Celebrating a Century Rutland to Mark the 100th Birthday of Her Late Queen Elizabeth II, Tuesday, April 21st, 2026

Celebrating a Century Rutland to Mark the 100th Birthday of Her Late Queen Elizabeth II

Residents of Rutland are invited to gather for a occasion this April as the county pays tribute to the enduring legacy of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. To celebrate what would have been her 100th birthday, His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Rutland, Dr. Sarah Furness PhD, will host a commemorative ceremony in the heart of Oakham.

The ceremony will be a brief but poignant reflection on the life and service of the late monarch, held at the site of the UK's first permanent memorial to her.

Date: Tuesday, April 21st, 2026

Time: 11:45 AM

Location: The Queen Elizabeth II Statue, Library Gardens, Oakham

The choice of location is particularly significant. The statue in Oakham’s Library Gardens, commissioned by Dr. Furness and funded through public donations, depicts a young Queen Elizabeth II in her robes of state, accompanied by her beloved corgis. It has quickly become a landmark of local pride and a symbol of the deep affection the people of Rutland held for the late Queen.

Dr. Sarah Furness has served as the personal representative of the Monarch in Rutland since 2018. As Lord-Lieutenant, she bridges the gap between the Crown and the community, supporting local charities, businesses, and civic life.

Her PhD and background in academia bring a thoughtful, measured approach to her role, which she has used to champion several community initiatives, most notably the creation of the memorial where this centenary celebration will take place.

Members of the public are encouraged to attend the short ceremony to share in this historic milestone. No formal tickets are required for the gathering at the gardens.

For further information or inquiries regarding the Lord-Lieutenancy’s work, you may contact the office at:

Office of the Lord-Lieutenant of Rutland, The Old Vicarage, Station Road, Whissendine, RUTLAND LE15 7HG

Email: rutlandlordlieutenant@gmail.com

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

Today, March 31, 2026, marks International Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV).

Rutland Marks Transgender Day of Visibility 2026
By Martin Brookes March 31, 2026

Today marks International Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV), a global event dedicated to celebrating transgender and non-binary people while raising awareness of the work still needed to achieve full equality.

Unlike many awareness days that focus on hardship and loss, TDOV highlights achievement, resilience and the importance of simply being seen. Founded in 2009, it was created to provide a positive counterpart to November’s Transgender Day of Remembrance, which honours those lost to anti-trans violence.

For many transgender people, visibility is powerful. Living openly can challenge misconceptions and help foster greater understanding within communities. For others who may not yet feel able to share their identity, seeing people live authentically offers hope and reassurance that they are not alone.

Support Available Across Rutland

Despite being England’s smallest county, Rutland offers a range of support for LGBTQ+ residents:

LGBTQ+ Youth Rutland, run by Rutland County Council, provides a safe and confidential space for young people aged 13–18. Sessions are divided by school years, allowing young people to socialise and express themselves freely.
Contact: ypservices@rutland.gov.uk

The Leicestershire LGBTQ+ Centre remains a key regional hub, offering counselling, support groups and health services for transgender and non-binary people across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.
Contact: 0116 254 7412

Opening Doors supports LGBTQ+ people aged 50 and over, helping to reduce isolation and encourage community connections.

Local GP practices and the Rutland Information Service also provide guidance on gender identity healthcare and wellbeing resources.

Local Recognition and Action

Rutland organisations are marking TDOV with a renewed focus on inclusion and support.

Rutland County Council has reiterated its commitment to ensuring that “no group or individual is marginalised or ignored” as part of its Future Rutland vision. The council continues to promote its youth services as a vital resource for young people exploring their identity.

Healthcare providers across the county are also taking steps forward. Many GP surgeries have adopted updated Gender Identity Toolkits, helping staff provide respectful and inclusive care.

Practices including Oakham Medical Practice, Empingham Medical Centre, Uppingham Surgery, and the Market Overton and Somerby surgeries are working within regional guidelines to ensure patients are treated with dignity, including the use of correct names and pronouns.

How Residents Can Show Support

Residents are encouraged to mark the day through small but meaningful acts of allyship.

This can include adding pronouns to email signatures, challenging discriminatory language, supporting inclusive initiatives, or simply taking time to learn more about transgender experiences.

As campaigners often stress, visibility is not only about being seen—it is about being understood and respected.

For more: 

LGBTQ+ News please Visit  Oakham and Rutland News LGBTQ+ Page Click Here.

London Trans+ Pride to Paint the Capital Pink and Blue for Eighth Consecutive Year

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

 

The Rutland Round-Up, The Weekly Digest: Friday, March 27, 2026, Political Shake-up, Council Tax, Waste Revolution, Police Appeal and Maya Returns

The Rutland Round-Up The Weekly Digest: Friday, March 27, 2026

It has been a landmark week for the nation’s smallest county. From a dramatic shift in local leadership to a long-awaited overhaul of our waste systems, Rutland is entering the spring season with a fresh face and a new sense of direction.

