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Sunday, July 05, 2026

A Decade of Dedication Oakham Town Council, Sally-Anne Wadsworth



A Decade of Dedication Oakham Town Council, Sally-Anne Wadsworth

This Wednesday, the Oakham Town Council chamber will pause its standard proceedings to mark a significant milestone in local governance. In a tribute, the Council Chairman will move a formal vote of thanks to Councillor Sally-Anne Wadsworth, celebrating a decade of continuous and impactful service to the people of Oakham.

Since first stepping forward in early 2016, Councillor Wadsworth has become a cornerstone of the town’s civic life. A decade of municipal service is no small feat; it represents hundreds of hours spent in council meetings, the careful deliberation of thousands of pages of legislative agendas, and the significant personal sacrifice of time and energy required to navigate the complexities of parish administration.

Throughout her ten years of service, Councillor Sally-Anne Wadsworth has consistently demonstrated a profound commitment to her community. Her journey began with her initial co-option as a ward councillor in 2016, and she quickly proved herself to be a reliable and dedicated representative. Her leadership capabilities were further tested and confirmed during the 2019/2020 municipal calendar, when she stepped up to serve as Deputy Mayor during a particularly demanding period.

Perhaps her most visible impact occurred between May 2022 and May 2024, when she guided the council through two consecutive terms as both Mayor of Oakham and Council Chairperson. During these years, she served as the proud, civic face of the town, representing the community with a blend of warmth, dignity, and an unwavering focus on the future. Residents and visitors alike often saw the results of her advocacy in practice, from her championing of local charitable causes to her leadership in fostering community spirit through initiatives like the live music events at Cutts Close.

The upcoming vote of thanks is intended to serve as a public recognition of that enduring dedication. As the Council Chairman noted in the lead-up to this week's meeting, Councillor Sally-Anne Wadsworth’s contribution has been defined by her ability to balance the rigorous demands of office with a genuine concern for the best interests of residents and local businesses.

On behalf of the Oakham Town Council, its administrative staff, and the wider community, this formal acknowledgement serves as an expression of the deepest gratitude for her ten years of exemplary, unselfish service. It is a moment for the town to reflect on a career marked by steady leadership and to celebrate a councillor who has remained steadfastly committed to the progress and wellbeing of Oakham.


Meeting Details:

Date: 8th July 2026

Time: 6:30 PM

Location: Long Row, Oakham, Rutland

https://oakhamtowncouncil.gov.uk/meetings-calendar/full-council-54/


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Oakham Town Council Embarks on "Reset and Rebuild" Strategy to Restore Local Governance

By Local Democracy & Public Affairs Reporter  not affiliated to the BBC LDRS

Oakham Town Council Embarks on "Reset and Rebuild" Strategy to Restore Local Governance

Oakham Town Council is set to enter a transformative new chapter as Mayor Cllr Martin Brookes prepares to present a pivotal progress report at next week’s council meeting. The session will outline a definitive "reset and rebuild" phase aimed at modernising the council’s operations and restoring its standing within the community.

This strategic shift follows a series of highly constructive discussions between Cllr Martin Brookes, the Leader of Rutland County Council (RCC), Cllr Christine Wise, and Acting CEO of RCC, Angela Wakefield. Cllr Martin Brookes expresses his sincere gratitude for the leadership and guidance provided by Rutland County Council, noting that their ongoing support is instrumental as the Town Council addresses historic governance challenges. Emphasising the necessity of these changes, Cllr Martin Brookes stated that he believes the council is fully committed to serving the residents of Oakham with the professional standard they deserve, acknowledging that the council has not functioned as effectively as it should have in recent years.

Rather than shying away from recent internal audit findings, the council is embracing them as a comprehensive roadmap for systemic improvement. Under the expert direction of Locum Clerk Sam Haywood, the council is implementing a "phased delivery" approach to stabilise operations. Immediate priorities include strengthening adherence to financial and legal regulations and, crucially, reinstating the formal consideration of planning applications. This latter move marks a significant milestone, as the formal review of planning proposals a vital function for ensuring the voice of Oakham is heard in local development has been absent for over two years. Furthermore, the Locum Clerk is committed to total transparency, using audit recommendations as a public scorecard to track progress and keep residents fully informed.

Looking to the medium term, the council’s agenda includes re-establishing effective committees, rolling out a comprehensive training programme for all councillors, and developing a strategic communications plan. While the council faces a significant task, the current leadership is optimistic about the trajectory. As part of a disciplined approach to fiscal responsibility, the council will consider the difficult but necessary decision to pause specific initiatives, such as the Victoria Hall project. This ensures that when projects are advanced, they will be built on a foundation of sound governance and absolute financial clarity. Cllr Martin Brookes noted that while there are no illusions regarding the scale of the work ahead, the renewed commitment to discipline and the support of Rutland County Council provide a path toward rebuilding the council’s reputation and proving that it can once again work effectively for the people of Oakham.

