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Ten Years On: A Legacy Forged in Brick and Mud: Celebrating the Rutland County Showground
A decade ago, here in Rutland, England, a vision began to take shape. Bricks were laid, turf prepped, and dreams for the future were woven into the very fabric of a ground breaking project: the New Rutland County Showground. Today, ten years on, we stand before a vibrant community hub, a testament to the unwavering dedication of countless individuals and a beacon for agriculture, sport, and local spirit.
In 2014, the air thrummed with anticipation as the new Agricultural Building and the home of Oakham Rugby and Football Club neared completion. This wasn't just about bricks and mortar; it was about forging a legacy. For the Rutland Agricultural Society, it meant a return to their roots, a chance to rekindle the spirit of the historic Rutland Show in a space designed to nurture and celebrate the county's rich agricultural heritage. For Oakham Rugby and Royce Rangers Football Club, it was a new chapter, a pitch upon which generations of sportsmen and women could hone their skills and build a community of camaraderie.
The journey wasn't without its challenges. Weather delays, logistical hurdles, and the inherent complexities of such an ambitious undertaking could have dampened the spirit. But the unwavering collaboration between the Agricultural Society, the sporting clubs, local businesses, and the passionate Rutland community ensured that every obstacle was overcome with grit and a shared vision.
And then, came the grand opening. The year was 2014, and the air crackled with excitement as the community finally poured onto the Showground. Farmers showcased their prize livestock, rugby tackles reverberated through the air, and families picnicked on the lush grass, united by the spirit of this remarkable space.
Ten years have passed, and the Showground has blossomed. It has become more than just a venue; it's a living, breathing entity that pulsates with the lifeblood of Rutland. The annual Rutland Show draws crowds from far and wide, showcasing the agricultural prowess of the region. Rugby matches thunder with the roar of the crowd, while grassroots football fosters teamwork and sportsmanship in future generations. Beyond the sporting and agricultural scenes, the Showground hosts farmers' markets, car shows, music festivals, and countless other events, each one woven into the tapestry of community life.
Today, as we stand on the cusp of a new decade, the Rutland County Showground stands as a proud testament to the power of collaboration, passion, and belief. It is a space where the past whispers lessons through its agricultural heritage, the present thrives with sporting camaraderie and family fun, and the future brims with the promise of countless stories yet to be told. So, let us raise a glass (or perhaps a hearty pint of Rutland ale) to ten years of a legacy forged in brick and mud, and to the many chapters yet to be written in this vibrant arena of community spirit.
This years County Show is at the Rutland Showground on Sunday 2nd June 2024
Oakham Rugby and Football Club
Royce Rangers Football Club