Political Shake-up New Leader at the Helm

The most significant news of the week came from Catmose, where Councillor Christine Wise (Liberal Democrat) was officially elected as the new Leader of Rutland County Council. The vote took place on Thursday evening, following the resignation of Councillor Gale Waller.

Coun. Waller, who led the council for three years, stepped down noting that she does not intend to stand in the 2027 elections. Those elections will be a pivotal moment for the county as it prepares to navigate the government's proposed local government reorganisation. Read More

In her first address, Coun. Wise, a former maths teacher and Uppingham resident, promised a leadership style that "listens and shares," acknowledging that the next two years will be "local government but not as we know it."

Conservative leader Lucy Stephenson expressed concerns, voting against the new "coalition administration" of Lib Dems and Independents, calling for "robust and experienced leadership" during these financially precarious times. Read More

Council Tax Rutland Drops Down the Rankings

In a rare piece of positive financial news, Rutland has shed its long-held title as the highest-charging authority in England.

According to official government data released this week for the 2026/27 period, Rutland has dropped to 8th place nationally. While still above the national average, the council’s decision to freeze general Council Tax—applying only a 2% precept for Adult Social Care—contrasts with the 5% increases seen in most other English authorities. Residents will see a modest monthly increase of roughly £3.70 for a Band D property. Read More

Waste Revolution Food Caddies Arrive

Residents across Oakham, Uppingham, and the villages are bracing for a change in their morning routines. Weekly food waste collections are set to begin this coming Monday.

Most households should now have their new 140-litre smaller black bins and food waste caddies.

The shift is expected to save the council over £250,000 per year in waste processing costs.

If your caddy hasn't arrived, the council advises reporting it via the "MyAccount" section of their website immediately.

https://www.rutland.gov.uk/council-councillors/myaccount

Police Appeal Serious Collision in Oakham

The local community has been left shaken following a serious road traffic collision on Oakham High Street on Wednesday afternoon.

At approximately 1:55 PM, a woman in her sixties was involved in a collision with a white Ford Transit van near the junction with Church Street. The pedestrian remains in hospital in a serious condition. Leicestershire Police are urgently appealing for witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage to come forward quoting incident 26*172049. Read More

Nature & Community Maya Returns

On a lighter note, spring has officially arrived at Rutland Water. Maya, the county’s most famous and successful breeding osprey, has been spotted returning to her nest. Her arrival marks the beginning of the 30th-anniversary celebrations for the Rutland Osprey Project. Read More

Dates for Your Diary

March 27: The Good & New Clothes Sale at Rutland Hall Hotel ( This Evening).

March 28: Handel’s Messiah by the Rutland Choral Society.

April 12: The Rutland Spring Half Marathon

For More News, Jobs, What's On, Discover Oakham and More Visit: 

https://oakhamandrutlandnews.co.uk/ 

Oakham to Shake with Simulated Explosions as Major Emergency Exercise Hits Saddlers Court, A high-intensity major incident exercise is scheduled to take place on March 25, 2026, between 7:00 pm and 9:00 pm

Oakham to Shake with Simulated Explosions as Major Emergency Exercise Hits Saddlers Court

Residents across Oakham are being advised that the sudden sound of explosions and the sight of rising smoke on Wednesday evening are no cause for alarm. A high-intensity major incident exercise is scheduled to take place on March 25, 2026, between 7:00 pm and 9:00 pm, transforming the area around Saddlers Court into a controlled disaster zone for vital training.

The operation, coordinated by Rutland Medical Solutions Ltd, will be centered at their Education and Training Centre located behind Cabel. The exercise is designed to simulate a large-scale road traffic collision, providing a rare opportunity for multiple agencies to practice the seamless coordination required during a real-world catastrophe. Participants include Rutland Medical Solutions, Rutland Community First Responders, Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue, and the Rutland Police.

The most dramatic moment of the evening will occur promptly at 7:00 pm, when a series of loud, controlled bangs will signal the start of the scenario, followed immediately by a large plume of smoke. While the effects are designed to be startlingly realistic, organisers have assured the public that the event has been fully risk-assessed and will be closely monitored by fire crews on-site. Following the initial "explosions," residents may still hear the drone of high-powered cutting equipment as fire and rescue teams work to "extricate" casualties from the scene.

Public safety and mental wellbeing are top priorities for the coordinating teams. A group of student actors from Oakham School will be portraying victims, utilising professional-grade makeup to simulate graphic and distressing injuries. Because of the nature of these visual effects, officials are strongly discouraging parents from bringing young children to watch. Although the site has been shielded from most public footpaths and roads, the realistic nature of the trauma simulation could cause undue distress to passersby or unauthorised spectators.

Despite the heavy presence of emergency vehicles and sirens, Rutland’s actual emergency coverage will remain unaffected. All personnel involved are attending the exercise in an off-duty capacity, ensuring that standard 999 services remain fully available to the community throughout the evening.

Residents with concerns or those seeking further information are encouraged to contact the organisers directly at 0800 998 7202 (Option 5). For more information on the work of the organizers, you can visit their website at rutlandmedicalsolutions.co.uk.

