There is some good news for anyone in North Luffenham who’s ever wished for easier, more flexible ways to get about. Rutland County Council is launching a new on-demand bus service called CallConnect,in our area on 4th August

At last you will be able to get a bus to Oakham for a shop, travel to an appointment at Empingham Surgery, or just take a trip out for lunch at a village pub without the hassle of driving.

So, what is CallConnect?

Think of it like a mini-bus taxi service, but one that’s affordable (or free!), easy to book, and shared with others heading in the same direction. There’s no timetable – you simply book a ride when you need it, and the clever system plans the route based on who’s travelling where.

Main Advantages:

📅 It runs when you need it
You can book up to a week in advance – or even just an hour ahead. You can also block book regular journeys if you need to use the bus to get to work every day for instance.

📱 Easy to use
Download the free CallConnect app, or just give them a ring on 0345 234 3344 to book your journey. It’s really straightforward – and yes, you can still talk to a real person if you prefer that to an app.

🧓 Free for concessionary pass holders
If you’ve got a Rutland concessionary bus pass, your journeys are completely free – no catches.

🎉 And right now, it’s free for everyone!
To celebrate the launch, all CallConnect journeys are free until 28th June 2025, no matter your age or ticket type.

♿ Accessible and comfortable
The buses are modern, easy to board, and wheelchair-friendly. Just let them know if you need any assistance when you book.

Why it’s perfect for North Luffenham

We all know village life can be peaceful – but sometimes it’s tricky getting to places without a car. Whether it’s picking up prescriptions, meeting friends in Stamford, or getting to the train station, CallConnect takes the stress out of the journey.

It’s great for:

• Those without regular access to a car
• Teenagers getting to and from college or town
• Anyone who doesn’t drive anymore but still wants to stay active and connected

How to give it a try:

1. Download the CallConnect app (or call them).
2. Book your ride – it’s that simple.
3. They’ll give you a 20-minute pick-up window and keep you updated via text.
4. Hop on and enjoy the ride!

This service launches on 4th April (you can book journeys from 28th July)

For more information, check out the RCC web page here:

https://www.rutland.gov.uk/rutland-buses/callconnect

Roving Vaccination Unit will be visiting The Oval Wednesday 7th May

The Oval , North Luffenham, LE15 8FH

Covid, Flu, MMR and other vaccinations available + blood pressure checks

Please check vaccine eligibility and age criteria before visiting the Roving Health Unit

PUBLIC SAFETY ANNOUNCEMENT:
Military Working Dogs will conduct training on the St. Georges Barracks airfield tonight, 3rd December 2024, from 5:00 PM until 1:00 AM on 4th December 4th.
During this time, there may be increased activity and movement in the area. We ask the public to follow any instructions from military personnel.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

SGB airfield will be out of bounds from 1800 – 2300 hrs on Fri 27 Sep and 1330-2300 Sat 28 Sep 24. Personnel will be conducting patrols and bitework with Military Working Dogs.

SGB airfield will be out of bounds from 1800 – 2300 hrs on Fri 27 Sep and 1330-2300 Sat 28 Sep 24. Personnel will be conducting patrols and bitework with Military Working Dogs.

From Dr Sarah Furness.

You are invited to the unveiling of Rutland’s memorial statue to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth ll. I hope that it will be a happy family occasion and encourage as many people as possible to come. Dogs on leads are also very welcome!

The Rutland statue of our late queen, HM Queen Elizabeth II, is the first to be commissioned since her death. It will be officially unveiled on
what would have been her birthday as a fitting tribute to Britain’s longest reigning and possibly greatest monarch.
It was created in response to the depth of loss felt in Rutland on the late Queen’s death. Due to the incredible generous donations from local people
(95% of the cost was raised by many individuals and some businesses), sufficient funds were available for our Lord Lieutenant Dr Sarah Furness to
be able to commission a full-figure statue showing her in her prime.

Sculptor Hywel Pratley, a member of the Royal Society of Sculptors and Society of Portrait Sculptors, was selected as the sculptor and has
done a magnificent job using a local foundry.
If you would like more information about the day please visit the Lord Lieutenants website at: www.rutlandlordlieutenant.org

Please note St George’s Bks airfield is out of bounds on the following dates:

23 Jan (1800hrs) – 24 Jan (0600hrs)
24 Jan (1800hrs) – 25 Jan (0600hrs)
25 Jan (1800hrs) – 26 Jan (0600hrs)

This is due to Patrol dog training taking place overnight.

From 1st Military Working Dogs Regiment:

We have had some accidents and near misses involving walkers and their dogs over the past few weeks. For the safety of them, our military personnel and Military Working Dogs they must not use the airfield when military training is taking place.

Dog walking businesses are also not authorised to use the airfield for business use.

Please can you not walk or use the Airfield at the following timings:

Mon – Thu       0800 – 1630hrs and outside these times when red flags are flying

Fri                    0800 – 1230hrs and outside these times when red flags are flying

Sat – Sun        Do not use when red flags are flying