Alicia Kearns MP officially opened The Rutland Hub at Cornerstone House on Melton Road, marking a vibrant new chapter for community life in Oakham, Rutland. Photos and Video

Tom Bowring Baptist 

Minister and Alicia Kearns MP cut the ribbon

Alicia Kearns MP officially opened The Rutland Hub at Cornerstone House on Melton Road, marking a vibrant new chapter for community life in Oakham.

Operated by the Oakham Baptist Church, the newly launched facility aims to serve as a versatile gathering space for local residents, groups, and families. The grand opening festivities drew people from across the county to tour the updated building, which features dedicated multi-use rooms.

The celebratory launch day featured a packed schedule of community events, including the Official Ribbon Cutting, performed by local MP Alicia Kearns to formally open the hub.

A morning cake baking contest and an afternoon coffee-tasting challenge. There were complimentary treats and community socialising.

Located next to the Oakham Baptist Church, the venue (previously known as the Hub & Spoke and originally The White Lion pub) will offer regular daytime amenities, rental spaces, and ongoing programming designed to strengthen local connections.

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Company and Director Face Charges Following Workplace Fatality in South Luffenham, Rutland.

Company and Director Face Charges Following Workplace Fatality in South Luffenham

A Lincolnshire-based company and an individual director have been charged following a thorough investigation into a fatal workplace incident that occurred more than five years ago.  

Paul Johnson, a 45-year-old worker, suffered severe injuries while working on behalf of Green Steel and Cladding Ltd at a commercial site on Wireless Hill, South Luffenham, on April , 2021. Despite emergency medical response and subsequent hospital treatment, Mr. Johnson tragically passed away the following day, on April 16, 2021.  

Following inquiries led by Leicestershire Police, formal criminal charges have now been brought forward against both the corporate entity and a company officer.  

Summary of Charges Green Steel and Cladding Ltd (formerly of Kirkgate, Whaplode, Spalding):  

One count of corporate manslaughter.  

Two counts of failing to discharge health and safety duties, contrary to Sections 2(1) and 33(1)(a) and Sections 3(1) and 33(1)(a) of the Health and Safety at Work Act.  

Paul Gaines (58, of Middle Marsh Road, Spalding):  

Charged with gross negligence manslaughter in connection with Mr. Johnson’s death.  

Charged with two counts of being an officer of a body corporate which committed health and safety offences under Sections 2(1) and 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act.  

Court Appearance Both Green Steel and Cladding Ltd and Paul Gaines are scheduled to make their first joint appearance at Leicester Magistrates' Court on the 26th August.

For more local news, community updates, and what's on in the area, 

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Discover Oakham High Street
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John Street, Melton Road and Deans Street and Gaol Street.

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Join the Fun at the Oakham Town Council Family Fun Day 30th August 2026 Cutts Close, Oakham, Rutland

 

Join the Fun at the Oakham Town Council Family Fun Day 30th August 2026 Cutts Close, Oakham, Rutland

Get ready for an exciting day of community celebration as the Oakham Town Council Family Fun Day returns to Cutts Close Park, Oakham. Mark your calendars for 30th August 2026 from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm for an afternoon packed with entertainment, music, and activities suitable for all ages.

Event Highlights

Free Music Schedule: Enjoy live performances throughout the afternoon at the park:

12:00 pm – 2:00 pm: CJ Hatt

2:00 pm – 3:00 pm: Sammy Dean

3:00 pm – 5:00 pm: Vesper

Family Activities, Children and families can enjoy free bouncy castles and slides.

Local Traders & Refreshments, Explore a variety of local traders alongside dedicated food and drink stalls.

Featured Participants, The event proudly features local organisations and groups including refreshments from the Grainstore, Ovation, and the Girl Guides.

Bring your friends, family, and festive spirit down to Cutts Close Park for a fantastic community celebration.

Part funded by The UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF)

For more local news, community updates, and what's on in the area, 

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John Street, Melton Road and Deans Street and Gaol Street.

