News in Oakham

An innovative project set up to bring men together to share skills and friendship is preparing to welcome women for the first time.

Men in Sheds, based at Oakham Enterprise Park and supported by Rutland County Council and Age UK, is thriving - so much so the group is seeking more members to support its expansion.

With the summer holidays at an end, parents of children starting secondary school next year are being reminded to apply for a place at their preferred college as soon as possible.

If your child is a Year 6 pupil this is their last year at primary school and you can now apply for a secondary school place for September 2020.

Birdfair has launched a Rainy Day Fund to help restore the weather-beaten Egleton site to its former glory.

The birdwatchers' Glastonbury, held last month at Anglian Water Nature Reserve, is raising money for Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust because this year the site 'needs a little extra TLC'.

A by-election for the Rutland County Council Ward of Ryhall and Casterton will take place next week.

The poll for the Ryhall and Casterton by-election is being held on Thursday, 12 September between 7am and 10pm.

The club shop at Oakham United is now open for business.

Among the items for sale are old Oakham United programmes, lapel badges and scarves.

Citizens Advice Rutland today (Weds) marked 80 years of providing free, independent advice nationally.

Citizens Advice was founded on 4 September 1939 - the day after World War II was declared.

People living in Rutland are being asked to share their views on the premiums that are applied to empty homes in the county.

Empty homes are properties left vacant or uninhabited for long periods of time. They have the potential to become derelict, impact on neighbouring properties and become a focal point for anti-social behaviour - as well as being a waste of housing when people are in need of somewhere to live.

The award-winning The Fox country pub, in North Luffenham, is hosting its fifth annual beer festival this weekend.

The pub - awarded Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) Pub of the Year 2016 and 2017 - will be laying on 16 great-tasting ales from local and national breweries, offering an experience to set your taste buds alight.

The programme has been announced for what is building up to be the largest discussion of healthcare services to be held in Rutland in recent years.

The conference 'A Health Plan for Rutland', will take place in the Rutland County Museum at 7pm tomorrow (Weds), doors open at 6.30 pm.

Dr Sarah Furness, the Lord-Lieutenant of Rutland, is looking forward to welcoming residents to the special summer celebration in Cutts Close, Oakham, this Sunday (8 Sept).

The much-anticipated Party in the Park will start at noon and run until 4.30pm.