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Thursday, October 22, 2026

Autumn Magic in Rutland The Ultimate Day Out with Pumpkin Patching, Halloween Spooktaculars & Local Dining


Autumn Magic in Rutland The Ultimate Day Out with Pumpkin Patching, Halloween Spooktaculars & Local Dining

As golden leaves coat the countryside, Rutland transforms into a vibrant autumn destination.
From wheelbarrow trips through bustling farm patches to scenic lake trails and creepy craft activities, the region offers plenty of wholesome family fun throughout October.

To help you plan the ultimate seasonal road trip, here is a complete day-out guide featuring Rutland’s best pumpkin patch, lakeside Halloween activities, and top-rated local pubs to refuel after a day in the fields.

Start your day by embracing the mud and fresh air at Ketton Pumpkins, a family-run working farm nestled between Stamford and Oakham. Visitors can grab a wheelbarrow and stroll across spacious fields filled with traditional orange giants, ghostly white "Casper" varieties, and knobbly heirloom squashes.

Admission & Pricing

 Entry and parking are free you simply pay per pumpkin based on size, with prices starting from £1.

Hot and cold drinks, homemade cakes, toilet and hand-washing facilities, and plenty of wheelbarrows on hand. 

Well-behaved dogs on leads are also welcome.

Open 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM on October weekends and daily throughout half-term week from October 26th through October 31st.

Holmes Farm, Aldgate, Ketton, Rutland PE9 3SX

Plan your trip and check field condition updates directly on the Ketton Pumpkins Official Website.

Afternoon Events

Lakeside Halloween Events at Rutland Water

After picking your haul, head over to Rutland Water Visitor Centre at Sykes Lane for a lineup of lakeside Halloween activities running throughout the spooky season.

Spooky Scavenger Hunt
Gather the family, pick up a clue sheet at the visitor centre, and venture along the banks on a Halloween quest.

This is a free event requiring no advance booking. Once children complete their sheet, they can return it to the visitor centre to claim a spooky treat.

Running daily through 1 November between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM.

Get event details on the Spooky Scavenger Hunt Page.

Creepy Crafts and a Cuppa

Take a break from the crisp autumn breeze at either the Waterside Café or Harbour Café.
For £6, visitors can enjoy any regular drink paired with a seasonal Halloween craft activity. It’s an ideal way for kids of all ages to relax, create eerie keepsakes, and make haunted decorations while parents enjoy a warm beverage.

Learn more about seasonal café activities on the Anglian Water Parks Family Events Page.

Pumpkin Carving and Broomstick Making

Welcome all young ghouls and goblins for hands-on seasonal crafts right by the reservoir.
Children can carve their own spooky pumpkins or assemble custom broomsticks to take home.
Running from Friday 23 October through Sunday 25 October, with morning sessions from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM and afternoon sessions from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM.

Book or view event details at the Pumpkin Carving and Broomstick Making Page.

Local Pubs & Places to Eat Nearby

Complete your day out by tucking into a comforting meal or cozying up by a log fire at one of Rutland’s renowned country pubs and eateries.

The Railway Inn, located right in the village near Ketton Pumpkins, this Grade II-listed pub serves fine local cask ales and hearty, traditional pub classics in a friendly atmosphere.

Check opening hours at The Railway Inn Ketton.

The Horse & Jockey situated directly on the Rutland Water cycle path, this traditional inn features cozy open fires in winter, seasonal menus, and a fantastic veranda overlooking the scenery.

Reserve a table at The Horse & Jockey Manton.

The Finch's Arms, Hambleton Peninsula, a 17th-century country inn offering breathtaking views over Rutland Water, roaring log fires, real ales, and a highly acclaimed seasonal menu.

Explore the menu at The Finch's Arms.

Hitchen’s Barn Oakham, Located a short drive away in Oakham town centre, this award-winning restaurant offers modern British dining made with local seasonal produce perfect for a relaxed evening dinner.

