Christmas in Rutland: Getting the Tree in Photos

17 December 2017
Living in the countryside in picturesque Rutland always feels festive at this time of year and there really isn't anything more festive than my favourite day of the Christmas season, Tree Day!

(Photo Credit: Rutland Creative for The Rutland Blogger)

What's On in Rutland: Christmas 2017

8 December 2017
Tis the season to be Jolly!

It's nearly Christmas in Rutland and the celebrations have already begun, are you ready to join in?
We've put together our 'What's On' Guide from December so you know what's on where around Stamford and Rutland.

Please Note! More information regarding promotions and events will be added as we hear about them!

Uppingham's 111th Fatstock Show in Photos

1 December 2017
An event celebrated for 111th time in Uppingham's Market Place which has been held for many years, first recorded in 1889. Uppingham's Fatstock Show is the only event of its kind still held in the UK in a towns market place.

The show brings together many locals who celebrate the Uppingham Fatstock tradition annually and I  think it's absolutely fabulous that so many people braved the cold morning on Wednesday to attend the event, admire the animals and watch the judging!

I popped along with my camera to capture some of the mornings event to share with you all here on the blog. So here it is, Uppingham's Fatstock Show 2017 in photos...
Enjoy!
Uppingham Fatstock Show 2017
(Photo Credit: Rutland Creative)

A Visit to: MSK Osteopath, Uppingham

22 November 2017
Over the past couple of months, I have been visiting MSK Osteopath at Uppingham Surgery and Uppingham School Sports Centre for treatment for on-going pain and discomfort I have been suffering with for years.

From the age of 14 I have suffered from back pain, leg pain, discomfort in my ankles and stiffness and tightness throughout my body. I have been told I have extremely tight hamstrings, similar to a 70-year-old, which I have had an operation to try to relieve some pain. However, it never really took the pain or uncomfortable situations away. This has since changed, due to treatment at MSK Osteopath.
I cannot thank Avin enough and here is why...

Within the first 20 minutes of the consultation, Avin was able to identify an area of my pelvis which was causing me the majority of my tightness and discomfort due to my tight hamstrings, causing my pelvis to take the strain.

With weekly treatment of medical acupuncture, stretching and manipulation of the area in my pelvis, back and legs I've seen the most improvement from any of the treatments I have had over the last 10 years.

Avin Patel B.Ost Med, DO, ND Registered Osteopath.

Owner of MSK Osteopath Leicestershire & Rutland.

(Photo Credit: Rutland Creative

What's on in Rutland: November

12 November 2017
The temperature in Rutland has dropped and the darker nights are here. Which means Winter is coming! November is a beautiful month to celebrate Autumn and the change in seasons.
We've got the 'What's on in Rutland November' Guide for you to plan what to get up to this month in and around the county.

Please Note! More information regarding promotions and events will be added as we hear about them!

Bonfire Night in Rutland | What's on?

30 October 2017
Remeber, remember the 5th November!
Bonfire Night is only a matter of days away, but where are you going to celebrate? We're here to help once again to show you the places in Rutland to visit for fireworks, BBQ's, bonfires and more!

Please Note! More information regarding promotions and events will be added as we hear about them!

Where to go Pumpkin Picking!

17 October 2017
I've always wanted to go pumpkin picking as I am a big fan of Halloween. Last year I took it upon myself to search for a local farm where I could do just that! My friends and I had so much fun, like big kids! It really was a great day out for people of all ages to enjoy.

So, we went again this year and I thought I'd take along my camera to photograph the afternoon so I could share it on the blog to show you where you can go pumpkin picking locally!

What's On? Rutland Food & Drink Week 2017

13 October 2017
From 21st to 29th October it's 'Rutland Food & Drink Week'!
You may have noticed on social media that many local people and businesses have been posting about the week of food and drink coming in a couple of weeks. What a better way to celebrate local produce than a whole week of food and drink fun, discounts, promotions, exclusive events, festivals and more!

Please Note! More information regarding promotions and events will be added as we hear about them!

Halloween in Stamford & Rutland: Things to do

30 September 2017
Autumn is here and Halloween is closely approaching. As a lover of Halloween myself, I'm always looking for spooky, creative or festive things to do in the area. Whether you're looking for daytime or weekend events for the kids, or maybe you're an adult who loves Halloween like me! Here is your guide of things to do and 'What's On?' this Halloween in and around Stamford and Rutland.


Found out 'What's On' in Rutland this Halloween.