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Honouring Our Maritime Heroes Merchant Navy Day at Oakham Castle, Oakham, Rutland, 3rd September 2026

Merchant Navy Day 2024

Honouring Our Maritime Heroes Merchant Navy Day in Oakham

This Thursday, 3rd September 2026, the community of Rutland will gather at the historic Oakham Castle to pay tribute to the brave men and women of the Merchant Navy.

In recognition of their vital role in our nation's history and their ongoing contribution to our prosperity and security, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Rutland, Dr. Sarah Furness, alongside Rutland County Council’s Armed Forces Champion, Cllr David Wilby, invite the public to attend a formal flag-raising ceremony.

Event Details

Date: Thursday, 3rd September 2026

Time: 10:30 am

Location: Grounds of Oakham Castle, Market Place, Oakham, LE15 6DR

Why We Observe Merchant Navy Day

Merchant Navy Day is a poignant occasion to reflect on the "Fourth Service." While often operating out of the spotlight, the Merchant Navy is the backbone of the United Kingdom's economy. These seafarers are responsible for transporting the vast majority of our food, fuel, and goods.

Beyond their daily economic contributions, we honour those who have served during times of conflict. Throughout both World Wars and subsequent operations, Merchant Navy personnel faced extreme peril at sea to ensure vital supplies reached our shores. Their courage and resilience have been—and remainintegral to our national identity.

The flag-raising ceremony at Oakham Castle serves as a meaningful opportunity for Rutland residents to stand together in appreciation of these maritime heroes. Whether you have a personal connection to the sea, a family history of service, or simply wish to show your support for our Armed Forces and merchant mariners, your presence is welcomed.

By raising the Red Ensign, we ensure that the sacrifices and service of merchant seafarers are never forgotten. We hope to see you there as we commemorate this important day in our local calendar.

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visit: Oakham and Rutland News.

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Braunston Road, Oakham, Rutland, Co-op Closed Following Dramatic Early Morning ATM Theft

Residents in Oakham have been met with a scene of significant disruption this morning at the Co-operative supermarket on Braunston Road, which remains closed following a brazen ATM heist in the early hours of Friday, July 3.

Emergency services were alerted to the incident at approximately 3:00 am, when the shop’s cash machine was forcibly removed from the premises. The raid has left the front of the supermarket with noticeable structural damage, forcing the store to remain shuttered to the general public while investigators conduct their work.

The store manager arrived at the scene shortly after 4:30 am to begin liaising with the authorities, a visible police presence has remained on-site, with official cordons established to protect the integrity of the crime scene. These restrictions include the rear footpath accessible from Kings Road, several members of the public have been ignoring the safety measures, frequently ducking under the police tape. Police are urgently requesting that residents respect these boundaries to ensure both their own safety and the progress of the ongoing investigation.

Despite the significant setback, the store staff have remained on-site, demonstrating a commitment to serving their local customers. Having received their scheduled delivery of newspapers early this morning, employees have set up a makeshift service point outside the front car park.

At this time, there has been no official word regarding when the store will be able to undergo repairs and resume normal business operations. Residents are advised to avoid the immediate area of the Braunston Road Store until the police investigation has concluded and the cordon is removed.

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Swing, Stalls, and Celebration: Armed Forces Day at Cutts Close Park, Oakham, Rutland, 28th June 2026

by Martin Brookes

An extraordinary day of celebration, reflection, and toe-tapping rhythm is coming to Oakham.

On Sunday, 28th June 2026, Cutts Close Park will serve as the spectacular backdrop for Rutland’s Armed Forces Day. Organised by the Lord Lieutenant of Rutland, Dr Sarah Furness, this poignant community event honors the dedication of our service men and women with an afternoon packed with entertainment, military-themed attractions, and sensational live music.

As part of the town’s popular "Bands in the Park" summer season, the afternoon features a headline double-bill of magnificent live music live from the historic bandstand:

Alan Jackson: Kicking off the afternoon's musical performances with a wonderful vocal repertoire.

The Rutland Big Band: Bringing the sophisticated, nostalgic sound of the golden swing era directly to the park.

