Oakham Rutland and Rutland News Martin Brookes

Friday, October 16, 2026

Taking Rutland to the Heart of London "Rutland On Tour" Heading to Whitehall

Rutland is preparing to make a big impression in the capital next month.

On Wednesday morning, 18 November, the "Rutland On Tour" showcase will take place in Whitehall, London.

The initiative brings together local performers, community organisations, and businesses from across the county to demonstrate the very best of what Rutland has to offer.

The event sees tourism body Discover Rutland team up with local station Rutland & Stamford Sound to champion the county’s rich heritage, local talent, and thriving enterprise.

Attending the heart of government in London, representatives from across Rutland will join forces to showcase its unique culture, scenic appeal, local food and produce, and vibrant community spirit.
The timing of Rutland On Tour comes as the county's future local government structure is under review.

While those discussions remain temporarily paused, organisers emphasise that the Whitehall event is designed as a positive, inclusive, and non-party political celebration of Rutland’s identity and place in the region.

Event: Rutland On Tour

Date: Wednesday, 18 November 2026

Location: Whitehall, London

Key partners: Discover Rutland and Rutland & Stamford Sound

Participants: Local businesses, community groups, and performers

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

https://www.oakhamandrutlandnews.com/discoveroakham

Discover Oakham Northgate Oakham Rutland

https://www.oakhamandrutlandnews.com/northgateoakham

Oakham And Rutland What's On Guide

https://www.oakhamandrutlandnews.com/OakhamandRutlandWhatsOn

Rutland Christmas

https://www.oakhamandrutlandnews.com/rutlandchristmas

Oakham and Rutland Sports and Fitness Events News

https://www.oakhamandrutlandnews.com/rutland-sports-and-fitness

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

https://www.oakhamandrutlandnews.com/OakhamandRutlandLGBTQ

Road Closures Rutland Highways

https://www.oakhamandrutlandnews.com/RutlandTravelUpdates

Discover Opportunities with

Oakham And Rutland News

Job Vacancies Oakham Rutland

https://www.oakhamandrutlandnews.com/jobs

Oakham Town Council Welcomes Two New Members Following Co-Option

Oakham Town Council filled two of its vacant seats during its meeting last night, welcoming Melanie Palmer and Anya O'Donnell to the council.

The new appointments bring the council significantly closer to full capacity, leaving only one seat vacant.

Melanie Palmer (North East Ward), Returning to the council chamber with extensive local government experience, she has a strong history of local volunteering, including roles with Girl Guides, Oakham in Bloom. Her priorities as a councillor include responsible financial stewardship, supporting local independent traders, championing staff wellbeing, and helping the council rebuild public confidence.

Anya O'Donnell (Oakham North West Ward), A recent graduate in Biological Sciences from Oxford Brookes University, Anya works locally. Having grown up nearby and living in Barleythorpe, she brings committee experience from representing her class on her university council. Her community involvement includes playing tennis and joining the Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust, with a keen focus on representing younger people and newcomers to the town.

Expressing his satisfaction with the evening's appointments, the Chairman of the council commented

"I am very pleased we have now reached the point that all but one of the councils seats are full. Melanie who was a temporary admin assistant employed by the council for a year will bring so much to the council. Anya a former oakham school pupil is possibly the youngest person to join the council and I believe it is important to have membership from all the community we represent."

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

https://www.oakhamandrutlandnews.com/discoveroakham

Discover Oakham Northgate Oakham Rutland

https://www.oakhamandrutlandnews.com/northgateoakham

Oakham And Rutland What's On Guide

https://www.oakhamandrutlandnews.com/OakhamandRutlandWhatsOn

Rutland Christmas

https://www.oakhamandrutlandnews.com/rutlandchristmas

Oakham and Rutland Sports and Fitness Events News

https://www.oakhamandrutlandnews.com/rutland-sports-and-fitness

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

https://www.oakhamandrutlandnews.com/OakhamandRutlandLGBTQ

Road Closures Rutland Highways

https://www.oakhamandrutlandnews.com/RutlandTravelUpdates

Discover Opportunities with

Oakham And Rutland News

Job Vacancies Oakham Rutland

https://www.oakhamandrutlandnews.com/jobs

Uppingham Road Improvements Completed Ahead of Schedule

Major resurfacing works along London Road in Uppingham have been successfully completed ahead of schedule as part of Rutland County Council’s ongoing investment in the county's highways network.

The scheme, which involved completely removing the old road surface, laying new surfacing, and reinstating clear road markings, was carried out overnight to minimise disruption to local residents and businesses. Initially planned to run over a two-week period from 28 September to 9 October, the team wrapped up operations a day earlier than scheduled. Additional road marking work is also being carried out elsewhere across the town and is nearing completion.

