ONE WORLD WEEK - REFUGEES WHAT'S IT LIKE TO FLEE YOUR HOME Stamford Arts Centre And featuring ‘Moments of Peace’ - a photographic project by Alan Walters

ONE WORLD WEEK - REFUGEES WHAT'S IT LIKE TO FLEE YOUR HOME Stamford Arts Centre And featuring ‘Moments of Peace’ - a photographic project by Alan Walters

Displays of artwork and projects undertaken by local students and pupils Stalls promoting the work of local community groups Stalls selling fairly traded products And featuring ‘Moments of Peace’ - a photographic project The project aims to represent the lives of Ukrainian refugees in Stamford. It involves two images per family juxtaposing the harsh reality back home which never truly leaves them with moments of peace that they find here. This is a pilot display of an ongoing project by Alan Walters, a local photojournalist, in conjunction with Stamford Diversity Group. Feedback from the October display will influence the project going forward.

Oakham Rutland Looking Good on a sunny summers day photographs

Oakham Rutland Looking Good on a sunny summers day photographs

Mill Street

Flo did not go out in the sun today

far to hot out  for dogs.

Oakham High Street

Hitchen's Barn Burley Road 

Newton Fallowell

new plastic signs

Cllr Adam Lowe bullied and Misled Oakham Town Council members into paying unlawful £68,830.80 payment made to a contractor.

Covid 2019 has delayed this audit finding.

In 2019 I objected to a payment of £68,830.80 made to Cowman Road Surfacing Contractors, 

invoice dated 31 July 2018, paid in September 2018. 

because Oakham Town Council did not comply with central government procurement rules for this level of spending or with  European procurement laws and that little effort was made by the Council to seek value for money. 

At the Council meeting on 14 June 2017 it was agreed in principle to repair/widen the path and obtain three quotations. (Cutts Close Path)

The Council has informed the auditors that it wrote to five County Councils asking for recommended and approved contractors, inviting them to quote for the works. As a result of this exercise, only one response was received, from Martin Cowman Ltd. (no of evidence this was ever shown to members of the council or provided when I requested to see it as a Councillor)

At the Council meeting on 8 August 2017, the matter was discussed and as only one response had been 

received, it was agreed to seek tenders again, this time advertising in the press, on noticeboards and 

on the website. No further tenders were received and at the Council meeting on 8 November 2017 it 

was resolved to award the contract to Martin Cowman Ltd. (this part is true, but then what contractor looks at the council notice board or even the Rutland Times)

The invoice for the works was presented for  payment approval at the Council meeting on 8 August 2018 and was in accordance with the original 

quotation. Payment was not approved at this meeting but was deferred until the specification and path 

had been re-examined. (at this point the majority of members were unhappy with the process of awarding this contract and I pointed out to members that rules had been ignored)

At the Council meeting on 12 September 2018 the Chairman Adam Lowe gave a presentation on the subject and it was resolved to pay the invoice. (Cllr Adam Lowe misled  members accused me of lying and bullied members into agreeing to reverse there decision not to pay the invoice, a video recording of this presentation of false information can be found on youtube and a link was provided to the auditor)

The external auditor has concluded that Oakham Town Council failed to follow rules and regulations AS A RESULT THE PAYMENT MAY BE UNLAWFUL an auditor can not say the payment is unlawful, their full conclusion shown below means the payment made was unlawful and fortunately for Cllr Adam Lowe they are not taking Oakham Town Council to the High Court. The same happened when the previous Mayor was found to have made a unlawful payment without the Town Councils knowledge. That Mayor did the decent thing and resigned and repaid the couple of hundred pounds he unlawfully spent.

Cllr Adam Lowe has always bullied people to get what he wants and it needs to end. I have messaged him to seek a comment or an apology for how he treated me when he insisted the council would not be making an unlawful payment. He has ignored my message.

The auditors say I have a right to appeal their decision not to apply for a declaration under section 28(3) of the Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014. Should I wish to do so, I must issue mu appeal with the High Court, I have told Oakham Town Council I may exercise my right to appeal if Cllr Adam Lowe remains office, I don't want to take this action because the costs would have to be paid by Oakham Town Council. It could also make the members who approved the payment liable for this expenditure. I strongly believe if Adam Lowe remains a member of Oakham Town Council nothing is going to change and they will continue to ignore laws and rules that they should follow.

