weather

More forecasts: 30 day forecast Orlando

Google

Saturday, May 16, 2026

Discover a Hidden Gem The Old Vicarage in Whissendine Opens Its Gates for Charity


For plant lovers, garden enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a perfect Sunday afternoon outing, there is exciting news. As part of the prestigious National Garden Scheme (NGS), the stunning private grounds of The Old Vicarage in Whissendine will be throwing open their gates to the public for a special charity open day.

If you appreciate beautiful landscapes, vibrant floral displays, and supporting fantastic causes, this is an event you won't want to miss.

Event Details

Location: The Old Vicarage, 2 Station Road, Whissendine, LE15 7HG

Date: Sunday, 17 May

Time: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Purpose: Raising funds for nursing and health charities through the National Garden Scheme.

Whissendine is renowned for its picturesque charm, and The Old Vicarage stands as a prime example of the area's beautiful heritage. Visitors will have the rare opportunity to explore the carefully curated gardens, which are currently bursting into their peak late-spring glory.

Expect to see stunning seasonal highlights, including magnificent displays of Digitalis (Foxgloves), such as the striking 'Pink Panther' variety featured at local promotions. Whether you are looking for design inspiration for your own green space or simply want to enjoy a peaceful stroll surrounded by nature, the garden promises a delightful sensory experience.

Gardens Open for Charity

The National Garden Scheme is a British tradition that gives unique access to over 3,500 exceptional private gardens in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. By attending, your entry fee goes directly toward supporting vital nursing and health charities, including:

Macmillan Cancer Support

Marie Curie

Hospice UK

The Queen’s Nursing Institute

Make a Day of It

An afternoon wandering through a beautiful English country garden is best paired with a classic slice of cake and a hot cup of tea, which are traditionally available at NGS open days.

Gather your family, bring your friends, and head down to Whissendine this Sunday between 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy the spring sunshine while making a meaningful difference to charities in need.

Getting there plug LE15 7HG into your satnav and look out for the iconic yellow National Garden Scheme signs guiding you to the entrance on Station Road.


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

Oakham And Rutland What's On Guide

Music Bands Live music 2026 Bandstand Cutts Close Oakham Rutland

Oakham and Rutland  Sports and Fitness Events News

UK Town of Culture Oakham Rutland 2028 Bid

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

Road Closures Rutland Highways 

Discover Oakham

Rutland Ospreys, Lyndon Nature Reserve Live Webcam


Discover Opportunities with
Oakham And Rutland News
Job Vacancies Oakham Rutland

Bring the Rutland Sea Dragon Home Why This Once-in-a-Generation Find Belongs in Rutland



A remarkable piece of prehistoric history is at risk of being locked away from the community that discovered it. The Rutland Ichthyosaur affectionately known as the Rutland Sea Dragon is a once-in-a-generation fossil of immense national importance. Discovered right here at Rutland Water, this magnificent ancient marine reptile represents an incredible educational, cultural, and tourism asset for our county. Yet, despite its deep roots in our local heritage, Rutland County Council’s Cabinet has voted to abandon negotiations with Anglian Water to acquire the fossil, effectively deciding that the Sea Dragon will not be housed at the Rutland County Museum in Oakham.

The community is fighting back against this decision, and your voice is urgently needed to change the Council's mind. You can make an immediate difference by signing the official campaign petition at aliciakearns.com/rutland-sea-dragon.

The Council has cited affordability as the primary reason for walking away from the project, but the decision-making process leaves many urgent questions unanswered. The conclusion to abandon negotiations rests heavily on a Bank of England report published just two working days before a massive, 250-page council report advised that the project be scrapped. Furthermore, there has been no comprehensive financial assessment regarding the immense economic benefits the Sea Dragon would bring to our county, including tourism revenue and the long-term commercial future of our county museum. Local advocates believe that as little as £300,000 is needed to bridge the remaining funding gap, an amount that seems entirely achievable given that £2 million in Government funds has already been secured to revamp the museum. Leaving this fossil behind means turning away a massive opportunity to boost our local economy and inspire future generations.

The Friends of Rutland County Museum and Oakham Castle, alongside local MP Alicia Kearns, are calling on residents to take a stand. If 1,500 Rutland residents sign this petition, the Council will be legally required to hold a full, transparent debate on the matter, giving the community a fighting chance to reverse the decision.

The petition explicitly urges Rutland County Council to use existing council funds plus any grants or donations to acquire the Ichthyosaur fossil by September 30th, 2026. It further requests that the fossil be displayed at the Rutland County Museum and that the petition itself be debated at a meeting of the full Council.

Every single signature brings the campaign closer to forcing this debate. Residents can support the cause right now by visiting the online petition link, or by popping into the Rutland County Museum to sign a physical copy in person. Physical copies can also be posted to anyone who prefers to sign by hand. Please take a moment to encourage your friends, family, and neighbours in Rutland to get involved, share the link, and help bring our Sea Dragon home where it belongs.


