Beautiful Rutland

With the summer in full swing, and before the developers and their friends in Rutland County Council have theie way, I thought it would be nice to include a post on why it matters that we fight any move to destroy this beautiful part of England forever.

To me Rutland is one of the most beautiful counties in England and I will never tire of its lovely open countryside that is there for all to see and to enjoy. It is this fair land that I walk on everyday and see as I drive along to work each day that as kept me smiling when everything else seemed to be a mess. I guess that is why I get so passionate about keeping it rural for the future generations of mine and others families to enjoy.

Special Council Meeting

Following on from the a blog post last week, in a special meeting of the council the following resolution was passed:

"That the Council grants an indemnity to, and support to the Chief Executive and/or officers, to take legal action in her/their own name(s) for defamation by Councillors Gale, Richardson and Wainwright of the Rutland Group of the United Kingdom Independence Party."

This gives the green light to individual members of the council to take legal action for defamation against the members of the former Rutland anti-corruption party members who recently joined the United Kingdom Independence Party. The ruling Conservative council claim that the group of three have made defamatory statements on a website and harassed staff in a series of emails. While the group of three maintained they have done nothing wrong, insisting they need to ask difficult questions to carry out their jobs.

This cleaver move avoids Minister for Justice, Lord McNally, comments that "it would be contrary to the public interest for organs of government to be able to sue in defamation, and that it would be an undesirable fetter on freedom of speech.” By allowing individual councilors members to sue for deformation Secretary of State would be unable to stop the legal challenge as would be the case if the council as a whole were to sue the councilors.

The cost legal action against the three councilors is estimated to be around £150,000  which could be covered public money, which, as we know, is in short supply in these times of cuts grants to local government by central government. The leader of Rutland County council, Conservative, Roger Begy is reported as saying that "I don't know how much this is going to cost, nobody will at this particular stage." but went on to say "This is not a blank cheque for the lawyers."

The leader of the council Roger Begy has demanded that the group of tree councilors apologise or produce evidence to prove there accusations. The later being a tough call when the council won't give them the information they require to prove of disprove their concerns about the dealings of the council, the thing that started this all off. If one good thing came out of the legal action it would be the answers to the original information requests that the three councilors asked in order to prove their case one way or another. It could be the only way the people of Rutland find out what is the truth.

Councillors Gale, Richardson and Wainwright have asked for more time to consider the demand by Rutland County Council to "refrain from further defamatory statements and allegations and provide a full and unequivocal retraction and apology". As yet no statement has appeared on the groups website as to what they are going to do, although a number of posts have been removed. In the end it could just come down to money and if they have enough resources to fight the individual councilors who have the financial backing of the council.

If it is a good use of public money remains to be seen when it could be spent on essential services rather than a silly playground fight designed to shut up three councilors who just want openness in local government. I know what I think and many others think about the council taking this action, but I will keep that to myself. 

FOOTNOTE: Currently the total cost to the local council tax payers is around £42,000 according to local reports in the press.

UPDATE (1st August 2013): A full, well written and factual report can be found on the Rutland Times Website that even the BBC would be proud to have on their website.

Ready for Sainsburys?

Having traveled through both Melton Mowbray and Leicester (below) recently I have started to wonder, once people are stuck in traffic jams on the way into Oakham, if the people of Rutland will think the addition of a new mid price supermarket is worth the trouble.

The road between the level crossing in Okaham and the roundabout with the A606 is a major one for the people of Rutland and is often beset by roadworks due to the construction work associated with a large housing development with the land north west of Oakham looking more like a war zone everyday with the destruction of farmland for bricks and motor.

Personally traffic jams and the increased pollution they cause isn't something I am looking forward to and with the prospect of another mid priced supermarket to come one that I see as pointless. If it was a low cost supermarket there might be a point of putting up with the disruption for the connivance and saving that could be made in doing the weekly shop, but in this case it will bring little to the town, other than the closure of more high street shops.

