Friday, August 07, 2026

A Journey of Love and Gratitude Ryhall Resident Embarks on 120-Mile Tuk Tuk Charity Ride for Thorpe Hall Hospice

Today, John Smith of Ryhall is hitting the open road in his distinctive yellow and black three-wheeler Tuk Tuk, affectionately nicknamed “The Wasp,” on a mission to raise £3,000 for the Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice.

Setting off from Ryhall Village Hall at 9:00 AM, the 77-year-old will embark on an ambitious 120-mile round trip to Hunstanton and back, cruising at an average speed of 35mph to maximize awareness and fundraising for the local hospice.

The inspiring charity drive is deeply personal for John. He is raising funds to give back to Thorpe Hallthe only specialist palliative care inpatient unit in Peterborough—after the facility cared for his late wife, Stella, during the final stages of her cancer battle.

Stella, a retired teacher, was a beloved pillar of the Ryhall community, actively involved with St John’s Church and the parish council. She sadly passed away in February 2025 at the age of 70.

Reflecting on the vital support the couple received, John shared:

"The staff really cared for Stella and they equally supported me. I want to raise as much as I can to show my gratitude."

The Journey and Schedule

09:00 AM — Departure from Ryhall Village Hall

Afternoon — Official arrival and greeting at the Pavilion in Hunstanton

Return Trip — Heading back to complete the 120-mile marathon

Thorpe Hall Hospice provides invaluable palliative care and support for individuals living with life-limiting conditions, as well as offering a crucial shoulder of support for their families.

How to Support John’s Ride

"The Wasp" is bound to turn heads along its coastal route today, and locals and motorists alike are encouraged to wave, cheer, and donate to the cause.

Phone: Contact John directly at 07745 091981

Just Giving Page:

https://www.justgiving.com/page/anita-altham-1

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Thursday, August 06, 2026

Rutland County Council Calls Rare Special Meeting to Debate Government’s Local Government Re-Organisation Decision

Rutland County Council is set to hold a special and extraordinary Full Council meeting following decisive action from Councillor Lucy Stephenson and the Rutland Conservatives. This emergency session has been forced to ensure that the Government's sweeping decision on Local Government Re-Organisation (LGR) does not go ahead without rigorous public scrutiny, a full council debate, and an opportunity for local residents to make their voices heard.

Marking only the third emergency council meeting called in the authority's history following past sessions on severe flooding and previous local government restructuring the meeting highlights the gravity of the changes facing the county.

The extraordinary meeting was triggered in response to the Government's announcement regarding the structural overhaul of local authorities across Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland (LLR). Under the government's chosen model, Rutland is set to be absorbed into a large "donut" unitary authority that encompasses the remaining areas of Leicestershire, wrapping around an expanded Leicester city.

For Rutland, which has operated as an independent unitary authority serving around 41,000 residents, this decision marks a profound constitutional shift. For the first time in its modern history, the county faces losing a dedicated council of its own.

Local representatives, led by Councillor Stephenson, argued that pushing through a decision of this magnitude without an immediate, formal council debate bypassed local accountability. The Conservatives forced the emergency meeting to push back against what they view as a top-down mandate that ignores the identity, heritage, and specific wishes expressed by Rutland communities, parish councils, and businesses during earlier consultations.

The meeting centers on a motion proposed by Councillor Lucy Stephenson and seconded by Councillor Andrew Dinsmore. Councillors are expected to address four core pillars:

The Government’s Decision and Ceremonial Status: Assessing the real-world impact of the re-organisation on Rutland's identity and its historic ceremonial county status.
The Evidence Base: Scrutinising the data, rationale, and assumptions used by Whitehall to justify merging Rutland into a broader Leicestershire authority.
Council Response Review: Critically evaluating how the local authority has managed its position and negotiations throughout the LGR process.
Community Impact: Debating whether the restructure is genuinely right for local residents and establishing a formal platform for public sentiment to be registered.

Have Your Say How Residents Can Participate

Because these changes will permanently alter how local services and public funds are administered for generations, organisers are urging local residents to engage with the process.

View Meeting Papers: The official agenda and associated documents can be reviewed online via the Rutland County Council Website
Public Speaking and Deputations: Residents wishing to attend, submit a statement, or ask a question of the council must do so by the strict deadline on Monday at 12:00 PM. Full guidance and submission protocols are outlined on the Rutland County Council Website

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Get Ready for the Annual Glaston Summer Fete!

Mark your calendars for a fun-filled afternoon as the Glaston Summer Fete returns on Saturday, 22nd August from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Glaston Village Hall & St Andrew’s on Church Lane.

Packed with traditional community attractions, lively entertainment, and unique competitions, this year's fete promises a fantastic day out for all ages—and our four-legged friends too!

Highlights & Attractions

Glaston's Grufts Fun Dog Show: Running from 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM, bring your furry companions to show off their best attributes. Classes include the Handsomest Hound, Prettiest Pooch, Scruffiest Scoundrel, Best Behaved, Most Like Its Owner, Golden Oldie (7+), Waggiest Tail, Most Entertaining, Cutest Puppy (under 3), and Most Appealing Eyes.

Decorate Your Wheelbarrow Competition: Sponsored and judged by Welland Vale (with prizes provided by them), get creative and showcase your themed barrows! Decorations aren't limited to flowers—anything goes. To enter or learn more, contact Stuart at 07860 464935.

Live Music: Enjoy the wonderful sounds of the Gretton Silver Band performing throughout the afternoon.

Food, Drink & Treats: Indulge in delicious homemade cakes, quality crafts, traditional fete stalls and games, a summer raffle, a reasonably priced bar, and Pimm’s in the Porch!

Practical Information

Date: Saturday, 22nd August
Fete Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Dog Show Time: 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM
Location: Glaston Village Hall & St Andrew’s, Church Lane, Glaston
Parking: Available at Gateley Smithers Purslow, Glaston Hall, Spring Lane, Glaston, LE15 9BZ

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

visit:

Oakham and Rutland News

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

https://oakhamandrutlandnews.co.uk/highstreetoakham

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https://oakhamandrutlandnews.co.uk/discoveroakham

Discover Oakham Northgate Oakham Rutland

https://oakhamandrutlandnews.co.uk/northgateoakham

Oakham And Rutland What's On Guide

https://oakhamandrutlandnews.co.uk/OakhamandRutlandWhatsOn

Music Bands Live music 2026 Bandstand Cutts Close Oakham Rutland

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

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