Harringworth Village Dog Show in Photos

23 September 2017
On Sunday 10th September, my partner and I headed over to Harringworth for their 'Companion Dog Show'. Before we walked down to the paddock where it was being hosted, we popped into Spokes Cafe, located next to Harringworth's Manor Stables for a bap and a locally roasted coffee, as it was a cold, wet and windy morning!

(Photo Credit: Rutland Creative/The Rutland Blogger)

What's on in Rutland: September

8 September 2017
Found out 'What's On' in Rutland this month.
Find out what's on in and around the county this September, with fun for all the family.
Email RutlandBlog@yahoo.com and tell us all about a local event or event in Rutland you're hosting and we'll feature it on our page and tell our readers about it!

Top Tip:
Bookmark this page in your internet browser so you can pop back to it throughout the month and find out what to do!

A Day at Burghley Horse Trials in Photos

1 September 2017
The start of Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials begins my favourite time of the year. Now in September, with the sun shining this year too, what a better way to celebrate the start of the month and the stunning area we live in and attend the popular Burghley Horse Trials!

The stunning views of the very beautiful Burghley House in the background of the Pony Club event.

Can you afford to buy a house in Rutland?

30 August 2017
Do you own a house in Rutland? Are you moving to Rutland?
Maybe, you're hoping to buy your first home in Rutland?
Well, would you like to know how much you apparently have to earn to buy a house in our desirable county? Then keep reading!



10 Places I Like to Eat at in Stamford & Rutland

25 August 2017
Eating out in and around the county is one of my favourite things to do in the evenings and on weekends. I enjoy dining out with friends and family on regular occasions to support the local pubs, restaurants and cafes. I thought that I would share where my favourite places to wine and dine in the county are and why. So here goes!

Let me know in the comments where you love to eat in Stamford & Rutland!

Nicole Hope Smith Wedding Fayres in Rutland

14 August 2017
On 25th June we headed down to the stunning venue that is, Normanton Park Hotel for the first ever, Nicole Hope Smith Wedding Fayre. The fayre was full of all your wedding planning essentials and local companies and businesses to meet that might just be the ones to contribute to your big day, such as; wedding photographers, wedding cake creators, dress makers, floral wedding bouquets, videographers, makeup artists and much more...

Want to attend Nicole Hope Smith Wedding FayresRegister - here!

(Photo Credit: Rutland Creative/The Rutland Blogger)

A Visit to: Mini Monsters Soft Play, Oakham

28 July 2017
When I visited Mini Monsters Soft Play Area in Oakham I was surprised such an amazing place existed in Rutland, one I had not yet heard of. I visited with my godson, Edward who is 17 months old. We arrived with a couple of friends joined us with their children to so we could try Mini Monsters out for ourselves.

(Photo Credit: Rutland Creative/The Rutland Blogger)

Pitta Chips & Dips | Rutland Blogger Recipes

21 July 2017
Earlier in the month, I announced the new series I'm introducing to the blog, and that is 'The Rutland Blogger Recipes'. As a keen cook and baker, I've always enjoyed experimenting in the kitchen.

I asked the readers what they would like to see covered on the blog, and you guys said recipes and food ideas. So, I've launched 'The Rutland Blogger Recipes' - enjoy!

To begin, I thought as it's summer, why not share a quick and easy BBQ snack or dinner party finger-food idea that I love! Whether you enjoy experimenting in the kitchen too, or you'd like an idea for an upcoming BBQ or party, then this could be an affordable and easy-to-do recipe that suits you.

Wholemeal Pitta Chips with Hummus and Avocado Guac Dips.

My Top 10: In and Around Rutland

18 July 2017
Having not posted on the blog in a couple of weeks (apologies about that!), I thought I would share a list of my favourite places to visit in and around Rutland and Stamford that may be of interest to you this summer.

Find out where I like to spend my time around the county.

BBC Antique Experts Visit Fotheringhay Raising £6,000

4 July 2017
At the weekend we stepped over the Rutland border and headed to the stunning local Northamptonshire village of Fotheringhay. On 2nd July all your favourite BBC antique experts visited Fotheringhay to support the church for a day of valuing, where locals visited and received an expert's valuation on their special treasures, which helped raise £6,000 for 'The Friends of Fotheringhay Church' - a charitable organisation dedicated to restoring and preserving Fotheringhay Church.

John Foster taking a closer look at a gentleman's collection of penknives.
(Photo Credit: Rutland Creative/The Rutland Blogger)

A Visit to: Lace & Pearl Bridal, Oakham

2 July 2017

In June we headed down to Lace & Pearl Bridal at Oakham Enterprise Park to meet with the owner, Naomi Sparks-Wisden to take a look around her gorgeous bridal boutique and to find out more about her business.

