More than 20 years ago the Labour Party under Tony Blair had its second election victory – “The End of the Party” by acclaimed political commentator Andrew Rawnsley recounts the triumphs and tribulations as well as the personal feuds and reconciliations between key players in the party.  How many of the events can you recall?  An excellently written book and recommended.

Praise from this quarter for “Burnt Norton” by Caroline Sandon is not so forthcoming.  An interesting premise – a once grand house, reduced to ruin – but, in my opinion, not well executed.

M.C.Beaton’s “Death of a Cad” follows the standard and much loved pattern and the genre is supported this month by two Agatha Christie’s“The Mysterious Affair at Styles” where the world is introduced to Hercule Poirot and “Murder at the Vicarage”, a Miss Marple mystery – who shot the churchwarden in the head? (I’m saying nothing!)

The next collection from the church porch is on Wednesday, 22nd February.

Please continue to give generously – pot noodles, cereal bars, long-life sponge puddings and custard, deodorant and shampoo are requested.

 

Thank you to those of you who have donated to the Peterborough homeless in the last few weeks. Your warm clothing was so necessary in that pre – Christmas icy cold patch. The organisers were particularly grateful for the 4 donated tents which we delivered to them at speed! We have been really touched by the number of very concerned folk who have arrived on our doorstep with donations. If you are having a post – Christmas clear out please bear the homeless in mind.

Items needed:

Sleeping bags and 2-person tents (not pop-up as these are not weatherproof and they blow away); Yoga/camping mats

Torches and anything camping related

Warm jumpers/sweatshirts S/M/L

Trainers/ boots with good soles sizes 8 – 10

Men’s jeans 30” – 32” waist; M/L joggers or similar

Winter/waterproof coats M/L

New/unused boxers S/M; New or used socks with wear left in them

Dog food – self-opening cans or dried food

Homeless people are rarely XL so please no bigger than large size. Neither duvets nor pillows can be accepted.

Many thanks for your generous donations and for your continuing support.

Margie & Martin Wall
8 East Lane, Ridlington
Contact – 07928378668/01572 821397

A date in early March will be set for the annual litter pick.

Please let Debra Thatcher know if you are able to assist.

CHURCH ROTAS  (subject to change as new rotas for 2023 are confirmed).
Thank you this month to:

Church cleaning rota:  Debra Thatcher; Julie Hoult; Annie Harvey; Ruth Lees
Church flowers: Debra Thatcher
Front of House Rota: Annie and David Harvey; Ruth Lees

 

COST OF LIVING
It will come as no surprise to be told that the costs of both the electric and insurance for the church have increased this year.  If any of the many generous donors who already support the maintenance of the church building are able to increase their regular giving or if you have not contributed before and would like to do so, please contact Debra Thatcher for the appropriate form.

WALK – Valentine’s Day, Tuesday, 14th February

One of Chaucer’s poems suggests that birds choose their mates for the year on Valentine’s Day – how many birds and what species will we spot on our short walk?

Meet at 9:30 am at Ridlington church porch.  There will be light refreshments after the walk at 3 Main Street.

Not up for the walk?  Just join us for coffee – please let Debra Thatcher know if you will attend.

Rutland County Council has launched its annual budget consultation for 2023/24, inviting comments on draft budget proposals that were tabled at Cabinet on Thursday 12 January.

Consultation will run until 5:00 pm on Friday 3 February, during which time residents and business are asked to share feedback via a short online survey on our website: www.rutland.gov.uk/budget.

Anyone without internet access can take part in the consultation by calling us on the Council’s main telephone number: 01572 722 577.

We are also holding a series of public presentations for anyone who would like to hear directly from Council Leader Lucy Stephenson and Cabinet Member for Finance Cllr Karen Payne about the draft budget and Rutland County Council’s current financial position. Details are as follows:

  • Uppingham Neighbourhood Forum, Thursday 19 January from 7.30 pm to 8.00 pm
  • Rutland County Council Chamber (Oakham), Monday 30 January from 10.00am to 12.00 pm
  • Ketton Congregation Hall, Tuesday 7 February from 1.30 pm to 3.00 pm

A press release with further information has been published on the News section Council’s website and links to the consultation are being shared across our social media channels.

Please click on the links below to access the Posters detailing the consultations

A4 Budget consultation poster (colour)

If you would like information about the annual budget consultation in another format that best suits your various channels (be that websites, newsletters or social media) please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Many thanks and kind regards,

Mat Waik | Communications Service Manager
Rutland County Council, Catmose, Oakham, Rutland. LE15 6HP
e: mwaik@rutland.gov.uk
 | www.rutland.gov.uk | www.discover-rutland.co.uk | www.activerutland.org.uk

 

Details regarding your data protection rights and how the Council processes your data can be found at: www.rutland.gov.uk/my-council/data-protection

Please find below the link to access the minutes of the Ridlington Parish Council meeting that was held on January 4th @ 7:00 pm in the Village Hall.

Draft RPC Minutes 04.01.23

These can also be accessed on the website under Minutes, Agendas and Accounts.