A Message of Gratitude and Pride, Lord-Lieutenant Dr. Sarah Furness Shares Christmas Wishes with Rutland
By Local News Reporter December 22, 2025
The Lord-Lieutenant of Rutland, Dr. Sarah Furness, has reached out to the community to share a heartfelt Christmas message, reflecting on the unique spirit that defines the UK’s smallest county.
Looking ahead to the new year, Dr. Furness offered her "warmest wishes for a happy and peaceful 2026" to all residents, while taking a moment to celebrate the people who make Rutland such a distinctive place to live.
Central to the Lord-Lieutenant’s message was a profound sense of gratitude for Rutland’s thriving culture of volunteerism. Dr. Furness highlighted the "altruism" of the many individuals who give their time across the county.
"I think we are a happy place to live, and a county that meets needs, in large part because of this altruism," Dr. Sarah Furness noted, praising those who volunteer in a wide variety of ways throughout the year.
While many are preparing to sit down for Christmas dinner, Dr. Furness reminded residents of those who remain on duty. She extended a special thank you to the "blue light" services, the Air Ambulance, and the Rutland First Responders. These teams, she noted, will be particularly busy during the festive period while the rest of the county enjoys the holiday.
The message also turned to Rutland’s achievements in education and the arts. Dr. Sarah Furness expressed immense pride in the county’s "outstanding" primary and secondary schools, spanning both the state and private sectors. She sent a personal wish to teachers and support staff for a "well-deserved rest" after a busy autumn term.
Music, too, played a key role in the Lord-Lieutenant’s seasonal reflections. Having attended numerous carol services and concerts recently, she remarked on the "outstanding music" that enriches Rutland’s cultural life.
In a closing note on the county's future, Dr. Sarah Furness touched upon the importance of Rutland’s heritage.
"We have so much to be proud of in our small county," she said. "I hope that we retain our ceremonial status and never lose our strong sense of identity."
As Rutland prepares to ring in 2026, the Lord-Lieutenant’s message serves as a timely reminder of the community strength and local pride that continue to punch well above the county's weight.
"I send my warmest wishes for a happy and peaceful 2026. I am so grateful to the many people who volunteer in such a wide variety of ways throughout Rutland. I think we are a happy place to live, and a county that meets needs, in large part because of this altruism.
I also thank all the ‘blue light’ services, Air Ambulance and the Rutland First Responders who will be particularly busy at this festive time when the rest of us are enjoying ourselves.
In Rutland we should be especially proud of our schools. We have outstanding primary and secondary schools in both the state and private sectors. I hope all teachers and support staff are having a well deserved rest!
I have enjoyed so many carol services and concerts recently and think that we are lucky to enjoy outstanding music in county.
We have so much to be proud of in our small county. I hope that we retain our ceremonial status and never lose our strong sense of identity".
Happy 2026.
Sarah Furness Lord-Lieutenant
