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Monday, November 04, 2024

Ukrainian Rotary Impact Club of Rutland Launches with a Focus on Community and Support

Ukrainian Rotary Impact Club of Rutland Launches with a Focus on Community and Support

A new chapter in Ukrainian-British relations began this evening with the official launch of the Ukrainian Rotary Impact Club of Rutland. Held at The Catmose Club in Oakham, the event resonated with a spirit of unity and a commitment to making a positive impact.

The evening commenced with a warm welcome from The Lord Lieutenant of Rutland, Dr. Sarah Furness, who expressed her wholehearted support for the club's mission. Newly appointed Oakham Mayor Paul Ainsley echoed these sentiments, followed by a welcoming address from Rutland's Rotary President, Bruce Strickland.

Following the opening remarks, guests were treated to a delicious Ukrainian meal prepared and served by the club's members. The cultural immersion continued with captivating live performances by the Stamford Ukrainian Choir and a talented pianist.

A highlight of the evening was the induction ceremony for new members of the Ukrainian Rotary Impact Club of Rutland. Each member received their official Rotary badges and certificates, officially joining the organisation's commitment to service. The event culminated in an interactive quiz about Ukraine, fostering a sense of community and cultural exchange.

However, the club's dedication extends beyond celebration. Their first project is a critical one – reaching out to the Rutland community for urgent donations of wheelchairs, hoists, and crutches. These essential mobility aids are in severe shortage due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, leaving countless individuals struggling for independence.

The club encourages individuals and organisations to donate any unused medical equipment they may have. The equipment will be assessed for repair before being shipped to Ukraine, where it can truly make a world of difference in the lives of those affected by the war.

“Your donation can restore mobility and independence to someone who has lost it due to the war,” emphasises the Rotary Club. They stand firm in their commitment to assist those in need.

How to Donate:

  • Email: UAROTARYINUK@GMAIL.COM
  • Mobile: +44 7464 484 181

By uniting the Rutland community with Ukrainian resilience, the Ukrainian Rotary Impact Club of Rutland embarks on a journey of fostering support and enriching lives.

Ukrainian Rotary Impact Club of Rutland запускає роботу з акцентом на громаду та підтримку

Сьогодні ввечері розпочалася нова сторінка в українсько-британських відносинах з офіційного відкриття Ukrainian Rotary Impact Club of Rutland. Подія, що відбулася в The Catmose Club в Окемі, викликала дух єдності та прагнення зробити позитивний вплив.

Вечір розпочався з теплого привітання лорд-лейтенанта Ратленда, доктора Сари Фернесс, яка висловила свою щиру підтримку місії клубу. Новопризначений мер Окема Пол Ейнслі повторив ці почуття, після чого послідувала вітальна промова президента Ротарі Рутленда Брюса Стрікленда.

Після вступного слова гостей пригощали смачною українською їжею, яку приготували та частували учасники клубу. Культурне занурення продовжилося захоплюючими живими виступами Стемфордського українського хору та талановитого піаніста.

Кульмінацією вечора стала церемонія вступу нових членів Українського Ротарі Імпакт Клубу Ратленда. Кожен член отримав свої офіційні значки та сертифікати Ротарі, офіційно приєднавшись до зобов’язань організації щодо служіння. Кульмінацією заходу стала інтерактивна вікторина про Україну, яка сприяла розвитку почуття спільності та культурного обміну.

Однак відданість клубу виходить за рамки святкування. Їхній перший проект є критично важливим – звернення до громади Ратленда з проханням терміново пожертвувати інвалідні візки, підйомники та милиці. Через триваючий конфлікт в Україні відчувається гострий дефіцит цих важливих засобів пересування, через що незліченна кількість людей бореться за незалежність.

Клуб заохочує окремих осіб та організації пожертвувати будь-яке невикористане медичне обладнання, яке вони можуть мати. Обладнання буде оцінено для ремонту перед відправленням в Україну, де воно справді може змінити життя тих, хто постраждав від війни.

«Ваша пожертва може повернути мобільність і незалежність людині, яка втратила її через війну», — наголошує Ротарі Клуб. Вони твердо дотримуються свого зобов’язання допомагати тим, хто цього потребує.

