Oakham to Shake with Simulated Explosions as Major Emergency Exercise Hits Saddlers Court, A high-intensity major incident exercise is scheduled to take place on March 25, 2026, between 7:00 pm and 9:00 pm

Oakham to Shake with Simulated Explosions as Major Emergency Exercise Hits Saddlers Court, A high-intensity major incident exercise is scheduled to take place on March 25, 2026, between 7:00 pm and 9:00 pm

Oakham to Shake with Simulated Explosions as Major Emergency Exercise Hits Saddlers Court

Residents across Oakham are being advised that the sudden sound of explosions and the sight of rising smoke on Wednesday evening are no cause for alarm. A high-intensity major incident exercise is scheduled to take place on March 25, 2026, between 7:00 pm and 9:00 pm, transforming the area around Saddlers Court into a controlled disaster zone for vital training.

The operation, coordinated by Rutland Medical Solutions Ltd, will be centered at their Education and Training Centre located behind Cabel. The exercise is designed to simulate a large-scale road traffic collision, providing a rare opportunity for multiple agencies to practice the seamless coordination required during a real-world catastrophe. Participants include Rutland Medical Solutions, Rutland Community First Responders, Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue, and the Rutland Police.

The most dramatic moment of the evening will occur promptly at 7:00 pm, when a series of loud, controlled bangs will signal the start of the scenario, followed immediately by a large plume of smoke. While the effects are designed to be startlingly realistic, organisers have assured the public that the event has been fully risk-assessed and will be closely monitored by fire crews on-site. Following the initial "explosions," residents may still hear the drone of high-powered cutting equipment as fire and rescue teams work to "extricate" casualties from the scene.

Public safety and mental wellbeing are top priorities for the coordinating teams. A group of student actors from Oakham School will be portraying victims, utilising professional-grade makeup to simulate graphic and distressing injuries. Because of the nature of these visual effects, officials are strongly discouraging parents from bringing young children to watch. Although the site has been shielded from most public footpaths and roads, the realistic nature of the trauma simulation could cause undue distress to passersby or unauthorised spectators.

Despite the heavy presence of emergency vehicles and sirens, Rutland’s actual emergency coverage will remain unaffected. All personnel involved are attending the exercise in an off-duty capacity, ensuring that standard 999 services remain fully available to the community throughout the evening.

Residents with concerns or those seeking further information are encouraged to contact the organisers directly at 0800 998 7202 (Option 5). For more information on the work of the organizers, you can visit their website at rutlandmedicalsolutions.co.uk.

For More News, Jobs, What's On, Discover Oakham and More Visit: 

https://oakhamandrutlandnews.co.uk/

Rutland County Council’s upcoming 273rd meeting, scheduled for March 26, 2026

Rutland County Council’s upcoming 273rd meeting, scheduled for March 26, 2026

Rutland County Council’s upcoming 273rd meeting, scheduled for March 26, 2026, marks a significant period of administrative and strategic transition as the authority prepares for future local government reorganisation. 

This session follows a productive February meeting where the council achieved unanimous approval for its 2026-2028 Corporate Strategy and a balanced budget for the 2026/27 financial year.

A central item on the March agenda is the formal appointment of a new Leader of the Council. This leadership change occurs as the council navigates the initial stages of a broader Local Government Reorganisation, with 2027 elections expected to form new shadow authorities prior to a full vesting day in 2028.

The council is also reviewing the use of "Special Urgency" provisions, which were recently employed to extend public transport subsidies. This decision, made in early March, ensures the continuation of free fares on the Rutland Callconnect network. The urgency was prompted by the late confirmation of multi-year grant funding from the Department for Transport, which allowed the council to avoid a lapse in service that would have otherwise disrupted residents' travel.

The council has detailed its Pay Policy Statement for 2026-27, which includes a 3.2% pay award for Chief Officers effective from April 2025. This adjustment aligns with national agreements and ensures that senior leadership salaries remain competitive yet affordable.

Under the new structure, the Chief Executive’s salary is set between £147,524 and £153,583, while Strategic Directors will earn between £95,000 and £110,000 depending on their specific department.

In tandem with staff pay, the Member Allowances Scheme for 2026-27 is also under review. A 3% increase in allowances is proposed to maintain parity with staff pay assumptions. 

The scheme continues to emphasise transparency, requiring members to submit receipts for all travel and subsistence claims and providing options for councillors to renounce their allowances if they choose.

Recent reports from the Safer Rutland Partnership highlight several evolving public safety issues within the county. 

While the council’s Adult Social Care team recently ranked first nationally in multiple quality-of-life and safety measures, other areas require ongoing vigilance.

There has been a noted increase in organised shoplifting, often carried out by gangs from outside the county.

A change in vape supply at Stocken Prison has successfully reduced fire-related incidents, decreasing the burden on local emergency services.

The police and the Turning Point organisation are conducting "joint patch walks" to address substance abuse, with plans to clarify reporting routes for the public.

The council’s refreshed Corporate Strategy for 2026-2028 reaffirms its commitment to four key pillars tackling the climate emergency, fostering a sustainable local economy, supporting the most vulnerable, and providing effective public services. Despite the challenges of being a rural authority where 81% of funding must be drawn from Council Tax compared to a 57% national average the council’s finance team was recently recognised as a finalist in the Municipal Journal national achievement awards for its proactive risk management and sustainability efforts.

The Agenda: 

https://rutlandcounty.moderngov.co.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=145&MId=3034

For More News, Jobs, What's On, Discover Oakham and More Visit: 

https://oakhamandrutlandnews.co.uk/

Step Back in Time, The Models and Miniatures Steam and Vintage Event, June 13–14, 2026

Step Back in Time, The Models and Miniatures Steam and Vintage Event

If the smell of coal smoke and the sight of gleaming chrome get your heart racing, mark your calendars. This June, the Stapleford Miniature Railway is transforming into a nostalgic paradise for the Models and Miniatures Steam and Vintage Event.

Whether you're a die-hard steam enthusiast or just looking for a unique family weekend out, this event offers a massive slice of heritage in the heart of the Leicestershire countryside.

What’s On the Schedule?

The event is packed with a diverse range of exhibits that bridge the gap between "miniature" and "massive." Highlights include, a variety of miniature steam exhibits and traction engines. A rolling timeline of classic cars, modern classics, motorcycles, and tractors. Explore classic caravans, browse the craft tent, and hunt for treasures among the various trade stalls.

Keep the kids entertained with fairground rides, bouncy castles, and, of course, the iconic miniature railway itself.

Essential Event Details

Dates: June 13–14, 2026

Times: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily

Location: Stapleford Miniature Railway, The Old Forge, Stapleford (Nr Melton Mowbray), LE14 2SF.

Admission Prices:

Adults: £6

Children: £4

Under 5s: FREE

Make a Weekend of It, why rush home when you can wake up to the sound of steam whistles? Weekend camping is available for those who want to soak up the full atmosphere. Pitches are priced at £40 per caravan or tent for the weekend.

With a licensed bar and plenty of food vendors on-site, you’ll have everything you need for a perfect vintage getaway.

More Information

For further details or to inquire about camping bookings, you can reach out to the organizers:

Email: events@fsmr.co.uk

Website: www.fsmr.co.uk