Elizabeth Stanhope Launches Exclusive Interior Design Masterclass Series at Rutland Nursery

Elizabeth Stanhope Launches Exclusive Interior Design Masterclass Series at Rutland Nursery

Whether you are mid-way through a full-scale renovation or simply looking to breathe new life into a tired corner of your home, professional guidance can be the difference between a house and a sanctuary. This year, design enthusiasts have a rare opportunity to learn from one of the industry's best.

Renowned interior designer Elizabeth Stanhope is hosting an intimate series of masterclasses at The Bothy, Rutland Nursery. Held every two months, these workshops are designed to pull back the curtain on the world of high-end design, offering attendees the practical skills and creative confidence to transform their own living spaces.

Each workshop is more than just a lecture; it is a curated morning of sensory inspiration. Set against the beautiful backdrop of Rutland Nursery, guests will enjoy a relaxed atmosphere that balances technical expertise with hands-on creativity.

Every session includes, Kick off the session with fresh pastries and seasonal fruit. A live presentation and demonstration by Elizabeth Stanhope, drawing on her extensive portfolio and design philosophy. From building mood boards to creating festive centerpieces, you will put theory into practice immediately. Every guest receives a curated Design Essentials goodie bag and a special Rutland Nursery gift.Exclusive Attendees receive 10% off at the Rutland Nursery shop (on the day) and on Elizabeth Stanhope’s professional design services.

The 2026 Masterclass Schedule

The series is thoughtfully divided into five key pillars of interior design. While each can be enjoyed as a standalone event, the full course offers a comprehensive education in "The Art of Timeless Interiors."

Full details and booking link: Buy Elizabeth Stanhope Masterclass Series Tickets online - Rutland Nursery

Date	Topic	Key Focus
13 March	Concept to Creation	Kitchen & Bathroom layouts, materials, and clever storage.
15 May	The Art of Soft Furnishings	Layering textures, mixing patterns, and choosing fabrics.
10 July	Decoration & Colour Stories	The psychology of colour and creating harmonious palettes.
18 Sept	Whole Home Harmony	Spatial planning, floor plans, and connecting rooms.
20 Nov	Seasonal Styling	Festive tablescapes, sustainable decor, and gift wrapping.

A Fresh Chapter Ketton Library Reopens Following Major Revamp

A Fresh Chapter Ketton Library Reopens Following Major Revamp

A Fresh Chapter Ketton Library Reopens Following Major Revamp

Residents of Ketton have a reason to celebrate this week as their local library officially reopens its doors. Following a period of closure for refurbishment, Ketton Library will welcome the public back on Wednesday, 18 February, sporting a modern look and enhanced facilities designed to serve the community better than ever.

The upgrades are part of the wider Living Well Rutland capital programme, an initiative by Rutland County Council aimed at investing in local infrastructure to support health, wellbeing, and lifelong learning.

The library isn't just getting a fresh coat of paint though it has been fully redecorated. The refurbishment has focused on turning the library into a versatile community hub. Key additions include, A dedicated area for workshops, groups, and family activities. Refreshed shelving and reading areas to improve the browsing experience. New amenities to support community events and long-stay visitors.

"These improvements are about creating welcoming, accessible spaces that support learning, wellbeing and community connection," says Cllr Christine Wise, Portfolio Holder for Transport, Environment and Communities.

While Ketton celebrates its reopening, work continues at Uppingham Library. The council has confirmed that an even more extensive programme of improvements is currently underway, with an expected reopening date in mid-April.

Once complete, the Uppingham branch will feature, An entirely new, fully accessible front entrance. Brand-new windows to improve energy efficiency and natural lighting. Additional office space and a community learning room. A new kitchen and an accessible toilet.

If you are a regular user of the Uppingham branch, a temporary reduced library service remains available at Uppingham Town Hall until the main building reopens.

For those willing to travel, both Oakham and Ryhall libraries continue to operate under their normal schedules, offering full access to book lending, digital resources, and study spaces.

The council has expressed its gratitude for the public’s patience during these transitions, promising that the end result in Uppingham will be well worth the wait. In the meantime, the doors are open in Ketton pop in this Wednesday to see the transformation for yourself.

User Insight Drives Major Overhaul of Rutland’s Adult Social Care Website

User Insight Drives Major Overhaul of Rutland’s Adult Social Care Website

In a significant step toward digital inclusivity, Rutland County Council has officially launched its redesigned Adult Social Care webpages. Unlike traditional top-down government updates, this project was steered by the very people the services are designed for: local residents with firsthand experience of the care system.

The transformation is the result of an 18-month collaboration between social care professionals and the Experts by Experience Participation Group. This group, comprised of residents who have personally navigated care and support services, ensured that the "lived experience" was at the heart of every digital decision.

"Co-designing these new pages with people who use our services has made the website better, more relevant and more accessible," says Councillor Diane Ellison, Cabinet Member for Adults and Health.

