A trust that took over management of Clipsham's Yew Tree Avenue from the Forestry Commission says they're well on their way to returning the tourist attraction to its former glory. Tonight they have a fundraising event in the Village Church, which is very nearly sold out.
It costs around £20,000 a year to maintain the attraction, which is free to visitors, but they would love donations. Trustees of the Yew Tree Avenue Trust, Sue Thomas and Cliff Bacon say there's always work to be done there:
"We have a 20 year management agreement to manage the trees and the surrounding area, but not the woodland, sadly. And we've brought it back and it looks really good. And we are now hoping to get some of the patterns, have a look on our website, you'll see the patterns that were there back in the 1970s, 80s, 90s. It went into disrepair in the 2000s, then we took control and we've now cut the trees four times.
We've got the shapes back and they're looking good. We'd really like to get some more patterns back in the fronts of the trees and some new ones as well. We're hoping to do one for the NHS and of course our late Queen, so we have a lot to do, but we can't do it without money."
The new Rutland Hub next to Oakham Baptist Church is only part of their expansion. It was officially opened yesterday by MP Alicia Kearns and sees offices from the church move in as well as spaces for the community to use and a cafe.
Northamptonshire police are appealing for witnesses after a series of burglaries, which they believe are all linked around the A43 between Kettering and Stamford.
Around 650 athletes began a swim at first light and are taking part in three laps of Rutland Water's roads this morning by bike before they run a half marathon in the annual Vitruvian Triathlon.
Road closures are in place in Stamford this morning on Broad Street, Star Lane and Red Lion Street for the annual Battle of Britain Parade and Service and will continue until lunchtime.
As part of the Rutland Day celebrations yesterday, there was an event at Oakham Castle which saw reenactors from the Ferrars' household along with local stalls, a Maker's market, a history tour and the Special Multum Gin Parvo Rutland Cocktail and Rutland Pippin were also on offer.
After a 37 year wait there was an all-female podium at Defender Burghley Horse Trails in Stamford which annually welcomes over 170,00 visitors across the four day event.
Weekend sports round up
