Category Archives: General News

General news & information from the surrounding area.

Defibrillator out of action.

The defibrillator situated at The Fox is out of action. The problem is being investigated and hopefully it will back in service in the near future. In the meantime it has been deactivated by East Midlands Ambulance Service.

For any medical emergency please dial 999.

National Gardens Scheme – North Luffenham Hall Open Garden

The gardens at North Luffenham Hall will be open to the public on Sunday 13th July, as part of the National Open Gardens scheme.

Entry fee is £6 for adults, free for children.

Tickets can either be purchased online, or on the day

The gardens will be open between 13:00-17:00

For pre-booking of entry tickets, and more details of the event, click on the link below

https://ngs.org.uk/gardens/north-luffenham-hall-le15

This Post will expire at 1:32pm on Saturday August 9th, 2025.

Notice of Public Rights

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DJZT65xDxSWVaW_GjVT7ZADy-_Ap3yW0/view?usp=drive_link

As there were issues with uploading the document to the website due to the file size – please find attached web link.

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

Agendas and Supporting Documents June 2025

The draft minutes to be approved were previously published on the website by Cllr Smith.

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.

Contact: Mike Barnes 0780 3617859.

New on-demand bus service

 Rutland Buses website

Rutland County Council is preparing to complete the rollout of new on-demand bus services across Rutland from August 2025, with roadshow events taking place around the county to share information about the change.

The Council has an ambitious Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) that aims to increase access to local transport services and make them more sustainable. This includes the introduction of a new on-demand minibus service that is being phased in alongside fixed-route buses over the course of 2025.

The new on-demand service was launched on 31 March 2025, operating in a zone that covers the north west of the county between Oakham and Melton. More than 1,500 passengers have used the service in its first two months of operation.

On-demand bus travel will be fully rolled out across the County from 4 August 2025, helping to connect villages with main bus routes, which then provide onward travel to larger destinations.

The new on-demand service is being delivered in partnership with Lincolnshire’s Callconnect and uses existing bus stops as pick-up and drop-off points, with passengers able to book journeys on Callconnect’s smartphone app or over the phone with as little as one hours’ notice.

Roadshow events are being held in towns and villages that will be part of the final rollout, giving passengers a chance to learn more about how Callconnect works and how to book journeys. The offer of free travel on all on-demand buses is being extended until 31 March 2026.

Information about the expanded on-demand service will also be added to the Council’s new Rutland Buses website.

This Post will expire at 11:08am on Friday August 15th, 2025.

Local Government Reorganisation

The process of local government reorganisation which began at the start of the year is now moving beyond its first stage.

Rutland is included in  plans that are tied to two separate geographies (Leicestershire and Lincolnshire): these are:

  • a three-unitary model covering the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland area, which could see Rutland form part of a new council serving North Leicestershire and Rutland
  • one of several options in the Greater Lincolnshire area interim plan, which could see Rutland join with North Kesteven, South Kesteven and South Holland
  • an option being tabled by Leicester City Council, which could expand the city boundaries and include Rutland in a single Leicestershire unitary.

To understand each option please click on the following link  www.rutland.gov.uk/devolution.

People living in Rutland now have an opportunity to give more feedback on the North, City, South proposal, following the launch of a public engagement exercise that will run until 20 July 2025. Further information, including details of how to share your views on this plan can be found online by visiting: www.northcitysouth.co.uk

This Post will expire at 2:23pm on Monday August 11th, 2025.

Draft minutes from the Annual Parish Council meetings of the 21st May 2025

Minutes of the Annual Parish 2024, Parish Council General and Trust Meetings.

Annual Parish Council Meeting 21st May.

The Annual Parish Council Meeting will be held on the 21st May at 7.15 pm in the Community Centre following the Annual Parish Meeting. Please see the agendas etc below.

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

Minutes of the Parish Council Meetings of the 19th March 2025.

Please click on the links below.

Key with blue tag found

Found in Butt Lane: A key with blue tag and labelled CABIN.

Please phone 0795 177 1770

New Fun ‘Pop Up’ Dance & Stretch Workshop…

Please join Sheena Kirk & Nicky Morris for an uplifting, fun afternoon of fitness…

After introductions there will be a warm up to music followed by a dance session led by Nicky. After a break, Sheena will lead you through a stretch routine with some pilates and yoga moves to make you feel longer & stronger with a wonderful sense of wellbeing.

