Here are just a few of the events and activities that I have been involved with during September
Music day in the Castle for Dementia UK
Professional musician, Harriet Flather arranged a ‘day of music’ in the Castle from 10 am – 4 pm. today. Harriet, who lives in Oakham, decided to run the day (this is the third year) to raise funds for Dementia UK that helps those suffering from dementia and their families, to manage this very challenging condition. Her own late grandmother suffered from the condition, so it is charity close to Harriet’s heart. Every 30 mins a new performance took place – singing, guitar, piano and of course harp playing from Harriet. Refreshments were provided by Kavanagh’s Tea room. What a great offering to the town on a Saturday – lovely to see people come and go and enjoy the music throughout the day. Very well done to Harriet and all who provided the music and the background assistance.
Music Festival at Wilds Lodge School
Today Wilds Lodge School held its Musical Festival from 10 am–2pm.. The event was held outside in their grounds and despite the forecast, the weather was kind throughout the day. A number of other schools from the locality were invited to join the day. There was a magnificent music stage outside where pupils from Wilds Lodge performed with their peers and teachers – a great way to showcase their skills and to build confidence. Additionally the grounds were filled with a range of interesting activities including graffiti art workshops, inflatable activities, dance, glitter face painting, badge making etc.. What a great array of experiences for all to enjoy.
Sunday 22ndSept. Justice Service in Bedfordshire
This afternoon it was great pleasure to attend the Justice Service for Bedfordshire in St Paul’s Church Bedford. There was a wonderful procession into the church with a fabulous trumpet Fanfare. It was a pleasure to join the High Sheriffs of Bedfordshire, Suffolk, Essex, Norfolk and Cambridgeshire in the procession along with officers from the Police and Fire services, and a number of Judges and magistrates. A very colourful line up! The Service was led by the Bishop of Bedford and some beautiful anthems were sung by the church choir. Afterwards we were treated to a delicious tea in the Corn Exchange which gave us a good opportunity to meet those living in the county. It was a great occasion to celebrate the good work of the judiciary and to mark the start of the new legal year.
Investiture of Lord Lieutenant’s and High Sheriff’s cadets
L to R: Bradie Smith, High Sheriff, PC Joe Lloyd, Finley O’Riordan
This evening at Casterton College the outgoing cadets to the Lord Lieutenant made speeches about their year and the new cadets were welcomed. It was a real treat to hear the young outgoing cadets talk with such enthusiasm and confidence about their year and their time with the cadets – they are great role models for new cadets. I was invited by the Lord Lieutenant to say farewell to my Police cadet , Finley O’Riordan and welcome my new Police Cadet, Bradie Smith. Finley has been a first class cadet to me – he has helped at many occasions and is always interested to talk with others about his experiences in the cadets. On completion of his A levels next year , he hopes to gain a place on a police training course – I wish him all the very best. Bradie, who is in the same Police Cadet unit as Finley in Melton Mowbray will also be an admirable police cadet for me and I look forward to working with her. After the presentations, the Air Cadets gave a splendid display of marching, whilst the army cadet band played some rousing musical pieces. The staff from the various local cadet units had stands at the event and shared some of the activities that a cadet can take part in. A really great evening that showcased the excellent benefits of being a cadet. It was great to be joined by PC Joe Lloyd from Oakham ,to support our two Police cadets.
Rutland Mobile Library
This morning I joined the Mobile Library with Martin Radley. The library visits every village in Rutland (and a few Primary schools) every fortnight. There is a choice of books, audio books, DVDs as well as ‘what’s on’ literature for the area. Reading, or listening to books brings great joy to many and enables us to have a bigger view of the world. This is a great service for us to offer in Rutland, especially to those who have difficulty travelling into libraries. Well done to Martin for managing this service for 12 years and for being so knowledgeable on the reading preferences of many of his customers. A great personal service.
Reception hosted by Brigadier Tom Bewick OBE, Desert Rats at Kendrew Barracks
This evening we were hosted to a reception at Kendrew Barracks by Brigadier Tom Bewick OBE and The Desert Rats. They have recently returned to Rutland and this reception was an opportunity for them to re-introduce themselves to Rutland. As always, this military reception was beautifully arranged with delightful hosts, keen to talk about their roles and lives ….as well as some delicious canapes. The evening was completed with an impressive Drum Band who played in the dark with luminous drum sticks !
Saturday 14th Ride and Stride
Today Robert and I took part in Rutland’s Ride & Stride, where the aim is to visit churches within the county and raise funds for the restoration and maintenance of our historic churches. We had decided that as High Sheriff, I should cycle around the perimeter of the county – which totalled approximately 64 miles and visited 23 churches. Details of the cycle and pictures can be seen under ‘Events’ on this site here.