Ghost House

Sometimes feels like this place has become a ghost house. Once so lively and full of sound not it has taken on a silence that is quite eerie. The days in the house seems so lifeless compared to those of the past.

All the fun, and the laughter and the joy seems to have gone from the house, and what remains and just memories of what was once a place that was alive with the sound of children.What it needs is an injection of life, happy and smiling faces to bring it alive again like in the days gone by. That has been sadly lacking today. There has been none of the noise of laughter and fun, a sound that makes the world seem bright and full of hope.

I just pray that this won't always be the case that in time the house will return to normal and become a home again. Full of love and support for the people that matter so much to me. I know this prayer will be answered, it just a matter of time.

Old Picture New Frame

Although the picture was taken many years ago the thoughts behind it mean the same now as they always did. It is about family and the importance of creating a family and the meaning behind it and keeping those you love together and showing them the love they deserve and need to grow.

The children in that photograph were separated and the ties between them broken forever and their small sister, Lucy, who was meant to unite those three girls will probably never be with the all three of her sisters at the same time ever again. There isn't much I can do about that now, how much I wish I could. Everything to do with that time is broken like the frame that the picture was in, but all it was needed replacing.

The fact is you can't change the past but you can re frame it and preserve the meaning and feeling behind it. As adults we make many mistakes in life but those little people in the picture which we united had a bond and although that bond may weaken it never really goes away. Like the picture those bonds can be renewed if only people will let it happen. The question is  there the will to uphold the promises of the past, rather than to carry on the history of breaking them, I think not but I hope not.

I know I need to build the bonds between the two older girls and there little sister, whose face is just visible in the picture to the picture of the three girls. I know how to do that and to rebuild some of what is important to me. It is not a question of will that happen, more a question of when. For me the sooner the better for I can't carry on for much longer having two of my girls split form the other. I love all the people that matter to me and that will never change.

I just find what happened to me so sad because it was never what I wanted for my children. It what that picture showed that I wanted and can never have again.

Well Done

I was amazed to find a story in the Rutland Times that for once allowed both sides to speak and for people to make up there own minds about a story to do with Rutland Country Council. Since I have recently been one of many criticising the local press I though it was only fair to congratulate them.

In their recent story about the three councilors they are thinking of taking legal action over not only did the paper give the views of the Conservative run County Council but also those of the three councilors that they wish to prosecute for deformation. So well done to the local paper for taking the right approach for a change, now all we need is some good old fashioned investigative journalism into stories stories pertaining to the council. 

For those that don't know the about the facts behind this story, it was in the national press not that long ago about Rutland Country Council taking legal action against three of the councilors for trying to get information about the dealings of the council by using freedom of information requests and asking questions other council members by email. 

Unfortunately they decided to call themselves the anti-corruption party which seemed to anger the ruling party at the council, as they thing it implies that they are corrupt.  The government have taken a rather dim view of the council trying to use a legal route under the Localism Act to sue the councilors concerned for deformation to shut them up, but if this stops them using anti-harassment legislation remains to be seen. 

The fact is whatever the decision is that is taken at the public meeting you can rest assured that it was made in private before the meeting takes place, like a lot of decisions the ruling party at the council makes, but that is politics for you.

All Change

Don't let the lovely sunset fool you today, the warm spell is nearly over if the story on the BBC News website is correct and the warmest spell since 2006 is nearly over.

With rain showers forecast for Saturday afternoon and then thunderstorms rolling up the country from France on Sunday marking then end of this part of the summer. I guess we will be in for more localised flooding some of the streets in the village and the main road will be under inches of water again for part of Sunday at least. Personally I have loved the weather, after all it was about time we had a change from those long damp summers of the recent past and something that more like the summers of old. 

And it Rained

After all the sunny weather we have been having recently the heavens opened up over night, the sky lit up with the flashes of lightening and the air was full of the sound of thunder.

