Community in Action, Police Cadets Shine at Rutland Sailing Club

Community in Action, Police Cadets Shine at Rutland Sailing Club

The shores of Edith Weston were bustling with energy this Saturday as Police Cadets from across Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland descended upon the Rutland Sailing Club. Taking advantage of the bright morning sun, the young volunteers played a pivotal role in supporting a high-profile national youth sailing event, marking a significant milestone in the community action phase of their curriculum.

From the moment the first competitors arrived, the cadets were a constant, helpful presence. Stationed across the event car parks and lining the waterside, they managed the complex logistics of marshalling with a level of professionalism that belied their age. Whether they were directing traffic to keep the flow of the event moving or assisting sailors with their gear at the water’s edge, their contribution was essential to the smooth running of the day.

PC McKinnon, speaking on behalf of the cadet leaders, praised the group for their unwavering dedication. "As always, our cadets were enthusiastic, engaging, and helpful," McKinnon noted, highlighting that the group served as "great ambassadors" for the Volunteer Police Cadet Programme. The morning wasn’t just about logistics; it was a demonstration of the core values the programme instills: leadership, discipline, and a genuine commitment to public service.

The community action phase is designed to get cadets out of the classroom and into the heart of the neighborhoods they serve. By supporting local events like the national youth sailing competition, these young people gain hands-on experience in public safety and event management while building positive relationships with the community.

As the morning wrapped up, the sense of accomplishment among the ranks was palpable. The cadet leaders extended a massive "thank you" to all involved for turning a busy morning into a resounding success for the force and the local community alike.

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Join the Team

Are you inspired by the work of our cadets? Whether you are a young person looking to challenge yourself or an adult interested in a volunteer leadership role, Leicestershire Police is always looking for dedicated individuals to join the ranks.

To learn more about the Volunteer Police Cadet Programme or other volunteering opportunities within the force, visit the official careers portal: Leicestershire Police Volunteering & Cadets

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For more local news, community updates, and what's on in the area, visit Oakham and Rutland News.

Fatal HGV Collision Closes A1 Southbound Near Great Casterton, Police Appeal for Witnesses

Fatal HGV Collision Closes A1 Southbound Near Great Casterton

A man has tragically lost his life following a single-vehicle road traffic collision on the A1 , Friday, May 1.

Leicestershire Police confirmed they received an emergency call at 11:18 am reporting that a Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) had veered off the southbound carriageway. The vehicle reportedly left the road and came to rest in a nearby ditch.

Emergency services attended the scene, but despite their efforts, the driver believed to be a man in his 50s was pronounced dead at the scene.

Vehicles involved: One (HGV)

Casualties: One fatality (Male, 50s)

Time of report: 11:18 am, Friday, 1 May

The incident caused significant disruption to local travel. 

Police are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash. Investigators are keen to speak with anyone who may have witnessed the HGV in the moments leading up to the collision.

How to help:

If you have dashcam footage or witnessed the incident, please contact the police on 101, quoting incident 234 of 1 May.

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For more local news, community updates, and what's on in the area, visit Oakham and Rutland News.

Tragedy on the Water, Oakham Canal Mourns Loss of Beloved Matriarch

Tragedy on the Water, Oakham Canal Mourns Loss of Beloved Matriarch

Local wildlife monitors confirmed that the female of the canal’s long-standing bonded swan pair was humanely put to sleep this past Friday after sustaining a catastrophic injury.

The swan, who had been a graceful fixture of the canal for many years, was discovered suffering from a severe head injury. Experts who assessed the bird determined that the trauma was so significant it had rendered her unable to feed, leaving veterinary professionals with the difficult decision to prevent further suffering.

The timing of the tragedy is particularly poignant. The pair, famous among locals for their lifelong devotion to one another, were in the midst of their annual springtime ritual. Having nested successfully on the canal for years, they were currently busy constructing this year’s nest, a sight that many residents had been enjoying during their daily walks.

In the wake of her absence, the male swan remains on the canal, though his behaviour has changed markedly. Onlookers have described him as visibly upset and disorientated as he tirelessly patrols the banks and reeds in search of his missing mate. Because swans are a species that typically pairs for life, the grieving process can be intense and long-lasting.

