Enjoy the sunshine at Oakham Market today! Find everything you need for Easter celebrations in the Market Place. Plus, isn't it amazing to think it was snowing here 11 years ago today?

Enjoy the sunshine at Oakham Market today! Find everything you need for Easter celebrations in the Market Place. Plus, isn't it amazing to think it was snowing here 11 years ago today?

Craftfest 2024, a celebration of craft lagers, ales, and gins, is happening right now at the Grainstore Brewery in Oakham!

Craftfest 2024, a celebration of craft lagers, ales, and gins, is happening right now at the 

Grainstore Brewery in Oakham! 

The festival started on Friday and runs until Bank Holiday Monday, so you still have a chance to join the fun.

Entry is free, and the festival boasts a wide selection of drinks to tantalise your taste buds. 

Over 20 craft lagers are on tap, alongside 50 different gins available throughout the event. 

They also have a great selection of craft beers on keg and cask, with some special local gins to discover.

Live music and delicious food are also part of the Craftfest experience. 

They'll be serving classic favourites like cheeseburgers and vegan burgers, alongside BBQ chicken wings and sausages from around the world.

Here are the opening times so you can plan your visit:

Saturday, March 30th: 9am to 1am

Sunday, March 31st: 9am to 1am

Monday, April 1st: 11am to 11pm

Don't miss out on this chance to celebrate craft beer and gin at Craftfest 2024!

The Grainstore Brewery

Station Approach,

Oakham, LE15 6RE

Get Directions

01572 770065

Oakham's Churches Together Held a Walk of Witness Through Town Centre, Photographs and Video, Good Friday 2024.

Oakham's Churches Together Held a Walk of Witness Through Town Centre, Photographs and Video

Today, a procession organised by Oakham's Churches Together wound its way through the heart of Oakham. Carrying a cross as a symbol of their faith, participants began their walk at St. John and St. Anne's Chapel at 10:30 am. Rev. Bekkie Wright, minister of the Oakham Methodist Church, led the group through the town centre, culminating in an open-air service at the historic Oakham Buttercross.

 

This event, known as a "Walk of Witness," served as a public display of Christian unity and faith within the Oakham community.

All Saints Church

The Congregational Church

The Methodist Church

The Baptist Church

St John & St Anne Chapel

St Joseph's Catholic Church

A Joyous Easter in Oakham, Rutland. 2024 Things to do. Rutland Farm Park, Walk of Witness,

 A Joyous Easter in Oakham!

Easter has arrived in Oakham, Rutland. Whether you're celebrating with loved ones or joining the community in fellowship, there's something special for everyone this Easter weekend.

If you're spending Easter with family and friends, you're in for a treat. Oakham's charming atmosphere is perfect for hosting a heart-warming Easter gathering. Perhaps you'll prepare a delicious Easter feast, For dessert, don't forget the traditional hot cross buns – a quintessential Easter treat! And what better way to end the day than with an Easter egg hunt? Hide some colourful eggs around the house or garden and watch the children's delight as they discover their treasures.

For those seeking a more spiritual celebration, Oakham's churches are holding special services throughout the weekend. You can participate in the beautiful tradition of the walk of witness, a public display of faith that brings the community together. The uplifting church services offer a chance to reflect on the Easter story and the message of hope and renewal.

No matter how you choose to celebrate, I wish you a very happy Easter filled with joy, love, and delicious treats! May your Easter egg hunt be fruitful, and may your hot cross buns be enjoyed to the very last crumb.

Here's to a wonderful Easter weekend in Oakham!

Easter Eggstravaganza at Rutland Farm Park!

Hop on down to Rutland Farm Park this Easter weekend (Friday, March 29th - Monday, April 1st) for a fun-filled farmyard adventure! There are activities for the whole family, from meeting adorable baby animals to crafting Easter treats.

Egg-cellent Activities:

Easter Bunny Hunt: Search high and low for hidden Easter eggs throughout the day (10.30am-4pm).

Animal Encounters: Cuddle with cuddly guinea pigs (11am & 2pm) and learn about pig care during feeding time (Good Friday only - 11.15am).

Pony Pampering: Brush and groom the friendly ponies (11.30am & 2.30pm, weather permitting).

Feeding Frenzy: Watch the lambs enjoy their lunch (Easter Monday only - 12.15pm) and give the donkeys a special Easter treat (3pm).

Creative Corner: Unleash your inner artist with Easter cookie decorating, crafting, and coloring activities (Pigsty area - 11.30am-2.30pm).

Guinea Pig Fishing: Test your skills with a unique twist on fishing – using a net to scoop up playful guinea pigs! (Pigsty area - 3.30pm)

Lamb Feeding (pre-booking required): Get up close and personal with these adorable lambs during a dedicated feeding session (4pm).

Admission:

Adults: £9

Children: £8

Family of Four: £30

Location:

Rutland Farm Park

Uppingham Road

Oakham

LE15 6JD

Don't miss out on this egg-cellent Easter celebration at Rutland Farm Park!

Churches Together in Oakham, Walk of Witness

This Good Friday, March 29th, join the Churches Together in Oakham and District for their annual Walk of Witness!

Time: 10:15 AM - 11:15 AM

Location: Oakham Market Place (near the Buttercross)

Cost: Free, with hot cross buns distributed

The walk will begin at St. John & St. Anne at 10:15 AM and proceed through Oakham town centre to the Buttercross for a short service led by Revd. Bekkie Wright at around 10:50 AM.