East Midlands Ambulance Service
Today I joined Tina and Tony on their 6.30 am – 6.30 pm shift from Oakham. It was really interesting to see how their day unfolds – and of course no two days are the same. We treated patients located in Loughborough , Oakham and Barrowden, resulting in visits to Leicester and Peterborough hospitals. They are trained and resourced with kit, to treat and take a number of tests with patients on-site and so make decisions as to their next move. They were a great crew who treat their patients and their partners with great care, efficiency and good humour. It was a privilege to spend the day with the team and to see and hear about the challenges that they face .
Wed 11th Beating the Retreat
Tonight the annual Beating Retreat was held in the Market Place at Oakham. It was a wonderful occasion and a real delight to watch the British Army Band Colchester ‘in action’ under the Rutland sunshine on a beautiful September evening. This event is run by the ABF (Army Benevolent Fund or Soldiers’ Charity) to help serving and retired soldiers and their families. The salute was taken by the Lord Lieutenant of Rutland, Dr Sarah Furness accompanied by the Lord Lieutenant of Leicestershire, Mr Mike Kapur OBE, President ABF, The Soldiers’ Charity, Leicestershire and Rutland. It was great to see so many locals and tourists in the market square supporting this traditional event.
Rutland Armed Forces Day
A wonderful family day was organised by the Lord Lieutenant of Rutland and Oakham Town Council in Cutts Close. Military personnel and their families, together with those in the civilian community and veterans, enjoyed a great day in the September sunshine. There was a range of entertainment: a brass band, Military association stalls, Tug of War, Punch and Judy, Military bikers, food and drink stalls. A great occasion for people to socialise and relax. Congratulations to all involved in organising this first party.
Magic Table launch at Rutland Care Village
Today we joined the Rutland Lions club at Rutland Care Village, as they launched their Magic Table. This product was developed in Holland and Julie Rolland (when President of the Lions Club) ran the project to raise funds to purchase and install this in the Care Village. The magic table (Tovertafel) displays moving images on a plain square table below that people can then touch and create a reaction eg. make a moving bubble burst with sound. We saw it ‘in action’ with a number of the residents sitting around this table. It has many very positive features including the fact that residents sit together around a table and interact with one another through the table activities. I was privileged to ‘cut the ribbon’ to launch the product and delighted to meet and talk with the residents who seemed to enjoy their new game and take part with enthusiasm. Huge thanks to the Rutland Lions Club for making this happen and to Piotr Batory (Manager) for hosting our visit at the launch.
Reception at RAF Wittering with Group Captain Jo Lincoln MBE
This evening we were delighted to attend the Annual Reception at RAF Wittering, hosted by the new Group Captain, Jo Lincoln MBE. There were many stands and displays around the hangar where we could find out more about the work of the different sections in the RAF. All personnel were delightful and talked with great enthusiasm about their work. Many live far away from their homes and families for long periods of time, which can pose demanding challenges on them. It was especially good to meet a couple of new officer recruits who were achieving their dream of learning to fly with the RAF. We were also treated to a magnificent marching band just before sunset. A great evening and a wonderful way to learn more about the activities of our RAF personnel.
Tuesday 3rdSeptember. Merchant Navy Day – raising the flag
3rd September is Merchant Navy Day – on this day we honour the brave men and women who kept our ‘island nation’ afloat during both World Wars. We celebrate our dependence on modern day merchant seafarers who are responsible for 95% of the UK’s imports, including half the food we eat, plenty of the fuel we burn and virtually all the products and goods we take for granted! The Red Ensign flag (known as the Red Duster) was raised by Captain Bob Strick, at the flagpole outside Oakham library. Our Lord Lieutenant, Dr Sarah Furness spoke about the great work of the Merchant Navy and we then enjoyed coffee at the Museum, provided by Age UK, Leicestershire.
Sunday 1stSeptember. Junior Park Run 1st Birthday
Today the Junior Park Run at Rutland Water celebrated its 1stbirthday. Over 100 youngsters (age 4 – 14) ran the 3 km route alongside the water, encouraged on by volunteers posted along the way. This great event takes place every Sunday at 9 am and is managed by a dedicated group of adult volunteers and young volunteers too. Runners have their own personal times recorded and gain wrist bands to celebrate when they have run the equivalent of a half and full marathon. I was delighted to be able to present a few of these wrist bands today, before the pre -run warm-up began. Runners of all ages, experience and speeds took to the course with enthusiasm and today celebrated with cake at the final post. This is a great way to help youngsters to keep fit in both body and mind – exercise, fresh air, beautiful countryside and socialising time too. Why not join in ? Details here.
Also delighted to meet founder of the charity Anna’s Hope that helps the rehabilitation of children with brain tumours. They are running a 5km Fun Run for children, within the Perkins Great Eastern Run on 13 October.
The High Sheriff of Rutland 