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Tuesday, May 12, 2026

Paws, Pastries, and Play The Farmhouse Table Experience, at Sacrewell Farm

By Martin Brookes


At Sacrewell Farm, The Farmhouse Table has quietly transformed into a premier destination for those who believe a coffee break is better shared with a four-legged friend. While many establishments claim to be dog-friendly, this café goes a step further by weaving canine hospitality into the very fabric of its service, creating an environment where pets are treated as valued guests rather than mere tag-alongs.

The atmosphere strikes a perfect balance between farmhouse chic and cozy retreat. High ceilings and large windows overlook the rolling countryside, providing a serene backdrop for a morning latte or a hearty lunch. What truly sets the experience apart, however, is the specialised "Sir Woofchester’s" menu available at the counter. Instead of settling for a stray crumb from a human plate, visiting dogs can indulge in their own gourmet treats, ranging from "Bark Brew" chicken-flavored drinks to specialised "Fish & Chips" bowls featuring dried sprats and sweet potato fries. It is a whimsical yet thoughtful touch that reflects the café’s genuine passion for animals.

Accessibility is another cornerstone of The Farmhouse Table’s appeal. A common misconception is that visitors must pay for farm admission to enjoy the facilities, but the café remains an open haven for all. With an abundance of free parking and no entry fees required to access the dining area, it serves as an ideal hub for local dog walkers or travelers seeking a high-quality pit stop along the A1.

Whether you are stopping in after a muddy trek through the surrounding fields or simply looking for a friendly spot where your Frenchie or Terrier can relax in style, the team at Sacrewell ensures a warm welcome. The Farmhouse Table isn’t just a place to eat; it’s a community space where the love of good food and the love of dogs meet in perfect harmony. Next time you reach for your car keys, don't leave the leash behind adventure and a "Roast Dinner" bowl await.

The Farmhouse Table 

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574607012973

Sacrewell Farm

https://www.sacrewell.org.uk/about/

How would your dog react to being served their very own "Bark Brew" at the table?


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Rev Up Your Engines Classic Wheels Returns to Rutland Showground, Sunday, May 17th

By Martin Brookes

If the sound of a roaring V8 engine or the gleam of polished chrome makes your heart skip a beat, mark your calendars. The Rutland Showground is shifting into high gear on Sunday, May 17th, for the highly anticipated return of Classic Wheels.

This event is a dedicated celebration of everything automotive. Whether you’re a die-hard gearhead or just looking for a unique family Sunday, the showground is set to transform into a petrolhead’s paradise.

The event brings together an eclectic mix of machinery that spans decades and continents. It’s not just a car show; it’s a showcase of engineering history and personal passion.

Step back in time with impeccably restored classics that define the golden age of motoring.

Experience the "Big Boy Toys" spirit with heavy-duty chrome and massive engines from across the Atlantic.

From sleek scooters to rugged custom motorcycles, the bike displays offer something for every rider.

Witness the creativity of local enthusiasts who have turned wrenches and imagination into unique automotive art.

The Rutland Showground is famous for its spacious, welcoming atmosphere, making this more than just a static display. It’s a full-day experience designed for all ages.

What’s in Store

Hundreds of cars, bikes, and trucks from across the region.

Live music and performances to keep the energy high all day.

Including: Soul & Funk grooves, a timeless voice, old-school vibes with a modern edge.

Motown and Northern Soul star Malcolm Fovargue will be delivering the hits alongside Soul Sister Sandra – one of the most powerful voices in the business.

Get ready to twist & shout to iconic 60s hits.

The Rewinders are a four piece band featuring Ex members from Edison Lighthouse, The Berries & The Yarebeats – don’t forget to bring your dancing shoes.


A variety of local vendors serving up refreshments and hearty meals.

A family-friendly environment where you can chat with owners and fellow fans.

Eyes to the skies

The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight team will be putting on an incredible flypast at this year’s show.

The Extreme Bike Battle show fuses multiple disciplines together for the ultimate adrenaline-fuelled show.

Witness jaw-dropping stunts as these world class performers push their limits to produce an amazing spectacle you will not forget.