Predictably with so much rain the streets of the village flooded once again and peoples gardens were threatened with flooding because of the state of the drains at the side of the road. This is becoming more and more common when we get any significant rain fall. Lack of investment in the drainage system in Rutland to solve on going localised flooding is clear to for all to see. This isn't the first time the road shown in the picture has flooded before and nor will it be the last.  

Instead of taking action trying to sort out the drainage system the council would rather do nothing and ignore the problem for as we all know spending on infrastructure is something they just ignore. No action will be taken until it is to late and the people mopping up the mess will be the insurance companies and the people paying will be the villagers with high insurance premiums.

Strange Day

Sometimes you have a day that just feels rather strange. Never sure why these happens but they do from time to time but they always have the same connection.

I can't really explain the feeling or why I get them, although I do know what they are to do with. It not the first time I have had them and I sure they won't be the last. At some point the reason will become clear and I will make sense of it as I have done in the past. It funny what he mind can do and the links it makes with others.

Summer Colour

What I love about this time of year other than the lovely weather we have been having is how the world is just full of colour.

It is one of the things I love about living in a village over a town or a city, the amount of flowers that one see in your own garden, those gardens that are near by or just as you walk along down paths and walkways. It something that never fails to amaze me after the years I spent living in the brick and concert jungle that was a city, and it one of the reasons I'm so passionate about keeping utland Rural for future generations.

One Sided Story

A few weeks ago I posted a post on how the Local Press in Rutland just go along with what ever rubbish the Council put out without question. A prime example is this report about "Rutland’s tourist bus" that appeared today on the Rutland Times web page.

What this story shows is the way sided view the paper sometimes put out in stories that seem like they are straight from the press releases without any thought to the other side of the side of the story. In this case many residents of the villages that the bus service serves have raised concerns about the service which haven't been mentioned. Finally there is also questions about it lack of passengers, that failed to get a mention.

The story also raises questions about what planet Government are on with the Transport Minister Norman Baker MP saying “The Shorelink bus is a great example of an important connection being made in a small, rural county to help local residents, job seekers and tourists get around." The idea that a service that goes around a man made lake is going to help job seekers is a joke, it doesn't really go anywhere that would be useful for them like one of the larger towns or Cities that are near to the county. Yes, it might be good for tourists and the odd villager who missed a direct bus, but that is about it. If the government really wants to help job seekers then it might have considered a better use for its money like a direct bus to Grantham or another nearby large town.

It would be nice if the local press could report both sides of the stories they publish and not just the view of the Rutland County Council. In order to find out what is really going on and what other people think, for example about the council car parking story, you have read the letters pages of the paper buried deep in the paper or search the web.

Comic Mel Smith Dies

I was looking on the BBC website and I came across the sad news that Mel Smith has died at the age of sixty of a heart attack.

Many people will remember him for programmes like "Not the Nine O'Clock News" and "Alas Smith and Jones" , the latter running from January 1984 to October 1998. He was also formed the company Talkback with Griff Rhys Jones which became on of the UK's leading production companies. 

 

He died at his home on 19 July. According to reports the  London Ambulance Service was called to his home in north-west London and the comedian was confirmed dead by the ambulance crew. A later post-mortem confirmed that he had died from a heart attack.

He was part of a generation of comedic/actors that included his long time television and stage partner Griff Rhys Jones, Rowan Atkinson and Pamela Stephenson all of whom rose to fame in the television programme "Not the Nine O'Clock News. It was on that programme I first came across him and started laughing at his brand of humor him and his co stars peddled on the show, later like many I went on to watch him in "Alas Smith and Jones" on the BBC.

Like many I will miss not having him about on this planet, and over the years he has given me many a laugh especially with Griff Rhys Jones. Like always my heart goes out to his family and his friends and all that met and worked with this great man.

Missing Pictures

Someone noticed the lack of pictures on the early posts on the blog and there is a reason why they have disappeared. Originally the pictures where hosted from my face book account and since then Facebook must have changed how they share photographs and they have disappeared. Over the summer my plan is to restore those pictures form my Facebook account and make the blog complete once more.