Oakham Town Council is aware that I am raising a conduct complaint with Rutland County Council regarding Cllr Adam Lowes bullying and dishonest conduct during the time he was attempting to secure this unlawful payment. 

Auditors Conclusion: It is our view that OTC did not follow the provisions of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 and thereby their own Financial Regulations in respect of this contract, as the contract was not advertised on the government’s “Contracts Finder” website. As a result the payment may be unlawful; however, the Council has informed us of the tendering processes that it followed (as detailed above) in an attempt to obtain best value for money. Despite these attempts, only one quotation was received and, in accordance with Section 11.1.f. of the Financial Regulations, the Council made the decision to proceed with the works with the only contractor who had tendered. In our view, this was not an unreasonable decision in the circumstances; however, we are minded to raise this non-compliance with laws and regulations in our external auditor report for 2018/19. Please note that there is no right of appeal against a decision not to issue a public interest report in respect of any of the objections. With regard to objections 3 and 4, you have a right to appeal our decision not to apply for a declaration under section 28(3) of the Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014. Should you wish to do so, you must issue your appeal with the High Court within the period of 21 days beginning with the day after you receive this statement of written reasons. Yours sincerely PKF Littlejohn LLP

Friday 1st April 2022 is the 25th anniversary of Rutland regaining its status as an independent county, as well as the formation of Rutland County Council as a unitary authority.

Friday 1st April 2022 is the 25th anniversary of Rutland regaining its status as an independent county, as well as the formation of Rutland County Council as a unitary authority. 

Rutland was a district of Leicestershire from 1974 until 1997, regaining its independent status only after a long-running campaign by local councillors, residents and communities. 

“As well as being a huge milestone for the county, this anniversary is a chance to pause and think about the things we value most about living in Rutland. We have a lot to be thankful for – particularly after the past two years and everything we’ve experienced because of the pandemic. It’s also timely that 2022 is also the year in which Council agreed to endorse and adopt the community’s new shared vision for Rutland. This is something we can all work towards over the next 30 years and then look back on what all we have achieved together – maintaining our independence while continuing to work closely with our friends and neighbours.”

Councillor Jeff Dale, Chairman of Rutland County Council

Oakham Library is hosting a display illustrating Rutland’s battle for independence, covering the campaigns from the 1960s to Independence Day on 1st April 1997, together with a selection of local history books telling the stories of England’s smallest County. Oakham Library is open from 9.00am to 5.00pm Monday – Friday and 9.00am to 1.00pm on Saturday.

The full picture of our wonderful County can be explored in the displays at Rutland County Museum, which covers everything from fossils to Romans to the present day. Further details about the various collections on display at Rutland County Museum can be found online at: rutlandcountymuseum.org.uk. The Museum is open from 10.00am to 4.00pm on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday with no booking required.

Oakham Town Councils Locum Clerk is costing us a fortune in Hotel Bills

 

Payments approved October / November 2021

SLCC S111/112 Locum Clerk Costs

Oct / Nov 2021             £3,837.12

Wisteria hotel S111/112 Locum Clerk Accom

October / November 2021  £430.00

(hoping the council is carrying out it obligation to deduct Tax and NI from the Locum Clerks salary, it is something they failed to do for a previous some years ago  with another Locum and assistant despite them knowing the law change in 2011 https://www.taxation.co.uk/articles/2011-03-18-21871-parish-clerks-must-be-subject-paye )

The locum clerk may be better than the outgoing in many ways, I understand at least one member of the council objected to the Locum Clerk staying in what is probably the best and most expensive hotel here in Oakham.

If we are paying thousand in fees for a locum Clerk it should be expected that the town gets a clerk that follows meeting laws and presents documents in a correctly. Looking at next weeks meeting the documents are posted in the wrong order and if you click on the minutes document, you get a word document containing minutes for more than the one meeting very poorly presented.

 Also employment and privacy laws are disregarded the full name and salary details of an employee are posted online for all to find.

Ms ###### S111/112 November Salary £920.19

I am pleased the town council has appointed a new Clerk for some odd reason the appointment was made in a exempt part of the last meeting. No name has been released. A town councillor has told me it is a local man, whose name they can't remember and he started this week.