Alfred Angelo 2624 Blush Pink Lace Overlay Princess Gown - £900
(Photo Credit: Rutland Creative/The Rutland Blogger)


Things to do this Summer in Rutland

28 June 2017
Find out 'What's On' this Summer in Rutland!

What's on this Weekend in Rutland?

23 June 2017
Find out 'What's On' this weekend in and around Rutland.

Restaurant Review: Mill Street Pub & Kitchen, Oakham

16 June 2017
 At the start of the month, I visited Mill Street Pub & Kitchen in Oakham for the first time. I've heard nothing but great things about the restaurant itself and when they invited me down to try out their menu for myself, I was excited to do so.

(Photo Credit: Rutland Creative/The Rutland Blogger)

An Introduction to: Two Chimps Coffee, Oakham

9 June 2017
I recently visited Two Chimps, a coffee company in Rutland. If you love coffee, then you're going to be very excited about the launch of their website, and the amazing range of coffee which they hand-roast in Rutland.

Baby & Children Activity Groups around Rutland

5 June 2017
We asked our readers what they would like us to feature on our blog, and we had a great request from a lady called Steph. She is a new Mum in Rutland and if desperate to find out when and where the local baby groups are in and around the area. So that is exactly what we're doing!

5 month old Daisy, playing at Mini Monsters Soft Play Area in Oakham, Rutland
(Photo Credit: Rutland Creative/The Rutland Blogger)

A Visit to: Aqua Park Rutland

3 June 2017
A few weeks ago I visited Aqua Park Rutland's press day, and last weekend it officially opened for 2017 - but this time it's bigger, lots bigger!


(Photo Credit: Rutland Creative / The Rutland Blogger)

A Visit to: Two Birds Gin Making Workshop

26 May 2017
Earlier this month I visited the Two Birds Workshop in Market Harborough.
Two Birds Spirits is a local British spirits brand who distill gin and vodka in the local area. They recently invited me down to Two Birds HQ to take part in the popular gin making workshop hosted by their very own Spiritsmith and Ginstructor, Simon Brannon.

(Photo Credit: Rutland Creative / The Rutland Blogger)

Restaurant Review: Cosy Club, Stamford

19 May 2017
Stamford is one of my favourite places in the area, and somewhere I visit often. Not in Rutland, it's around 20-minute drive from Uppingham or Oakham.

The Cosy Club has been one of my favourite places in the area for lunch or dinner for a while now. So when they asked if I'd like to come and try their new cocktail and food menus, I was very happy to do so.

(Photo Credit: Rutland Creative / The Rutland Blogger)

A Visit to: HC Hair Studio, Oakham

12 May 2017
Hannah Coxhead Hair Studio has been located on Melton Road in Oakham since 2013 and has become one of Oakham's most popular hair salons, and we can totally see why.

Hannah Coxhead (28) launched HC Hair Studio 4 years ago and made her childhood dream of owning her own salon a reality. The salon itself is very unique with so much attention to detail from the tranquil decoration to the range of products and services available.


Hannah Coxhead Hair Studio, 19 Melton Road, Oakham.
(Photo Credit: Rutland Creative / The Rutland Blogger)

What's on in Rutland: May

4 May 2017
Found out 'What's On' in Rutland this month.

Walking in Rutland

2 May 2017
Did you know that May is 'National Walking Month' and in Rutland, we have the perfect surroundings for joining in with our stunning routes and views for you to enjoy when walking you're spoilt for choice.

In celebration and appreciation of 'National Walking Month', we thought we would share with you some great locations, routes and ways for you to enjoy walking around Rutland whether you're a beginner or a regular walker.

The first obvious location for a fabulous walk is Rutland Water which we sometimes take for granted as it is the perfect place to visit for a day out locally, a walking with the family or the dog and of course the ideal location and route for a cycle.



16 Facts about Rutland

23 April 2017
There are so many things to love about Rutland and I'm constantly proud of our county as a whole.
I  previously wrote a piece for Metro on 'Things you'll only know if you grew up in Rutland' which locals seemed to love. So I thought I'd share some unusual facts about Rutland here on the blog that might surprise some of you, or give you some interesting facts and figures about Rutland's history you may not already know.

Interesting facts and figures about Rutland.

12 places to visit for Afternoon Tea in Rutland

21 April 2017
Did you know that 21st April marks National Tea Day in UK?
We thought as a nation of tea lovers, why don't we celebrate with a blog post full of the best places to visit for afternoon tea in and around Rutland.

Happy National Tea Day!


