The End RAF Cottesmore

The End RAF Cottesmore

Name Signs Removed

At 6.00pm,  The RAF flag was lowered for the last time at the base this evening. The RAF departed Rutland and handed the base over to the MOD for them to make preparation for the arrival of the Army.

MOD Guard Service

Some passing the gate said it was a sad day for Rutland. Maybe a sad day for councillors who have served the RAF for years, maybe they can now concentrate on serving the wider community.

Local Press  BBC to the Rutland Times

I actually found a visit to the nearby cemetery much much more saddening. So many names and ages as low as 20

I was surprised our Mayor Councillor Joyce Lucas did not stop to visit and pay tribute, particularly as she was a guest in the Parish of Cottesmore.

I spotted Tory Roger Begy and his wife driving his eco friendly Jag  both waved, I thought how cheerful it was to be in Rutland then the Chief Executive Helen Briggs approached Rutland's Iron Lady, I am not sure if the lack of expression is caused by botox  A similar face could be seen worn by Oakhams Mayor, things quickly returned to normality with the arrival of Rutlands High Sheriff Peter Lawson and his wife who both waved.

On my return to Oakham I had the misfortune to spot the Mayor speeding back to Oakham no consideration for the residents of Burley the flashing slow down sign is in place for a reason.

Even Leicestershire Constabulary managed to pass without triggering the warning sign.

I was impressed to see the MOD did not  treat the local 

VIP's any different from the press or the local bus, 

they all had to enter by the side gate and sign in 

The High Sheriffs wife returns

to her car while Tory Leader Roger Begy waits in line

The RAF and MOD officials were waved 

in through the main gate.

Both the Mayor and Chief Executive attempted the 

main gate and were told to go away.

 

Last March of RAF Cottesmore Through Oakham Today and Closure of HMP Ashwell Prison

Oliver Peltier RAF Cottesmore

Today will see last march through Oakham of the RAF Cottesmore station.

There will be a service of thanksgiving to commemorate the life and service of RAF Cottesmore at All Saints Church, Oakham invitation only so if you require sanctuary or a place of prayer you will have to wait until  approximately 2.45pm the remaining two flights will perform an orderly procession down Church Street and on to High Street, Oakham to the Rutland County Museum where the march will end.

Residents and businesses are encouraged by Rutland and Oakham Councils, to come and watch the troops march through the town to say their last good byes and show their support.

Chief Executive of Rutland County Council, Helen Briggs said: “This will be the last time that the RAF Cottesmore troops march through Oakham as part of the Cottesmore station. It will be a chance to say good bye and show our support to the RAF on what will be a very short but poignant march. It is a sad time to see the base preparing for closure and the troops leaving, and I wish them all well on behalf of the Council.”

The base is due to close at the end of March 2012 this also coincides with the closure of HMP Ashwell. I have been told there are currently no prisoners resident. The remaining prison staff have been guarding a empty prison for some time now. Those on duty at night say they get very bored and can't even take a nap because all the beds have also gone.