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

Oakham And Rutland What's On Guide

Music Bands Live music 2026 Bandstand Cutts Close Oakham Rutland

Oakham and Rutland  Sports and Fitness Events News

UK Town of Culture Oakham Rutland 2028 Bid

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

Road Closures Rutland Highways 

Discover Oakham

Rutland Ospreys, Lyndon Nature Reserve Live Webcam


Discover Opportunities with
Oakham And Rutland News
Job Vacancies Oakham Rutland


Free Inflatable Cutts Close Oakham Rutland Today, Do Something Amazing, Foster a Child


Families in Rutland looking for a fun and free activity this weekend are in luck. Rutland Foster Care, in partnership with Rutland County Council, is hosting a Free Inflatable Fun event today at Cutts Close Park in Oakham. Running from 10:00am until 4:00pm on Saturday 16th May, the community gathering promises a day of active outdoor entertainment centered around a massive, free inflatable designed specifically for children. Parents should note that for safety reasons, children must be at least 1m (100cm) tall.

While the kids burn off some energy on the inflatables, representatives from Rutland Foster Care will be on hand to chat with members of the community. The event aims to raise vital awareness about the ongoing need for foster carers in the local area, beautifully drawing a parallel with the event itself by asking residents if they could help a child through the obstacles of life. Local councils are consistently seeking individuals and families from all walks of life who can provide a safe, supportive, and loving environment for children in care. The day offers a relaxed, informal setting for anyone curious about what fostering involves to ask questions and gather information.

If you cannot make it down to Cutts Close Park today but would still like to learn more about how you can support local youth or take your first steps toward becoming a foster carer, you can find detailed information, resources, and contact details by visiting the official website at www.rutland.gov.uk/fostering.


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

Oakham And Rutland What's On Guide

Music Bands Live music 2026 Bandstand Cutts Close Oakham Rutland

Oakham and Rutland  Sports and Fitness Events News

UK Town of Culture Oakham Rutland 2028 Bid

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

Road Closures Rutland Highways 

Discover Oakham

Rutland Ospreys, Lyndon Nature Reserve Live Webcam


Discover Opportunities with
Oakham And Rutland News
Job Vacancies Oakham Rutland

Veteran Officer Takes Helm of Melton and Rutland Policing as Long-Serving Commander Retires

By Martin Brookes


A new era for law enforcement in Melton and Rutland begins this week as Inspector Rowan Paterson-Bell officially steps into the role of Neighbourhood Policing Area (NPA) Commander. Taking the reins this Friday, May 15, Inspector Paterson-Bell succeeds Inspector Darren Richardson, who is hanging up his handcuffs after a distinguished 17-year career with Leicestershire Police.

The leadership transition marks a significant moment for the two districts. While the area bids farewell to a commander praised for his "immeasurable contribution," it welcomes a successor with 22 years of force experience and a personal connection to the region.

Inspector Paterson-Bell is no stranger to the challenges of policing the north of the county. Having started his career in Syston and Charnwood, he also brings specialised expertise as a qualified detective, with previous tenures at East Leicester CID and the Domestic Abuse Investigation Team.

Crucially for residents in the UK’s smallest county and its neighbouring borough, the new commander is a local resident himself.

"As a resident in the area, I have a real personal stake in rural policing and effective crime prevention," Inspector Paterson-Bell said. He outlined a clear vision for his leadership, promising a "strong focus on visibility" and a proactive stance against cross-border crime. His immediate priorities include dismantling drug networks traveling into the area, working with businesses to curb shoplifting, and strengthening the police presence in rural villages through meaningful patrols.

The outgoing commander, Inspector Darren Richardson, leaves behind a legacy defined by partnership and community stability. His career, which spanned roles from custody inspector to deputy commander at Market Harborough, culminated in his two-and-a-half-year leadership of the Melton and Rutland NPA.

Reflecting on his departure, Inspector Richardson described his final posting as an "amazing place to end my career." He expressed a deep sense of pride in the "policing family" and the collaborative work achieved during his tenure.

The impact of his leadership was echoed by local officials. Michelle Howard, Deputy Chief Executive of Melton Borough Council, highlighted Richardson’s "exceptional commitment," noting his success in tackling town-centre antisocial behavior and county lines drug dealing. Similarly, Christine Wise, Leader of Rutland County Council, praised his "reassuring presence" and the lasting impact he has made on local safety networks.

As the guard changes, both Leicestershire Police and local local authorities are emphasising continuity. The foundations laid by Inspector Richardson particularly the close working relationships between the police and councils are expected to remain a cornerstone of the NPA’s strategy.

Inspector Paterson-Bell has urged residents to maintain their support for local beat teams and to continue using platforms like Neighbourhood Link to report concerns.

https://www.leics.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/wsi/watch-schemes-initiatives/as/leics/neighbourhood-link-community-messaging-service/

"Thank you for your continued support during this change," he added. "Please keep engaging... to tell us about the issues you face in your area."


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

Oakham And Rutland What's On Guide

Music Bands Live music 2026 Bandstand Cutts Close Oakham Rutland

Oakham and Rutland  Sports and Fitness Events News

UK Town of Culture Oakham Rutland 2028 Bid

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

Road Closures Rutland Highways 

Discover Oakham

Rutland Ospreys, Lyndon Nature Reserve Live Webcam


Discover Opportunities with
Oakham And Rutland News
Job Vacancies Oakham Rutland