Oakham Rutland and Rutland News Martin Brookes

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Music Bands Live music 2026 Bandstand Cutts Close Oakham Rutland

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Tuesday, July 28, 2026

Idle Hands Provided the Music, Fundraising, and a Touch of Tech Trouble in Cutts Close, Oakham, Catch The Bongo Rat Pack Next Week

Oakham’s popular bandstand in Cutts Close was filled with the sound of live music this past Sunday afternoon as local favourites Idle Hands took to the stage for another fantastic community performance.

Drawing a cheerful crowd of locals and visitors alike, the band delivered a memorable performance that had park-goers tapping their feet and enjoying the afternoon sun. Alongside the entertainment, the concert successfully raised £105.31 for the Mayor's Charity, The Rutland Lions, continuing a strong tradition of community generosity in the heart of Rutland.

However, the afternoon was not without its minor frustrations. Unfortunately, SumUp card payment systems were not working this week, causing inconvenience not only for the Mayor's charity collection, but also for the various traders operating within the park. Organisers hope to have the payment technology fully restored for the upcoming weekend.

Music lovers won't have to wait long for the next installment of bandstand entertainment. Next Sunday, The Bongo Rat Pack are set to take over the Cutts Close stage.

The trio are fast becoming one of Rutland's must-see live acts, featuring a dynamic lineup of

Eddie Markey (Vocals and Electric Ukulele)

Simon Hughes (Bass)

'Bongo Steve' Cannie (Percussion)

With a staggering set list boasting over 150 songs, the trio is renowned for blending laid-back classics with crowd-pleasing singalongs guaranteed to get audiences on their feet.

Concertgoers are advised to bring along some cash just in case, grab a blanket, and head down to Cutts Close next Sunday afternoon for another brilliant community musical experience.

For more local news, community updates, and what's on in the area,

visit:

https://oakhamandrutlandnews.co.uk/highstreetoakham

Discover Oakham High Street
Including Market Place, Market Street, Church Street, Crown Walk,
John Street, Melton Road and Deans Street and Gaol Street.

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Discover Oakham Northgate Oakham Rutland

https://oakhamandrutlandnews.co.uk/OakhamandRutlandWhatsOn

Oakham And Rutland What's On Guide

Music Bands Live music 2026 Bandstand Cutts Close Oakham Rutland

https://oakhamandrutlandnews.co.uk/summer-2026-music-at-cutts-close-park-oakham-bandstand-rutland

Oakham and Rutland Sports and Fitness Events News

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Rutland County Council Launches Public Consultation on Emerging Local Plan Main Modifications

By Local Democracy & Public Affairs Reporter for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, not affiliated to the BBC LDRS

Rutland County Council Launches Public Consultation on Emerging Local Plan Main Modifications

Rutland County Council (RCC) has officially opened a public consultation regarding the proposed Main Modifications to its emerging Local Plan. The consultation invites residents, local businesses, developers, landowners, statutory consultees, and community groups to share their views as part of the plan's ongoing independent examination.

The proposed modifications have been recommended by an independent Planning Inspector to ensure that the Local Plan meets legal compliance and soundness requirements.

This consultation focuses strictly on the proposed Main Modifications and their accompanying supporting documents. It is not an opportunity to comment on parts of the submitted Local Plan that remain unchanged.

Alongside the Main Modifications, the Council is seeking feedback on

Proposed Policies Map Changes: Illustrating how the main modifications will look on the Policies Map (handled directly by RCC and not submitted to the Inspector).

Sustainability Appraisal & Habitats Regulations Assessments: Evaluating the environmental, social, and economic effects, as well as impacts on protected habitats and species.

Additional Modifications: Minor factual updates, typographical corrections, and non-material changes (handled directly by RCC).

Consultation Open: Monday, 27th July 2026

Consultation Close: Monday, 7th September 2026 at 4:00 PM

Important Note: Representations received after the 4:00 PM deadline on Monday, 7th September 2026 may not be considered by the Planning Inspector.

Where to View the Documents

The full suite of consultation documents is accessible through official channels

View the complete documents via the RCC Main Modifications Consultation Page.

Hard copies are available for inspection at Rutland County Council, Catmose House, Catmos Street, Oakham, Rutland, LE15 6HP. (Note: Policies maps are not available as hard copies for general inspection but can be supplied upon request).

