Welcome to the Oakham and Rutland News
The latest updates from the vibrant heart of Oakham and Rutland.
Our new local news website is your go-to source for comprehensive coverage of everything happening in our community. From breaking news and local events to community spotlights and personal reflections, we've got you covered.
Blooming Success Sunshine and Style Mark Day One of the Rutland Flower Show 2026
Rutland Showground has transformed into a horticultural haven today as the Rutland Flower Show 2026 kicked off its highly anticipated three-day run. Shrug off any expectations of traditional British liquid sunshine, Day One was defined by glorious, unbroken blue skies and dazzling warmth, drawing many thousands of eager visitors to Oakham.
In a charming twist on typical outdoor festival sights, the sea of umbrellas unfurled across the showground weren't deployed to ward off rain. Instead, visitors cleverly repurposed them as makeshift parasols, creating a colorful canopy of shade against the baking summer rays as they strolled between the grand marquees and show gardens.
Now in its second year, the Rutland Flower Show has quickly cemented itself as one of the absolute highlights of the county's summer calendar.Building on the massive success of its inaugural event, the 2026 showcase returned bigger, bolder, and packed with an even richer lineup of national flower clubs, gardening societies, and expert horticulturists.
From early morning, crowds poured through the gates to explore:
Exquisite Floral & Produce Competitions, showcasing the absolute finest fruits, vegetables, and ornamental blooms from local and national growers.
The Rutland Garden Theatre, hosting expert talks, tips, and lively gardening Q&As.
The Brand-New "Grow Your Own Collective", a dedicated feature celebrating home food production and realistic allotment-growing methods.
Artisan Shopping & Crafts, rows of stalls featuring bespoke garden sculptures, tools, and hand-crafted goods.
While the love of gardening sat firmly at the heart of the event, the atmosphere was unmistakably that of a full-scale family summer celebration.Children who enjoy free entry to the show alongside parents and grandparents, enjoyed live music, wandering entertainers, and vibrant festival treats under the glorious Rutland sun.
As Day One draws to a successful close, organisers and visitors alike are looking forward to an equally stellar weekend ahead, with more celebrity gardener appearances, live entertainment, and breathtaking displays yet to come.
The Rutland Flower Show continues at the Rutland Showground in Oakham through Sunday. Don't forget your sunscreen and perhaps your parasol and if you do take your dog along please remember there is no shade and the marques are hot.
Disclaimer: The 3-day pass for this event was provided to me as a gift in exchange for publicity and photographs video. However, please be assured that this article fully reflects my honest opinions and has not been influenced in any way by the event organisers.
For more local news, community updates, and what's on in the area,
Discover Oakham High Street Including Market Place, Market Street, Church Street, Crown Walk, John Street, Melton Road and Deans Street and Gaol Street.
By Local Democracy & Public Affairs Reporter for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, not affiliated to the BBC LDRS
Rutland County Councillors Voting
Rutland County Council Meeting Over shadowed by Public Protests Amid Fights to Preserve County Status
Tensions boiled over at a special meeting of Rutland County Council last night, as a packed chamber and vocal crowds outside debated the future of the county's ceremonial status following a controversial Local Government Decision Announcement.
The high-stakes meeting, called to consider special motions put forward by Cllr. Lucy Stephenson and Cllr. Andrew Dinsmore, was disrupted before official business even began.
The session opened with the Chairman paying tribute to a long-serving council employee who had recently passed away. However, as the tribute was being read, the proceedings were drowned out by shouting from members of the public standing outside the building, windows were opened as all temperatures soared inside and outside the building
Due to strict fire safety regulations limiting capacity in the chamber, access had been restricted, leaving many locked out. This sparked anger among those gathered outside, with some demanding the Chairman address them directly, while others claimed they had reserved seats and complained they were being denied entry.
Protesters voiced wider frustrations, accusing the council of failing to protect local democracy and stripping away Rutland's historic identity.