By involving users from the beginning, the Council was able to move beyond technical jargon and create a platform that speaks the language of the community.

The redesign focuses on independence, wellness, and ease of access. The goal was to ensure that residents can find the right support at the right time without the frustration often associated with complex government sites.

Information is now clearer and written in straightforward, "everyday" English.

A simple, modern structure makes it easier to find community help and support options.

Dedicated guidance is now available for those looking after loved ones.

New interactive tools allow users to explore their own needs and connect with local services independently.

The site has been optimised to meet the needs of a wide range of users, including those with visual or cognitive impairments.

The launch of the website isn't the end of the journey. The Experts by Experience Participation Group will continue to meet regularly, acting as a permanent feedback loop for the Council. This ensures that as the needs of Rutland’s residents evolve, the digital services evolve with them.

The group noted that the process fostered a "strong sense of teamwork where every voice was heard and valued," resulting in a final product that is more intuitive for everyone.

Residents, carers, and family members are encouraged to explore the new features and find information on local support by visiting the official portal:

www.rutland.gov.uk/adults

Friction and Confusion at Oakham Town Council

Friction and Confusion at Oakham Town Council

By Rutland Democracy Reporter

Gemini said

Rutland Democracy Reporter

A meeting of the Oakham Town Council last night was marked by administrative blunders, financial scrutiny, and a walkout that left the session un-quorate before it could conclude.

The meeting was chaired by Cllr Paul Ainsley in the absence of Chairman Cllr Chris Nix. Cllr John Harris was also noted as absent; a request for Cllr Harris to vote remotely was denied by the Clerk, who noted that all COVID-era legislation allowing remote participation has now expired.

The council conducted its annual Bank Signatory Review considering a confidential list, citing security following previous instances of banking fraud and theft. However, Cllr Martin Brookes raised a significant red flag, alleging that members had been "misled" for years.

Cllr Brookes pointed out that while members believed all accounts required two signatures, several only required one.

The council is reportedly in the process of closing the single-signature accounts.

Despite these concerns, financial management appears to be stabilising, as the monthly accounts were approved quickly following brief explanations.

A new committee was established to assist the Clerk with end-of-year returns and budgeting. Amendments were made to the Terms of Reference to ensure the public and press are only excluded for legally valid reasons (e.g., staff pay or tenders) rather than as a general rule.

Councillors agreed to replace faulty head fitments with LEDs. The decision was met with some "annoyance" as only one quote was provided, and the Clerk had already instructed the contractor to replace one light prior to the vote.

Cleaning was approved for Princess Avenue, Cutts Close, and Willow Crescent. Again, the lack of competitive bidding was an issue; one company quoted for all three, while another provided a "very high" quote for just one. The Clerk will oversee the contractor’s performance on the first site before proceeding with the others.

Bandstand Repairs were approved, but not without a clash. Cllr Brookes questioned the reliance on a single quote for "pointing and rendering," suggesting local builders are easily found on social media. This prompted an angry response from the Admin Assistant, who accused Brookes of questioning her professional integrity.

LGBT Advocacy Cllr Brookes reported that after the Town Council limited the flying of the LGBT flag to just the first and last days of February, he successfully lobbied Rutland County Council at the request of the LGBT community to fly an additional flag outside the County Library for the duration of LGBT History Month.

The council approved £250 for Morris Dancers to perform on April 26, 2026, the start and finish of the CiCLE Classic will for the second year happen in Oakham.

Planning, Cllr Brookes requested the council consider its stance on the Rutland Wild development. Currently, the Town Council no longer provides comments on planning applications.

Grit Bins a new Grit Bin Policy was formally agreed upon.

Administrative "Chaos" and Deferred Items, The meeting hit a wall during the Christmas & Events report. A proposal to use contract underspend for a real Christmas tree and improved lighting was forgotten, it was clear that councillors had been issued with different agendas.

"The agenda numbers did not match... it was evident some members, including the chairman, had been provided with different agendas." The Chairman was issued another agenda. Cllr Brookes says his confusion was caused by his agenda an numbering that did not match the supporting documents.

Other items deferred included:

Parks and Open Spaces Policy needs further work on insurance and regulation compliance.

Volunteer Recruitment Cllr Ainsley requested a deferral due to a lack of detail regarding terms, conditions, and costs.

Watering ProvisionThe Clerk is to review all planters and baskets as the current contract has ended.

Meeting Collapses During Final Agenda Item

The atmosphere soured as the meeting reached "Councillors Questions." Cllr Ainsley was expected to question Cllr Brookes on matters that have reportedly caused significant friction outside the chamber.

Before the questions could be asked, Cllr Martin Brookes and Cllr Sally-Anne Wadsworth left the meeting. Their departure left the council un-quorate (lacking the minimum number of members to legally make decisions), forcing the Clerk to close the meeting prematurely.

NEXT MEETING: 11th March 2026 at 6:30pm.