The Art of the Flame, Genevieve Taylor Brings Live-Fire Mastery to Rutland Nursery, 19 May 2026

The Art of the Flame, Genevieve Taylor Brings Live-Fire Mastery to Rutland Nursery

On the 19 May 2026, the courtyard at Rutland Nursery will transform into a sanctuary for culinary enthusiasts and fire-starters alike. This exclusive "golden hour" event welcomes Genevieve Taylor, one of the UK’s most formidable authorities on outdoor cooking, for an evening dedicated to the primal and sophisticated art of the flame. Celebrating her seminal work, How to BBQ  The Definitive Guide to Fire Cooking, the event promises to bridge the gap between simple backyard grilling and professional-grade live-fire expertise.

Genevieve Taylor’s influence on the British food scene is profound. With fourteen books to her name and over two decades of experience, she has become the go-to mentor for those looking to move beyond burnt sausages and embrace flavor-led, technical outdoor cookery. At the heart of the evening is a live demonstration and talk where Genevieve will pull back the curtain on the techniques taught at her renowned Bristol Fire School. Attendees will gain a rare, hands-on look at her philosophy, learning how to manage heat, smoke, and timing to elevate everyday ingredients into extraordinary meals.

The atmosphere is designed to be as enriching as the education. Upon arrival at 6:30pm, guests will be greeted with a complimentary glass of wine and a selection of nibbles specifically curated from the recipes within How to BBQ. This social opening sets the stage for the main event at 7:00pm an engaging demonstration followed by a candid Q&A session where no question is too technical or too basic. Whether you are lighting a charcoal chimney for the first time or are a seasoned pitmaster looking to refine your temperature control, the evening offers universal appeal.

Adding a thrill of competition to the night, Rutland Nursery has partnered with YETI for an exclusive giveaway. In a nod to Roald Dahl, three "golden tickets" will be hidden within copies of Genevieve’s book purchased either in advance or during the signing session. The lucky finders will walk away with a YETI Roadie 15 Cool Box in ‘Rescue Red’, a piece of kit as rugged and reliable as the fire-cooking techniques being showcased.

Tickets are available at two tiers: a £25 entry that covers the talk, demo, and refreshments, or a £50 full experience package. The latter ensures you leave with the tools for success: a copy of How to BBQ and a limited edition YETI Rambler 8oz Travel Bottle in ‘King Crab’. As the event concludes around 9:30pm, guests will depart not just with signed books, but with the confidence to master the coals in their own gardens.

Secure your tickets at the Rutland Nursery Booking Portal: https://tickets.rutlandnursery.co.uk/event-tickets/77078?branches.branchID=3751

For More News, Jobs, What's On, Discover Oakham and More Visit: https://oakhamandrutlandnews.co.uk/

Rutland Council to Review Financial Strategy Amid Global Economic Turbulence

Rutland to Review Financial Strategy Amid Global Economic Turbulence

Cllr Christine Wise, Leader of Rutland County Council (Middle)

Rutland County Council has announced an urgent assessment of its financial planning as global economic shocks threaten to destabilise local budgets. The move comes in response to the recent escalation of conflict between the US and Iran, an event that has sent ripples through the international economy and disrupted global trade.

While the Council’s latest annual budget was finalized just before the geopolitical situation intensified, the rapid fallout—including a sharp rise in fuel and energy costs has rendered previous forecasts obsolete. International forecasters, including the IMF, now warn that inflation could spike to between 3.5% and 4%, doubling the 2% rate originally anticipated by the Council.

The Council currently manages a Gross Revenue Budget of £107 million, which funds essential day-to-day services such as social care, waste collection, and public transport. Additionally, its £55 million Capital Programme oversees long-term investments in highway maintenance and community infrastructure.

Speaking at a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, 14 April, Council Leader Christine Wise warned that the rising cost of goods and materials is already being felt across supply chains, putting these vital funds at risk.

"Recent events on the world stage have the potential to increase the costs that we incur when delivering local services," Leader Wise stated. "It could also inflate our Capital Programme costs to the point where they not only exceed original budgets but also exhaust contingency funds. Unless carefully managed, this could have a knock-on impact on our wider budget position and financial health."

The Council is particularly concerned about construction and building projects that have not yet broken ground. These projects are highly susceptible to the fluctuating prices of raw materials and labor. Leader Wise emphasised that the Council must determine if these projects remain affordable in their current form or if adjustments are required to protect the taxpayer.

