Oakham Town Council Extraordinary Meeting Called Amid Summer Event Deadlines and Staffing Turmoil

Oakham Town Council Extraordinary Meeting Called Amid Summer Event Deadlines and Staffing Turmoil

By Local Democracy Reporter

Oakham Town Council will convene for an extraordinary meeting this week, triggered by a formal request from Councillors Martin Brookes and Sally-Anne Wadsworth. The session comes at a critical juncture for the town, as  delays and a series of brewing scandals threaten both the summer social calendar and the council’s financial oversight.

The primary catalyst for the meeting is the urgent need to approve a suite of policies and procedures required for insurance purposes. Without these approvals, the town’s summer events scheduled to begin in June cannot legally proceed.

Cllrs Brookes and Wadsworth moved to call the meeting after expressing frustration with the conduct of the previous full council session. They allege that members were blocked from submitting vital papers, while only Cllr Ainsley was permitted to present documents regarding Victoria Hall and local speeding issues.

"We are calling this meeting to ensure Oakham actually has a summer season," a source close to the council stated. "If these requirements aren't implemented now, the events simply cannot go ahead."

The council is also facing a governance crisis following an allegation by a local resident concerning potential payroll fraud over the past year. In response, the Town Clerk is seeking immediate approval to appoint an independent company to manage the council’s payroll and ensure financial transparency.

Furthermore, with the retirement of the current HR advisor and a perceived failure by the Staffing Committee to manage ongoing issues, the Clerk is requesting the appointment of a new professional HR firm to steady the ship.

The most contentious element of the upcoming meeting involves a confidential staffing matter. Councillors are expected to discuss a settlement request from a member of staff currently on long-term sick leave. Currently there is no agenda paper for the staffing agenda item.

Concerns have been raised that the council may be forced to settle using taxpayer funds because internal procedures were not followed correctly over the last four years, potentially voiding the council's legal expenses insurance.

The conduct of the Chairman of the Staffing Committee has come under intense scrutiny. Recent disclosures include, a conflict of interest. The Chairman admitted last week to being a "close friend" of the staff member in question, though he maintains he can "change hats" and acted properly when meeting the employee for coffee.

It is alleged that on Tuesday, the Chairman and another councillor met with the staff member and their partner in the town centre without the knowledge of the Staffing Committee or the full Council.

Allegations have surfaced regarding the leaking of confidential information to other members of the council.

One councillor, speaking on the condition of anonymity, questioned why elected members rather than the council’s solicitors appear to be conducting sensitive negotiations. "It is inappropriate for unqualified members to be agreeing sums of taxpayer money in a town centre cafe," they said.

Cllr Martin Brookes has confirmed he will recuse himself from voting if the staffing settlement is to be considered, citing outstanding complaints he had previously filed against the employee which he believes were never correctly investigated due to the Chairman’s and another Councillors friendship with the individual.

The council reportedly has a settlement template provided by the outgoing HR consultant, leaving only the final figure to be debated. However, some members are advocating for a "zero-pay" stance. They point to a previous instance involving a former clerk where the council refused to settle; that case eventually collapsed without a payout.

As the council prepares to enter an exempt session to discuss these private matters, the taxpayers of Oakham remain in the dark regarding the potential total cost of these systemic administrative failures.

Extraordinary Meeting of Full Council to be held at Long Row, Oakham on Wednesday, 

29th April 2026 @ 6:30 pm

https://oakhamtowncouncil.gov.uk/meetings-calendar/extraordinary-meeting-of-full-council-3/

For More News, Jobs, What's On, Discover Oakham and More Visit: https://oakhamandrutlandnews.co.uk/

St. George's Day Celebrated in Oakham Rutland Morris and Mummers, Photos and Video

St. George's Day Celebrated  in Oakham Rutland Morris and Mummers

Yesterday evening as the Rutland Morris officially launched their summer season. In a vibrant celebration of St. George’s Day, the troupe brought a centuries-old English tradition to the heart of the Market Place, drawing a spirited crowd to witness their annual "dance out."

As the sun began to set, the Morris men clad in their traditional Cotswold whites and floral-adorned hats transformed the area outside The George Hotel into a stage for folk history.

