Oakham's new North East Councillors have announced the times and dates for their regular surgeries.

Hannah Edwards and Mark Chatfield were appointed as Councillors for Oakham North East Ward during the recent Local Elections, and the duo have now announced the times and dates of the new 'surgeries' that they will be running following their success.

These drop-in sessions will provide a regular space where local residents can reach out, share concerns and pop by for an informal chat, and will take place in the heart of Oakham.

Hannah has lived in Oakham for 17 years following her childhood and university studies in Durham. She is a teacher of Physics and Science in Oakham North East ward. 

She studied Physics with Astrophysics at Durham University followed by a PGCE in teaching Science and a Masters in Education. 

Hannah is particularly interested in education and social care provision, particularly regarding SEND children and care for the elderly, and looking forward would like to be an approachable presence and to hear and act upon the concerns of residents in the ward.   

Outside of work she enjoys doing aerobatics in small planes and watching her husband jumping out of them! Hannah is also a cat lover and an "unrepentant geek."

Hannah will be available for anyone who would like to drop in on the first Tuesday of every month from 3pm – 6pm in the Wheatsheaf, Oakham.

She can be contacted on: [email protected].

The Wheatsheaf, Oakham, in the snow early this year. Image credit: Nub News.

Mark is married and lives in the Oakham North East ward. 

Although not a native of Rutland, he moved to Oakham approximately six years ago, having previously lived in Surrey, North London, Hertfordshire, South Lincolnshire and Eastbourne.  

Mark has worked as a HGV driver, Driving Instructor and for the last (nearly) sixteen years as a DVSA Driving Examiner, based in Leicester.   

Mark is a newly elected councillor and initially stood for election to be a service to the residents in his ward. In this new role he has a particular interest in roads and the availability of local public transport, as well as being contactable and working to act on his constituents' concerns. 

Mark will be available for anyone who would like to drop in on the third Wednesday of every month from 7pm – 9pm in the Whipper Inn, Oakham.

He can be contacted on [email protected]  

Whipper-In, Oakham Market Place. Image credit: Nub News.

Liberal Democrat Councillors Paul Browne, Ray Payne and Diane Ellison also run a monthly surgery at the Whipper-In, currently being reinstated as The George Hotel, in Oakham Market Place.

Find out more about these here.

Alternatively, get in touch to share your own upcoming events, groups, community schemes and more by emailing [email protected].

We look forward to hearing from you!