Як пожертвувати:

Електронна адреса: UAROTARYINUK@GMAIL.COM

Моб.: +44 7464 484 181

Об’єднавши громаду Ратленда з українською стійкістю, Український Ротарі Імпакт Клуб Ратленда розпочинає шлях підтримки та збагачення життя.









Sunday, November 03, 2024

The Ukrainian Rotary Impact Club of Rutland is officially launching on Monday evening. the club supports the Ukrainian Rotary Club for Children in Oakham

The Ukrainian Rotary Impact Club of Rutland is officially launching on Monday evening. the club supports the Ukrainian Rotary Club for Children in Oakham

The Ukrainian Rotary Impact Club of Rutland is officially launching on Monday evening. 

Ukrainian Rotary Club for Children in Oakham at Oakham Fire Station

This exciting development marks a significant milestone for the Ukrainian community in Rutland and a new chapter of service for the Rotary movement.

The club's journey began in November 2022 when they joined forces with the Rotary Club of Rutland to establish the Ukrainian Rotary Club for Children in Oakham. This children's club, meeting weekly at the Oakham fire station, provides Ukrainian children with a safe space to learn, play, and connect with their heritage. Members of the New Ukrainian Rotary Impact Club of Rutland have been instrumental in supporting these children, offering activities and resources that foster both Ukrainian and British traditions.

While initially focused on children, the club recognised the broader need to support the entire Ukrainian community in Rutland. This led to their decision to join the Rotary and expand their impact. With the support and guidance of David Morris, District Manager, Chris Knight, District Manager, and Bruce Strickland, President of the Rotary Club of Rutland, the Ukrainian Rotary Impact Club of Rutland was formed.

Comprising 15 dedicated individuals from various professional backgrounds, including doctors, finance experts, and IT specialists, the club members are passionate about giving back to their community. Despite the challenges they faced in leaving their homeland, they are committed to making a positive difference, both in Ukraine and in the UK.

The Ukrainian Rotary Impact Club of Rutland aims to:

Support the Community: Provide assistance and resources to both the Ukrainian and local UK communities.

Humanitarian Initiatives: Launch projects like "Wheelchairs for Ukraine" to deliver mobility aids to those affected by the war.

Promote Awareness: Raise awareness about the challenges faced by Ukrainians and foster understanding and compassion.

Collaborate with Rotary: Work closely with the Rotary Club of Rutland and other organisations to maximise impact.

Encourage Rotary Values: Embody the Rotary ideals of service, friendship, and integrity.

The club welcomes volunteers and donations to support their ongoing efforts. For more information or to get involved, please contact: uarotaryinuk@gmail.com


Ukrainian Rotary Club for Children in Oakham

In the following video the parents of the children express their gratitude.


Ukrainian Rotary Club for Children in Oakham


Ukrainian Rotary Club for Children in Oakham Oakham Fire Station

Ukrainian Rotary Club for Children in Oakham Oakham Fire Station

Ukrainian Rotary Club for Children in Oakham Oakham Fire Station



Український Rotary Impact Club of Rutland офіційно стартує у понеділок увечері.Ця хвилююча подія знаменує собою важливу віху для української громади в Ратленді та нову главу служіння для руху Ротарі.

Подорож клубу розпочалася в листопаді 2022 року, коли вони об’єдналися з Rotary Club of Rutland, щоб створити Український Ротарі Клуб для дітей в Окемі. Цей дитячий клуб, який збирається щотижня в пожежній станції Окхем, надає українським дітям безпечний простір для навчання, ігор і спілкування зі своєю спадщиною. Члени Новоукраїнського клубу Rotary Impact з Ратленда відіграли важливу роль у підтримці цих дітей, пропонуючи заходи та ресурси, які сприяють як українським, так і британським традиціям.