"We need to act responsibly and exert maximum control over capital projects where we can manage costs down," she added, noting that unlike capital projects, the Council has little control over external pressures like national pay awards or the rising demand for care services. "We need to take extra care with our budget and keep applying the principles of financial caution and common sense."

The Council’s proactive approach will be detailed in two upcoming reports. A review specifically examining the impact on the Capital Investment Programme is scheduled for the Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, 12 May 2026. This will be followed by a separate assessment in July focusing on the broader Revenue Budget.

Residents and interested parties can track the progress of these financial reviews and view upcoming reports by visiting the Council’s official portal at: www.rutland.gov.uk/meetings.

For More News, Jobs, What's On, Discover Oakham and More Visit: https://oakhamandrutlandnews.co.uk/

Rutland’s Green Revolution, 90 Tonnes of Food Waste Diverted in Just Two Weeks

Rutland’s Green Revolution, 90 Tonnes of Food Waste Diverted in Just Two Weeks

The residents of Rutland have proven that small changes at the kitchen sink can lead to massive results for the planet. Following the launch of a new dedicated food waste service, Rutland County Council has successfully diverted nearly 90 tonnes of leftover and unused food from the incinerator in only fourteen days.

The service officially commenced on Monday, 30 March 2026, and the response was immediate. Waste crews gathered an impressive 9 tonnes on the very first day of operation. By the end of the second week, the total volume reached 89.92 tonnes a figure that represents the approximate weight of seven double-decker buses. This surge in participation highlights a significant community appetite for more sustainable waste management practices.

Councillor Oliver Hemsley, Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, praised the community’s efforts, noting that the sheer volume collected proves the service was both necessary and timely. He emphasised that this waste is now being used to produce green energy rather than being wasted in an incinerator. Beyond the immediate environmental benefits, Hemsley noted that the visibility of the waste might serve as a wake-up call for households, helping residents realise exactly how much food they throw away and encouraging them to cut down on waste at the source.

The shift is as much about fiscal responsibility as it is about environmental stewardship. Food waste is notoriously heavy and contains a high water content, which makes it exceptionally expensive to transport and burn as general household waste. By removing these organics from standard black bins and transitioning to smaller 140-litre wheelie bins, the Council forecasts a reduction in disposal costs of approximately £253,000 per year. These savings are vital for ensuring the Council remains financially sustainable while simultaneously reducing harmful emissions associated with incineration.

To maintain this momentum, the Council is reminding residents to use only compostable or biodegradable bags within their caddies to avoid contaminating the waste stream. Officials are also using this success to push for a broader commitment to recycling, encouraging the community to be equally diligent with paper, glass, plastic, and cardboard.

As Rutland settles into this new routine, the early data suggests a landmark success. By transforming "rubbish" into a resource for renewable energy, the county is taking a definitive step toward a greener, more cost-effective future. For those looking for more details on how to optimise their recycling habits, the Council provides comprehensive guides and information at www.rutland.gov.uk/recycling.

For More News, Jobs, What's On, Discover Oakham and More Visit: https://oakhamandrutlandnews.co.uk/ 

Vinyl Fever Hits Oakham Fans Queue Overnight for Record Store Day 2026 at Rocka-Buy Records

 Vinyl Fever Hits Oakham Fans Queue Overnight for Record Store Day 2026 at Rocka-Buy Records

The digital age may be in full swing, but you wouldn’t have known it at 8:00 AM this morning on Mill Street, Oakham, Rutland. As the doors swung open at Rocka-Buy Records at The Maltings of Mill Street Oakham, a crowd stretched well around the corner, marking the official start of Record Store Day 2026.

For the dedicated "crate-diggers" of the county, today isn't just about shopping; it’s a test of endurance. While many arrived in the early morning mist, the front of the line was occupied by a group of die-hards who had been camped out for over 24 hours. Armed with camping chairs, blankets, and a shared passion for limited-edition vinyl, these superfans braved the April chill to ensure they got their hands on the year's most anticipated exclusive releases.

The Crown Tavern a nearby pub, became a makeshift headquarters for waiting fans. Visitors have been ducking in all morning to enjoy breakfast rolls and hot drinks, keeping the spirits high as the line slowly moved towards the store.

Smash It Burgers for those planning to stick around for the afternoon sets and the social buzz, the popular food truck will be setting up shop right outside later today, serving up their signature burgers to the hungry masses.

"It’s about the hunt," said one local collector who had been in line since yesterday afternoon. "You can stream anything, but holding a physical copy of a Record Store Day exclusive knowing there are only a few hundred in the country that’s special. Plus, the vibe here is unmatched."

