SCHOOL NEWS

ActiveKids

EDITED BY MARY BREMNER

Autumn Concert Spectacular

OAKHAM SCHOOL RECENTLY hosted its first major music concert since the pandemic, giving local people, parents and staff a fantastic performance in its Chapel and saw pupils put on a spectacular evening of music.

Three major ensembles rose to the occasion brilliantly, with the performances starting with the Concert Band who played with great commitment and vigour. Opening with spirited performances of Erickson’s Toccata and Vaughan Williams’ March: Seventeen come Sunday, they went on to play a medley of Eric Clapton songs that embraced a combination of rock grooves and lyrical melodies.

The Chamber Choir then came to the platform to introduce the French theme of the remainder of the programme. After imitating instrumentalists in the Renaissance dance, Tourdion, they excelled in the lyrical choral music of Saint-Saëns and Fauré.

The second half of the concert was given over to the Symphony Orchestra, who tackled major French orchestral works with both vigour and skill. The finale of Saint-Saëns’ Organ Symphony featured a kaleidoscope of colourful orchestral playing, which continued in Bizet’s contrasting suite of incidental music for the play L’Arlésienne.

Something for everyone

INSPIRING A LOVE of learning, Leicester Grammar Junior School is enriching the curriculum through an extensive range of clubs. Pupils can enjoy a wealth of experiences, and this year the variety of clubs on offer is ever more varied. From learning how to play chess to coding robots, journalism to Indian Dance, from yoga to learning the ukulele; there’s something for everyone!

Back of the net

OAKHAM SCHOOL IS celebrating after three of its netball teams got through to the regional finals following successful matches in the County Championships.

The U14 and 1st VII (U19s) teams both secured their places in the regional tournament, which is set to take place in 2022, after being crowned County Champions during their matches. The U16 team finished runners up, meaning they’ll also be playing in the regionals.

In other news, Lauren Nicholls, director of netball, has joined Superleague netball team Wasps from Loughborough Lightning.

Lauren, who joined Oakham in September 2017, has represented Loughborough Lightning in the Netball Superleague for nine years, reaching the Grand Final twice and winning the Final in 2021.

She said: ’I have enjoyed nine incredible seasons with Loughborough Lightning and winning the Superleague title this year was a dream come true. I am now looking forward to a new challenge with Wasps.’ Oakham School is also now an U15 Academy Hub for young netball players in the Superleague Netball Club, Loughborough Lightning.

Meet Oakham Rugby Club’s new coaches | Enjoy a winter trail run Jeremy looks back on the year in the Roundup

ActiveSport

BRAUNSTON- IN-RUTLAND

LODDINGTON

Distance: 40.82km Elevation: 739m Ride Type: Road Est. Moving Time: 1:41:23

RIDLINGTON

BELTON-IN-RUTLAND

ALLEXTON PRESTON WING

START / FINISH

GLASTON

On your bike!

This month Gary Waterfall sets us a pre-Christmas challenge which is not for the faint hearted; 25 miles and 2,500 feet climb.

STOCKERSTON

STOKE DRY LYDDINGTON SEATON

START FROM THE King’s Arms in Wing and head south towards Seaton on a hilly undulating road that gives as much as it takes. Take care crossing the A47 and enjoy the steep downhill before the gentle climb into Seaton where you’ll turn right past the George and Dragon pub (good for an early stop). Then head towards Uppingham but turn left before you get there to enjoy the cruise into Lyddington.

Next is my personal nemesis – the hill out of Lyddington to cross the A6003. I hated it when I first started cycling, and I still don’t enjoy it now.

Cross the road then take care on the hill down to Eyebrook Reservoir as it often has loose gravel. Then enjoy the views at the bottom.

Next follows a gradual climb all the way through Stockerston, Allexton, Belton-in-Rutland and Launde Park wood; you’ll notice the legs burning! Turn right at the top where you will reach 630 feet above mean sea level which isn’t bad for Rutland. Head north east to Braunston-in-Rutland before tackling another steep hill that will take you past Ridlington, on to Preston and then back to Wing. Now you can enjoy a drink and something to eat, safe in the knowledge that it has been well earned. Happy Christmas!

https://www.strava.com/routes/2890223377554269854