Oakham Rutland and Rutland News Martin Brookes

Monday, March 23, 2026

Preserving the Present, Honouring the Past, The Oakham and Rutland News Archive

In the fast-paced world of digital media, today’s breaking news can quickly become yesterday’s forgotten headline. However, for the residents of England’s smallest county, a vital new resource is ensuring that the pulse of local life is preserved for generations to come.

The Oakham and Rutland News Archive serves as a comprehensive digital vault, capturing the evolution of our community one story at a time.

Since its inception in August 2024, Oakham and Rutland News has acted as a dedicated chronicler of the county.

It captures the "little things" school awards, local theater productions, and charity drives that traditional national archives often overlook.

By documenting local council decisions and community updates, it provides a transparent record of how the county is governed.

The archive tracks the shifting landscape of Rutland, from new business openings to the preservation of historical landmarks.

Whether you are a local historian, a student researching regional development, or a resident looking back on a favorite community event, the archive is designed for ease of use.

The digital platform allows users to search the archive month by month, offering a chronological journey through the county's recent history. This organised approach makes it simple to pinpoint specific events or simply browse through the "vibe" of Rutland at any given time since late 2024.

"The Oakham and Rutland News Archive isn't just a collection of articles; it’s a digital scrapbook of our shared identity."

History is happening every day. To explore the stories that have shaped our vibrant county over the last few years, visit the official gateway:

https://oakhamandrutlandnews.co.uk/

The links to all the months stories are found on the home page just below the latest news articles.

From Care to Gold, Fatima Whitbread MBE Inspires in New Rutland Virtual School Podcast

Rutland County Council’s Virtual School has officially stepped into the airwaves with the launch of an evocative new podcast series designed to shine a light on the lived experiences of children in the care system. The debut episode features a heavyweight guest in every sense of the word: world-class athlete and care-experienced advocate, Fatima Whitbread MBE.

The first installment, titled “Strength Through Adversity, a Conversation with Fatima Whitbread MBE,” provides a raw and inspiring look at resilience. Whitbread, a former Olympian known for her dominance in the javelin, sits down to share her personal journey of growing up in the care system. The conversation traverses her early challenges, her rise to the pinnacle of global sport, and how her upbringing fueled her current mission to reform the UK care sector.

In a move to ensure authenticity, the podcast is led by Rutland’s own care-experienced young people. The inaugural interview was conducted by Charlie, a local care leaver currently preparing to embark on his university journey.

"It was an empowering experience to interview someone so inspiring who has, like me, been through the care system," Charlie said, reflecting on the meeting. "To see how much can be achieved despite being in care has motivated me so much."

Fatima Whitbread used the platform to discuss her ongoing work with "Fatima’s UK Campaign," an initiative dedicated to ensuring that children in care are not just looked after, but truly seen, heard, and valued. She emphasised that advocacy is vital to challenging public perceptions and ensuring every young person is given the opportunity to thrive.

"Supporting children and young people with care experience is something that is very close to my heart," Fatima Whitbread stated. "I was more than happy to support this project and to see care-experienced young people leading such meaningful conversations."

The Rutland Virtual School Service acts as a dedicated champion for children in care, overseeing their educational progress and attainment. However, local leaders believe the mission extends far beyond the classroom. Councillor Tim Smith, Cabinet Member for Children and Families at Rutland County Council, noted that the podcast serves a dual purpose: empowering the youth with a platform to share their lives while helping the wider public understand the remarkable hurdles these children overcome.

"Our new Virtual School Podcast is about empowering our children with care experience and giving them a platform to talk about their lives," Councillor Smith explained. "Their achievements are even more remarkable when you begin to understand what they’ve been through."

The first episode is available to stream now, marking the beginning of a series that promises to bring more voices from the care community to the forefront of local conversation.

For more information on the work of the Virtual School and the support available for children in care, visit: https://www.rutland.gov.uk/education-learning/virtual-school

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

https://oakhamandrutlandnews.co.uk/

New Minor Illness and Injury Service to Transform Urgent Care in Rutland

A significant shift in local healthcare is set to begin this spring as the NHS prepares to launch the Rutland Minor Illness and Injury Service. Starting 1 April 2026, this streamlined facility at Rutland Memorial Hospital will become the central hub for residents seeking treatment for non-life-threatening conditions, replacing the existing Urgent Care Centre and Minor Injury Unit.

Managed by DHU Healthcare, the new service is designed to provide a more "joined-up" approach to urgent care. Following a public consultation held in early 2025, health officials determined that a single, integrated service would better serve the community by reducing wait times and ensuring patients see the right clinician the first time. The facility, located on Cold Overton Road, will be open from 1pm to 9pm, seven days a week, catering to patients registered with GP practices across Rutland and Leicestershire.

The service introduces a dual-access model to improve efficiency. For minor injuries, the hospital will continue to offer walk-in support, allowing for immediate assessment. However, for minor illnesses, the NHS is moving toward a booked appointment system. Patients are encouraged to contact their GP practice or NHS 111 first, where they will be triaged and booked into a specific slot at the hospital if necessary. This change aims to eliminate the uncertainty of "walking in" to a service that may not be the best match for a specific medical need.

Diagnostic capabilities are also receiving a boost. The service will offer extended X-ray availability on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 11am to 7pm. This alignment of imaging services with the new urgent care hours is expected to lead to faster, more accurate diagnoses for local patients, reducing the need for travel to larger, more distant hospitals.

Dr. Nil Sanganee, Chief Medical Officer for the NHS Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Integrated Board, emphasised that the change is about convenience and precision. He noted that by booking through a GP or 111, residents can be directed to the most appropriate care close to home. Adele Peck, Head of Clinical Services for DHU Healthcare, added that the team of advanced clinical practitioners and GPs are "proud to deliver" this high-quality, responsive care to the Rutland community.

As the Oakham Urgent Care Centre and Minor Injury Unit officially close their doors on 31 March, the NHS is reminding the public to follow a simple two-step approach for immediate health concerns: try self-care via the NHS App or a local pharmacy first, and if the issue is more serious, contact your GP or NHS 111.

For further details on how to access these services, residents can visit the official website at: https://leicesterleicestershireandrutland.icb.nhs.uk/your-health/find-the-right-service/need-help-fast-rutland/

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

https://oakhamandrutlandnews.co.uk/

Sunday, March 22, 2026

Savour the Flavours, The Rutland Food Festival is in Full Swing here in Oakham Today. Photo Gallery

Savour the Flavours, The Rutland Food Festival is in Full Swing

If you haven’t yet made the trip into Oakham today, there is still a golden window of opportunity to soak up the vibrant atmosphere of the Rutland Food Festival. The weather remaining remarkably fine, it is the perfect afternoon to explore the local food scene under the spring sunshine.

The festival trail winds through the very best of Oakham’s historic scenery. Crowds are currently gathering in the Market Place and along the High Street. The celebration continues into the Wisteria Hotel and the majestic Oakham Castle, offering a unique chance to browse hand-crafted preserves, local spirits, and specialty bakes against the backdrop of Rutland’s rich heritage.

Whether you are looking to stock your pantry with regional delicacies or simply want to enjoy lunch in the open air, the variety on display this year is truly impressive. From savory pies to international delicacies, there is something to satisfy every palate.

However, time is of the essence for those still at home. The festivities are scheduled to conclude at 4:00 PM today, meaning you have just enough time to head into town, grab a final treat, and enjoy the tail end of one of the county’s most anticipated events. Don't let the afternoon slip away the stalls are open, the sun is out, and the best of Rutland’s food and drink is waiting for you.