Blooming marvellous

BURGHLEY’S GARDENS SOON OPEN TO VISITORS

Oakham welcomes back Rugby Star Jack...

Oakham School recently welcomed back an Old Oakhamian, England and Leicester Tigers rugby player Jack Van Poortvliet.

Stamford will be looking blooming marvellous this month and nowhere is the new season making its presence known than in the parkland of Burghley House.

From 19th to 31st March, the estate will open its South Gardens, designed by ‘Capability’ Brown from 1757 and witness truly wonderful views of the lake, Lion Bridge and the park beyond. Visitors can discover the ‘Capability’ Brown designed summer house overlooking the lake, the oak circle and enjoy swathes of spring snowdrops and nodding daffodils in the gardens.

That gardens are also open for the NGS from 1st-2nd April which aims to raise money for nursing and healthcare charities, through donations from people opening their gardens to the public. n

Sketch Peterborough Cathedral

ENJOY A DRAWING DAY AT PETERBOROUGH

CATHEDRAL WITH LOCAL ARTIST KAREN NEALE

Jack gave pupils rugby tips and advice and answered questions about his time at Oakham. The school has one of the most impressive rugby records in the country with high-calibre players, including Hamish Watson, Alex Goode, Matt Smith, Tom Croft, Lewis Moody, and Sam Colstelow. n

If you love Peterborough Cathedral and love drawing, an event coming up on Tuesday 27th February or Saturday 4th March may be just what you’re looking for. Enjoy a drawing day at the Cathedral with artist local Karen Neale.

Whether you are a doubting doodler or a drawing diva, Karen’s workshops are a wonderful opportunity to pick up some of her sketching secrets as you spend the day drawing. The workshop runs from 10am until 4pm and will move between various locations around the Cathedral site, All you need to bring is a sketchbook and pen or pencil. n See peterborough-cathedral.org.uk.

The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities has announced that Rutland County Council and Melton Borough Council’s joint levelling up bid has been successful. This funding is part of more than 100 projects across the UK. n

Local News

In Brief

PETERBOROUGH

102-year old Mona’s video message from David Beckham...

At the grand old age of 102, fan of ‘the beautiful game’ Mona was delighted to receive a video message from her favourite footballer, David Beckham!

RUTLAND

Levelling Up

£23m

A resident of Castor Lodge Care Home, Mona told staff she’d like a football themed party as part of the home’s Make a Wish initiative. Having enjoyed her party in the presence of a life-size David Beckham cardboard cut out, Mona was thrilled when the man himself sent her a message wishing her a happy birthday, and thanking her for following his career.

We think that Becks is a really nice guy and Mona is a real star! n