Event Essentials

Location: Rutland Showground, Oakham.

Date: Sunday, May 17th.

https://classicwheelsrutland.co.uk/

Advanced Tickets

Adult – £12.50

Under 15s Free of charge

The Vibe: High energy, nostalgic, and undeniably loud.

On The Day

Adult – £20

Under 15s Free of charge

Advance tickets will go off sale the afternoon prior to the show, after this time they will be available to purchase on the day from 10am.

Last entry is 2pm. ​Car Parking is free of charge

*All online bookings are subject to a booking fee

Whether you're there to admire the lines of a rare vintage motor or to hear the rumble of a custom cruiser, Classic Wheels is the ultimate destination for those who believe that toys only get bigger, better, and faster with age. Don't miss the chance to see the region’s finest wheels in one place.


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Dust Off Your Boots North Luffenham’s Big Barn Dance is This Saturday 16th May

by Susan Shaw, 

Please send your event details to: susanshaw@post.com


Following the resounding success of the recent Race Night, the North Luffenham Fun Club is gearing up for another village showstopper. This Saturday, the School Hall will be transformed into a high-energy hoedown, and the buzz suggests it’s going to be one of the most memorable nights the community has seen this year. With a brilliant band and a professional caller already chomping at the bit to get started, the stage is set for an evening of music, movement, and genuine Rutland charm.

The festivities officially kick off at 7:00 pm, but the doors swing open at 6:30 pm to allow guests plenty of time to "limber up" before the first dance. For those feeling a little nervous about their footwork, the organisers promise that the expert caller will guide everyone through the steps even if the sequence of "allemande, do-si-do, and promenade" sounds a bit like a tongue-twister at first. Whether you are a seasoned pro or a complete novice, the focus is firmly on fun and laughter rather than perfect technique.

To keep the energy high, the bar will be open from 6:30 pm serving a variety of refreshing drinks. While crisps will be available on-site, guests are encouraged to bring their own favorite nibbles to sustain them through the physical exertions of a "strip the willow" or a "basket swing." However, the Fun Club asks that attendees keep their snacks to light nibbles only; in the spirit of a true barn dance, the majority of the hall’s floor space is being reserved for the dancers, meaning table space will be at a premium.

As the weekend approaches, time is running out to secure a spot. Only a few tickets remain for what is arguably the finest night out in the county this weekend. For those looking to surprise a partner with a last-minute invitation, tickets can be purchased by popping into The Fox or by contacting the sellers listed on the posters displayed around the village. Please keep in mind that all ticket sales are strictly cash only. Don't miss the chance to be part of the excitement grab those final tickets before they vanish and get ready for a night of community spirit at its very best.


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40 More Ambulances Set for East Midlands to Cut Private Sector Reliance



A significant multi-million-pound investment is set to put up to 40 new double-crewed ambulances on the region’s roads over the next three years. This move, spearheaded by the East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS), aims to bolster frontline capacity and drastically reduce the trust’s costly dependence on private providers. The service, which covers Rutland, Leicestershire, and the wider East Midlands, has faced a grueling period of operational strain. Recent data highlights a service stretched to its limits, primarily due to severe handover delays at hospital emergency departments, which keep crews tied up at hospitals rather than responding to new emergencies.

To manage fluctuating demand and mitigate the impact of hospital delays, EMAS has increasingly turned to private ambulance firms. These services provide their own paramedics and equipment but come with a heavy price tag for the taxpayer. Data from recent board meetings reveals the scale of this reliance, showing that in February 2026, EMAS utilized an average of 56 private crews per day. Spending on these private services has surged by over 40 percent in just three years, climbing from £13.3 million in 2023/24 to over £18.7 million in the 2025/26 financial year. Despite the pressure, there are signs of improvement as pre-handover delays—the time spent waiting outside A&E peaked at over 19,500 lost hours in January 2026 but fell to roughly 10,300 hours by March.

The new funding, provided by the region’s integrated care boards, will be rolled out in phases through the 2028/29 financial year. The primary focus is the introduction of the 40 additional ambulances, supported by a recruitment drive for new frontline clinicians. Stuart Poynor, Director of Finance at EMAS NHS Trust, characterized the investment as a positive development for local people and noted that the secured NHS funding is a vital step in increasing capacity across the East Midlands.