The evening wasn’t just about the intricate footwork and the rhythmic clash of sticks. The highlight for many was the performance of the Rutland Mummers' Play. This folk drama, a staple of the group's repertoire, features a cast of archetypal characters including, St. George, the heroic defender of England. The Dragon/Bold Slasher the formidable antagonist. The Doctor a comedic figure who invariably arrives to "cure" the fallen with a dubious potion.

The play, which blends slapstick humor with ancient symbolism, serves as a traditional welcome to the "summer" half of the Morris calendar.

"It's about keeping the heartbeat of the county alive," noted one spectator. "Seeing the Morris men in the Market Place feels like the real start of the season."

If you missed yesterday's festivities, the troupe’s "summer of dance" is only just beginning. 

Residents can look forward to the Dawn Dance in Oakham Market Place on May 1st (at the traditional time of 5:17 AM) and various appearances at local festivals throughout the coming months.

As is tradition with Rutland Morris, the evening also served a charitable purpose, with collections taken to support local Rutland-based causes ensuring that these ancient steps continue to do modern good.

 

For More News, Jobs, What's On, Discover Oakham and More Visit: https://oakhamandrutlandnews.co.uk/

Support a Great Cause at the Uppingham Craft & Gift Fair, The Welland Vale Garden Centre, Saturday, 25th April 2026

Support a Great Cause at the Uppingham Craft & Gift Fair

If you're looking for a way to enjoy a spring Saturday while giving back to those in need, mark your calendars! The Welland Vale Garden Centre is set to host a charming Craft & Gift Fair in aid of Save the Children.

This community-focused event promises a delightful selection of handmade treasures, unique gifts, and local artistry, all tucked within the scenic surroundings of the garden centre in Uppingham.

Event Details

Date: Saturday, 25th April 2026

Time: 10:00am – 3:00pm

Location: Welland Vale Garden Centre, Glaston Road, Uppingham, LE15 9EU

Beneficiary: All proceeds and support go to Save the Children (Ref: 42833590).

Whether you are a seasoned collector of unique crafts or simply looking for a special birthday or "just because" gift, this fair has something for everyone. Attendees can browse a variety of stalls featuring:

Handcrafted Jewelry & Accessories: Perfect for adding a personal touch to your wardrobe.

Homeware & Textiles: Discover beautifully made scarves, knitted goods, and decorative items.

Preserves & Sweet Treats: Pick up artisanal jars and goodies that taste as good as they look.

Garden & Lifestyle Gifts: Being hosted at a garden centre, you’ll find plenty of inspiration for your home and outdoor spaces.

Beyond the shopping, the event offers a wonderful opportunity to support Save the Children, an organisation dedicated to giving children a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn, and protection from harm.

Calling All Stallholders

Are you a local maker, baker, or creator? 

There may still be room for you to showcase your work. 

For all stallholder enquiries, please reach out to Brenda at coulterlyons@yahoo.co.uk.

For More News, Jobs, What's On, Discover Oakham and More Visit: https://oakhamandrutlandnews.co.uk/

Rutland Treasures Shop Seeking New Team Member

Rutland Treasures Shop Seeking New Team Member

Rutland Treasures Shop has announced a new job opening for a part-time assistant to help manage a surge in business. As the local community sees an uptick in property transitions, the shop is looking to bolster its house clearance division.

The role is ideal for someone looking to stay active and work within the local community. 

Here is a breakdown of what the position entails:

Position: House Clearance Team Member

Hours: Part-time (with potential for growth)

Location: Rutland and surrounding areas

Primary Contact: Malcolm

This isn't your typical retail desk job. Because the role focuses on house clearances, candidates need to meet specific physical and logistical criteria:

The job involves heavy lifting and manual labour. 

Applicants should be comfortable moving furniture and handling bulky items.

Driving Ability: While not strictly mandatory, the shop has noted that the ability to drive large vans is a significant advantage for potential hires.

Team Spirit: You’ll be working closely with owners Malcolm and Kath to ensure homes are cleared efficiently and respectfully.

If you are looking for local work and don't mind getting your hands dirty, Malcolm and Kath are eager to hear from you.

Interested parties should reach out directly via telephone:

Contact Malcolm at: 07832 105026

Whether you're looking to pick up some extra shifts or enjoy the variety of work that comes with house clearances, this is a great chance to join a well-known local business.

For More News, Jobs, What's On, Discover Oakham and More Visit: https://oakhamandrutlandnews.co.uk/