Passenger trains are running again on nearly two miles of scenic track at Stapleford Park this weekend for the annual fundraiser for LOROS Hospice.
The 10 1/4 railway, which is run by volunteers, has been in operation since the 90s and has just finished extensive track maintenance. As well as diesel engines steam is also making a return. The open weekend starts today and runs until Bank Holiday Monday. Nigel Spencer from Stapleford Railway says it's business as usual for them, the public, and also any four-legged friends who are coming along.
"On the railway side, we've got Viking, which is visiting us, so we've got our standard fleet there and then Viking will be on. And then there is a Class 60 that won't be running unfortunately because it's not been fully commissioned. So this is an exact replica, one-fifth scale, so that'll be on display. But of course not just the railway. We've also got, you know, the miniature steam rally going on. The traction engines are in steam, we haven't got an issue with that on the field. Fire risk is assessed and we're fine. Unlike big full-size rallies, they don't have to go down the road in steam so we can mitigate the risk of getting them to site, et cetera. There's classes that go on in the morning from about half 11 and then the dog shows from half one, but there's all sorts of different classes, so bring your dog along and you'll have some fun."
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
