Exciting news in Rutland.....

Tourism Bus Launch
Shorelink is a new Tourism Bus service that will be launched this summer and will connect visitors from Oakham and Uppingham with Rutland Water and the surrounding villages.  The bus will have the facility for passenger bikes to be stored.  Shorelink will operate 7 days a week (including Sundays and Bank Holidays) between 9am and 7pm.  For more information about Shorelink, visit www.discover-rutland.co.uk. 

Discover Rutland App
The Tourism team at Discover Rutland are pleased to announce that a Tourism App will be launching this summer.  The app will give visitors a detailed look at the accommodation available, as well as a food and drink map, showing award winning establishments (of which we have many!!!)  There is information on the various different attractions in Rutland as well as an up to date events listing highlighting some of our most popular events, such as the Rutland Food and Drink Festival and The Rutland County Show.  A launch date will be advertised shortly, so keep checking the Discover Rutland website for further information. 

BARNSDALE CELEBRATES SPECIAL ANNIVERSARIES AT THE CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW

It’s all systems go at Barnsdale this week! In between filming TV and radio interviews for the BBC’s Chelsea coverage, Nick Hamilton and the team have been preparing a special display to mark both the 100th anniversary of the world's most famous flower show and also the 30th birthday of Rutland’s most famous gardens, as well as growing vegetables for this year’s Homebase Garden, created by Barnsdale's award-winning associate garden designer Adam Frost.

Barnsdale’s display takes its inspiration from one of its most popular areas, the Ornamental Kitchen Garden, which was originally created by Nick’s father, Geoff, for the BBC’s Gardeners’ World TV programme. In it, flowers, fruit and vegetables have been mixed in the borders to show that food plants can be beautiful as well as useful, so for the show, Nick has picked varieties which are interesting and unusual, or historic; his plant list spans the last 100 years, from the Edwardians’ favourite purple kale to a type of Hosta now gaining popularity as a food plant since its introduction by the UK’s Chinese community.

Nick said, ‘It’s been 30 years since my Dad dug the first spadeful of earth at Barnsdale but the ideas he was pioneering then are just as relevant today. People may think of gardening as being one of those things that’s unchanging, and I suppose that’s part of its appeal, but while it’s fascinating to look at the historical side, gardening continues to move with the times, with many elements using up- to-the-minute technology. So our Chelsea display has a bit of the old and a bit of the new, with lots in between!’

Visit Barnsdale Gardens at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, Stand no. GPB5, from 21st - 25th May. You can also catch Nick on BBC2’s Chelsea Flower Show programme on Friday 24th May or BBC Radio Leicester on the Ben Jackson show.

Events

Burghley Game and Country Fair
27th May 2013

The Burghley Game and Country Fair is now in its 7th year.  This a fabulous event in the surroundings of one of the most beautiful stately homes in the country.  Two action - packed arenas have a full programme of displays with dare-devil stunts, fast and furious scurry racing, cheeky sheepdog and duck displays, bigger Birds of Prey, daring dog displays and even a grand national steeplechase.  The ever popular Dogzone returns with Lurcher racing and showing, a Multiscurry Challenge, Mullenscote Gundog Clinic and Chase the Bunny (pure fun). Family dogs can have a bit of fun with the Fun Dog Show too.

The Falconry Village has native and some more exotic Birds of Prey, all waiting for the chance to stretch their wings and fly!  The show's arenas are encompassed by an array of country and craft stalls, selling everything from country clothing and accessories to handcrafted art and regional food and drink.