Хоча спочатку клуб був зосереджений на дітях, клуб визнав ширшу потребу підтримувати всю українську громаду в Ратленді. Це призвело до їхнього рішення приєднатися до Ротарі та розширити свій вплив. За підтримки та керівництва Девіда Морріса, дистрикт-менеджера, Кріса Найта, дистрикт-менеджера, та Брюса Стрікленда, президента Ротарі Клубу Ратленда, було створено Український клуб Ротарі Імпакт Рутленд.

Учасники клубу, що складається з 15 відданих людей із різним професійним становищем, включаючи лікарів, фінансових експертів та ІТ-спеціалістів, пристрасно прагнуть віддавати свою громаду. Незважаючи на труднощі, з якими вони зіткнулися, покидаючи батьківщину, вони віддані справі позитивних змін як в Україні, так і у Великобританії.

Український Rotary Impact Club of Rutland має на меті:

Підтримуйте громаду: надайте допомогу та ресурси як українській, так і місцевій громаді Великобританії.

Гуманітарні ініціативи: Запуск таких проектів, як «Інвалідні візки для України», щоб доставити засоби пересування постраждалим від війни.

Підвищення обізнаності: підвищуйте обізнаність про виклики, з якими стикаються українці, та сприяйте розумінню та співчуттю.

Співпрацюйте з Ротарі: тісно співпрацюйте з Ротарі Клубом Ратленда та іншими організаціями, щоб максимально збільшити вплив.

Заохочуйте цінності Ротарі: втілюйте ідеали Ротарі служіння, дружби та чесності.

Клуб вітає волонтерів і пожертви для підтримки своїх постійних зусиль. Щоб отримати додаткову інформацію або взяти участь, будь ласка, звертайтеся за адресою: uarotaryinuk@gmail.com

The Ukrainian Rotary Impact Club of Rutland is reaching out to the community for urgent donations of wheelchairs, hoists, and crutches to support those affected by the war in Ukraine.

The Ukrainian Rotary Impact Club of Rutland is reaching out to the community for urgent donations of wheelchairs, hoists, and crutches to support those affected by the war in Ukraine.

Ukrainian Rotary Impact Club Seeks Donations to Aid Ukraine's Mobility Needs

The Ukrainian Rotary Impact Club of Rutland is reaching out to the community for urgent donations of wheelchairs, hoists, and crutches to support those affected by the war in Ukraine.

The ongoing conflict has caused a critical shortage of these essential mobility aids, leaving many people struggling to maintain their independence.

The club is calling on individuals and organisations to donate any unused medical equipment they may have.  This equipment will be assessed for repair and then shipped to Ukraine, where it can make a significant difference in the lives of those in need.

"Your donation," emphasises the Rotary Club, "can restore mobility and independence to someone who has lost it due to the war."

How to Donate:

Email: UAROTARYINUK@GMAIL.COM

Mobile: +44 7464 484 181

By working together, the Rotary Club believes they can give  unused equipment a second life, while improving the lives of those most in need during this difficult time.


Police Called to Oakham Congregational Church

Police Called to Oakham Congregational Church

Leicestershire Police were called to Oakham Congregational Church this morning after reports of a disturbance. Officers arrived at the scene and spoke to a local man known for his strong religious views, often referred to as the "Bible Basher." No action was taken and the man returned to his pew.

Oakham Canal

Oakham Canal






















Brooke Road Level Crossing, Partial Relief for Oakham Residents as Pedestrian Access will be partially restored from Monday Morning,

Brooke Road Level Crossing, Partial Relief for Oakham Residents as Pedestrian Access will be partially restored from Monday Morning.

Residents of Oakham will be pleased to know that, starting from Monday, 4th November, pedestrian access to Brooke Road and the level crossing will be partially restored.

Pedestrian Access Times:

Weekdays (Monday to Friday):

8:00 AM to 9:00 AM

3:00 PM to 4:00 PM

During these designated times, site workers from the Brooke Road Allotments development will be on-site to supervise pedestrian movement.

Free Bus Service and Road Closure:

To further assist residents during the construction period, the free Oakham Hopper bus service will continue to operate on both sides of the road closure throughout the week. 


Additionally, Cricket Lawns in Oakham has been temporarily closed to traffic from the Brooke Road end to facilitate construction activities.