Uppingham Stonemasonry Apprentice could be titled 'The UK's Best'

20 April 2017
Theo Brogan could be titled Screwfix Trade Apprentice 2017 after making it through to the final round. Theo works for Uppingham Stone and is currently working towards his stonemasonry qualification at Building Crafts College in London and is one of the 10 finalists from across the UK.

Theo Brogan (22) could be UK's best trade apprentice.

Easter in Rutland | Things to do

12 April 2017
This weekend it's time to celebrate Easter and the bank holiday. I thought I'd collect together the things that are going on in and around Rutland over the bank holiday weekend to give you an idea of what you and your family could get up to.



What's on in Rutland: EASTER

Dog Friendly Pubs in and around Rutland

5 April 2017
As a dog owner, I'm always searching for dog-friendly pubs around the area that we can visits with friends and family after a walk or somewhere we can go where we don't have to leave our pooch home alone.

Meet our Pug, Arla.

Breakfast at Don Paddy's in Uppingham

2 April 2017
In March, Don Paddy's (which is located in Uppingham Market Place) launched their all-new Brunch Menu. When I heard about this I thought that it was just what Uppingham needed and couldn't wait to give it a try.


What we love about Rutland

31 March 2017
In celebration of Rutland's 20th anniversary of independence we asked our readers what they love about our very special county, Rutland.
Here is what you said:


Image Source: Click

What's on in Rutland: April

28 March 2017
Found out 'What's On' in Rutland this month.

01/04/2017
Rutland's 20th Anniversary of Independence
At: Oakham Castle
Read blog post of what is going in full here.


01/04/2017
Big Band Concert
At: 7:30pm at Langham Parish Church, Church Street , Langham, Near Oakham, LE15 7JE
Price: £10.00
About: A Community Big Band is visiting Langham Parish Church to give a concert called The Story of Swing. Tickets available from Debbie 01572 723533 or Hilary on 01572 757435


02/04/2017
Family Boot Camp against Breast Cancer
At: 10:00am at Uppingham School Sports Centre, Leicester Road, Uppingham, LE15 9SE
Price: £5 per adult / £2 per child 5+ / £12 for a family of 4 
About: Family Boot Camp against Breast Cancer. All money raised will go to Cancer Research UK.


05/04/2017 (+ More Dates)

Sweeney Todd - A Musical Thriller
At: Showing at Uppingham Theatre from 5th - 8th April 2017
Price: £14/£13 available from Uppingham Sports & Books, Oakham Wines etc
About: Rutland Musical Theatre proudly presents Sweeney Todd at Uppingham Theatre from 5th - 8th April 2017. 
Evening performances start at 7.30pm 

Saturday matinee at 2.30pm 
Book Tickets: See above, Paula 01572 822788 or wegottickets.com


05/04/2017

Lyddington Manor History Society
At: 7:30pm at Lyddington Village HallMain Street, Lyddington, LE15 9LR
Price: Non Members £2, Members £1, children free
About: AGM, followed by Ray Biggs, Access Manager, on Grimsthorpe Castle


06/04/2017

Discover Rutland Digital Communications Workshop
At: 1:00pm at Council Chamber, Rutland County Council, Catmose, Oakham, LE15 6HP
Price: FREE for Discover Rutland members
 Non-members welcome from 2pm (£15 fee applies)
About: Launch of NEW Spring/Summer Discover Rutland Visitor Guide
To celebrate the launch of Rutland’s new and improved tourism website, Discover Rutland
is hosting this event to help members take advantage of the new features and also provide
a useful digital communications workshop from local freelance creative communications consultant, Megan Allen of Rural Roots PR.




07/04/2017
Psychic Supper in aid of Homestart
At: 7:15pm at The Whipper Inn, Oakham
Price: Tickets are £25 – call Alison Stead on 07557 226 759.
About: Psychic Supper at The Whipper Inn Oakham in aid of Homestart Leicester, Melton and Rutland. 2 course supper includes a free raffle ticket (great prizes) and reading with a professional medium and public demonstrations. Additional raffle tickets are available to all who would like to purchase. 



09/04/2017
Uppingham Parish Church Open Gardens
At: 2:00pm - 6:00pm at Uppingham Parish Church
Price: Tickets on the Day
About: Open Gardens, a really special event on Sunday 9th April from 2p.m. to 6p.m. Teas with fizz in the Church hall and Easter Egg Hunt in the Church Grounds. Tickets on the day from the Church Hall, Uppingham School's Porter's Lodge or the Science Block. Superb gardens on show which include some of Uppingham School's fabulous grounds open to the public. 


13/04/2017
RLHRS & Friends of the Museum Lecture
At: Rutland County Museum, Oakham
Price: FREE
About: A film by Barbara Keen, The forbidden Royal Romance and its Local Connections.