 Open 10.00am - 6.00pm daily

Adults £11.00 Oaps £10.00 Children £4.00 under 5s free

Rockingham Castle
Steam, Transport and Family Show
Saturday 1st &Sunday 2nd June. 
Midland Events Club is returning to Rockingham Castle for the Steam Transport & Family Show.  There will be steam engines, transport and vintage vehicles.  Lots of family entertainment which will include; Dog Agility Demonstration, Model aircraft & boats,  Motor Cycle Up and Over Arena Display, Pipe Band, Irish dancing, Classic Cars & Shire Horses. Caravan Club Camping.
Gate price: Adults £8. Concession £7.  Children (5-16) £4 Family ticket (2+3) £22
Gates open: Saturday 9.30am till 5pm Sunday 9.30am till 4.30pm. 
For further information, please contact Dave Hoyles - Event Organiser, Midland Events Club.
01159 135823 / 07901984627 Email dave.hoyles@ntlworld.com   www.steamfestival.co.uk

Barnsdale Gardens Events
Flower Photography Workshop
1 June, 9.30am-4.30pm - Learn how to record the fragile beauty of flowers in close-up with award-winning botanical and garden photographer Hemant Jariwala. This inspiring course covers the use of light, composition and colour and includes lots of useful tips and new techniques which will change the way you see the plants in YOUR garden. Lunch in the Barnsdale Gardens Tea Room is included and both occasional and enthusiast photographers are welcome.  Price £69, including lunch
Booking essential! Call 01572 813200 or email courses@barnsdalegardens.co.uk

The Illustrated Garden Journal
Tuesday 4th June, 10am-12.30pm.  Talented local artist and nature enthusiast Val Littlewood leads the fourth in our series of monthly art workshops on the theme of keeping an illustrated garden notebook, with a morning devoted to botanical illustration and learning how flowers work. Classes can be taken individually or as a 10 week course and will build up over the months to produce a beautiful record of a year in nature.
Price £32 per workshop- book three or more together and get a 25% discount. Basic materials available to buy on the day
Booking essential! Call 01572 813200 or email courses@barnsdalegardens.co.uk

Barnsdale Lodge
Jazz and Swing Dinner
Friday 7th June, 7.30pm
Back by popular demand, our annual Jazz and Swing dinner, with Emma Munro-Wilson and her Jazz Quartet.   £35 per person to include a three course meal prepared by our executive Chef Steve Conway.   For reservations and further details email enquiries@barnsdalelodge.co.uk or call 01572 724 678

Stapleford Park Events
Puccini’s Madama Butterfly: An Opera Afternoon Tea
Saturday 8th June
To commemorate 400 years of British and Japanese association, Stapleford Park is presenting an Operatic Afternoon Tea. Enjoy quintessential English afternoon tea served with a touch of Japanese tradition. The afternoon includes a traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony, demonstration of traditional Japanese sweet making and excerpts from Puccini's much loved opera Madame Butterfly, performed by musicians who have appeared with the National Opera House, Symphony Hall in Birmingham, the BBC and London Philharmonic.  Tickets are £35.00 per person and are available to buy online at http://www.staplefordpark.com/news-events/events/opera-afternoon-tea.html

Charity Celebrity Cricket Match at Uppingham School
Sunday 9th June
Uppingham School is hosting an all-star charity cricket match on Sunday 9th June.  An Uppingham XI will take on the might of Harry Judd's All-Star XI.  Harry's team will be a combination of Old Uppinghamians and friends from the world of entertainment and sport.  Fans of Strictly Come Dancing will recognise some of the All-Star players from their days on the dance floor too!

Harry's team will include Freddie Flintoff, Phil Tufnell and Steve Harmison - England cricket superstars; Mark Foster - one of the most successful British swimmers of all time; Jake Humphrey - television presenter and journalist, known for his coverage of Formula One;  Lee Dixon and Robbie Savage - former professional footballers and Internationals, now football pundits.  Making an appearance as a guest umpire will be Jonathan Agnew (OU), journalist and cricket broadcaster.
 The match will start at 11.30am and is estimated to finish at 6.00pm.  There will be a lunch break from 2 - 3.30pm and a tea break later in the afternoon.  Gates will open at 10.00am.
There will be stalls providing family entertainment, food and refreshments, including a Pimm’s tent.  Tickets cost £12 for adults, £5 for 18-13 yrs and U13 yrs are free (when accompanied by an adult) but still require an e-ticket to gain entry.  Please note that there are a limited number of tickets available.  Any tickets remaining will be sold on the day at £17.50 for adults, £5 for 18-13 yrs and U13 yrs are free (when accompanied by an adult).  
To purchase tickets please click here.  To purchase tickets or to find out more about the event, please visit www.uppingham.co.uk