Browse availability at Hitchen's Barn.

Day Out Checklist

Both the farm patch and lake paths can get muddy after rainfall; bring wellies or sturdy walking boots.

Stash a heavy-duty bag or tarpaulin in your boot to protect your car from muddy pumpkins and damp gear.

Outdoor activities and farm fields may adjust hours during extreme rainfall, so double-check venue links before departing on wet mornings.


For more local news, community updates, and what's on in the area, visit: https://www.oakhamandrutlandnews.com/

Discover Oakham High Street
Including Market Place, Market Street, Church Street, Crown Walk,
John Street, Melton Road and Deans Street and Gaol Street.

https://www.oakhamandrutlandnews.com/highstreetoakham

Discover Oakham

Discover Oakham Northgate Oakham Rutland

Oakham And Rutland What's On Guide

Rutland Christmas

Oakham and Rutland  Sports and Fitness Events News

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Wednesday, October 21, 2026

Volunteers Needed to Help Light Up Oakham This Christmas


Volunteers Needed to Help Light Up Oakham This Christmas

As the festive season approaches, Oakham Town Council is calling on friendly community members to lend a hand and help make this year’s Christmas Lights Switch-On a safe and memorable celebration.

The popular annual event is scheduled for Sunday, 22 November, in Oakham town centre. To ensure everything runs smoothly, event organisers are seeking volunteer stewards to support festivities throughout the day.

What Does a Volunteer Steward Do?

Stewards play a vital role in keeping the event safe, welcoming, and organised for visitors of all ages. Responsibilities include:

Welcoming visitors to Oakham town centre.

Providing directions and assisting attendees with general information.
Assisting at road closure points to manage traffic and pedestrian flow.
No prior experience is necessary, as a full briefing will be provided on the day.

Event Details & Flexible Shifts

Volunteers can choose to offer a few hours of their time or stay for the entire duration of the event:

Event Time: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Highlight Moment: The grand Christmas Lights Switch-On countdown takes place at 4:30 PM

Requirement: All volunteer stewards must be 18 years of age or older.
How to Get Involved

If you would like to be part of the countdown team and help make Oakham’s Christmas extra special, you can sign up directly via email.

To Sign Up:

Email enquiries@oakhamtowncouncil.gov.uk with:

Your full name

Your phone number

The hours you are available to help

Join in on the festive cheer and support your local community this November


For more local news, community updates, and what's on in the area, visit: https://www.oakhamandrutlandnews.com/

Discover Oakham High Street
Including Market Place, Market Street, Church Street, Crown Walk,
John Street, Melton Road and Deans Street and Gaol Street.

https://www.oakhamandrutlandnews.com/highstreetoakham

Discover Oakham

Discover Oakham Northgate Oakham Rutland

Oakham And Rutland What's On Guide

Rutland Christmas

Oakham and Rutland  Sports and Fitness Events News

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

Road Closures Rutland Highways 

Discover Opportunities with
Oakham And Rutland News
Job Vacancies Oakham Rutland

Oakham Town Council Hit by Fresh Wave of Direct Debit Fraud, Oakham Town Council Finance Committee on Wednesday 28th October 2026


Oakham Town Council Hit by Fresh Wave of Direct Debit Fraud

Oakham Town Council has once again fallen victim to banking fraud, with unauthorised direct debits surfacing on its accounts.

According to upcoming finance committee papers, suspicious direct debit transactions have been identified on the council's current account. for an unknown period of time, prompting urgent reviews and administrative action from council.

At present, the exact total of the funds stolen remains unclear as investigations continue.

However, local officials noted that much like previous historical incidents of fraud affecting the authority the council expects to recover the lost funds in full through its bank.

The issue is set to be formally addressed by members of the Oakham Town Council Finance Committee during their ordinary meeting scheduled for Wednesday, 28th October 2026, where they will review the full scope of the breach and the remedial steps taken by management.