16/04/2017
The Rocks by Rail Easter Egg Hunt & Rutlander Train
At: 10:30am - 4:00pm at Rocks By RailAshwell Road, Cottesmore, LE15 78X
Price: Adult £8, Senior Citizen £7, Child (3-14 years) £5
About: The Rocks By Rail Easter Egg Hunt is back! The popular Egg Hunt has become the traditional start to the museums operating season. A dozen eggs with names will be hidden all around the museum and along our railway line, all you have to do is pick up a form from our cafe, find the eggs, jot down their names, and take your form back to the cafe to claim your free Creme Egg for your efforts! The Rutlander Train will also be in operation. Pay once and ride all day in one of our two passenger brake vans, hauled by one of our historic steam locomotives. The trip will take you from our platform and along the former minerals branch line which once served the sidings of the ironstone quarries in the area. Visitors can also view our fleet of historic ironstone locomotives in the recently opened Simon Layfield Exhibition Centre which now houses the greater part of the museums collection. The Woolsthorpe Workshop is also open for visitors to see progress of ongoing locomotive restorations. The Sundew Cafe will be open all day to provide hot and cold beverages and snacks.


20/04/2017
Oakham Afternoon WI
At: 2:00pm at All Saints Church, Oakham,LE15 6AA
Price: FREE
 About: Meetings take place 3rd Thursday in the month.

"Powder & Paint" speaker Jill Collinge


22/04/2017
Pennyless Folk Group in Concert
At: 7:30pm at Langham Parish ChurchChurch Street, Langham, Near Oakham, LE15 7JE
Price: £10.00
About: Popular, multi-talented folk group performing in the Parish Church. Pay bar and interval nibbles. Tickets from Debbie 01572 723533 or Hilary 01572 757435.
In support of Langham Parish Church


23/04/2017
St George's Day Concert with The Weldon Hand Bell Ringers
At: 2:30pm at Oakham Congregational Church, High Street, Oakham 
Price: £5 on the door
About: St George’s Day concert with The Weldon Hand Bell Ringers with tea provided at Oakham Congregational Church Hall.


24/04/2017
Swing on South Street
At: 8:00pm at Catmose Club, Silver Street, Oakham, LE15 6HY
Price: £5.00
About: The Rutland Big Band, a local swing band, will be playing songs and tunes from the 1940s to the present, probably including music by Buble, Count Basie, Sinatra, and more. 

This will be a very informal event, and we hope to make it a regular one.



30/04/2017
Crohn's & Colitus UK Bluebell Walk & Cycle Ride
At: 10:00am at Whitwell Car ParkNorth Shore (off The A606), Rutland Water, LE15 8BL
About: Join the hundreds this year at Rutland Water for the annual Bluebell Walk & Cycle Ride to help raise awareness of Crohn's & Colitis UK. Choose a 2 or 5 mile walk or a 17 or 25 mile cycle ride around Rutland Water, starting at the Whitwell Car Park on the North Shore (off the A606). We'll be there to see you set off anywhere between 10am to 12noon.  Challenge yourself, friends or just bring the family along for a great time through the tree-lined and bluebell paths of Rutland Water. Find some sponsors for your effort, bring a picnic or use the cafes on site and don’t forget to bring a great hat if you want to join the fun taking part in the optional ‘Mad Hatter’ fancy dress theme. If you have a crazy or whacky hat, bring it along & send us your photos! Hundreds join in every year. It is great fun. You meet many others who understand IBD and last year raised nearly £20,000. Are you able to advertise this event by displaying some A4 posters or A5 flyers? Get in touch with us and we'll send some out to you.If you would like to take part, please call 07434 731970 or visit the website here where you can also download your sponsorship form. We had a fantastic turn out last year so fingers crossed for another successful year and some sunshine too! This is an ideal family event and you can event bring the dog along for a good walk! We look forward to seeing you all! Crohn's & Colitis UK Lincolnshire Central Group can be found on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter - follow us to keep up to date on events in Lincolnshire. 
(The Bluebell Walk & Cycle Ride is organised by Crohn's & Colitis UK Leicestershire & Rutland, Lincolnshire Central, Northamptonshire and Nottinghamshire groups)


30/04/2017
Rutland Natural History Society
At: 9:30am at Burley Woods, Barnsdale Hill, Oakham 
Price: FREE
About: A Springtime Walk in Burley Wood please note this is a private woodland and access is by permit only.

Email RutlandBlog@yahoo.com and tell us all about a local event or event in Rutland you're hosting and we'll feature it on our page and tell our readers about it!


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