STAMFORD FEAST 2013 - Sunday 9th June
Stamford Feast will be back for a THIRD year this summer, being held on Stamford Meadows on SUNDAY 9th JUNE 2013!
Based on the great success of the last two years, we are delighted to announce that The Feast will be run for a third year and is being hosted by Stamford Town Council. Those of you who have joined us at this event before will know that this multicultural event based on community and cuisine was such a success that it is now being run in association with the nationally recognised Eden Project, THE BIG LUNCH.
This event is a high quality, fun filled and educational event, bringing all nationalities and cultural groups together, demonstrating food from local, national and worldwide providers. Stamford is full of wonderful restaurants and bistros run by local talented people along with a number of nationally acclaimed farmers and food producers.  We will once again transform Stamford Meadows into a Community Feast… offering a great opportunity to bring people together for one day to enjoy themselves and sample the many tastes on offer.
Entry is FREE. This is a sample of what is on offer….
• Chilli Eating Competition!
• International food from suppliers right on our doorstep
• Local food produce from farmers, allotments, farm shops
• Live Food Stage and Cooking Demonstrations
• Healthy living advice and Health checks from Local Government and the Health Service
• Fun and inspirational exercise ideas from local gyms and dance groups
• Bumper Food Hampers
• World music and dance
• Drinks Marquee
• Fun Fair
For more information please email townhall@stamfordtowncouncil.gov.uk

A Downton Abbey Evening
Friday 14th June
Stapleford Park invites you to a Downton Abbey Evening with Julian Fellows, creator and writer of Downton Abbey, and Jessica Fellowes, the writer of the supporting books: ‘The World of Downton Abbey’ and ‘The Chronicles of Downton Abbey’; both best sellers.  This will be a fascinating evening where Julian will talk of the inspiration for Downton Abbey and will discuss ‘behind the scenes’, the characters, the future. The evening will also include a champagne reception with canapés.  Tickets are £50, and are available to purchase online at http://www.staplefordpark.com/news-events/events/downton-abbey-evening.html

 Rolls Royce Enthusiasts’ Club Concours and Rally
Friday 14th June – Sunday 16th June. 
This flagship Club event attracts the world’s largest collection of around 1,000 Rolls-Royce and post-1933 Bentley cars with members travelling from across the UK, Europe and the rest of the world.
On Saturday 15th June H&H Classics Limited will hold their "Excellence in Engineering" auction covering Rolls-Royce, Bentley and selected cars from other marques. Sunday 16th June is the Club's Concours d’Elegance when the cars are arranged by class for judging followed by prize giving. It is a spectacular site to see all these beautiful cars assembled together.  For further information visit www.rrec.org.uk or 01327 811788

Father’s Day BBQ
Sunday 16th June, 12pm -3pm.  It’s Father’s Day so come and treat your dad to a special day out in our beautiful gardens and we'll treat him to a bottle of chilled local beer and something delicious from the barbie- it's available for everyone to buy but FREE for fathers accompanied by children (of any age)! We've even got a special Dad's Snoozing Area kitted out with stripy seaside deckchairs for him to sleep it off...
Garden admission: adult £6.50, concession £5.50, child £2.50, family (up to 5) £16
And if you’re looking for a special gift for the man in your life, Barnsdale Gardens’ Gift Shop and Nursery are chock-full of great ideas, and entry is FREE. For more details, call 01572 813200 or visit www.barnsdalegardens.co.uk

Father’s Day Lunch
Sunday 16th June
With a great selection of dishes, Father's Day Lunch at Stapleford Park Country House Hotel is the perfect treat for the whole family to enjoy and to reward your Father.  Guests can choose from a selection of dishes including roast lamb or lemon sole and chocolate fondant almond ice cream. Tickets are  £35.00 per person, £17.50 per child under 12 years. Visit www.staplefordpark.com for more information or please contact our reservations team on 01572 787000 or email reception@stapleford.co.uk