Agenda


Oakham Town Council

Rol House, Long Row, Oakham, Rutland, LE15 6LN

01572 723627 

enquiries@oakhamtowncouncil.gov.uk

www.oakhamtowncouncil.gov.uk

 

21st October 2026


TO: All Members of Oakham Town Council Finance Committee

 - Cllr Brookes, Cllr Callaghan, Cllr Romney, Cllr Perry, Cllr Padmore, Cllr Harris

In accordance with the requirements of the Local Government Act 1972, you are hereby 

summoned to attend an Ordinary meeting of Oakham Town Council Finance Committee on 

Wednesday 28th October 2026 at 6.30pm at the Town Council Offices, Council Chamber, 

Rol House, Long Row, Oakham LE15 6LN.

S Haywood

Locum Clerk/RFO


NOTICE OF MEETING

Public Notice of the meeting has been given in accordance with schedule 12, Para 10(2) of 

the Local Government Act 1972. The Meeting is open to the press and public. Persons 

attending this meeting are advised that it may be filmed and recorded.


AGENDA

1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE 

MOTION: Committee to receive apologies and consider approval of reasons for absence.


2. DECLARATION OF INTERESTS AND DISPENSATIONS

Members to disclose any pecuniary or other Interest in any item on the agenda. Members

are personally responsible for declaring an interest and are respectfully advised to refer to 

the Code of Conduct for more information. Councillors are also responsible for ensuring 

that their Registers of Interests are up to date (within 28 days of any changes).


3. DEPUTATIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC – OPEN MEETING

Members of the public will be invited to speak on items relating to this agenda or raise 

issues for future consideration. The period of time designated for public participation at a 

meeting in accordance with the Council’s Standing Orders shall not exceed 15 minutes, 

maximum 3 minutes per person, and will be under the direction of the Chair of the 

meeting. This is the only agenda item where members of the public can speak during the 

meeting, unless invited by the Chairman. 


4. FINANCIALS

 MOTION: That Committee note the financials to date, including the balance sheet, 

 trial balance, income & expenditure, EMRs and bank balances. (SH)


5. INVOICES FOR APPROVAL

MOTION: That Committee consider and decide upon approval of invoices for 

payment. (SH)

MOTION: That Committee note the payments made outside of meeting. (SH)


6. BANK RECONCILIATIONS

MOTION: That Committee note and sign the August and September 2026 bank 

reconciliations and bank statements. (SH)


7. ACCOUNTING SOFTWARE

MOTION: That Committee note that the sales and purchase ledgers have now been

installed on the Council accounting software, all nominal codes and cost centres 

have been revamped to mirror the approved reviewed budget, and accounting 

entries populated accordingly. (SH)


8. AUDIT UPDATE

MOTION: That Committee note the update report on the work carried out on the 

internal and external audit recommendations. (SH)


9. BANK ACCOUNT FRAUD

MOTION: That Committee note that direct debits have appeared on the Lloyds 

current account bank statements which appear to be fraudulent, and to note the 

action taken. (SH)


10. BUDGET 2027/28

MOTION: That Committee consider and decide upon the proposed draft 2027/28 

budget and precept demand, and make a recommendation to Full Council. (SH)


11. DATE OF NEXT MEETING 

 MOTION: That Committee note the date of the next meeting to be held on 25.11.26.

 (SH)


For more local news, community updates, and what's on in the area, visit: https://www.oakhamandrutlandnews.com/

Discover Oakham High Street
Including Market Place, Market Street, Church Street, Crown Walk,
John Street, Melton Road and Deans Street and Gaol Street.

https://www.oakhamandrutlandnews.com/highstreetoakham

Discover Oakham

Discover Oakham Northgate Oakham Rutland

Oakham And Rutland What's On Guide

Rutland Christmas

Oakham and Rutland  Sports and Fitness Events News

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

Road Closures Rutland Highways 

Discover Opportunities with
Oakham And Rutland News
Job Vacancies Oakham Rutland

All Saints Church, Oakham Invites Community to Join Its First Community Christmas Tree Festival


All Saints Church, Oakham Invites Community to Join Its First Community Christmas Tree Festival

All Saints Church in Oakham is opening its doors to the local community for a Christmas Tree Festival taking place from Friday, 4th December to Sunday, 6th December. 