The Apprentice - The Final 2013

Congratulations to Leah Totton on winning tonight's final of The Apprentice after another enjoyable series of the long running show on the BBC television after beating Luisa Zissman, which might prove to be lucky escape for Sir Alan Sugar.

She had to fight her way past the buffoons that thought they are the future champions, but in the end showed there egos were bigger than the business intellects. There is drive and ambition and there is being big headed and thinking you know everything and that other don't know better than you, and those that fail tend to fall into that  group of idiots that show all that is wrong with British management. Thankfully Alan Sugar and his team aren't that stupid and they see through the lies and the half truths to see the contestants for what they really are. How do that do that team work, Sir Alan listens to his advisor's and takes what they have said on board before he acts. It is the one thing nearly all the contestants could do with learning and the same thing goes for business in the United Kingdom in general.

Finally one thing I have noticed that since the show is now about securing investment  rather than getting a job with Sir Sugar it has lost it's way a little compared to the original in terms of the people that it attracts. Don't get me wrong I still like the show, but the people that apply don't seem to be of the stuff that the original shows contestants were made of. They don't have the same business skills sets and tend to be just idea's people rather than future business leaders, and that is something that would never have done in the original concept of the show.

Out and About - Sutton on Sea

Rutland is miles from the sea, but on a day like today when the weather is hot it is juts nice to go and find those sea breezes even if it means traveling miles and miles. One of the places that can be reached relatively easily is the Lincolnshire coast.

One of the many little places you can go, if you want to avoid the hustle and bustle of places like Skegness is Sutton on Sea a little further North up the Lincolnshire coast. This is a much smaller place and far less commercialise than it bigger neighbor with less noise and caravan parks to spoil the natural beauty of the place.

The beach itself is has been a award a seaside award and is patrolled by RNLI lifeguards. It is absolutely stunning having miles upon miles of sand for the young and the old to enjoy alike. It beaches like his on a summers day that make you wonder why anyone would spend a fortune leaving these shores in the current economic climate. 

However if you want to get away from all you could go to the Lincolnshire Country park a bit further down the coast. There you will find mile upon mile of sandy beach and not a ice cream or an amusement park insight to drain your pockets of your precious pennies. All you have to do is ignore the ugly wind farm that some silly government allowed to be built which spoils what on a sunny day would be an idyllic view.

Finally they is one warning I must impart and that is to avoid the Dolphin Fish bar in Sutton on Sea, it servers some of the nastiest chips I have ever had the misfortune to eat, I hope for their sake it was just a off day, or they will find the don't have a business soon.  That aside if you are looking for a trip out and some where quieter than a main resport I can highly recommend Sutton on Sea and the in general the beauty of the Lincolnshire coast.

Places to go in and around Rutland

There have been as the summer has gone on a larger number of searches than previous summers on places in and around Rutland, so I thought it would be a good idea to do a post on places to visit in and around Rutland.

Rutland Water

One of the reasons many people come to Rutland is to visit Rutland water and for good reason, it is very beautiful. Many people elect to cycle around the reservoir and for good reason, it is probably the best way to see it other than risking getting wet in a boat. Around the shores you will find ample parking, cafes, pubs and places where you can hire bikes as well a boats if you are a sailor at heart. With the odd adventure playground and places for picnics it is an idea place to take a family for a day out.

Rocks to Rails

A little gem to be found in Rutland is the Rock to Rails museum just outside the village of Ashwell. Run by volunteers and set in a reclaimed quarry it gives a taste what the iron ore production in the East Midlands was like until the demise of the British Steel Industry which also saw the closure of many quarries in the region. The museum has an ironstone exhibition, a working railway line with steam engines, a workshop and loco yard, a nineteen sixties style cafe and a nature trail. It is advisable to check the museums website before you visit to make sure it open and check the days the steam trains are operating. From experience it is a great place to take the children and you can get up real close to the exhibits, so go and enjoy this gem.

