Author Archives: Pete Burrows

CallConnect Service Coming To North Luffenham 4th August

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

Allotment Waste Bin Moved

In the ongoing discussion with RCC on the contract with Biffa regarding waste bin emptying, the dog waste bin that was located on the allotments has been removed, and a new bin (taken from the play area) has been installed on the pavement next to Geoff Sewell Close.

This is due to Biffa not emptying any bins not located on the highway.

Bikes For Sale

Two bikes for sale. Both £200 each. One a very light Cube Pelaton racing bike and the other a Giant hybrid bike. Both in excellent condition.

Other bike purchases mean they are for sale.

Come and have a look.

Mike Barnes 0780 3617859

This Post will expire at 1:56pm on Thursday July 17th, 2025.

Roving Vaccination Unit in North Luffenham Wednesday, 7th May

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
DateStart timeEnd time
07/05/202513:0014:00

Dog Waste Bins

There has been an ongoing issue with having the dog poo bins around the village emptied by Biffa, the RCC contractors, due to their classification as hazardous waste.

Biffa will, however, empty standard rubbish bins…

The Parish Council have therefore replaced the red dog waste bins with grey rubbish bins.

Could dog owners please use these new bins from now on for poo bags.

Airfield Out Of Bounds Tonight

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.

Bonfire Night Tuesday 5th November

Preparations are well underway for the North Luffenham Bonfire Night, to be held as usual on 5th November (weather depending)

Bonfire will be lit at 6pm, with the fireworks starting at 6:30pm approximately

Entry will be free, as always, but please bring cash for donations. The fireworks are funded entirely by the bucket collection, and so the more you give, the brighter the display next year!

NL fireworks photo by Katy Ellis

Good Companions Warm Space

North Luffenham Good Companion’s are pleased to advise that from 6th October the Community Centre, adjacent to the school, will be open weekly on a Wednesday afternoon from 2pm-4pm as a warm space throughout the Autumn/Winter month.

This is an ideal opportunity to come along for cup of tea or coffee and chit chat with others, feel free to bring along some cake, a pack of cards, board game, knitting or just yourself. Everyone welcome.

Many thanks

Jason

ST GEORGE’S BARRACKS AIRFIELD – out of bounds

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.

ST GEORGE’S BARRACKS AIRFIELD – out of bounds

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.

Shaved Cats

Message from a North Luffenham resident:

We live on Digby Drive. Our two cats have been had their hind legs shaved for no reasons. I could understand one if it were an emergency but both ,and one has been only partially done.

We want to  make sure it’s an isolated incident or that it’s not going to escalate. We have contacted the police and the RSPCA and they have advised us to put a shout out on community Facebook or any groups we are on.

If you can keep an eye as well please that would be great as well.

Interested In An Indian Food Tasting Session?

Hello to all my fellow neighbours, as many of you know I run “Jaimi’s Spice Kitchen” – where I offer curry cooking classes within the comfort of your own home. 

To give you all a taster of what my food is like, I was thinking of holding a food sampling session on my front garden so you are able to get a taste of the kind of dishes you could learn to make during my classes. 

This would be a new experience for me too, but I thought it would be a lovely way to share my passion, give you all a taster and meet all of our local village people 😊. 

I would really appreciate, so I can gauge interest – if you could leave a reply below or send me a message/call to let me know if you would be interested in popping by my sampling session so I can decide on whether to go ahead and plan one, or not. 

Many thanks, 

Jaimi 

(07885670565) 

NLCC First Match of the Cricket Season

For those looking at the rain and wondering when Summer starts, wait no more! The cricket season in North Luffenham starts tomorrow Tuesday 30th April.

The team will kick off with a home match on the Oval against Egerton Park.  The match starts at 6pm

Statue Unveiling Invitation

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

Wake For Ken Forsyth

From Julie Abell

For those who knew Ken Forsyth of Oval Close, he sadly passed away recently.

His daughter Rachel has asked me to pass on an invitation to his wake on Thursday 22nd February at 12pm at Stamford Masonic Hall.

Nothing formal, a few words from his
son Ian, some lunch, and an opportunity to share memories of Ken.If anyone wants to come, they are very welcome. 


Rachel has asked that if you let me know if you hope to come so she can plan catering.

Julie 07866 741022

Airfield Out Of Bounds

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.

Reminder – Local Plan Consultation Tonight 6-9pm

Where: North Luffenham Community Centre.

When: 6pm to 9pm.

A reminder that there will be information on the Local Plan Consultation this evening in the Community Centre

Consultation closes on Monday, and so there are only 5 days left to make representations with your views.

This is the only public consultation stage that allows changes to the content of plan based on public input.

The plan does suggest changes to the Limits of Planned Development for North Luffenham, and also allocates a site for residential development, and so it is worth reviewing if only for these items that may impact the village.

There will be two paper copies of the Local Plan available to read, along with a multitude of laptops available to access the online interactive maps and to allow those, who wish, to make a comment on the day using the online portal.

Most importantly both County Councillors (one of which, I am sure you will know, is the leader of the council) will be in attendance to answer questions that you may have in relation to the local plan.

North Luffenham Parish Councillors will be in attendance to help with the online access only. They will not be answering questions about the Parish Councils response. This event is for the public to see the Local Plan and ask questions to the county councillors.

The draft Local Plan and all the supporting documents are available on the Ruland County Council website: https://www.rutland.gov.uk/planning-building-control/local-plan/new-local-plan.

Help With Storm Damage

If you have any trees that have fallen due to todays winds and / or have an emergency please call Max on 07710848641 and he will come out to you to assist.

Airfield Access Restrictions

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