Oakham Rutland Remembrance Day, War Memorial, 11.00 am. Video, Paul Beech Former Oakham Mayor, Read A Wartime Poem and Laid Wreath For ABF Soldiers Charity Times Of This Afternoons Parades

Oakham Rutland Remembrance Day, War Memorial, 11.00 am. Paul Beech Former Oakham Mayor, Read A Wartime Poem and Laid Wreath For ABF Soldiers Charity.

Times Of This Afternoons Parades

Sunday, November 14th, 2021

2:00pm - 3:30pm

All Saints Church, Oakham, LE15 6AA

As part of wider commemorations, a special civic Remembrance parade will set off from Oakham Castle at 2.00 pm on Sunday 14 November. 

The parade will include contingents from 7 Regiment of the Royal Logistic Corps, 7 Brigade (The Desert Rats) and 8 Engineer Brigade, along with representatives from the Royal Air Force and local veterans, Cadet, Scout and Girl Guide groups. 

It will pause at All Saints Church, where a service of Remembrance will be held from 2.30 pm. 

The service will be followed by a wreath laying ceremony at the war memorial on Church Street. 

The parade will then reform and return along the High Street, where the Lord-Lieutenant of Rutland Dr Sarah Furness will take the salute.

This is a public event and all are welcome.

All Saints Church

Church Street

Oakham

LE15 6AA

The Garden Restaurant Gates Garden Centre a good lunch

The Garden Restaurant Gates Garden Centre a good lunch 

Victoria Hall Oakham Rutland Kino Cinema a possible loss of a community asset.

Firstly I agree Oakham needs a cinema so I have no issue with the proposal originally made by Rutland Kino a few years ago.

What I object to is the chosen location used by the community albeit not as much as it should be used.

Some people comment that the handing over the whole building to a private company means it is still a community asset its not. Its a business for profit and personally I can't find any boutique cinema that can afford to show the latest releases.

We lost our only public theatre and the art gallery some years ago.

Over the years the Trustees of Victoria Hall have claimed money from various charities stating Victoria Hall is a community hall.

Money was claimed for a new community kitchen and is let to a commercial company.

Thousands of Pounds of charity money was spent on renovating the hall this included taking down the suspended ceiling and revealing the ceiling upstairs. 

Why would you take thousands of pounds from charity to remove the suspended ceiling, clean out all the dead pigeons and poop and restore this fine ceiling to let someone who wants to run a private company box it back in? I will use Victoria Halls owns words to describe that 

'The removal of the 1950’s hung ceiling revealed the original Victorian high vaulted ceiling with its cast iron supports which is a visual delight!'  

This  photo one of many I have shows one of the many community consultations held in the hall. This was Aldi 2013.

Some of the old trustees need removing and the correct number from both councils need appointing for the required four year term of office.

There should be 3 trustees from Rutland County Council and 3 from Oakham Town Council appointed by the council not the trustees after an election for 4 years.

There should be 9 residents from Oakham appointed trustees for a max term of 5 years.

I think because the trustees have chosen to reduce the number to a little group of  5 Trustees is why the best decisions for the hall are not being made. It unclear who are trustees because the list on the website is different from that on the charity commissioners website.

https://www.victoriahall.org/about-us/meet-the-team/

I am not mentioning names on this post, I will just say, I am told at least one of those 5 does not even attend meetings. 

Rutland County Council Conservatives Defeated By Liberal Democrats, Local Plan Will Be Withdrawn and a New Plan to be Created but at what cost?

Rutland County Council Conservatives Defeated By Liberal Democrats, Local Plan Will Be Withdrawn and a New Plan to be Created but at what cost?

Councillors listened to petitions, deputations and questions.  

There was a proposal to adjourn for a toilet break, this was not supported, leaving most of the public bemused, with comments being whispered, if they can't agree on that what hope to we have for the rest of the evening. At this point one Cllr jumped out of his seat and slumped against the glass clearly suffering from discomfort possibly a dodgy curry before the meeting. Fortunately he did not have to wait much longer before the loo break was permitted.

The infighting among the Conservative group was very obvious this evening, disagreements over increased prices of garden sheds. 

The Libdems and at least on Tory suggested if the council supported the Conservatives proposal it would bankrupt the council rather like Northamptonshire.

Personally I think the council is heading that way the figure of a £2 million deficit was mentioned this evening.