In response to the growing commotion, the Chairman temporarily adjourned the meeting. When the session reconvened, the Chairman attempted to complete the tribute and hold a minute of silence, but the solemn moment was once again interrupted by a disruption.
Once order was restored, the council turned to the core agenda: addressing the impact of the recent government decision on Rutland's ceremonial status and distinct local identity.
Cllr. Stephenson and Cllr. Dinsmore pressed for decisive action, bringing forward two primary demands:
A formal requirement for the Leader of the Council to petition the Secretary of State. This demands legislative provisions to safeguard Rutland’s ceremonial county status, the ancient offices of the Lord Lieutenant and High Sheriff, and the continued legal recognition of the name "County of Rutland," complete with a clear implementation timetable.
A call for the Leader to write to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government. The motion urged an urgent review into whether a proposed two-unitary model genuinely delivers on efficiency, financial sustainability, and local democratic accountability.
During the debate, an amendment to the proposals were accepted, while an alternative proposal brought forward by the deputy leader of the council, suggesting the local Member of Parliament should take the lead was rejected by the council. The motion's proponents emphasised that the Council Leader must take direct ownership of the fight for the full council rather than avoiding action.
Following impassioned speeches from members across the chamber, the vote was held. The motions successfully passed, mandating the Rutland County Council leader to formally write to the Secretary of State and take up the fight to preserve Rutland's historic future.
Rutland County Council Meeting Special Meeting Fights to Preserve County Status Deputy Leader, Cllr Andrew Johnson Speaks to Rob Persani, Rutland and Stamford Sound.
Rutland County Council Meeting Special Meeting Fights to Preserve County Status Cllr Lucy Stephenson Leader of the Opposition Speaks to Rob Persani, Rutland and Stamford Sound.
Rutland Council Passes Motion Challenging Government Mega-Council Plans, Welcomed by MP Alicia Kearns
Some of the residents not happy, after they were refused access
to the meeting.
Member of Parliament for Rutland, Alicia Kearns, has expressed relief following a recent decision by Rutland County Council to formally challenge government plans regarding local authority restructuring.
During a special council meeting, a Conservative motion passed requiring the council to write to the government with two primary demands:
Demand the publication of the underlying evidence used to justify forcing Rutland into a Leicestershire mega-council.
Request a clear legislative timeline to ensure Rutland's historic ceremonial status is legally preserved.
Alicia Kearns praised the outcome as a crucial shift in the council's approach to the proposed changes.
"This marks the first time the Council will stand up for us throughout this process and demand some answers rather than just going along with it all as if there’s public support for Government plans," Kearns stated.
She noted that a counter-motion put forward by the Liberal Democrats which she argued would have absolved the council of taking action was ultimately voted down by the chamber.
Despite the positive outcome regarding the motion, Alicia Kearns voiced strong concerns over logistical issues and attendance at what she described as the biggest change to Rutland since the 1970s.
Alicia Kearns expressed disappointment that 12 out of the 27 councillors failed to attend the meeting.
Reports indicated that numerous residents were turned away and refused entry to the chamber.
Compounding the public access issues, the council failed to ensure the online live-stream of the meeting was operational.
(Editor's note: It is important to note that it is not normal for Rutland County Council to hold a full council meeting during the month of August. Many of the members who were absent had previously booked holidays before this special meeting was called, and two councillors are currently very unwell. A full video recording of the meeting will soon be published by Oakham and Rutland News)
Reflecting on the relationship between her parliamentary role and local governance, Alicia Kearns emphasised the importance of a unified front while maintaining rigorous oversight.
"Ultimately, I’m just relieved to finally have the council and I working on a more similar page," Alicia Kearns said. "It is our shared duty to stand up for our communities, and it’s always better for us to do it together, but I will make no apologies for scrutinising the council and holding them to account when they fail to fight for us and make my work representing us to Government harder."
For more local news, community updates, and what's on in the area,
Discover Oakham High Street Including Market Place, Market Street, Church Street, Crown Walk, John Street, Melton Road and Deans Street and Gaol Street.
