Members of Oakham Town Council have agreed funding for the repair of the stained glass window at Oakham's All Saints' Church, and for the provision of a statue in the town of the late Queen Elizabeth II.

All Saints' Parish Church Oakham, situated in the heart of the town, is a Grade I listed building and dates to the early 13th Century. It is also the largest church in Rutland.

Speaking to members of the full council at their meeting on Thursday 12 January 2023, Oakham Mayor, Cllr Sally-Anne Wadsworth said: "The council is asked to provide the sum of £5,000 for the repair of the stained glass windows at Oakham All Saints' Church.

"Additionally, I have proposed that the council provide funding of an additional £5,000 towards a statue commemorating our late Queen Elizabeth II. Members unanimously agreed to both recommendations."

However, Cllr David Romney recalls the meeting differently: "As a member of the Council, Whom attened the meeting, I have to correct the Mayor Cllr Wadsworth. The amount requested for the window and the Statue was £10,000 each project . Both of which actually was refused. 

"Council did however, decide to allicate £5k, to each. The vote for the statue was split with some members thinking in this economic climate, maybe a full statue was too much to ask locals to pay. The vote was four members in favour and four members against, with the Mayor Cllr Wadsworth having the casting vote. It went through by one."

The church is set to receive a further £3,730 National Churches Trust Gateway Grant to help to pay for urgent window repairs. This includes funding for re-leading and stonework repairs.

The church will also receive a £7,513 Wolfson Fabric Repair Grant from the Wolfson Foundation on the recommendation of the National Churches Trust to help fund the work.

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Read more about these grants, and the support from TV presenter, Huw Edwards.

The next full meeting of Oakham Town Council is on Wednesday, 8 February 2023.