Oakham Rutland and Rutland News Martin Brookes

Sunday, May 17, 2026

Classic Wheels Makes a Triumphant Return to Rutland Showground, Oakham, Rutland, Photographs

By Martin Brookes

The sound of roaring V8 engines and the gleam of impeccably polished chrome took over the Rutland Showground today as Classic Wheels made its highly anticipated return.

Far from just a standard, static vehicle display, today’s event delivered a full-throttle celebration of engineering history and deep-seated personal passion. From early morning onwards, the spacious grounds filled with an eclectic mix of machinery spanning decades and continents. Walking through the vast rows of exhibits felt like stepping directly into a time machine, with more than a thousand meticulously maintained vehicles offering a rich timeline of motoring heritage to satisfy every imaginable taste.

In one corner of the field, impeccably restored vintage automobiles from the golden age of motoring took center stage, reminding attendees of an era when cars were as much about artistic craftsmanship as they were about basic transport. Nearby, the atmosphere shifted to the high-horsepower spirit of American muscle, where the popular "Big Boy Toys" section delivered heavy-duty chrome, iconic silhouettes, and massive, rumbling engines from across the Atlantic.

The diversity extended well beyond traditional four-wheelers. Two-wheel legends enjoyed a massive turnout today, showcasing everything from sleek, retro urban scooters to rugged, custom-built motorcycles.

Classic Wheels proved to be a multi-generational, full-day experience by seamlessly blending automotive excellence with a stellar lineup of live entertainment. Music fans gathered around the main stage all afternoon to enjoy a wave of nostalgic sounds. Motown and Northern Soul star Malcolm Fovargue teamed up with Soul Sister Sandra. Later, the crowd laced up their dancing shoes as The Rewinders took the stage. The powerhouse four-piece band, featuring former members of Edison Lighthouse, The Berries, and The Yarebeats, had the showground twisting and shouting to a vibrant medley of iconic 1960s hits.

The excitement wasn't just contained to the ground displays, as the skies and the main arena provided their own high-octane thrills. Visitors kept their eyes firmly glued upward for a Spitfire flypast courtesy of the legendary Battle of Britain Memorial Flight team. Adrenaline levels spiked during the Extreme Bike Battle. This stunt show fused multiple cycling and motorcycling disciplines into an ultimate action spectacle, where world-class performers pushed their physical limits to execute jaw-dropping tricks and flips that left the crowd completely spellbound.

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Oakham Town Council to Revisit Controversial Vale Sports Site Study, an Extraordinary Meeting of the Council has been called by the new chairman Martin Brookes for the 28th May 2026

By Local Democracy & Public Affairs Reporter

not affiliated to the BBC LDRS Service

Oakham Town Council is facing a wave of public fury following its decision to greenlight a £25,000 feasibility study into the future of The Vale, a vital community hub that currently serves as the home to both Oakham Bowls Club and Oakham Tennis Club. The controversial move has sparked widespread panic among club members and local residents who fear the historic sporting facilities are being lined up for a lucrative sell-off to housing developers.

The brewing crisis reached a boiling point on Tuesday 12th May, during the annual town meeting. A significantly larger than normal crowd packed into the venue to demand answers from local councillors. Because early discussions regarding the site's future were held during an exempt, closed-door session of a previous council meeting, residents and club members were left entirely in the dark, only discovering the council's intentions after the £25,000 expenditure had already been approved.

The council’s scrutiny of the site follows a recently commissioned surveyor's report that highlighted a series of costly maintenance issues, including structural problems with the roof and the presence of asbestos. Although the town council is not legally responsible for these repairs, the possible financial burden of the upkeep prompted Councillors Paul Ainsley to spearhead a proposal to explore alternative options for the land. The approved feasibility study is set to examine a formal land valuation, a development appraisal, a planning assessment, and a site search for potentially relocating both clubs.

However, accusations of financial greed have intensified the community's anger. Councillor Martin Brookes claimed that when he another councillor challenged the ultimate objective of the study, Cllr Ainsley allegedly admitted that the end goal was "housing and the council will make a few million.” This revelation drew fierce criticism at Tuesday's forum, where local resident Ben Callaghan publicly called for Cllr Ainsley's resignation, stating he had absolutely no faith in the council's judgment and accused Cllr Ainsley of letting the entire town down. Club members also voiced their dismay, with bowler John Willcock branding the £25,000 study a ludicrous waste of public money and urging leadership to halt the expenditure immediately.