Editors Comment:

A Disruptive Development


While the Brooke Road development aims to address a crucial need for affordable housing in Oakham, it's undeniable that the construction process has been significantly disruptive and inconvenient for local residents. The frequent closures and traffic restrictions have impacted daily routines and caused significant frustration.

Furthermore, the cleanliness of the surrounding areas has been a major concern. The constant dirt and debris on nearby roads is unsightly and adds to the overall inconvenience. It's essential that the developers take immediate steps to address this issue and ensure a cleaner environment for the community.



Ben Callaghan, Reform UK Candidate for Rutland County Council, Oakham North East By Election Thursday, November 21st 2024

Ben Callaghan, Reform UK Candidate for Rutland County Council, Oakham North East By Election Thursday, November 21st 2024




Ben has lived in Rutland since 1970.  He served as an Independent District Councillor from 2015 to 2019, over that time chairing the Growth, Infrastructure and Resources Scrutiny panel as well as serving on many of the other committees. 

After an initial career in the travel industry, working with airlines, travel agencies and hotels, Ben, together with his wife, set up a new business to assist companies with organising corporate events. That business has been running for 14 years (apart from an enforced break during the pandemic when Ben worked at Tesco and then set up a gardening business). 

Ten years ago Ben, together with other local business professionals, set up a business networking group, growing to 50 members, which has helped numerous small businesses to work together and to prosper through mutual benefit, bringing much needed revenue into the county. 

Ben believes in local government being about local issues, such as keeping council tax to a minimum, limiting housing development, and ensuring full availability of GP services, school places for Rutland families, and local sports facilities. The policies and “common sense” approach of Reform are relevant and appropriate for all these issues.

In addition to assisting residents in the Oakham North East ward with their specific local concerns, Ben would see a key role in holding the council and the ruling Liberal Democrats to account. On the doorstep, it is clear that residents feel that nothing has changed, and in some cases they believe that things are worse under the current regime, the closing of the leisure centre being one such major concern.


Email: Bcallaghan.reform@yahoo.com


Mobile: 07936 563091



Other candidates have been contacted by Oakham and Rutland News and we are waiting for them to respond:

Kate Ross, for Labour

Christopher Clark for Conservatives


For Information from Linda Chatfield, Liberal Democrat Candidate CLICK HERE

Oakham Town Council Calls Extraordinary Meeting to Consider New Members

Oakham Town Council Calls Extraordinary Meeting to Consider New Members


Oakham Town Council has announced an extraordinary meeting on Tuesday, 6th November 2024, at 6 PM. The primary purpose of this meeting is to consider co-opting four new members to the council.

The four candidates vying for these positions are:

Mr. Martin Brookes: An amateur photographer, blogger, and community editor at Oakham and Rutland News.

Mr. Paul (Barry) Buxton: A retired teacher and former town councillor seeking to return to the council.

Ms. Anna Douthwaite: A photographer and volunteer with the Rutland Osprey project.

Mr. Alan Walters: A professional photographer with experience serving on Rutland County Council as both a Conservative and Independent.

Public Invitation

The meeting is open to the public and will be held in the council chamber on Long Row, Oakham. Residents are encouraged to attend to learn more about the candidates and the co-option process.

This extraordinary meeting signifies an important step for Oakham Town Council as it seeks to strengthen its membership and continue serving the local community.

Rutland Garden Village, Ashwell's Festive Fayre Draws a Crowd

Rutland Garden Village, Ashwell's Festive Fayre Draws a Crowd

A festive weekend in the Garden Village

The charming Rutland Garden Village, was abuzz with excitement this weekend as it hosted its annual Festive Fayre. The event, which has become a tradition, attracted a large crowd of visitors who came to enjoy the festive atmosphere, browse the numerous stalls, and indulge in delicious refreshments.

The Fayre offered a diverse range of stalls, showcasing local crafts, homemade goods, and unique gifts. Visitors had the opportunity to find one-of-a-kind treasures, from handcrafted jewellery to artisanal food products.


Live music performances added to the festive ambiance, providing the perfect soundtrack to a day of shopping, eating, and socialising.