Northfield Farm

Northfield Farm is located on the A606 between Oakham and Melton Mowbray. It is a working farm that produces it own meats from rear breed cattle and sells some of the finest meats I have ever had the pleasure to cook. Other than being a fine food outlet it is an open farm where you can see up close the working of a modern day farm and a great place to take the children. There are normally baby pigs in the pens near the farm buildings, other animals that you can see in the fields, a childrens play area and a cafe. It is worth a visit if your in the area and if you want a decent Sunday dinner then pop into the farm shop and pick yourself up a one of best joints of meat you can find in the East Midlands.

Oakham

Oakham is a really pretty market town set in some beautiful countryside, but if you want to see it in all it's beauty don't delay going to visit this charming town. The town is rapidly being spoilt by over development. Green spaces and the green fields surrounding the town are being turned into concert jungles and the nature will soon be town spoilt forever. See it now before it is too late and it becomes a blot on the landscape and a supermarket heaven for those that like such things; those who don't miss the joy of shopping on the High Street, for the lovely small business in the town will soon be long gone to be replaced by connivance stores and charity shops.

Uppingham

Uppingham is well worth visiting as are some of the surrounding countryside and villages (some of the best in Rutland). Relatively unspoilt be the developers and their friends at Rutland County Council it retains a lot of its character. The main shopping area is still full of family run businesses that have been trading in the town for years. A must is the bakery which sells some of the finest rolls I pastries that I have ever had the pleasure of eating.  Not far from Uppingham you will find the next two attractions, Bede House and the Eyebrook Reservoir

Bede House

Bede House was originally the merdieval wing of a palace belonging to the Bishops of Lincoln, and in 1600 it was converted it into an almshouse for 12 poor ‘bedesmen’ and two women. It remained in use as a almshouse until 1930. Nearby there are the remains of the rest of the palace and a impressive village church. The house can be found in the beautiful village of Lyddington, just outside Uppingham, which is well worth visiting in it's own right with it typical stone built Rutland cottages.

Eyebrook Reservoir

Eyebrook is the forgotten reservoir, over shadowed by it bigger neighbor Rutland water, but it is well worth visiting if you are into wildlife, especially bird life. It is equally as stunning as Rutland water and a great place if you are into fishing. Even in the winter months the hardy fisherman can be seen on the water trying to catch something to take home for dinner. The only thing to beware of is the width of the roads and the odd cyclist that travel round the water, so if your in a car just take it easy and don't forget to pop into the church at Stoke Dry and see the wall paintings, which includes Norman image of what appear to be Red Indians! 

Stamford

Just on the boarders of Rutland in Lincolnshire is the beautiful town of Stamford. Walking through the streets is like walking back in time. The town is well known for its medieval core of 17th–18th century stone buildings, older timber framed buildings and boasts no less than five medieval parish churches. The town itself is a conservation area, in fact the first conservation area, and since then the old town has been made an area of outstanding architectural and historic interest. It is a natural treasure and It is a place you must visit if you are in the area, in fact it was once voted the best place to live in a national poll.

Kirby Hall

 

Moving in Northamptonshire, and the Corby area once famed for it still mills they is the remains of one of the finest country houses in England.The house was based on French architectural pattern books and expanded in the classical style, and although mainly roofless the evidence of its former glory is clear for all to see. Set in gardens that match the style of the house it is well worth the entry money to get in. If the weather is fine take a picnic with you, there are picnic benches in the garden but avoid race days at Rockingham Speedway unless you want the noise of motor cars spoiling your meal.

Rockingham Castle

The former royal castle and hunting lodge at Rockingham is a mile north of the town of Corby. It was built on the instruction of William the Conqueror on the site that has for many years been used to site fortifications because of its position on elevated ground overlooking the valley of Welland.  As well as visiting the castle itself and doing the official tour you can also visit the gardens and the tea rooms. Throughout the years the castle is host to a number of events and it is well worth checking out the official website to see what is going on before you visit. It is not cheap to get into the castle but it is worth the money if you make the day of it and there is plenty to do if you take your time and wander around taking everything in.