So I was surprised the Libdems proposed to scrap the current plan knowing millions had already been spent on it and now they were proposing a further £1.4 million be spent on a new one. I wonder why the existing plan could not be revised.

Whichever option was agreed St Georges Barracks will be developed.

At the end of the meeting the Leader of the council certainly looked defeated, I wonder if this defeat will see a change of leadership. It was one of the biggest Tory defeats I have ever witnessed at Rutland County Council.

I am not sure this was a good day for the future of Rutland. There is a long period of uncertainty ahead. As the new plan is created. There will be an election in 2023 that should be an interesting one. with the possibility of increased council tax bills to pay for the new plan, I am not sure the next few year are going to get any better for Rutland.

It was good to see a Cllr wearing a Rainbow LGBTQ+ tie to show his support against discrimination. I was expecting a Cllr to take the knee during prayers that did not happen. Although it is unlawful for councils to pray in council meetings, Rutland County Council decided it would be fine to says prayers just before the meeting starts. Personally I think they should set aside a prayer room and not inflict that upon those who think it is pointless or even hypocritical. 

A video of the full meeting will be publish tomorrow. 

The Council agreed:

That Council:

1. Withdraw the submitted Local Plan (submitted to Government in February 2021) under

Regulation 22 of the Local Plans Regulations from the process of Examination in

Public following the decision made by Council on 22nd March 2021 not to accept the

offer of £29.4m Housing Investment Fund (HIF) grant funding which has impacted the

viability and deliverability of the proposed St. George’s Garden Village scheme and,

therefore, the wider development strategy affecting the soundness of the Local Plan.

2. Approves the creation of an earmarked reserve of £1,395,000 to resource the making

of a new Local Plan for the County and operating without a plan (as detailed in Section

5) and that authority be delegated to the Strategic Director of Places and the Section

151 Officer in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Planning and the Portfolio

Holder for Finance, Governance and Performance, Change and Transformation to

release funds from the earmarked reserve as required.

3. Approves that Council receives a quarterly statement of the Budget position in light of

the cost uncertainty so that it can track whether the earmarked reserve is sufficient or

can be released accordingly.

4. Approves the need to positively prepare and submit a new Local Plan informed by an

updated evidence base for the benefit of the County of Rutland, its residents and

businesses that will:

i. Deliver the corporate plan vision and themes for the County;

ii. Provide for sustainable growth to meet its objectively assessed housing and

employment needs, utilising and promoting sustainable transport wherever

possible, which will combine to contribute towards achieving the Government’s net

zero carbon emissions 2050 target;

iii. Protect and enhance the County’s heritage, character and natural capital (including

air quality, water resource management and biodiversity); and

iv. Ensure the timely delivery of all necessary infrastructure.

5. Approves the development of robust and effective strategic partnerships to support

plan-making through the duty to cooperate and required for a viable, deliverable and

sound plan.

6. Approves the establishment of a cross-party group to provide oversight of the process

of making a new Local Plan and delegates authority to the Strategic Director of Places

in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Planning to establish a governance

structure in line with the Corporate Project Management governance framework. 

Plea to find next of kin of Nicola Elkington, Leicestershire Police Officers conducting enquiries on behalf of HM Coroner are appealing for information about a woman’s next of kin.

Plea to find next of kin of Nicola Elkington, Leicestershire Police Officers conducting enquiries on behalf of HM Coroner are appealing for information about a woman’s next of kin.

Nicola Elkington, 67, sadly died in a care home, in the city, where she was living, on 2 August.

Enquiries have been carried out but unfortunately no next of kin have been identified.

Anyone with information about who Nicola’s next of kin may be, please contact either the police on 101 quoting 21*431706 or by calling the Coroner’s office on 0116 254 10230.

A message from Libdem Rutland County Councillor Oakham South By-Election Leaflet for Candidate Paul Browne

A message from Libdem Rutland County Councillor Oakham South By-Election Leaflet for Candidate Paul Browne

Disclaimer for thick people: Various election leaflets are published on my blog for information purposes only. The publication of leaflets should not be seen as my personal support for any candidate affiliated or not to any political party standing for public office. Unless otherwise clearly stated.

I do not support the Conservative or Liberal Democrat in the forthcoming Rutland County Council By-Election.