Rocka-Buy Records has become a cornerstone of the local music scene, and today’s turnout proves that the "vinyl revival" isn't just a trend.

If you’re looking to snag a rare press or simply want to soak up the atmosphere, head down to Mill Street. The music is spinning, the burgers are on their way, and the community spirit is louder than ever.

Vinyl Fever Grips Oakham, Rocka-Buy Records Prepares for Massive Record Store Day 2026

People are waiting with anticipation as a local store prepares for the return of Record Store Day (RSD) 2026 this Saturday, April 18th. 

For music purists and casual listeners alike, RSD is the ultimate annual celebration of independent record shop culture, bringing hundreds of exclusive, limited-edition vinyl releases to the shelves of local favorites like Rocka-Buy Records, Oakham.

Jay

The excitement is already  intense at The Maltings, where the dedicated "first-in-line" has already claimed his territory. Jay, a veteran collector, has been camped outside the shop for nearly 20 hours, ensuring he has the first pick of this year's rarest pressings. His marathon wait highlights the growing prestige of the event; last year, the sheer volume of fans caused the queue to stretch entirely out of The Maltings and all the way along Mill Street. With the 2026 list featuring some of the most sought-after titles in years, the shop is bracing for an even larger crowd when the doors officially swing open at 6:00 AM.

Rocka-Buy Records is doing more than just selling vinyl; they’ve curated a full festival atmosphere to keep the crowds fueled and comfortable. In a brilliant neighborhood collaboration, the shop has partnered with The Crown Tavern and Smashing It Burgers to ensure no one goes hungry. Early birds can look forward to hot coffee and bacon rolls in the morning, while the bar and facilities at the Tavern will be open throughout the day. For those staying for the long haul, Smashing It Burgers will be serving up their signature patties from 4:00 PM onwards. Attendees are encouraged to simply follow the signs from the record shop to the Crown Tavern on Crown Walk to join the festivities.

For those looking to plan their visit or browse the shop’s extensive catalog of new and used gems, Rocka-Buy maintains a strong digital presence. You can find more information or get in touch via the following channels:

Website: www.rockabuyrecords.co.uk

Social Media: Follow them on Facebook and Instagram at @rockabuyrecords

Contact: 07932 776159

Location: The Maltings, Mill St, Oakham LE15 6EA (Follow signs to The Crown Tavern, Crown Walk, Oakham, LE15 6BZ)

The list for Record Store Day 2026 is one of the most diverse in years, featuring over 400 exclusive releases. While the full list is extensive, here are some of the most anticipated titles that collectors like Jay are likely hunting for this Saturday:

High-Profile Exclusives

Olivia Dean: BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge (UK Ambassador Release)

Taylor Swift: A special RSD exclusive (title details often kept under tight wraps until the day)

David Bowie: 1966 (Special vinyl edition)

Blur: Live At The Budokan (2xLP)

The Cure: Exclusive anniversary or live pressing

Paramore: All We Know Is Falling (Special Anniversary Edition)

Bruno Mars: Bruno Mars & Friends / The Collaborations (LP)

Rock & Alternative Highlights

Black Sabbath: Seventh Star (LP)

Bring Me The Horizon: Lo-Files (2xLP)

Suede: Exclusive RSD release

The Who: A Quick One (Special edition)

Sex Pistols: Limited RSD pressing

Motörhead: MOTORHEAD (Special edition)

Pop, Soul & Soundtracks

Ariana Grande & Cynthia Erivo: Wicked: One Wonderful Night (Live) – The Soundtrack (2xLP)

Niall Horan & The RTÉ Concert Orchestra: Flicker (Live)

Cyberpunk 2077 (Angel of Man): RONIN (LP Soundtrack)

Bluey: Up Here (LP)

Annie Lennox: Live In Central Park (2xLP)

Jazz & Rarities

Bill Evans: At The BBC - The Complete 1965 London Sets (2xLP)

Ahmad Jamal: Live at the Jazz Showcase (2xLP)

13th Floor Elevators: We Are Not Live (LP)

Note to Collectors: These titles are strictly limited and sold on a first-come, first-served basis. Because Rocka-Buy Records is an independent shop, they may not carry every single title on the 400+ list, so it's always best to check their social media for specific stock arrivals.

For the absolute full list of all 400+ titles including labels and formats, you can view the official PDF guide at RecordStoreDay.co.uk.

For More News, Jobs, What's On, Discover Oakham and More Visit: https://oakhamandrutlandnews.co.uk/