Rutland Comes Together to Honour Armed Forces in Oakham, Edith Western Academy, Rutland Morris, Alan Jackson & The Rutland Big Band, Photos and Video

Oakham was filled with pride and reflection this weekend as the community gathered to mark the end of Armed Forces Week with a poignant and celebratory event. Following a solemn County Service held at All Saints Church, the focus shifted to Cutts Close, where residents and visitors alike joined in a day of gratitude for the courage and sacrifice of the UK’s service members.

The event, which was meticulously organised by the Lord Lieutenant of Rutland, Dr. Sarah Furness, in partnership with Oakham Town Council, acted as a powerful centerpiece for the county’s commemorations. The day served as both a respectful nod to the past and a joyous celebration of the present-day armed forces community, including veterans, reservists, and their families.

As attendees gathered in the park, the air was filled with the swinging, sophisticated sounds of the golden era. Alan Jackson & The Rutland Big Band filled the park with the brassy, high-energy arrangements that once defined a generation. From the soaring melodies of Glenn Miller to the smooth, charismatic swing of Frank Sinatra, the band’s performance provided the perfect backdrop for the afternoon, grounding the celebration in a spirit of timeless musical tradition.

The community involvement went far beyond the bandstand, with local talent taking center stage to show their appreciation. Children from Edith Weston Academy charmed the audience with a heartfelt tribute, reciting a moving poem before performing a selection of three songs. The event’s atmosphere was further enriched by the presence of the Rutland Morris Dancers, whose traditional steps added a distinctively English charm to the afternoon’s festivities.

At 4:00 PM, the conversation in the park quieted, and hundreds of eyes turned toward the sky. The distinct, rhythmic roar of a historic RAF Hurricane signaled the arrival of the afternoon’s most anticipated moment. The iconic aircraft swept overhead in a masterful flypast.

The day in Cutts Close was more than just a gathering; it was a testament to the strong bond between Rutland and the men and women who serve in the Armed Forces. Through the combination of music, reflection, and the awe-inspiring sight of the Hurricane above, the event successfully honoured those who serve while bringing the community together for a day that will be remembered in Oakham for years to come.

Alan Jackson

Oakham Town Council invites you to return to Cutts Close next Sunday afternoon, when Bad Bayou will be performing.

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

visit: Oakham and Rutland News.

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Level Crossing Brooke Road Oakham Rutland Closed This Evening Due To A Fault

Level Crossing Brooke Road Oakham Rutland Closed This Evening Due To A Fault.

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

visit: Oakham and Rutland News.

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

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

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Road Closures Rutland Highways 

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Uppingham Town Council Recent Progress and Future Planning

Uppingham Town Council Recent Progress and Future Planning

By Local Democracy & Public Affairs Reporter  not affiliated to the BBC LDRS

Uppingham Town Council has been busy finalising key community initiatives and preparing for its upcoming legislative agenda. 

Following the recent Full Council meeting on June 10th and subsequent committee sessions on June 24th, 2026, the council has made significant strides in managing local assets and refining its governance policies.  

A primary focus for the council has been the future of the land to the south of Aris Close. Following extensive feedback and a productive discussion, the council has agreed upon a phased approach to manage the site as a community asset. 

The Clerk has been tasked with essential preliminary steps, including obtaining legal clarification on land use, seeking planning guidance, identifying access points for maintenance, and establishing potential walking areas for residents. In another move to support local services, the council decided to take over the organisation of this year’s December Late-Night Shopping event, ensuring the tradition continues despite the original organisers stepping down.  

Financial and policy management also saw major updates. The council reviewed and amended its Grant Awarding Policy, while also electing to absorb road closure fees from Rutland County Council to ease the financial burden on local community groups. 

Furthermore, to ensure rigorous financial oversight, the council approved a three-year internal audit engagement with Clark's Clerical Service, which will provide for both mid-year and end-of-year audits through 2029. 

Investments in local infrastructure were also prioritised, with the council recommending over £11,800 for cemetery path improvements and specific funding for allotment security and maintenance.  

Looking ahead, the Town Council will reconvene for a Full Council meeting on July 1st, 2026, at 7:00 pm in the Uppingham Town Hall. 

The agenda for this session is substantial and covers several critical topics. 

Councillors will review various planning applications, including proposed works at 3 Market Place, Clatterpot Farm, and 38 Leicester Road. Additionally, the council will deliberate on the installation of automated door lock controls for the Market Place public toilets a move projected to save £1,550 annually in keyholding costs and discuss a major offer from Rutland County Council regarding the transfer of several local green spaces and play areas to the town.  

The meeting will also address administrative and community growth matters, such as selecting names for the new development off Ayston Road, providing feedback on the revised housing allocation policy, and considering an application for co-option from Mr. J. Hayden. Finally, the council will formalise the tendering process for future grounds maintenance to ensure the continued upkeep of the town’s estate. 

www.uppinghamtowncouncil.gov.uk/council-meetings?month=2026-07#item-2121757

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

visit: Oakham and Rutland News.

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

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Have Your Say, Rutland Residents Invited to Shape the Future of Local Wellbeing

By Local Democracy & Public Affairs Reporter  not affiliated to the BBC LDRS

Rutland residents are being encouraged to play a key role in the future of local health as the Active Together partnership launches its 2026 Physical Activity & Wellbeing Residents’ Survey.

The initiative, supported by Rutland County Council’s "Living Well Active" team, aims to gather a comprehensive picture of how local people view and engage with exercise. Whether you are a regular gym-goer, enjoy occasional walks, or currently do not take part in any regular physical activity, your voice is essential.

Active Together is the designated Active Partnership for Leicestershire, Leicester, and Rutland. Their mission is to make movement and sport more accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or current fitness level. By participating in this survey, you are helping to:

Understand the specific challenges that stop people from being active.

Learn what encourages people to move more.

Ensure that future physical activity opportunities are accessible to all, including those from diverse ethnic groups, LGBTQ+ communities, and people with disabilities.

"Being physically active can have a positive impact on both our physical and mental wellbeing, but we know that everyone's experiences and circumstances are different. This survey is an opportunity for residents to tell us what helps them to be active, what barriers they face and what opportunities they would like to see in the future." Cllr Tim Smith, Rutland County Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Families

The survey is open to all residents aged 18 and over. It takes approximately 10 minutes to complete and is completely confidential.

Take the Survey: Visit www.active-together.org/pasurvey

All responses must be submitted by midnight on Friday, 10 July 2026.

Win a Prize for Your Input

As a thank you for sharing your time and experiences, anyone who opts in at the end of the survey will be entered into a prize draw for the chance to win one of 25 Everywish Gift Cards, each worth £20.

By sharing your views, you aren't just answering a survey you’re helping to create a healthier, more active future for the whole of Rutland.