Local authorities and wildlife enthusiasts are urging the public to exercise extreme caution and compassion when passing through the area. The male swan is currently in a highly vulnerable state and may act unpredictably or defensively as he navigates his loss.

Visitors are asked to maintain a respectful distance at all times to avoid causing the bird further distress.

Dog owners, in particular, are reminded to keep their pets on short leads and away from the water’s edge. While it is natural to want to catch a glimpse of the remaining swan, the best way for the community to honour the pair right now is to provide the male with the peace and space he needs to mourn his lifelong companion.

A Note from the Editor: 

For many years, like so many in our community, I have found a quiet sort of magic in following the lives of our local swans. Perhaps the most rewarding moment of all is that first glimpse of the "little ones." Seeing a brood of grey, fuzzy cygnets tucked securely under a parent’s wing or paddling furiously. 

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For more local news, community updates, and what's on in the area, visit Oakham and Rutland News.

Oakham Town Council has narrowly approved a feasibility study to explore the future of council-owned land at The Vale, a move that could potentially lead to the site being sold for housing development and Tennis and Bowls Club Relocated.

Oakham Town Council has narrowly approved a feasibility study to explore the future of council-owned land at The Vale, a move that could potentially lead to the site being sold for housing development and Tennis and Bowls Club Relocated.

By The Local Democracy Reporter. ldreporter@post.com

Oakham Tennis Club

Oakham Town Council has narrowly approved a feasibility study to explore the future of council-owned land at The Vale, a move that could potentially lead to the site being sold for housing development.

While no final decision to sell has been made, the proposal has sparked significant debate among councillors regarding financial transparency, the future of local sports clubs, and the council’s decision-making process.

The feasibility study is expected to cost several thousand pounds. Funding for the project will be drawn from two sources, the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and the council’s own reserves.

The primary objective of the study is to evaluate the viability of the site for residential use. However, the project also necessitates looking into the relocation of the Oakham Bowls Club and the Oakham Tennis Club, both of which currently occupy the land under "peppercorn" rent agreements.

The meeting, chaired by Deputy Chair Councillor Paul Ainsley in the absence of Chairman Chris Nix, revealed deep divisions within the council. The proposal ultimately passed only through the use of Cllr Ainsley’s casting vote, supported by Councillors Christopher Clark and John Harris.

Cllr Johnathon Nicolls says that the UK Prosperity Fund should be directed toward general town improvements rather than a housing feasibility study. Cllr Sally-Anne Wadsworth expressed concerns over the use of "dwindling reserves" and cited a history of unfinished projects, such as Princess Avenue and Victoria Hall.

Concerns were raised regarding the displacement of long-standing clubs. Cllr Wadsworth highlighted recent investments made by the Bowls Club to improve accessibility. Cllr Martin Brookes questioned the logic of the move, noting the council’s ongoing difficulty in finding land for a skate park: "How are we going to find the land to house new sport facilities?" he asked.

Some members have said that the initial paperwork did not explicitly state housing as the "end goal," a detail that only emerged during questioning of Cllr Ainsley during the meeting.

The study also brings the current state of the Tennis Club into focus. Reports indicate that while the club’s lease mandates, they are responsible for all maintenance and repairs, the building has fallen into disrepair.

Questions have also been raised regarding the legitimacy of a 15-year lease previously agreed upon by a former council member. This agreement reportedly removed a "free-to-use" court covenant for residents a move the club had long sought. Despite the lease terms, the club recently approached the council seeking taxpayer funding for repairs, a request that has been met with resistance.

In light of the narrow vote, Cllr Martin Brookes expressed frustration that such significant decisions could be made by a small number of members, renewing calls for the council to co-opt additional members to ensure broader representation.

Residents who wish to voice their opinions on the plans for The Vale are encouraged to attend the upcoming Town Meeting.

Meeting Details:

Location: Long Row, Oakham

Date: Tuesday, 12th May 2026

Time: 6:00 pm

Oakham Bowls Club

Editors Note: In accordance with the Local Government Act, details regarding the exact cost of phase one and the name of the contracted company may be withheld by the Council at this stage.