Oakham Festival ( 20th June - 30th June)- is looking forward to another fantastic year celebrating the arts.  This year the Grainstore Brewery has teamed up with Oakham Festival to bring some top quality acts, including The New Forbidden (Lloyd Grossman’s Band), The Boobytraps, Strike Up The Colours, Locked Out and the winners of this year’s Battle of the Bands.  The main act headlining this year will be a Toploader.  The festival is also delighted to be working with the East Midlands Book Awards who are bringing their prize ceremony to Rutland for the first time.   A fantastic event which has grown over the 3 years it has been running and a great collaboration for the Oakham Festival.  This is to be held at Barnsdale Lodge Hotel with Hambleton Hall providing canapés. 
For further information or to book tickets, please visit www.oakhamfestival.co.uk

Water Colour Painting Day
Thursday 20 June, 10.30am-4pm
Detailed demonstrations by local artist Sandra Peck combine with a beautiful setting and a delicious lunch to make a most enjoyable day. You’ll learn to paint a gorgeous summer scene from the garden with minimum fuss and lots of drippy paint, while picking up lots of useful techniques along the way and everyone is welcome, from the more experienced artist to the absolute beginner.
Price £69, including lunch in the Barnsdale Gardens Tea Room
Booking essential! Call 01572 813200 or email courses@barnsdalegardens.co.uk

The Suffering Obstacle Race
Saturday 22nd & Sunday 23rd June. 
The Suffering arrives at Rockingham Castle.  10k on Saturday & 10 miles on Sunday on a course designed to excite, thrill and challenge. How much Suffering can you take?
Prices start from £30.  www.thesufferingrace.co.uk
BOOK NOW!  SUFFER LATER!

Rockingham Castle Game and County Fair
Saturday 13th & Sunday 14th July.
Midland Events Club is returning to Rockingham Castle for the Steam Transport & Family Show.  There will be steam engines, transport and vintage vehicles.  Lots of family entertainment which will include; Dog Agility Demonstration, Model aircraft & boats,  Motor Cycle Up and Over Arena Display, Pipe Band, Irish dancing, Classic Cars & Shire Horses. Caravan Club Camping.
Gate price: Adults £8. Concession £7.  Children (5-16) £4 Family ticket (2+3) £22
Gates open: Saturday 9.30am till 5pm Sunday 9.30am till 4.30pm. 
For further information, please contact Dave Hoyles - Event Organiser, Midland Events Club.
01159 135823 / 07901984627 Email dave.hoyles@ntlworld.com   www.steamfestival.co.uk

Burghley Horse Trials 
5-8 September 2013.

There can be few more fitting locations for a ‘grand day out’ than Burghley Park, home to Burghley House regarded as one of the ‘largest and grandest’ houses of the first Elizabethan age. Located on the outskirts of the Lincolnshire market town of Stamford, each September the glorious golden house of yellow stone and Elizabethan turrets provides a unique back-drop to The Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials The Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials are more than just a horse event and there is plenty to keep all spectators entertained. Equestrian sport aside Burghley also enjoys a reputation for the magnitude and quality of its trade stands – over 500 selected retailers, selling the essential to the exclusive. Many visitors return each year purely to browse the avenues and speciality pavilions that include the popular Rural Crafts and Country Living marquees, the Burghley food walk and The Green Lifestyle Pavilion.
The historic parkland, guarantees easy parking and a selection of on-site cafés offer breakfast. Thursday and Friday are dressage days ideal – as many locals testify – for shopping and browsing, enjoying the arena displays or the finals of the Dubarry Burghley Young Event Horse competition and a picnic in the park with friends. The fearless sporting action takes place on Saturday cross-country day when approximately  80 horse and rider combinations test their skills and stamina round the four mile cross-country course and its spectacular feature fences. With the help of the band of the Bugles and Rifles, the competition comes to a rousing conclusion on Sunday with the final show jumping phase which will determine who takes home the Land Rover perpetual challenge trophy and the £55,000 first prize.
Get ahead of the game by booking your tickets early and online. The box office is now open and there are significant savings for those purchasing tickets in advance for this famous international sporting event.
So whether it's the excitement of watching the world's top riders in action, many of whom will have won medals at last year's London 2012 Olympics, spotting the stars of tomorrow, or indulging in some first-class shopping, put the date in your diary and book your tickets now.
For information and bookings, visit: www.burghley-horse.co.uk or to receive the ticket information booklet, please email tourism@rutland.gov.uk, with your address details.