The event aims to bring the parish and town together in a celebration of light, creativity, and festive spirit while raising vital funds to support the church and its work in the wider community.

Organisers are inviting local businesses, voluntary organisations, children's and youth groups, as well as families and individuals who love Christmas, to get involved by registering and displaying their own decorated Christmas tree.

The event is designed to welcome everyone, regardless of background. At a time when the parish is currently without a Vicar, the festival serves as an opportunity to gather the community in a historic building where generations of Oakham residents have celebrated life events for hundreds of years.

Participants wishing to display a tree should follow these key rules:

Theme: "WINTER WONDERLAND"

Tree Specifications: Trees can be real or artificial and must not exceed 7ft (approx. 210cm) in height.

Lighting: Battery-operated lights only.

Set-up Times:

Thursday, 3rd December: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Friday, 4th December: 10:30 AM – 2:00 PM

Take-down Time: Trees must be taken down promptly after closing on Sunday afternoon, as the church is hosting an NSPCC event on Monday.

Competition Categories & Prizes

Prizes will be awarded for the best tree in four distinct categories:

Families, individuals, and youth groups (over 14)

Children's groups (under 14)

Voluntary Organisations (adult)

Local Businesses

Public Viewing & Festival Highlights
Entry to view the festival is free for all visitors.

Viewing Hours:

Friday, 4th December: 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Saturday, 5th December: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Sunday, 6th December: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Attractions & Activities:

Along with the display of trees filling the church with light and sparkle, visitors can enjoy:

A Christmas Raffle featuring quality prizes

A Children's Teddy Bear Trail

A Pop-Up Café serving refreshments

Musical entertainment across the weekend

How to Register Your Tree

Interested groups or individuals must submit their entries by Friday, 20th November.

For questions or further details:

Contact Pam Gilbert at 07814 382174 or via email at pamgg.1945@gmail.com.




All Saints Church Oakham Rutland Undergoes Essential Stonework Repairs, Doors Remain Open to All

Visitors and worshippers at All Saints Church in Oakham will notice ongoing restoration activity around the historic building as vital work takes place to repair and preserve its external stonework.

Despite the scaffolding and maintenance work, church leaders are reassuring the local community and visitors that All Saints Church remains fully open to the public.

For centuries, All Saints Church has stood at the heart of Oakham, serving as a peaceful place of worship, quiet reflection, and community gatherings. The current repairs are part of an essential effort to protect the historic stone fabric of the building against weather wear and age, ensuring it continues to stand strong for future generations.

Visiting during the Works, regular church services, community gatherings, and upcoming events including the Christmas Tree Festival are proceeding as scheduled.  Visitors are as welcome as ever to pop inside to light a candle, view the historic architecture, or enjoy a moment of peace. The parish thanks the local community for their patience and support while these important preservation works are carried out to keep Oakham’s cherished church safe and beautiful.



For more local news, community updates, and what's on in the area, visit: https://www.oakhamandrutlandnews.com/

Discover Oakham High Street
Including Market Place, Market Street, Church Street, Crown Walk,
John Street, Melton Road and Deans Street and Gaol Street.

https://www.oakhamandrutlandnews.com/highstreetoakham

Discover Oakham

Discover Oakham Northgate Oakham Rutland

Oakham And Rutland What's On Guide

Rutland Christmas

Oakham and Rutland  Sports and Fitness Events News

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

Road Closures Rutland Highways 

Discover Opportunities with
Oakham And Rutland News
Job Vacancies Oakham Rutland