How to Submit Your Views

RCC strongly encourages participants to submit feedback online to ensure efficient processing:

Submit your responses via the Rutland County Council Consultations Portal.

Need Assistance? if you have specific questions, you can contact the council directly:

Email: localplan@rutland.gov.uk

Telephone: 01572 720 902

For more local news, community updates, and what's on in the area,

visit:

https://oakhamandrutlandnews.co.uk/highstreetoakham

Discover Oakham High Street
Including Market Place, Market Street, Church Street, Crown Walk,
John Street, Melton Road and Deans Street and Gaol Street.

Discover Oakham

Discover Oakham Northgate Oakham Rutland

https://oakhamandrutlandnews.co.uk/OakhamandRutlandWhatsOn

Oakham And Rutland What's On Guide

Music Bands Live music 2026 Bandstand Cutts Close Oakham Rutland

https://oakhamandrutlandnews.co.uk/summer-2026-music-at-cutts-close-park-oakham-bandstand-rutland

Oakham and Rutland Sports and Fitness Events News

https://oakhamandrutlandnews.co.uk/rutland-sports-and-fitness

Stay Connected with LGBTQ+ Gay Oakham Rutland News Events Advice and Support

https://oakhamandrutlandnews.co.uk/OakhamandRutlandLGBTQ

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Monday, July 27, 2026

Remembering Bill Oddie A Giant of Comedy and Conservation

Bill Oddie Rutland Bird Fair Photo by Martin Brookes

Remembering Bill Oddie A Giant of Comedy and Conservation

Bill Oddie, the nation’s most beloved birder, multi-talented entertainer, and fierce conservationist, has passed away at the age of 85.

The sad news was confirmed in a statement released by his agent, David Foster, who paid tribute to a man whose life was dedicated both to making the nation laugh and teaching it to care deeply for the natural world.

Born in Rochdale in 1941 and raised largely in Birmingham, Bill Oddie carved out a remarkably diverse career that bridged the seemingly disparate worlds of madcap comedy and serious environmental advocacy.

To generations of television viewers in the 1970s, he was immortalised as one-third of the legendary comedy trio The Goodies. Alongside Tim Brooke-Taylor and Graeme Garden, Bill Oddie helped create a brand of surreal, subversive sketch comedy that captured the hearts of millions. For many fans, The Goodies represented the absolute pinnacle of British television comedy—clever, chaotic, and wonderfully ahead of its time.

However, Bill Oddie's profound passion for wildlife and the environment ultimately defined much of his later life and public service. He seamlessly transitioned from comedy to natural history broadcasting, hosting iconic and influential programmes including, Wild Weekend, The Bird Business, The Big Bird Race and Oddie In Paradise

Agent David Foster highlighted that Bill Oddie never valued fame for its own sake, but rather used his platform to champion the earth.

"Bill was a multi-talented celebrity... Yet it was never fame that he valued. Instead he encouraged us to respect and protect the environment. He taught us the wonder of it. He protested, lobbied and campaigned for it."

Locally and nationally, his impact was deeply felt. Closer to home for many nature enthusiasts, Bill Oddie was well-known as a frequent visitor and passionate contributor to Rutland’s annual Birdfair, lending his immense enthusiasm and expertise to the heart of the British birdwatching community.

Tributes have poured in from across the spectrum of entertainment and conservation.

Writer and wildlife campaigner Dominic Dyer shared a heartfelt remembrance:

"So sad to hear of the death of Bill Oddie such a wonderful comedian, writer naturalist & animal protection campaigner and a very good friend... Rest in Peace Bill it was a privilege to call you a friend & campaign alongside you."

Fans took to social media to share how deeply his work touched their lives, with many noting that a vital piece of their childhood had slipped away. Whether through the anarchic joy of The Goodies or the infectious wonder of his wildlife presenting, Bill Oddie left an indelible mark on British culture.

Bill Oddie is survived by his wife, Laura, and his daughters, Bonnie, Kate, and Rosie, to whom thoughts and condolences are extended at this difficult time.

For more local news, community updates, and what's on in the area,

visit:

https://oakhamandrutlandnews.co.uk/highstreetoakham

Discover Oakham High Street
Including Market Place, Market Street, Church Street, Crown Walk,
John Street, Melton Road and Deans Street and Gaol Street.

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