Cllr Martin Brookes, says the Locum Clerk estimates it will take almost a year to make Oakham Town Council legally compliant again. 

Meeting Details:

Date: 8th July 2026

Time: 6:30 PM

Location: Long Row, Oakham, Rutland

https://oakhamtowncouncil.gov.uk/meetings-calendar/full-council-54/


For more local news, community updates, and what's on in the area, 

Oakham And Rutland What's On Guide

Music Bands Live music 2026 Bandstand Cutts Close Oakham Rutland

Oakham and Rutland  Sports and Fitness Events News

UK Town of Culture Oakham Rutland 2028 Bid

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

Road Closures Rutland Highways 

Discover Oakham

Discover Opportunities with
Oakham And Rutland News
Job Vacancies Oakham Rutland

A Warm Welcome to Oakham’s Newest Business Number 9 Market Place Is Officially Open

by Martin Brookes

Shar and Rashni, Photograph by Martin Brookes 

A Warm Welcome to Oakham’s Newest Business Number 9 Market Place was Officially Opened by MP Alicia Kearns. Bakery, Cake Shop and Coffee Shop

Saturday, 4th July, marks an exciting milestone for our town with the official opening of Number 9 Market Place. Situated right in the heart of Oakham, this new independent business has finally opened its doors, and it is absolutely fantastic. From the moment you step inside, you are greeted by Shar and Rashni, who have been delighted to welcome their very first customers into their new space.

Shar and Rashni and MP Alicia Kearns, 
Photograph by Pippy Woodley

I can personally assure you that a visit to Number 9 in Oakham Market Place will be a genuine pleasure. Unlike the TV series Inside Number 9 I once watched, the atmosphere here is warm, professional, and inviting. It is a refreshing change of pace to see a new venture so clearly focused on creating a positive space for the local community.

Number 9 is built upon a philosophy of being "created with care, for our community." The team is dedicated to providing friendly service where everyone receives a warm welcome. Their commitment to quality is evident, as every bakery product they offer is carefully sourced and freshly prepared, reflecting a true passion for what they do.

What makes this addition even more special is how inclusive they are the shop is proudly dog-friendly, meaning your well-behaved furry friends are very welcome to join you during your visit. As they embark on this new journey, they are encouraging everyone to follow along for updates and opening news. 

You can keep up with their latest offerings by following them on Facebook at "Number 9 Market Place

or on Instagram at "@Number9MarketPlace."

 Number  9 Photograph by Martin Brookes

If you are looking to support local independent businesses, I highly encourage you to stop by. By choosing to shop here, you are supporting a business that values local roots, community connections, and high-quality preparation. It is a pleasure to have them in our town, and I look forward to seeing the community rally around Shar and Rashni as they settle in.


For more local news, community updates, and what's on in the area, 

Oakham And Rutland What's On Guide

Music Bands Live music 2026 Bandstand Cutts Close Oakham Rutland

Oakham and Rutland  Sports and Fitness Events News

UK Town of Culture Oakham Rutland 2028 Bid

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

Road Closures Rutland Highways 

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Oakham And Rutland News
Job Vacancies Oakham Rutland

A Cajun Beat Comes to Oakham Bad Bayou Takes the Stage Today Oakham Bandstand Cutts Close Oakham Rutland



A Cajun Beat Comes to Oakham Bad Bayou Takes the Stage Today Oakham Bandstand Cutts Close Oakham Rutland

The atmosphere at Cutts Close, Oakham, Rutland is set to get a little bit swampy this afternoon. As part of the Oakham Town Council’s Summer 2026 Bandstand Sessions, the band Bad Bayou is bringing their infectious Cajun and Zydeco rhythms to the heart of Rutland.

For those looking for the perfect way to spend a summer day, this event promises to be a highlight of the season. Known for their accordion-led, foot-stomping sound, Bad Bayou is sure to provide an energetic soundtrack for a relaxing afternoon in the park.

If you want to catch the performance, here is everything you need to know:

Date: Today, 5th July

Time: 2:30pm

Location: Cutts Close, Oakham

Admission: Free

Whether you are a longtime fan of the genre or just looking for a great local outing, head down to the bandstand to enjoy some music in the fresh air. For more information on the rest of the summer lineup, you can visit: https://oakhamandrutlandnews.co.uk/summer-2026-music-at-cutts-close-park-oakham-bandstand-rutland




For more local news, community updates, and what's on in the area, 

Oakham And Rutland What's On Guide

Music Bands Live music 2026 Bandstand Cutts Close Oakham Rutland

Oakham and Rutland  Sports and Fitness Events News

UK Town of Culture Oakham Rutland 2028 Bid

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

Road Closures Rutland Highways 

Discover Oakham

Discover Opportunities with
Oakham And Rutland News
Job Vacancies Oakham Rutland