Oakham's WI have had a wide variety of speakers at their monthly meetings over the past months, from a local radio station to a belly dancing expert. Proving that the really do know how to have a little fun, this month they have local gin experts and producers, Multum Gin Parvo, visiting them to talk all things gin!

The Oakham branch of the WI has been running since 1918 and is a well-established space for local women to meet up, make friends, and learn new skills.

They meet monthly at All Saints' Church Hall on the 4th Tuesday of each month from 7:30pm until 9pm. During this monthly meeting, a visiting speaker takes the floor for approximately half an hour to talk about their venture, business or hobby and how the women can get involved. This often involves a live demonstration or participation section, which always goes down well.

Last month they had Rutland and Stamford Sound volunteer Stuart Moore visit to speak about this locally run radio station and it's boom during the pandemic.

The meeting was introduced by the lovely Chair, Jill Stacey, who said: "Our original speaker has resigned from her post rather than come and see us, so we have Rutland & Stamford Sound's Stuart speaking for us tonight instead." Much laughter ensued, which seems to sum up the charming group as a whole.

Stuart spoke about Rutland and Stamford Sound, its beginnings in the pandemic, the volunteers who work tirelessly to keep the music alive, and Rob Persani, who manages and organises the day to day running of the station, as well as producing daily shows himself.

Rutland and Stamford Sound has been live since March 2021, with over a dozen presenters, breakfast and drivetime shows and more, as well as local news and weather. They were lucky enough to get a £50,000 grant from the council, which has supported the project massively.

Stuart explained that Rutland and Stamford Sound is an online radio show, so is technically not radio at all, although it takes on the format, is live streamed, and helps keep the community in touch! The station can be found online where locals can listen live and even advertise their own events and services.

To listen to Rutland and Stamford Sound, Stuart told the ladies to say: "Alexa, enable Rutland & Stamford Sound" then you can ask her to "play" the local radio station at any point, supporting the station and keeping up with the latest on the local community.

After Stuart's talk, Jill then coordinated the monthly tea and coffee break: "We then enjoy refreshments and time to socialise. We also arrange the numerous events that take place apart from the meetings, be it the book club, the walking group or visits to local attractions. Have a look at our meetings programme and group information."

Next up on the agenda is Multum Gin Parvo, a name cleverly inspired by Rutland motto, 'much in little'. Multum Gin Parvo are local gin producers and regular attendees of local events and markets and they will be talking about their gins, from the classic Rutland Dry Gin to the Earl Grey and Rutland Honey tipple. We're keeping everything crossed for tasters too!

On top of these monthly meetings, the WI are planning:

a bluebell walk for April

ice-cream tasting at Ferneley's Dairy Barn on the 10th of May

a private NGS garden visit in Market Overton on the 15th of June

a visit to Elton Hall on the 19th of July

a guided tour of Brooksby Church on the 10th of August

crazy golf at Barnsdale in September

and much, much more… They also organise Social Sixes in which groups of 6 meet for coffee and, with the tables arranged by Jill, get to know different members of the WI. The WI urge new members to come and try it out: "We are a lively, interested and interesting group of ladies that meet at All Saints Church Hall, Oakham, LE15 6AA, on the 4th Tuesday of each month from 7:30 to 9:00." Young or old, all are welcome, and the first session is free to try. After that the sessions are only £3 to non-members, or £1 to those who pay the £44 yearly fee, which includes delivery of the WI magazine which is sent out 8 times during the year. They currently have 47 members, two of whom spoke to us at Nub about why they joined the WI and why they love it. Ann said: "I have been a member now for 4 years and joined because a friend recommended that I pop along one evening, and I've been coming ever since. It's so welcoming." Margaret agreed, adding: "Being a member of the WI is a wonderful way to meet people, to stay social. I have been a member of the WI for 40 years, but here only 6. We do so much – talks, walks, etc. and it really is a pleasure." Chair, Jill concluded: "You are welcome to come along and try us out as a guest and are assured of a warm welcome from our friendly members. You can make new friends, and learn new and fascinating things with our diverse speaker programme." If you are new to Oakham or lost touch during the pandemic this is an excellent way to make new friends in the local community. For any queries, readers can contact the WI at: [email protected] or access the website where details of the meetings are available. We will see you at 7:30pm on Tuesday the 22nd of February for the irresistible gin evening from Multum Gin Parvo! To keep up to date with the WI meetings and other local events, keep an eye on our events page. Don't forget to Nub your own events by clicking the 'Nub It' button at the top of our website!