Rutland Lord Lieutenant Sarah Furness reflects, A Weekend of Honour and Celebration for VE & VJ Day 80th Anniversary

Rutland Lord Lieutenant Sarah Furness reflects,  A Weekend of Honour and Celebration for VE & VJ Day 80th Anniversary

Rutland recently concluded its Armed Forces Week (23-29 June) with a series of events in Oakham, marking the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day and Victory in Japan (VJ) Day. The culmination of the week, titled ‘Rutland Remembers: Our 80th Anniversary Celebration for VE & VJ Day,’ brought the community together in a heartfelt tribute to the Armed Forces and veterans.

Dr. Sarah Furness, The Lord-Lieutenant of Rutland, emphasised the significance of the celebrations, stating, "This celebration is an appropriate way to mark our appreciation of those in our county giving active service as it marks the end of Armed Forces Week. Our freedoms were hard fought for and our military are fundamental in maintaining them." Her words resonated with the spirit of gratitude that permeated the entire weekend.

The commemorative activities commenced on Armed Forces Day, Saturday 28th June, with a gathering at the Armed Forces & Veteran’s Breakfast Club at The Grainstore, providing a welcoming space for comradeship and shared stories. Adding to the celebratory atmosphere, CAMRA Rutland’s 12th Annual Beer Festival ran throughout the weekend, offering free entry to veterans and serving personnel as a gesture of appreciation.

Sunday’s events began with a stirring parade, stepping off from Oakham Castle and proceeding to All Saints Church. The procession was a powerful display of unity, featuring members of the Armed Forces, veterans, cadets, Scouts, Guides, and representatives from local villages, all cheered on by spectators lining the High Street. A solemn Church Service of Thanksgiving followed at All Saints Church, where attendees participated in prayers of gratitude and remembrance for those who served and sacrificed.

The afternoon transformed into a joyous "Party in the Park" at Cutts Close, Oakham, running from 12 noon to 5pm. The celebrations included lively live music performances by the Army Cadet Corps of Drums, and a truly unforgettable moment with an RAF Lancaster Flypast, a majestic sight that brought a sense of awe and historical connection. The park also offered a funfair, displays of vintage military vehicles, and a diverse array of food, drink, and other stalls, ensuring there was something for everyone to enjoy and reflect upon the momentous anniversaries.

photographs courtesy of The Lord-Lieutenant

www.rutlandandstamfordsound.co.uk

Battle for Barleythorpe: Four Candidates Confirmed for Rutland County Council By-Election 2025

Battle for Barleythorpe: Four Candidates Confirmed for Rutland County Council By-Election

The contest for the vacant seat on Rutland County Council's Barleythorpe Ward is officially underway, with four candidates confirmed to stand in the by-election scheduled for Thursday, 24 July 2025. The Statement of Persons Nominated was published by Rutland County Council on Friday, 27 June 2025, setting the stage for a diverse electoral battle.

The candidates vying for the Barleythorpe seat are:

Andy Burton – Independent

Andy Burton stood for the Conservative in the 2021 by-election for Oakham South. Andy has also served as an Oakham Town Councillor.

Andrew William Nixon Dinsmore – The Conservative Party Candidate

Was elected in 2022 for Fulham Town, Hammersmith and Fulham local election

in 2024 he stood for Hammersmith and Chiswick inUK Parliamentary general election for the Conservatives and was not elected. 

Declan McCarthy – Reform UK

Jonathan David Nichols – Liberal Democrat

This by-election offers residents of Barleythorpe Ward a crucial opportunity to shape their local representation. With candidates from various political backgrounds and an independent contender, voters will have a clear choice on the direction of their local council.

Rutland County Council has urged all eligible residents to ensure they are registered to vote ahead of the upcoming deadlines. The final day to register to vote for this by-election is midnight on Tuesday, 8 July 2025. The easiest and quickest way to register is online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote. For those unable to register online, assistance is available by calling 01572 720 954 or emailing elections@rutland.gov.uk.

For voters preferring to cast their ballot by post or via a proxy, important deadlines are fast approaching. Applications, changes, or cancellations for postal or postal proxy votes must reach Rutland County Council’s Electoral Office by 5:00 PM on Wednesday, 9 July 2025. The deadline to apply for a new proxy vote is 5:00 PM on Wednesday, 16 July 2025. Further information on postal and proxy voting can be found on the Rutland County Council elections website: www.rutland.gov.uk/elections.

In line with national requirements, anyone voting in person at a polling station on 24 July will be required to present a valid form of photo identification or a Voter Authority Certificate. Voters are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the accepted forms of ID by visiting the Electoral Commission website at www.electoralcommission.org.uk or by contacting elections@rutland.gov.uk for guidance.

The by-election promises to be a key moment for the Barleythorpe community, as residents prepare to elect their new representative to Rutland County Council.

Rutland Remembers and Celebrates with a "Party in the Park" Cutts Close Oakham Rutland. Photos and Video

Rutland Remembers and Celebrates with a "Party in the Park"

The community gathered in Cutts Close for a "Party in the Park," commemorating VE Day, VJ Day, and Armed Forces Day. The event, a celebration of remembrance and appreciation, was proceeded by a parade through the town and a county service held at All Saints Church.

https://oakhamandrutlandnews.blogspot.com/2025/06/oakham-and-rutland-celebrated-armed_29.html

The "Party in the Park" was well-attended, with residents of all ages enjoying the festivities. The air was filled with music, thanks to the fantastic performances by The Rutland Big Band and talented singer Alan Jackson, who provided a enjoyable soundtrack to the day's events. Drummers also marched into the park and gave two performances.

Beyond the music, attendees explored a variety of stalls, including those featuring local crafts and displays from military charities, offering a chance to support worthy causes and discover local talent. Children were delighted with face painting, adding an extra element of fun to the day. With plenty of food and drink available, everyone was able to relax and enjoy the celebratory atmosphere.

Just after 1pm the crowd enjoyed a Lancaster fly past. 

Oakham Mayor Cllr Chris Nix

Alan Jackson

Girl Guiding

www.rutlandandstamfordsound.co.uk

The Rutland Big Band

What a day of double celebrations in Cutts Close, Oakham! Amidst the vibrant Party in the Park festivities, honoring VE Day, VJ Day, and Armed Forces Day

What a day of double celebrations in Cutts Close, Oakham! Amidst the vibrant Party in the Park festivities, honoring VE Day, VJ Day, and Armed Forces Day

Gwyn Andrews 

What a day of double celebrations in Cutts Close, Oakham! Amidst the vibrant Party in the Park festivities, honoring VE Day, VJ Day, and Armed Forces Day, two remarkable women, Sophie and Gwyn Andrews, marked their birthdays with joy and fanfare.

Many people enjoyed the various commemorations, but it was extra special for Sophie. She was treated to a personal serenade and shared a delightful dance with the singer, creating a memorable moment for everyone present.

Alan Jackson and Sophie

Adding to the birthday cheer, Rob Persani from Rutland and Stamford Sound took to the bandstand to extend warm wishes to Gwyn Andrews. Gwyn, a truly fabulous lady, is a well-known and respected figure in the community as the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal coordinator for Rutland.