Honouring the Fallen: Rutland’s Poppy Appeal and Remembrance Events

Honouring the Fallen, Rutland’s Poppy Appeal and Remembrance Events

Rutland is preparing to observe a series of solemn and celebratory events as part of the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal and annual acts of Remembrance. With its significant military population—one in five residents having a personal or family connection to the Armed Forces—these commemorations hold a particularly deep resonance for the county.

A Festival of Remembrance to Launch the Appeal

The commemorative events kick off with the Rutland Festival of Remembrance, organised by the Lord Lieutenant of Rutland, Dr Sarah Furness

• Date and Time: Friday, November 7th. Reception at 6.30pm, with the concert starting at 7.30pm.

• Location: Rutland Hall Hotel Pavilion, Barnsdale, LE15 8AB.

• Details: The evening of music and reflection will feature performances from Rutland's secondary schools and The Cottesmore Military Wives Choir.

• Tickets: All profits will be donated to the Rutland Branch of the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal. Tickets can be purchased online at: https://www.eventcreate.com/e/rutland-festival-of-remembrance-concert?uid=db5a3e8c-0ce4-480e-82b0-4bbf2896648c.

Music for Remembrance

The weekend continues with a poignant concert featuring the talents of local musicians.

• Event: Rutland Concert Band’s 'Music for Remembrance'

• Date and Time: Saturday, November 8th, from 7.30pm.

• Location: All Saints’ Church, Church Street, Oakham, LE15 6AA.

• Details: The concert will include a guest appearance by award-winning soprano Katie Marshall.

• Tickets: Proceeds will be donated to the Poppy Appeal. Tickets are £5 on the door.

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Remembrance Sunday in Oakham

Sunday, November 9th, will see the county unite for its official acts of remembrance.

• Remembrance Sunday Silence: Oakham Town Council will lead the marking of the Two Minutes Silence at Oakham's War Memorial, located in the All Saints Church Yard. Since 1919, on the second Sunday of November, otherwise known as Remembrance Sunday, a two minute silence has been observed at 11am at war memorials, cenotaphs, religious services and shopping centres throughout the country.

• County Service and Parade: The Rutland public service of Remembrance will take place at 2.30pm in All Saints’ Church, Oakham.

  • The parade, featuring members of the armed forces, veterans, cadets, scouts, guides, and voluntary organisations, will step off at 2pm from Oakham Castle, marching along High Street to the church.

  • The church service will conclude with a solemn wreath-laying ceremony.

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Armistice Day Service

The commemorations will conclude on Armistice Day itself, marking the exact moment the guns fell silent.

• Date and Time: Tuesday, November 11th, at 10.50am.

• Location: Grounds of Oakham Castle.

• Details: A short Service of Remembrance will be conducted by Venerable John Ellis CB, former chaplain-in-chief to the Royal Air Force, and will include a minute’s silence at 11am. Military units and veterans will be present.

Messages of Support

Dr Furness highlighted the significance of the period, stating: “Remembrance is particularly important in our county, with its large serving military population and large military veteran population. Our events will be a fitting tribute to all those who have and continue to serve our country and keep us secure.”

Coun David Wilby, Rutland County Council’s armed forces champion, urged public attendance: “I hope that many of you can support this year’s Poppy Appeal and attend some of the events taking place in Rutland to recognise the huge sacrifices made by so many during wars and conflicts on our behalf.”

How to Support the Poppy Appeal:

To find out more about the work of the Royal British Legion or to volunteer to help with the local Poppy Appeal, you can contact the Leicestershire & Rutland branch of the Royal British Legion. https://counties.britishlegion.org.uk/counties/leicestershire-rutland/

The Oakham Branch of the British Legion is selling Poppies all this week at Tesco.