.JPG)
Rutland & Stamford Sound Shortlisted for Two National Community Radio Awards
Rutland & Stamford Sound has taken centre stage after being named a finalist in two national categories for the
Out of more than 300 community radio stations across the UK, the local station has secured a place in the final five for both Celebrating & Championing Community Radio of the Year and Digital Content of the Year.
The first nomination recognises the station's creative fifth birthday celebrations. The team boarded a Blands bus for a live-broadcast tour, stopping at Oakham Market Place, Uppingham Parish Church, Rutland Water Nature Reserve, the Birch Tree Café at Easton on the Hill, and Burghley House to highlight local groups and organizations. Meanwhile, the nomination for Digital Content of the Year honours their multi-platform approach, which features daily social media updates, video journalism, and written coverage of local news, events, and travel.
Station Manager Rob Persani shared his excitement:
"To have made the top 5 out of over 300 community radio stations across the country in two categories which both show how valued we are locally is just fantastic! At 5 years old this year, it does seem like we have come of age, and I can't thank all our volunteers and supporters enough for their contribution."
Organised by the UK Community Radio Network and sponsored by Aiir, the awards celebrate the time and dedication volunteers invest into grassroots media. Rebecca Steers, Chair of the Awards, praised the high standard of entries, noting that a nomination reflects true peer recognition and dedication to local populations.
The winners of the bronze, silver, and gold tiers will be announced on October 24 during an evening ceremony in Birmingham, following the annual National Community Radio Conference. Further details about the finalists and the upcoming ceremony can be found directly on the
Five Years on the Airwaves, a Rolling Birthday Celebration for Rutland and Stamford Sound, Photo Gallery and Video
Five Years on the Airwaves, a Rolling Birthday Celebration for Rutland and Stamford Sound
Yesterday marked a historic milestone for our local airwaves as Rutland and Stamford Sound celebrated its 5th Birthday with a vibrant, traveling party that spanned the county. From Morris dancing in the morning mist to a glowing tribute at Rutland Water by night, the day was a testament to the station’s deep roots in the community.
The festivities kicked off at 9:30 am in Oakham Market Place. Under the watchful eyes of the Lord-Lieutenant of Rutland and the High Sheriff, the Rutland Morris Dancers provided a performance that drew loyal listeners and station staff.
The centerpiece of the day soon arrived: a Blands "Rutlander" bus, specially decorated for the occasion. Members of the station team and including Oakham and Rutland News, climbed aboard as the bus prepared to depart for the next leg of the journey.
Upon arriving in Uppingham Market Place, the celebration moved to St Peter and St Paul’s Church. Inside, an assembled choir greeted the team with a rousing rendition of "Happy Birthday," followed by the aptly chosen anthem, "Celebration." The journey then continued toward the village of Easton on the Hill. During the transit, presenter Rob Persani broadcast live from the moving bus a technical feat he jokingly compared to the legendary offshore broadcasts of Radio Caroline aboard the MV Fredericia.
A significant stop was made at the Birch Tree Café in Easton on the Hill. This unique venue serves as a social enterprise where young people with Down’s Syndrome gain workplace skills, confidence, and independence.
"The café helps enthusiastic young staff members develop workplace skills, so they can realise their own ambitions."
The station team spoke with the café staff and shared birthday cupcakes in the café’s spacious surroundings. The Birch Tree Café is a hub for everyone from cyclists and walkers to "laptop drivers" and families and the station was proud to highlight their vital work in the community.
The "Rutlander" bus then made a grand entrance into the Burghley House estate. In the visitor car park, everyone was treated to a performance by award-winning Ukrainian pianist and composer Yaroslav Oliinyk, who played his portable keyboard as the station mascot made an appearance.
In a display of expert driving, the Blands bus usually seen on the Rutland Flyer route between Melton and Corby navigated the narrow, historic gates of the estate for a photo opportunity in front of the Cecil family home.
As the sun set on a day of community spirit, the celebrations concluded with a spectacular visual tribute. Normanton Church at Rutland Water was illuminated in the signature colors of Rutland and Stamford Sound, providing a shining end to celebrating five years of local broadcasting.
Photo Gallery:
.JPG)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
For more local news, community updates, and what's on in the area, visit: https://www.oakhamandrutlandnews.com/
Including Market Place, Market Street, Church Street, Crown Walk,
John Street, Melton Road and Deans Street and Gaol Street.
https://www.oakhamandrutlandnews.com/highstreetoakham