To finish there will be hot and cold drinks available…and of course home-made cake!

Where: Ashwell Village Hall, Oakham, LE15 7LW

When: Saturday 10th May 2025; 2 – 5pm

Cost: £29

For booking details….please head to Sheena’s website to reserve your place online!
Full & further information about the afternoon is also available there.

Musclematters2.co.uk

Please note that this class is not for complete beginners. If you have or already attend any pilates, yoga, dance or are involved in fitness you are very welcome to attend

Look forward to seeing you there!

Sheena Kirk
sheena.kirk@gmail.com

Who we are:
Nicky Morris trained at The Royal Ballet School, experienced life on the road as a professional dancer and has had the wonderful opportunity to teach adults in Rutland for 14 years, for all abilities and ages. Nicky brings a fun and energetic workout, utilising ballet, jazz and contemporary dance.
Sheena Kirk is a retired physio who brings a wealth of knowledge from the sports and fitness world. After working in the NHS and private healthcare for 25 years, Sheena ran her own private practice for 15 years in Rutland, also teaching pilates-inspired, stretch and yoga classes with a twist, introducing fitness to folks in a fun way to look after their bodies.

Walk In Covid – 19 Vaccination Clinics

Initial walk-in clinics in Rutland will be held at:

  • Oakham Enterprise Park, Ashwell Road, LE15 7TU, between 9am and 3pm daily on:
    • Wednesday 2 April 2025
    • Thursday 3 April 2025
    • Saturday 5 April 2025
    • Monday 7 April 2025
    • Tuesday 8 April 2025
    • Wednesday 9 April 2025
    • Thursday 10 April 2025
    • Saturday 12 April 2025
  • Mercers Yard car park, 8 North Street East, Uppingham LE15 9QL, between 9am and 3pm daily on:
    • Friday 4 April 2025
    • Friday 11 April 2025
  • Uppingham Market Place, LE15 9QH, between 9am and 3pm daily on:
    • Friday 4 April 2025
    • Friday 11 April 2025

The eligible cohorts for the spring Covid-19 vaccination programme includes:

  • People aged 75 years and over (including those who will be 75 by 17 June 2025)
  • older adult care home residents,
  • anyone aged six months to 74 years and have a weakened immune system because of a health condition or treatment.

The roving healthcare clinic will visit The Oval from1pm to 2pm on Wednesday May 7th for administering Covid – 19 vaccinations.

Community Award 2025

Do you know of anyone who goes above and beyond for North Luffenham?

We would like to reward those with community spirit by awarding those who are voted by the community with a £50 voucher to use at the Fox pub for a delicious meal and few celebratory drinks.

Nominations are now open with the nominations window closing on the 9th of April. A community vote will then be held from the 10th until the meeting 23rd of April where the winner will be announced. To nominate please fill out the form below and email to: clerk@northluffenham.org.uk

If you are unable to use emails, please contact the clerk via telephone on 01572 368344 or post (4 Greetham Road, Cottesmore, LE15 7DB), with a nominee, their contact details and the reason why you are nominating them. Please also provide your contact details so we are able to let you know if your nominee has been shortlisted.

Devolution: Interim Plans

The Government has asked that Interim Plans are submitted by 21st March. These have been published on the RCC wesite: https://www.rutland.gov.uk/.

Click on the Devolution and local government reorganisation tab and then on Interim Plans where there are documents relevant to Rutland’s preferred option.

There are two documents:

Leicestershire and Rutland councils LGR interim plan – Full document: https://www.rutland.gov.uk/sites/default/files/2025-03/Leicestershire%20and%20Rutland%20councils%20LGR%20interim%20plan%20-%20Full%20document.pdf

Leicestershire and Rutland councils LGR interim plan – Summary document: https://www.rutland.gov.uk/sites/default/files/2025-03/Leicestershire%20and%20Rutland%20councils%20LGR%20interim%20plan%20-%20Summary%20document.pdf

To be fully informed please read through the information on Devolution and local government reorganisation as it is informative on the whole process.