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The latest updates from the vibrant heart of Oakham and Rutland.
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The bandstand at Cutts Close in Oakham came alive with rhythm and soul this past Sunday as the Uppingham Soul and Jazz Band delivered a fantastic performance under the glorious Rutland sunshine. The park served as the perfect backdrop for the event, with families and friends spreading out picnic blankets to soak up the atmosphere. For many, the smooth sounds of jazz and soul provided the ideal accompaniment to a relaxed Sunday afternoon, turning the park into a vibrant, musical retreat.
Beyond the music, the afternoon was a wonderful display of community generosity. Thanks to the support of those in attendance, a total of £172.90 was raised for the Oakham Mayor’s Charity, the Lions Club of Rutland. This donation will go directly toward supporting the vital work the Lions do within our local community, ensuring the success of the concert continues to benefit those who need it most.
The momentum continues next Sunday, July 19th, when the music returns to the Cutts Close bandstand with a high-energy shift in tempo. The Top Banana Band will be taking to the stage, and they are ready to turn up the heat. This 9-piece soul, funk, and blues powerhouse is widely known for their ability to get a crowd moving. Featuring a full brass section and powerhouse vocals, their setlist is a sprawling journey through the decades, covering everything from the golden hits of Motown to the infectious grooves of modern funk. Whether you are looking to dance or simply enjoy another lovely Sunday in the park, be sure to head down to Cutts Close to catch what promises to be an electrifying performance.
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By Local Democracy & Public Affairs Reporter not affiliated to the BBC LDRS
The Ichthyosaur (seadragon) street art Mill Street Oakham Rutland
by Street Artist Julian Beever. 2022 Image Martin Brookes.
The future of one of Britain’s most significant paleontological discoveries remains caught in a stalemate, as public passion and institutional policy clash over the ultimate home of the "Rutland Sea Dragon." Discovered at Rutland Water in 2021, the 180-million-year-old ichthyosaur has become a symbol of local pride, yet the path toward securing its permanent residence in the county has proven far more complex than anticipated.
The intensity of local feeling was laid bare this past Thursday at the Rutland County Council meeting, where the Chair of the Friends of the Museum presented a petition signed by 2,000 residents. The petition represents a clear, unified demand from the community: they want the skeleton to be housed and displayed within the Rutland County Museum. The presentation of these signatures served as a poignant reminder to local officials that the public considers the fossil a vital piece of the county’s heritage that belongs in the heart of its administrative seat.
However, the meeting was also characterised by a notable atmosphere of friction, particularly regarding the role of Anglian Water. The utility company, which owns the land where the fossil was unearthed, had requested to provide a public deputation to clarify their position, only to be denied the opportunity to speak. Following the meeting, Anglian Water issued a statement expressing profound disappointment, not only at the Council’s decision-making regarding the fossil’s future but also at being excluded from the dialogue.
In their statement, the company maintained that they have consistently acted in good faith, noting that they were prepared to transfer ownership of the fossil to the Council at no cost. They insisted that they had made significant progress toward an agreement that would have solidified the fossil’s entry into public ownership within Rutland.
The technical core of the dispute revolves around the process of accessioning. Anglian Water has been emphatic that for the Sea Dragon to survive as an object of national significance, it must be part of an accredited museum collection. This is not merely a preference for one location over another, but a scientific necessity; accessioning ensures long-term curatorial stewardship, establishes a rigorous research framework, and provides the formal public ownership structures required to protect the specimen for future generations. The company warned that without the Council’s cooperation in this specific administrative process, the opportunity to secure a permanent, scientifically backed display for the ichthyosaur within the county could be permanently lost.
Despite this impasse, Anglian Water appears to be looking toward a pragmatic future. The company remains committed to the belief that the original ambition of keeping the Sea Dragon in Rutland is still achievable. In the interim, they are pushing forward with a significant project at the Anglian Water Bird Watching Centre at the Rutland Water Nature Reserve. With completion expected this autumn, the refurbished centre is designed to serve as a hub for education, featuring digital interpretation, learning spaces, and detailed displays that explore the Jurassic origins of the creature.
