend and continuing for the next few months, Rutland County Council will be actively seeking views from the local community on how Oakham Castle can be best preserved, developed and improved.
In particular, the Council will be looking for the public to give views on which areas are most important for improvement, and how the Castle can be better used in the future.
In addition to the extensive restoration and events work, areas also identified for improvement are repair of the castle walls, new and improved toilet facilities, better information and signage, and improved facilities for weddings and family events.
You can let the council know what you think by visiting Oakham Castle during normal opening hours or by sending an email to castle@rutland.gov.uk.
Work is ongoing to draft the formal bid for the Heritage Lottery Fund which must be submitted in December 2012.
Background Information
Oakham Castle has a number of special interest features including:
The Key Aims of the Project are to:
- The horseshoes
- It is the oldest Norman Hall in England
- The court and legal history
- Develop Oakham Castle as a cultural centre for Rutland
- Consolidate the Castle Walls to ensure conservation, and to restore its visual impact in the town centre
- Conserve the Great Hall to provide a safe environment for the historic horseshoe collection
- Improved access to the site including improved facilities
- Greater promotion of the history and heritage of Oakham Castle and Rutland
- Work more closely with Discover Rutland to promote Oakham as a tourist destination to the benefit of the county
- Generate increased income from the site to help ensure its long term viability
- Enable more and better quality community events to take place in the grounds
- For more information please visit www.rutland.gov.uk/castle