 As the phased rollout begins this financial year, the focus remains on whether these additional resources can successfully decouple the service from private reliance and ensure that patients in Rutland and the surrounding counties receive help faster when they need it most.

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Monday, May 11, 2026

A Difficult Pause for the Arts Rutland Open Exhibition 2026 Cancelled

by Martin Brookes, orneditor@post.com

The local cultural calendar has been dealt a significant blow this week following the announcement that the 2026 Rutland Open Art Exhibition will no longer take place. In a move that prioritises the integrity of the event over a compromised delivery, organisers confirmed that the showcase has been cancelled after an exhaustive review of the current logistical landscape.

The decision was not made lightly, but rather as a response to a series of mounting challenges that threatened the quality of the exhibition. Central to the cancellation is a shortage of committee members during the most critical stages of the planning process. Without a full team to steer the ship, the complex task of curating, hanging, and promoting a professional-grade art show became an insurmountable hurdle.

Furthermore, uncertainty regarding the venue added a layer of risk the committee was unwilling to take. Concerns over how fully operational the museum would be during the exhibition period created fears of a diminished experience for both the artists and the public. Organisers expressed a deep-seated worry that these combined factors would inevitably lead to a decline in participation and a drop in visitor numbers, ultimately failing to do justice to the talent on display.

Timing played a final, decisive role. With the clock ticking toward the originally planned launch, the committee concluded that there was simply not enough time remaining to promote the event to its usual high standard. Rather than proceed with a sub-par production, the team chose to protect the exhibition's reputation for excellence.

While the news is a disappointment for the artists who rely on this platform to share their work, the organizers remain optimistic about the future. They have extended their sincere gratitude to their loyal supporters and contributors, emphasizing that this is a pause rather than a permanent end. The community now looks forward to a time when the Rutland Open Art Exhibition can return with the full energy and prestige it deserves.

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The Jeffrey Hudson Statue From Hudson Cottage to the Museum Garden.



The Jeffrey Hudson Statue From Hudson Cottage to the Museum Garden. The statue of Sir Jeffrey Hudson in Oakham, Rutland, has a storied history. For years, it stood in the private garden of Hudson Cottage. Following the passing of the cottage's final owners, the family generously donated the piece to the town.


To prepare the statue for its new public life, Oakham in Bloom commissioned an artist to "refresh its appearance". It was relocated to the Oakham Castle Museum garden, where it can be viewed by residents and visitors alike.

However, the transformation hasn't been without controversy. The original stonemason who carved the statue, Steve Nicholson, recently reached out after seeing the changes to his work. His reaction was blunt:

"I was a bit gutted, to put it mildly!"

Steve is currently gathering more archival material, including original photographs and press clippings from the statue's initial unveiling, to share shortly.

I wrote about the change in April 2017



The Stonemasons 



Statue at Rutland County Museum




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UNISON Leicestershire Police has issued a stark warning against proposals to expand non-police foot patrols across the region

By The Local Democracy Reporter ldreporter@post.com

UNISON Leicestershire Police has issued a stark warning against proposals to expand non-police foot patrols across the region, claiming that the move risks creating a "two-tier system" of public safety. In a detailed statement released on May 7th, 2026, the union argued that shifting community safety responsibilities toward private or non-warranted staff is a "diluted substitute" for professional neighborhood policing that could leave both the public and workers vulnerable.

The heart of the union’s objection lies in the unique legal and professional framework that governs sworn police officers and Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs). UNISON contends that these roles provide a level of accountability, specialist training in conflict resolution, and legal powers that simply cannot be replicated by private contractors. By moving toward alternative models, the union fears a future where fully trained officers are pulled into reactive work, leaving visible patrols to lower-paid staff who lack the authority to enforce the law or provide adequate safeguarding.