  
Special Offers

Rutland Water Fly Fishing
Ever wanted to try Fly Fishing?  Visitors can experience a half day fly fishing trip on a boat for two at a third off the individual price, £199 for two inclusive of tackle, permit, boat hire and your own personal fishing guide on the UK's finest trout lake. No experience required, fully assisted to leave you free to enjoy the strike and the fight from these superb Rutland Water trout! Available to book any time and can be redeemed any Wednesday between April-November.  To book or for further information please contact Rob Waddington on 01572722422 or visit www.rutlandwaterflyfishing.co.uk

Barnsdale Hall – Relax and unwind at £99 per person. Dinner, Bed and Breakfast in a standard double room based on 2 people sharing. This offer will include a Spa Treatment of your choice from:- back neck shoulder massage, mini facial, file and polish on the hands or feet, spray tan, 30 minutes floatation or wash and blow dry. Please note treatments must be booked in advance with the Spa directly.  For more information or to book please contact 01572 757901.

Greetham Valley
The supremely successful Rutland Osprey Project, now in its’ 18th year, has teamed up with nearby Greetham Valley Hotel to offer exciting  three day ‘Rutland Osprey Tour Packages’ for visitors to Rutland in Summer 2013.
Guests may choose between catered or self-catering accommodation packages to combine with Rutland Osprey Project activities, as follows:

Self-catering Lodge Package £84 per person, based on minimum of four people sharing a Lodge for two nights Each Lodge has three bedrooms and two bathrooms. This price is for a minimum of four people per Lodge; please note there is a £50 per night per Lodge supplement if less than four people per Lodge
What’s included:
Two nights’ accommodation in a Rutland Lodge at Greetham Valley
Day 1 (arrival day) Evening introductory talk from the Rutland Osprey Project
Day 2 Rutland Water Nature Reserve access and guided evening cruise on the Rutland Belle. Complimentary group minibus transport this day if desired
Day 3 (departure day) Rutland Water Nature Reserve access and guided walk at Lyndon

Fully catered Hotel Package £150 per person, based on two people sharing a double/twin Greetham Valley Hotel room for two nights (single room supplement £30 per night)
OR
Fully catered Lodge Package £150 per person, based on four people sharing a Lodge for two nights Each Lodge has three bedrooms and two bathrooms. This price is for a minimum of four people per Lodge; please note there is £50 per night per Lodge supplement if less than four people per Lodge
What’s included:
Two nights’ accommodation in a double or twin Hotel room or a Rutland Lodge at Greetham Valley.
Day 1 (arrival day) Evening introductory talk from the Rutland Osprey Project. Three course evening meal at Greetham Valley
Day 2 Full English or Continental breakfast; packed lunch. Rutland Water Nature Reserve access and guided evening cruise on the Rutland Belle. Three course evening meal at Greetham Valley. Complimentary group minibus transport this day if desired
Day 3 (departure day) Full English or Continental breakfast; packed lunch. Rutland Water Nature Reserve access and guided walk.  Available 2013 dates for the above Rutland Osprey Tour Packages:
Fri 28th, Sat 29th and Sun 30th June
Fri 12th, Sat 13th and Sun 14th July
Tue 23rd, Wed 24th and Thu 25thJuly
Tue 6th, Wed 7th and Thu 8th August
Rutland Osprey Tour Packages are subject to availability and with a minimum of 8 guests.
Contact Claire on 01780 460444 or email claire.daniels@greethamvalley.co.uk for more details