Rockingham Speedway

If you fancy a change from all the countryside and you enjoy the roar of a large engine then Rockingham Speedway is for you. The track itself was opened in 2001 and it was constructed on the site of the former British Steel Works in Corby. The circuit is based around a banked oval and the intention was to bring the American oval racing across the Atlantic to Britain, and it is the fastest banked track in Europe. Over the summer months Rockingham Speedway hosts a number of events including the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship. Before you go the circuit check the official circuit website and buy your ticket online to save you some pennies, buy tickets on the day is considerably more expensive, and if you feel you want to try it yourself why not take your own car for a high speed spin.

Foxton Locks

 

Moving now into Leicestershire you can find largest flight of staircase locks on the English canal system with two 'staircases' of five locks. Foxton Locks are located on the Leicester line of the Grand Union Canal just over 3 miles west of Market Harborough close to the nearby village of Foxton. Other than the working locks there is museum where you can learn more about the locks and how they were built. There are miles of canal towpaths to walk along and there is a tearoom and a choice of local pubs serving food, as well as for those on a budget areas where you can enjoy a picnic. While you are there you should also take in the town of Market Harborough.

Belvoir Castle

Set in the Vale of Belvoir the current castle is the forth to stand at the site since Norman times and for a 1000 years has been the home of Duke and Duchess or Rutland. The current building dates back to the early 19th Century replacing various buildings that were destroyed in the Wars of the Roses, the Civil War and finally by a major fire in 1816. Normally vistors are took on tours of the house whose highlights highlights include the lavish staterooms, the Regents Gallery and the Roman inspired State Dining Room. Currently the gardens are being restored to there former glory by the current Duchess, but having said that they are already beautiful. Being a family home the castle is only open on specific dates it is best that you check the official site before you head out for a visit, but be warned it isn't a cheap but there is a lot to see as long as you have the entry price.

National Space Centre

 

On the outskirts of Leicester is the National Space Centre that was opened in 2001 as all-weather attraction for all the family. The centre is filled with rockets, satellites in includes one of only two Soyuz capsules on display in the West. The centre made up from six main galleries of exhibits that space flight, astronomy and cosmology. It also has a cinema and planetarium, a gift shop and a restaurant that is located in the nozzles of a two launch vehicles. Finally be warned it isn't a cheap place to visit but special deals and family tickets make it slightly more attractive than it would be otherwise.

Donington le Heath Manor

Donington le Heath Manor which is near Coalville in in North West Leicestershire. It is a lovely old medieval manor house set in authentic laid out medieval gardens. The house itself was built over 700 years ago and dates back to 1288 and includes exhibitions on medieval life with occasional exhibitions on a wide range of subjects. Interestingly it was home to Everard Digby who was a close friend of Guy Fawkes, and he was executed in 1606 for being one of the Gunpowder Plotters. It is enter the house, which free parking and there is a cafe if you need a drink or fancy a homemade cake or two. During the summer they have loads of events again all free. It is a lovely place to sit and enjoy the summer sun. 

Langer Airfield

An airfield might be a strange place to suggest to visit, but at the weekend it can be a very colourful place to visit. It is home of the British Parachute School so not only can you go along and watch people jump out of completely serviceable planes, you can even have ago yourself. The best time to go is on a sunny windless weekend and the Airfield has a café for food and drinks and toilets for when you are desperate. The airfeild itself is in Nottinghamshire and about a 30 minute drive from Oakham down some beautiful country roads.

Finally in such a short post it is hard to include all that there is to see in one place, so if i have missed your favorite place in and around Rutland I'm sorry, but if you search the blog it might just turn up. To everyone that reads this I hope you have a lovely summer and enjoy the sun while it lasts.