I hope Cllr Joanna Burrows (Libdem)  finds this disclaimer is satisfactory.

A new Bombardier diesel, electric Greater Anglia Train Peterborough Railway Station and Crescent Bridge built in 1913

A new Bombardier diesel, electric Greater Anglia Train Peterborough Railway Station and Crescent Bridge built in 1913

The Universal Stores - Devonshire Street Manchester, GUS PLC Great Universal retail division sold to Sainsbury was a large mail order business based in Manchester since 1900.

The Universal Stores - Devonshire Street Manchester, GUS PLC Great Universal retail division sold to Sainsbury was a large mail order business based in Manchester since 1900. 

Formerly The Wellington Renamed Mother Mac’s after a former landlady in 1969 Mother Macs, 33 Back Piccadilly, Manchester M1 1HP

Formerly The Wellington Renamed Mother Mac’s after a former landlady in 1969 

in 1976 the 29-year-old pub manager, Arthur Bradbury, was given notice to quit so he revenged himself the coward’s way by killing all around him, his 34-year-old wife Maureen, his 6-year-old daughter Alison and his step-sons James and Andrew, aged 11 and 13 respectively. The cleaner walked in on the carnage so he killed her too and then set the pub on fire to hide the evidence, but justice caught up with him and he ended up killing himself too. Six deaths on 18 June, 1976. 

The Alan Turing Memorial situated in Sackville Park Manchester England Holding a new Bank of England £50 Note

The Alan Turing Memorial situated in Sackville Park Manchester England Holding a new Bank of England £50 Note.

Superintendent Jonny Starbuck Update Light and Life Christian Travellers Festival Rutland Showground Update, A number of Offences including attempted robbery and anti social behavior, Two arrests made so far.

Superintendent Jonny Starbuck said: "Our presence continues in Oakham and at the Light and Life event at Rutland Show Ground. We have additional resources from the wider force to assist in dealing with issues that have been reported including an increase in anti-social behaviour, some criminal offences and driving offences.

"This is an outdoor event which is legal.  We have been working with the event organisers and partners to ensure that Covid rules are followed. 

"Local officers continue to patrol on the ground and to engage with local business owners and licensed premises.

"We are investigating a number of offences including attempted robbery and anti-social behaviour. Two arrests have been made so far.

"Residents in the area continue to report anti-social behaviour which we are responding to. We are working closely with our partners, with the organiser and with participants at the event to ensure that people can go about their usual business with the least disruption. Where offences are committed, we will deal with them effectively and robustly.

"Our enhanced visible presence throughout the day, both around the site and in the town itself, is there to enhance reassurance to our local communities whilst also supporting a swift response where needed.

"Anyone with any information is asked to report online at https://www.leics.police.uk/ro/report/ quoting reference log 186 of 19 June 2021 or to call 101."

I have noticed a much larger than normal police presence here in Oakham today. I also spotted a tactical support dog unit. 

A number of eating and drinking establishments are closed or closed early. 

I could only find one retail outlet that was closed due to the festival.

Driver and Passenger of a Mercedes Leave Scene after High Speed Collision Stamford Road Oakham Rutland

Driver and Passenger of a Mercedes Benz A Class Leave Scene after High Speed Collision Stamford Road Oakham Rutland Fortunately no one was injured or killed.

Local residents say three cars had been racing up and down Stamford Road.

This car hit a street light and another road sign, before stopping on the pavement. This area is used a lot by people walking or jogging in the evening. At the time of the collision Eric was watering the flower beds as the car narrowly miss him, he was fine but understandably shaken. 

The passenger run off and shortly followed by the driver. A number photographed and filmed him. 

Two girls  in a white Fiat who knew the driver sat in there car on the grass verge for short while before driving off. 

 

Rocka-Buy Records The Maltings Mill Street Oakham Rutland A new treasure trove of Vinyl

Rocka-Buy Records The Maltings Mill Street Oakham Rutland A treasure trove of Vinyl 

www.facebook.com/rockabuyrecords

Merryfield's One of Hitchin's oldest and longest-serving shops has closed for good The newsagent, also stocked a huge selection of ordnance survey maps and travel guides

Merryfield's, one of Hitchin's oldest and longest-serving shops has closed for good The newsagent, also stocked a huge selection of ordnance survey maps and travel guides