From the iconic arrangements of Glenn Miller to the smooth stylings of Frank Sinatra, audiences can expect a powerful, brassy, and impeccably sharp performance. It is the ultimate celebration of big band jazz, perfectly matching the patriotic and proud atmosphere of the day.

Beyond the music, Cutts Close will be bustling with life. Dr Sarah Furness and local organisers have brought together a wide array of attractions to ensure visitors of all ages have a memorable day.

While full details of the displays are being finalised, the park will feature an assortment of charity stalls, local food and drink vendors, and family-friendly activities designed to support and celebrate the wider armed forces community.

As with all Oakham Town Council summer bandstand events, entry to the park to enjoy the music is completely free.

Sunday, 28th June 2026

Main big band music performances run from 2:30pm to 4:30pm (with park attractions open earlier in the day).

Cutts Close Park, Oakham, Rutland (LE15 6DR)

Admission: Free

Pack your deck chairs, dust off your picnic hampers, and head down to Cutts Close to experience an unforgettable mix of community pride and world-class swing music

For more local news, community updates, and what's on in the area, 

visit: Oakham and Rutland News.

Oakham And Rutland What's On Guide

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Music Bands Live music 2026 Bandstand Cutts Close Oakham Rutland

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Man Charged After Leicestershire Police Officer Struck by Car in Oakham, Rutland

A 30-year-old man is due to appear in court tomorrow morning following an incident in which a police officer was struck by a vehicle in Oakham town centre earlier this year.

Ndricim Jakupi, of no fixed address, faces multiple charges connected to the confrontation, which took place on the High Street on Monday, January 26. During the incident, a Leicestershire Police officer was hit by a car, sustaining cuts and grazes.

Following a police investigation, authorities charged Jakupi with assault by beating of an emergency worker, dangerous driving, driving while disqualified, and driving without insurance.

In addition to the driving and assault offences, Jakupi has also been charged with stalking. Police confirmed that this is an unrelated charge stemming from a separate reported incident in Hertfordshire.

Jakupi has been remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear before Leicester Magistrates’ Court tomorrow, Monday, June 15.

Man Arrested Months After Leicestershire Police Officer Struck by Car in Oakham Rutland

A five-month police investigation has led to the arrest of a 30-year-old man after a Leicestershire Police officer was hit by a car in Oakham town centre earlier this year.

The arrest follows an incident that took place shortly after 3:10 PM on Monday, 26 January, on Oakham's High Street.

According to police reports, two officers approached a grey Honda CRV that was parked illegally. When they attempted to speak with the driver, the man refused to engage and instead drove directly toward one of the officers.

The vehicle struck the officer, forcing him onto the bonnet before he landed on the pavement. Fortunately, the officer escaped serious injury, sustaining only minor cuts and grazes.

Before fleeing the scene, the Honda collided with two stationary vehicles. The car was later found abandoned on Harrington Way the same day.

Following extensive enquiries, officers made an arrest this morning (Saturday, 13 June). The suspect has been detained on suspicion of attempted grievous bodily harm (GBH) and remains in police custody for questioning.

Detective Inspector Jim Willoughby praised the persistence of the investigative team while highlighting the severity of the incident.

"For the past five months, officers have continued to work to identify and locate the person responsible for this incident," DI Willoughby said. "Luckily the officer was not seriously injured, but this doesn’t take away from the fact that he was driven at and hit by a car in order for the man to evade police."

"Today we have made an arrest in connection with the offence and the man in custody will now be questioned."

Leicestershire Police are still appealing to the public for any further information. Anyone who can assist with the ongoing investigation is urged to contact police by calling 101 or reporting online at www.leics.police.uk, quoting crime reference 26*50240.

For more local news, community updates, and what's on in the area, 

visit: Oakham and Rutland News.

Oakham And Rutland What's On Guide

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Music Bands Live music 2026 Bandstand Cutts Close Oakham Rutland

https://oakhamandrutlandnews.co.uk/summer-2026-music-at-cutts-close-park-oakham-bandstand-rutland

Oakham and Rutland  Sports and Fitness Events News

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UK Town of Culture Oakham Rutland 2028 Bid

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