The London Road project represents one of several major highway improvement schemes delivered through Rutland County Council’s latest highways capital programme.
Speaking on the successful delivery, Councillor Oliver Hemsley, Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, said:

"It's great to see this important resurfacing scheme completed ahead of schedule. It’s a massive improvement to one of Uppingham's key routes, benefitting residents, businesses and visitors to the town.
"We're now halfway through this year's highways capital programme, which has already delivered extensive improvements to roads and highway infrastructure across Rutland. By the end of 2026/27, we’ll have completed around eight kilometres of road resurfacing across the county. However, the capital programme is about much more than resurfacing. We're also investing in pothole repairs, footpath upgrades and verge maintenance, as well as major drainage schemes that will help to reduce the risk of flooding on our roads.”

Councillor Hemsley also noted that more work is planned for the county's road network, with further updates expected in the coming weeks and months.

Rutland County Council has made maintaining and upgrading the local road network a major priority, backed by an overall investment of £6.9 million in revenue and capital funding to ensure safer, more reliable journeys.

Plan Ahead for Roadworks: You can stay updated on future roadworks, closures, and temporary traffic control measures directly on the council's dedicated page:

Rutland Roadworks & Closures Information

Report Road Defects: In addition to planned maintenance, the council actively responds to emerging road defects. Residents can report potholes, damaged surface areas, or other maintenance issues using the

FixMyStreet Rutland Portal

or via the FixMyStreet mobile app.

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

https://www.oakhamandrutlandnews.com/discoveroakham

Discover Oakham Northgate Oakham Rutland

https://www.oakhamandrutlandnews.com/northgateoakham

Oakham And Rutland What's On Guide

https://www.oakhamandrutlandnews.com/OakhamandRutlandWhatsOn

Rutland Christmas

https://www.oakhamandrutlandnews.com/rutlandchristmas

Oakham and Rutland Sports and Fitness Events News

https://www.oakhamandrutlandnews.com/rutland-sports-and-fitness

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

https://www.oakhamandrutlandnews.com/OakhamandRutlandLGBTQ

Road Closures Rutland Highways

https://www.oakhamandrutlandnews.com/RutlandTravelUpdates

Discover Opportunities with

Oakham And Rutland News

Job Vacancies Oakham Rutland

https://www.oakhamandrutlandnews.com/jobs

Get Ready for Festive Magic, Oakham Town Centre’s Christmas Lights Switch On Event.

The festive season is officially around the corner, and Oakham is preparing to kick off the Christmas in grand style.

Residents and visitors alike are invited to gather in Oakham Town Centre for the annual Christmas Lights Switch-On, set to bring warmth, cheer, and sparkle to the heart of Rutland.

Date: Sunday, 22nd November

Time: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Location: Oakham Town Centre

Organisers: Oakham Town Council

The High Street and Market Place will be closed to traffic all day.

Festive Fun for the Whole Family Running from midday until 5:00 PM, the event promises a afternoon packed with holiday entertainment and activities suitable for all ages.

Visitors can look forward to: The Lions Club of Rutland Santa’s Sleigh. A special appearance that is sure to delight the little ones.

Family Entertainment & Fair Rides, Amusements, including a bouncy castle and fairground rides to keep children entertained throughout the afternoon.

Delicious Food & Drink: Festive treats, warm beverages, and local food stalls to keep everyone cosy.

Seasonal Shopping: Plenty of opportunities to browse stalls and local shops to find unique gifts for loved ones.

Community Thanks Oakham Town Council has extended a special thank you to Rutland Nursery for generously donating this year’s stunning Christmas tree, which will serve as the centerpiece of the town's Christmas display.

Sponsor: Rutland Nursery (Garden Centre, Lifestyle Shop & Restaurant)

Address: Lyndon Road, Manton, Rutland, LE15 8RN

Mark your calendars for Sunday, 22nd November, and gather your family and friends in Oakham Town Centre to welcome the Christmas season together.

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

https://www.oakhamandrutlandnews.com/discoveroakham

Discover Oakham Northgate Oakham Rutland

https://www.oakhamandrutlandnews.com/northgateoakham

Oakham And Rutland What's On Guide

https://www.oakhamandrutlandnews.com/OakhamandRutlandWhatsOn

Rutland Christmas

https://www.oakhamandrutlandnews.com/rutlandchristmas

Oakham and Rutland Sports and Fitness Events News

https://www.oakhamandrutlandnews.com/rutland-sports-and-fitness

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