In the face of relentless public backlash, council members have rapidly shifted into damage control. Cllr Ainsley defended the measure by insisting that nothing has been predetermined, arguing that it is simply logical to gather expert recommendations when faced with large refurbishment bills. Meanwhile, Council Chairman Chris Nix, who was absent when the original vote was cast, pledged that the council has nothing to hide. He promised a robust public consultation phase, stating that it is not the council’s intention to misrepresent the public or curtail local sporting activities.

As the situation stands, the study is funded by £10,000 from the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund alongside £15,000 from the council’s own reserves. However, the decision may soon be completely reversed. In direct response to the public outcry, newly appointed Chairman Councillor Martin Brookes supports Cllr Chris Nix call for a meeting so he is set to convene an extraordinary meeting of the council on Thursday 28th May, where councillors will formally revisit the issue and potentially scrap the study altogether.

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Music Bands Live music 2026 Bandstand Cutts Close Oakham Rutland

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UK Town of Culture Oakham Rutland 2028 Bid

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Dapper Riders and Classic Bikes, The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride Makes Historic Rutland Debut Video

The quiet roads of Rutland were treated to a spectacular dose of vintage style and roaring engines today as the prestigious Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride made its official debut in the county. Around 200 sharply dressed motorcyclists took to the streets, turning heads, filling the air with the classic rumble of heritage engines, and raising vital funds for men's health.

The event kicked off earlier this morning at the picturesque Launde Abbey, where riders gathered in their finest attire. Ditching the typical modern leather jackets and high-vis gear for tweed suits, silk ties, waistcoats, and polished brogues, the participants perfectly captured the dapper aesthetic that the global movement is famous for. The convoy offered an incredible spectacle for local onlookers, showcasing a vast range of machinery. From pristine vintage Triumphs and retro cafe racers to custom bobbers and classic sidecars, the diversity of the bikes matched the impeccable style of the riders themselves.
Moving off from the abbey, the distinguished convoy embarked on a scenic tour through the heart of the region. The riders made a grand entrance into Oakham just before 11:30 AM. Leaving the town center, the procession wound its way through the villages of Barleythorpe and Langham before ultimately concluding in Ashby Folville. This iconic local motoring hub provided the perfect backdrop for the riders to park up, admire each other's steeds, and celebrate a successful day on the road.
The true driving force behind the ride lies in its charity work. Today’s event successfully raised thousands of pounds to support Men’s Mental Health initiatives and Prostate Cancer UK, funding groundbreaking research and suicide prevention programs.
This historic first-time event for Rutland was brought to life by local organisers and popular motorcycle YouTubers, MrDarcy & the Ol’man. Known for their engaging biking content, the duo channeled their passion into bringing the global phenomenon to their home turf. By uniting the local biking community for an unforgettable day of style and philanthropy, they have firmly put Rutland on the global map for classic motorcycling, setting the stage for what is bound to become a staple of the local calendar for years to come.

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

Oakham and Rutland Sports and Fitness Events News

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

UK Town of Culture Oakham Rutland 2028 Bid

https://oakhamandrutlandnews.co.uk/ukoakhamtownofculture2028

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

https://oakhamandrutlandnews.co.uk/OakhamandRutlandLGBTQ

Road Closures Rutland Highways

https://oakhamandrutlandnews.co.uk/RutlandTravelUpdates

Discover Oakham

https://oakhamandrutlandnews.co.uk/discoveroakham

Rutland Ospreys, Lyndon Nature Reserve Live Webcam

https://oakhamandrutlandnews.co.uk/rutlandosprey

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Oakham Town Council Summons Members for Extraordinary Meeting on May 21st 2026

By Local Democracy & Public Affairs Reporter

not affiliated to the BBC LDRS Service

Oakham Town Council has officially issued a summons to all its members to attend an upcoming Extraordinary Meeting scheduled for Thursday, May 21, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.. The meeting will be held at the Town Council Offices located at Rol House, Long Row.

The notice, issued on May 15, 2026, by Council Chairman Martin Brookes.

The agenda for this session highlights critical decisions regarding the council's administrative leadership and operational support.

The council will be asked to discuss and vote on two major items:

The approval for hiring a new Locum Town Clerk and an Administration Assistant.

The approval and appointment of a Comprehensive HR Services Provider to oversee council personnel matters.

In compliance with Schedule 12 of the Local Government Act 1972, the meeting is entirely open to both the press and the general public. However, residents planning to attend should note a few key administrative rules:

The council has advised that attendees may be filmed or audio-recorded during the proceedings.

All mobile phones must be switched to silent for the duration of the meeting.

For further inquiries regarding the agenda or attendance protocols, residents can contact the Oakham Town Council office:

01572 723627

enquiries@oakhamtowncouncil.gov.uk

www.oakhamtowncouncil.gov.uk

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