For More News, Jobs, What's On, Discover Oakham and More Visit: 

https://oakhamandrutlandnews.co.uk/

Rutland County Council’s upcoming 273rd meeting, scheduled for March 26, 2026

Rutland County Council’s upcoming 273rd meeting, scheduled for March 26, 2026, marks a significant period of administrative and strategic transition as the authority prepares for future local government reorganisation. 

This session follows a productive February meeting where the council achieved unanimous approval for its 2026-2028 Corporate Strategy and a balanced budget for the 2026/27 financial year.

A central item on the March agenda is the formal appointment of a new Leader of the Council. This leadership change occurs as the council navigates the initial stages of a broader Local Government Reorganisation, with 2027 elections expected to form new shadow authorities prior to a full vesting day in 2028.

The council is also reviewing the use of "Special Urgency" provisions, which were recently employed to extend public transport subsidies. This decision, made in early March, ensures the continuation of free fares on the Rutland Callconnect network. The urgency was prompted by the late confirmation of multi-year grant funding from the Department for Transport, which allowed the council to avoid a lapse in service that would have otherwise disrupted residents' travel.

The council has detailed its Pay Policy Statement for 2026-27, which includes a 3.2% pay award for Chief Officers effective from April 2025. This adjustment aligns with national agreements and ensures that senior leadership salaries remain competitive yet affordable.

Under the new structure, the Chief Executive’s salary is set between £147,524 and £153,583, while Strategic Directors will earn between £95,000 and £110,000 depending on their specific department.

In tandem with staff pay, the Member Allowances Scheme for 2026-27 is also under review. A 3% increase in allowances is proposed to maintain parity with staff pay assumptions. 

The scheme continues to emphasise transparency, requiring members to submit receipts for all travel and subsistence claims and providing options for councillors to renounce their allowances if they choose.

Recent reports from the Safer Rutland Partnership highlight several evolving public safety issues within the county. 

While the council’s Adult Social Care team recently ranked first nationally in multiple quality-of-life and safety measures, other areas require ongoing vigilance.

There has been a noted increase in organised shoplifting, often carried out by gangs from outside the county.

A change in vape supply at Stocken Prison has successfully reduced fire-related incidents, decreasing the burden on local emergency services.

The police and the Turning Point organisation are conducting "joint patch walks" to address substance abuse, with plans to clarify reporting routes for the public.

The council’s refreshed Corporate Strategy for 2026-2028 reaffirms its commitment to four key pillars tackling the climate emergency, fostering a sustainable local economy, supporting the most vulnerable, and providing effective public services. Despite the challenges of being a rural authority where 81% of funding must be drawn from Council Tax compared to a 57% national average the council’s finance team was recently recognised as a finalist in the Municipal Journal national achievement awards for its proactive risk management and sustainability efforts.

The Agenda: 

https://rutlandcounty.moderngov.co.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=145&MId=3034

For More News, Jobs, What's On, Discover Oakham and More Visit: 

https://oakhamandrutlandnews.co.uk/

Alicia Kearns, the Conservative MP for Rutland and Stamford, is set to take the stage on BBC’s Question Time tonight, February 26, 2026.

Alicia Kearns, the Conservative MP for Rutland and Stamford, is set to take the stage on BBC’s Question Time tonight, February 26, 2026.

Broadcast from Birmingham, the program arrives at a politically charged moment, specifically falling on the same day as the Gorton and Denton by-election. As a shadow Home Office minister and former chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Alicia Kearns is expected to face a lively audience in the West Midlands.

Tonight’s Panel

Host Fiona Bruce will lead a diverse panel of five, featuring a mix of government frontbenchers, opposition voices, and cultural figures.

Lisa Nandy Labour MP and Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport

Alicia Kearns Conservative MP for Rutland and Stamford; Shadow Home Office Minister

Jess Brown-Fuller Liberal Democrat MP for Chichester; Justice Spokesperson

Tom Kerridge Celebrity chef and business owner

Esther Krakue Journalist and broadcaster

Expected Discussion Points

While the final questions are chosen by the audience shortly before filming, the following topics are expected to dominate the debate:

The Gorton and Denton By-Election: With polls closing tonight, the panel will likely discuss the potential implications for the major parties and the rising influence of smaller parties.

The Economy and Small Business: Given Tom Kerridge’s presence, expect a heated debate on business rates and the pressures facing the hospitality industry.

National Security and Foreign Policy: As an expert in counter-terrorism and foreign affairs, Alicia Kearns may be grilled on the UK's current stance on global conflicts and recent developments regarding the Chinese Embassy.

Justice and Crime: With the Liberal Democrats' justice spokesperson on the panel, issues regarding prison capacity or policing reform are high on the agenda.

Where and When to Watch

• Channel: BBC One

• Time: 10:40 PM

• Streaming: Available on BBC iPlayer and BBC Sounds.

• https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m002rkcp/question-time-2026-19022026