Oakham: 2025 in 12 stories
By Grace Kennington 28th Dec 2025
By Grace Kennington 28th Dec 2025
Hi readers, Grace here! As the journalist behind Oakham Nub News, it's been a busy year covering devolution, local events and goings on in our community.
Here's a look back over the last 12 months through 12 articles from 2025.
January
Local Fire and Rescue declares major incident with flooding across Rutland and Leicestershire
In the first week of January, Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service has declared a major incident across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland with severe flooding affecting the region.
By 6 January, flooding had impacted a lot of Rutland, with the Fire and Rescue Service receiving over 200 emergency calls and had to rescue 17 people. They also attended flooded homes, stranded vehicles and businesses forced to close due to the flooding.
February
In February, an oil spill into Egleton Brook by Anglian Water killed and harmed local wildlife at Rutland Water Nature Reserve.
In a statement from RWNR, they said: "Thanks to the swift action from Anglian Water, much of the spill was contained before reaching the nature reserve. However, a small quantity of oil made its way into the protected Nature Reserve and SSSI, which Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust staff, Anglian Water and the Environmental Agency have been working to clean up.'
However, numerous fish were found dead in the water, with other native species and wildlife harmed by the spill.
March
Oakham exercise group dances in charity class to raise £400 for Breast Cancer Now
In March, an Oakham exercise group raised over £400 for Breast Cancer Now with a special charity Clubbercise class.
Clubbercise with Hayley's group danced for Hayley's mum, a breast cancer survivor.
April
Maya the Rutland Osprey lays four eggs that are expected to hatch in mid-May
It wouldn't be news in Rutland without a few stories about Rutland Ospreys.
In April this year, Maya, an Osprey who has returned to Rutland since 2008, returned to Rutland Water and laid four eggs.
Maya is Rutland's most successful breeding female, having raised an amazing 38 chicks since her arrival to the site.
May
World-famous English pop rock band The Hoosiers performed a unique and intimate gig at Oakham's Rock-a-Buy records in May.
June
Rutland CAMRA 12th Annual Beer Festival
Between Friday 27th and Sunday 29th June, Rutland CAMRA hosted their 12th annual beer festival at Rutland County Museum in Oakham.
For beer fans and local people alike, this three-day festival was a great opportunity to try a great selection of local beer, wine and gin, as well as connect with the community and enjoy live music and performances.
We attended the beer festival on Sunday 29th June, catching brilliant live performances from Rutland Morris, the D'Ukes of Rutland Ukulele Band, and Oakham Swing Dance.
July
Secret talks discuss potential gifting of financially struggling hall to Oakham Town Council
Secret talks took place to discuss gifting a historic hall in financial difficulties to Oakham Town Council in July.
The council had agreed earlier this year to move its headquarters back to Victoria Hall in Oakham's High Street, after several years at ROL house off Long Row.
August
Rutland Council leader wins challenge by Conservatives, motion of no confidence defeated
At a special full council meeting held on Tuesday 5th August, Rutland County Council Leader Gale Waller survived the challenge to her position from seven Conservative members of the council who put forward a motion of no confidence.
The meeting saw debate from Conservatives, Liberal Democrats, as well as Independent and Labour councillors, discussing the current running of the council, recent successes and failures, key decisions made as part of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) and the future of Rutland as a county.
September
Bikes, tractors and lots of walking: Rutland Ride and Stride once again a triumph
Rutland Ride and Stride returned on Saturday 13th September with participants from across the county undergoing the challenge of visiting as many of Rutland's beautiful churches in one day by a chosen form of transport (except driving).
In total, the 2025 Rutland Ride and Stride raised almost £30,000 for Rutland's Historic Churces.
October
Oakham author to launch debut satirical novel 'Finch's Arms'
Oakham-based author Laz Newton has published her debut novel, a perverse and dark comedy called 'Finch's Arms' in October.
Finch's Arms is an absurd dark comedy about Danny Finch, a middle-aged man stuck in a dead-end job, when his life changes one day when he discovers he has grown a second pair of arms.
Things start to unravel for Danny when he witnesses something he shouldn't have and is left grappling with his conscience while being drawn deeper into the alluring world of money and celebrity.
November
Alicia Kearns: 'There's something very wrong, and deeply undemocratic, at Rutland County Council'
In November, MP for Rutland and Stamford hit out at Rutland County Council for the way they handled Local Government Reorganisation.
December
From Ukraine to Oakham: a story of strength and community during time of crisis
On Thursday 25 November, women gathered at St Andrews Church in Whissendine for a Rutland Women in Leadership meeting with a talk entitled 'The Power of Women: Transformation amidst War.'
Organised by Fiona Wilson (of Fiona Wilson Coaching), the evening bought together women from across Rutland to hear the stories of four incredible women and their journey from Ukraine to Rutland.
Nadia Tikhonova and her 14-year-old daughter Nika told the captivated audience about how the outbreak of war changed their lives and has led them to find new strength, purpose and community alongside other women in Rutland.
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Thank you for supporting Oakham Nub News through 2025! We wish you a very Merry Christmas and a happy new year.
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