By Local Democracy & Public Affairs Reporter for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, not affiliated to the BBC LDRS
Oakham Town Council Meeting Forensic Audit Ordered, Staffing Restructure Approved, and Strategic Plan Ahead.
Oakham Town Council tackled a packed agenda during its meeting last night, addressing key operational changes, community events, and a decision to initiate a forensic audit following allegations made by a former councillor and former staff member.
The meeting, chaired by Cllr Martin Brookes, lasted a full two and a half hours including a 30-minute extension before running out of time, prompting the scheduling of an extraordinary meeting for next Wednesday at 6:30 pm to handle remaining business.
Meeting Highlights & Key Decisions
1. Policing Update
Rutland's local police inspector addressed the council with a community safety update, highlighting two primary matters:
An ongoing investigation into criminal damage involving a local business owner's car.
An unusual incident in Cutts Close, where an intoxicated individual on a mobility scooter attempted to scatter his late wife's ashes in the park.
2. Staffing & Administration Overhaul
Handled extensively during an exempt session, the council made major decisions regarding its workforce and operations:
Approved a proposed Staffing Review and Restructure alongside a new employment contract for all staff members.
Agreed to extend the contract of the Locum Clerk for another four months.
Decided not to renew the HR services contract held with LGRC.
Authorised the clerk to gather three quotes for new office laptops.
Office Security & Relocation: Approved immediate measures to improve current office security and safety. Additionally, a Task & Finish working group (comprising Cllrs Romney and Callaghan) was established to explore options for the council office, which could result in a move away from its current location in Long Row.
3. Financial Allocations & UKSPF Funding
UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF): The remaining £5,486 will be allocated to cover first-aid cover for summer events in Cutts Close, an additional band for the Family Fun Day on August 30th, and urgent electrical work in the park.
Bin Replacements: Cllr Harris, working alongside the Locum Clerk, will spearhead a litter bin replacement project incorporating recycling options, with a fully costed report to follow.
4. Governance, Training, and Co-option
The council welcomed its newest member, Mr. Justin Perry.
Council Approved a £1,700 expenditure (drawn from council reserves) to fund comprehensive training. This includes £50 per person for general councillor training, Code of Conduct training, leadership training for the Chairman, Vice-Chairman, and Committee Chairs, and Basics Planning courses for all members of the newly formed Planning Committee.
5. Forensic Audit Ordered
Following allegations of payroll and invoice fraud made by a former councillor and a former member of staff, the council agreed to appoint an independent auditor to conduct a forensic audit covering the council's accounts over the last three years.
6. Looking Forward: Strategic Plan & Public Consultation
The council agreed to formulate a comprehensive 3-year strategic plan. To ensure it reflects local needs, members will launch a public consultation program to discover what matters most to Oakham residents.
Unusual Interruptions & Meeting Extension
The evening featured a few unexpected moments:
Solar Eclipse, proceedings were briefly disrupted some members paused their considerations to view an eclipse from the chamber window, with one member stepping outside for a short period to observe it.
Cllr Chris Clark declared an interest in an exempt staffing matter, choosing to leave the meeting permanently for the remainder of the session.
Deferred Business, Extraordinary Meeting Called
Because the meeting reached its hard time limit of two and a half hours, several important items could not be discussed. Chairman Cllr Martin Brookes has called an extraordinary meeting for next Wednesday at 6.30 pm to address the deferred items, which include:
Consideration of a grant application from Oakham Baptist Church.
Establishment of a Floral Display Working Group / Tender for next year's town displays.
Professional review and drafting of council governance documentation.
Formulation of a council response to the Local Plan Consultation.
Consideration of mandatory DBS checks for all members and officers.
For more local news, community updates, and what's on in the area,
Discover Oakham High Street Including Market Place, Market Street, Church Street, Crown Walk, John Street, Melton Road and Deans Street and Gaol Street.
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