This is a great opportunity to come together as a community and reflect on the meaning of Good Friday.

This Good Friday, March 29th, join the Churches Together in Oakham, Rutland, for their annual Walk of Witness!

Oakham Churches Together, Walk of Witness

Walk of Witness Oakham Rutland 2015

Churches Together in Oakham, Walk of Witness

This Good Friday, March 29th, join the Churches Together in Oakham and District for their annual Walk of Witness!

Time: 10:15 AM - 11:15 AM

Location: Oakham Market Place (near the Buttercross)

Cost: Free, with hot cross buns distributed!

The walk will begin at St. John & St. Anne at 10:15 AM and proceed through Oakham town centre to the Buttercross for a short service led by Revd. Bekkie Wright at around 10:50 AM.

This is a great opportunity to come together as a community and reflect on the meaning of Good Friday.

John Suchet and Nula Suchet will be coming to Rutland next month to launch, Rutland’s Great Dementia Conversation

John Suchet and Nula Suchet will be coming to Rutland next month to launch, Rutland’s Great Dementia Conversation

A county-wide discussion to improve our awareness of dementia in our communities.

John and his wife Nula met while caring for their spouses who both had dementia, before marrying in 2016. John presenter at Classic FM

It’s free so do come along! To ensure there is enough seating for all, please do register your interest here:

www.aliciakearns.com/dementia

Catmose Sports Centre: Rutland County Council Decision Update, Video of meeting 24th March 2024.

Catmose Sports Centre: Council Decision Update

 

At a full council meeting held on the 25th March 2024 with the public and press excluded Rutland County Council made a decision about the future of Catmose Sports Centre. Some councillors gave statements before the item was considered, these can be viewed in the video.

Rutland County Council said it understands the importance of the Catmose Sports Centre to the community. They say they are committed to keeping you informed about the facility's future.

Following a second procurement exercise, the Council has made a decision regarding the operation of Catmose Sports Centre. Due to the commercially sensitive nature of the process, details cannot be publicly disclosed at this time.

An official announcement will be made within a week, outlining the chosen course of action and its implications.

The initial goal was to find an operator who could run the center at no net cost to the council. However, neither procurement exercise achieved this.

The council says it remains dedicated to supporting the health and wellbeing of Rutland residents. While Catmose Sports Centre plays a role, they also recognise the value of other initiatives like the "Active Referral" program.

Rutland County Council Takes Action to Support Care Experienced Individuals, Rutland County Council agreed at its meeting on the 25th March 2024 to ‘support and treat care experience as if it were a Protected Characteristic in Law’. Video

Rutland County Council Takes Action to Support Care Experienced Individuals

Rutland County Councillor speak about supporting those who have experienced care, a employee who experience care and is now employed by Rutland County Council, they spoke to those attending the meeting. Please watch the video to hear the interesting comments.  This concern has been given a higher profile recently due Fatima Whitbread's campaign, who herself is a care experienced person.

 

   

Rutland County Council agreed at its meeting on the 25th March 2024 to to ‘support and treat care experience as if it were a Protected Characteristic in Law’ to join the many other Local Authorities who have already done so. 

It also agreed to Request that the leader lobby national Government to have this enshrined in law so that there is an equity for all care experienced people.

Rutland County Council is taking a significant step to better support individuals with care experience. The council recognises the challenges faced by those who have been in the care system and is committed to providing them with the opportunities they deserve.

The council is adopting the approach of treating "care experience" as a protected characteristic, similar to existing protections based on age, disability, race, and religion. This aligns with the recommendation of the Independent Review of Children's Social Care (May 2022).

By integrating care experience into established support mechanisms, the council ensures that supporting these individuals becomes a fundamental part of all policy and decision-making processes. 

This means, care experienced individuals have access to the support and opportunities they need to succeed. Barriers to achievement are reduced. Addressing Challenges and Promoting Understanding 

Care-experienced individuals often face discrimination and societal misconceptions. Recognising care experience as a protected characteristic acknowledges these challenges and paves the way for increased awareness and education about care experience.

This action builds upon the council's existing commitment to supporting all children and young people. It further strengthens these efforts and promotes a more inclusive and understanding environment.

The council goes beyond its own actions by advocating for national change. By lobbying the government, the council aims to have care experience enshrined in law, ensuring consistent support throughout the country.

Rutland County Council joins a growing number of local authorities taking similar steps. This collaborative approach sends a strong message of support to care-experienced individuals across the UK.

Still Time to Soak Up the Sun and Deliciousness at the Rutland Food & Drink Festival! Photos and Video

Still Time to Soak Up the Sun and Deliciousness at the Rutland Food & Drink Festival!

  

Don't miss your chance to indulge in a delightful day out at the Rutland Food & Drink Festival! The festivities are in full swing today in Oakham Town Centre, and there's still plenty of time to experience the sights, smells, and tastes of this vibrant event.

With the sun shining brightly and the town buzzing with activity, it's the perfect opportunity to explore a treasure trove of culinary delights. From tempting food stalls showcasing local produce to refreshing drinks, you're guaranteed to find something to tantalize your taste buds.

But the festival isn't just about food! Make your way to the historic Oakham Castle and discover a haven of creativity. Browse through a variety of craft stalls, where talented artisans showcase their unique wares. You might just find the perfect souvenir or one-of-a-kind gift.

Remember, the fun comes to an end at 4pm today, so head over to Oakham Town Centre and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Rutland Food & Drink Festival!

The event is dog friendly.