Oakham in Bloom is gearing up for an exciting 2026 following a busy 2025 concluding with a lively and entertaining AGM featuring headline speaker Tom Mumby who organised the first ever Rutland Flower Show.

In an informative and amusing presentation, Tom revealed that the show was the result of a random idea first suggested to him by a friend in the pub. This led to the staging of a massively successful 3-day event attended by 23,000 people in August.

The meeting was led by Oakham in Bloom's Chair Sheila Cunningham and attended by Rutland's Lord Lieutenant Dr Sarah Furness and Oakham's Mayor Chris Nix as well as local Councillor Paul Ainsley.

Chris Mumby, Sheila Cunningham, Lord Lieutenant Dr Sarah Furness, Paul Ainsley and Oakham Mayor Chris Nix (left to right) at the Oakham in Bloom AGM.

"It's been wonderful to celebrate and recognise all the volunteers who've done so much to enhance the town during the past year", she said.

"They've been key in all sorts of work we've done, including the transformation of the Stamford Road roundabout with its boat being replaced with a refurbished one".

Volunteers of the organisation, which was first established in 1997, have also been maintaining 21 newly-enhanced planters as well as caring for the town's vast number of flowerbeds including ones near the library and the late Queen's statue. Sheila said: "We're always keen to welcome new volunteers and if just a few people could do two hours once a month, then so much more could be achieved."

Oakham in Bloom commissioned Rutland Willows to repair the town's iconic willow Spitfire located on the Burley Park Way bypass. The overhauled aircraft was returned to its site in time for the Remembrance commemorations in November. Its overhaul marks 85 years since the plane's decisive role in winning the Battle of Britain.

She outlined plans for the coming year which includes a make-over for the roundabout at the entrance to the Showground.

Early discussions are taking place, and it is hoped that the roundabout will display an ancient plough surrounded by fruit trees. Oakham in Bloom will be working with local horticultural charity Root & Branch Out as well as Rutland Agricultural Society on the project.

If you would like to volunteer with Oakham in Bloom, please email Sheila. [email protected]