Beyond the impact on community trust, the union expressed serious concerns for the safety of the workers themselves. There is a growing fear that staff in these "quasi-policing" roles may find their responsibilities drifting into dangerous territory, such as dealing with violent confrontation or complex anti-social behavior, without the necessary legal protections or training. UNISON maintains that this shift is not a response to a lack of need for policing, but rather a symptom of services being chronically under-resourced and under pressure.

Ultimately, the union is calling for a halt to these proposals in favour of renewed investment in traditional neighborhood policing teams across Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland. They are demanding full consultation with trade unions and an independent evaluation of any pilot schemes before changes are implemented. As the debate over police visibility continues, UNISON’s message remains clear: public safety cannot be outsourced to the lowest bidder, and the communities they serve deserve the "gold standard" of accountable, professional policing.


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Choral Splendour in Oakham Peterborough Cathedral Choir to Perform at All Saints

by Martin Brookes

Oakham is preparing for an evening of sublime vocal music as the prestigious Peterborough Cathedral Choir travels to All Saints Church for a special concert on Saturday, 16th May. Beginning at 19:00, the event promises to transport the majestic, centuries-old atmosphere of cathedral worship into the heart of the Rutland community.

The choir, renowned for its precision and emotive power, has curated a "glorious programme" that highlights the rich heritage of British choral music. The evening will feature works by two giants of the genre: Hubert Parry and Michael Tippett. While Parry is beloved for his grand, sweeping melodies and mastery of the English choral form, Tippett’s inclusion brings a profound spiritual depth and a more intricate, modern texture to the performance. Together, these works will utilise the resonant acoustics of All Saints Church to create a truly immersive sonic experience.

In an inspiring move to make world-class music accessible to the next generation of listeners, the organisers have announced that admission for anyone under the age of 18 is entirely free. For adults, general admission tickets are priced at £15, offering a rare opportunity to see a professional cathedral choir in such an intimate regional setting.

Prospective attendees can secure their seats by contacting the music department via email at music@peterborough-cathedral.org.uk  Whether you are a lifelong devotee of the Anglican choral tradition or a newcomer looking for an evening of peaceful reflection, this performance stands as a highlight of the spring cultural calendar.


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Sunday, May 10, 2026

A New Chapter for Oakham’s Historic Coaching Inn The George Inn Oakham Rutland to Debut Luxury Boutique Cinema



The historic Market Place is buzzing with anticipation as The George Inn prepares to pull back the curtain on its latest evolution. Stepping beyond its reputation as a premier 17th-century coaching inn, the venue has officially confirmed that its highly anticipated luxury boutique cinema is "very close to opening," marking a significant milestone in the hotel’s extensive multi-phase restoration.

The announcement comes as part of a grander vision to return the inn formerly known as the Whipper-In to its original glory under "The George" name. Since the change in ownership in August 2022, the building has undergone a meticulous transformation. While the first phases saw the complete refurbishment of its 20 bedrooms and the revival of the George Bar and Snug, the upcoming cinema experience represents the most unique addition to the hotel’s growing portfolio of amenities.

Designed to offer an intimate and relaxing entertainment experience, the new cinema is not intended to be a standard multiplex. Instead, it aligns with the inn’s "shabby chic" and refined Georgian aesthetic. Nestled within the thick stone walls of the historic property, the boutique space aims to provide guests and locals with a "home-from-home" atmosphere, complete with the high-quality seasonal food and drink that has made the inn’s Dining Room a local staple.

The addition of the cinema is just the beginning of a broader wellness and entertainment push. Plans are already "on the drawing board" for an exclusive spa and gym, signaling The George Inn’s intent to become a full-service destination for both leisure travelers and the Rutland community.

Joining the "A-List"

While the exact screening schedule remains a closely guarded secret, the management is inviting the public to be the first to step inside. By joining the inn's mailing list, film enthusiasts can secure early access to launch dates, special introductory offers, and invitations to exclusive premiere events.

For a town rooted in tradition, the arrival of a permanent, high-end cinema within one of its most iconic buildings represents a bold step forward. It bridges the gap between Oakham’s rich history and the modern demand for curated, experiential hospitality.

To sign up for the mailing list and receive the latest updates on the cinema’s grand opening, visit www.thegeorgeinnoakham.co.uk.


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