By partnering with the Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust, Anglian Water aims to ensure that regardless of the final home for the physical skeleton, the narrative of the discovery and its scientific importance will be celebrated. As the community continues to advocate for the museum, the situation remains a delicate balance between public sentiment and the cold, hard requirements of archaeological preservation, leaving the residents of Rutland waiting to see if their local treasure will be displayed in the halls of their museum or remain a centerpiece at the site of its discovery.
Oakham Mayor Cllr Martin Brookes was a few hour late submitting his deputation and has provided a written statement for the next council meeting.
To: Rutland County Council
From: The Mayor of Oakham
Date: July 6, 2026
Subject: Formal Written Statement regarding the permanent housing of the Rutland Sea Dragon
As the Mayor of Oakham, I am submitting this formal statement to express my full support for the petition signed by over 2,000 residents calling for the Rutland Sea Dragon to be housed permanently at the Rutland County Museum.
The Rutland Sea Dragon is a fossil find of international significance, and its permanent display in Oakham is a vital economic investment for the county rather than merely a cultural project.
While I recognise the necessity for the Council to remain prudent with public finances, viewing this project solely through the lens of short-term cost is a profound mistake. Housing this treasure locally will establish Oakham as a major national heritage destination, providing a substantial and continuous boost to our local economy.
A ten-metre fossil of this magnitude guarantees sustained, year-round interest, which will serve to flatten the seasonal fluctuations typical of traditional tourism at Rutland Water. This influx of day-trippers, tourists, and school groups will provide a consistent stream of footfall for our town, encouraging visitors to utilize local parking, dine in our cafés, shop on our high street, and support our hotels and guest houses. The economic spillover from this asset will benefit business owners and residents across both Oakham and the wider county.
Conversely, if the Council fails to secure an agreement with Anglian Water, there is a very real risk that this fossil will be relocated to a national museum in London. Such an outcome would result in the permanent loss of millions of pounds in potential regional tourism revenue. We must not allow short-term budget pressures to cheat our community out of a self-sustaining, long-term tourism asset.
I urge Rutland County Council to look past the immediate costs, recognise the long-term financial benefits, and commit to the necessary negotiations to bring our Sea Dragon to its rightful home at the Rutland County Museum.
Yours faithfully,
Martin Brookes
Mayor of Oakham.
Given the complexities involved, do you feel that the priority should be placed on the museum's curatorial standards, or should the fossil remain at the site where it was discovered to enhance the visitor experience at Rutland Water?
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Vital Lifeline Air Ambulance Activity Highlights Importance of Community Support in Oakham
Over the past few months, residents of Oakham have become increasingly familiar with a sight that is as impressive as it is serious the landing of an Air Ambulance. These specialised medical teams have been deployed to Rutland on several occasions recently, underscoring the vital role they play in our rural community's emergency response network.
The most recent mission took place just yesterday, drawing attention as the helicopter descended behind homes on Kilburn End in Oakham. The sight of the aircraft often serves as a stark reminder of the critical, time-sensitive nature of the work performed by these emergency responders. In an emergency, time is the single most important factor. For those suffering from life-threatening injuries or medical incidents in Rutland, the Air Ambulance provides rapid access to advanced clinical care that might otherwise be delayed by traffic or the distance to the nearest major trauma center. By bringing the hospital to the patient, these crews significantly improve outcomes for residents across the county.
While the Air Ambulance provides an essential service to the public, it is important to remember that they are not government-funded in the same way as traditional emergency services. The service relies almost entirely on the kindness and generosity of the public to remain operational. The cost of fuel, specialised medical equipment, and highly trained aviation and clinical staff is substantial, and every mission is made possible by those who donate their time, money, and support.
The service is a true community effort, and there are several ways you can contribute to ensuring this lifeline remains available. You can make a direct donation safely and quickly via the charity's official website, where even small, recurring monthly donations help the service plan for the future. Additionally, the organization operates numerous charity shops; by donating your pre-loved goods or shopping at these locations, you are directly funding future missions. Whether you choose to donate online, support a local shop, or host a fundraising event, your contribution is an investment in the safety and wellbeing of everyone living in Oakham and the surrounding Rutland area.
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