Day-trip to Oakham, Rutland.

One of the main reasons we moved here was to travel, both within the UK and across Europe. Weekend drives, here we come.

One Sunday we headed west, about 3/4 hour drive through beautiful rolling country to the town of Oakham. It was a very cold day, with quite a bite in the winter wind, so the pub we found for lunch was ideal; enormous roast, complete with Yorkshire puds, locally brewed ales and cider, all beside a very warm open fire. 

Oakham is an old market town, in the middle of a farming area. After lunch, we had a wander through the centre of the old town, and found we were spectators for the annual Remembrance Sunday march. The parade was lovely; all branches of the forces were represented, as well as the local cadet troop. After marching along the main streets, the parade moved into a beautiful old church, accompanied by the pealing of the church bells. It was a very simple and moving march, and reminded me of the evening ANZAC services when I was growing up.

Like so many Australians, we have European ancestry, and plan to visit a few of the places our forebears left to move to the other side of the world. What a brave undertaking that must have been! My great-great grandfather on my father's side, Barton Frisby Jakins, emigrated from Oakham to Sydney in the 1800s. We didn't find any relatives on this visit, but will be back for further hunting. Just doing a simple internet search turns up mention of various Jakins in the local paper, including a winner of a 'Conker Competition' a few years ago! 

As we left Oakham, we called into the parkland area of Rutland Water, a reservoir created in the 1970s to provide drinking water for a large area of England. It's one of the largest artificial lakes in Europe, with a lot of sailing, cycling and other outdoor activities available. When we visited, there were a hardy few enjoying the last of the clear blue days before mid-winter; strong winds and an air temperature that felt like about 2* didn't seem to deter either the fishermen on the water, or the wind-surfer skimming across the lake. He did have a wetsuit, but it must have been so cold. It would be very strong encouragement to stay upright and out of the water.

Near the lake's edge is a beautiful old building, the Normanton Church, built in the 1700s on a family estate. When the reservoir was created, the lower part of the building would have been flooded, but local groups protested, and it is now a venue for weddings and other special events. The village of Nether Hambleton now lies under surface of Rutland Water; when the reservoir was filled, it covered farms and houses.  When we return on a warmer visit, we'll be exploring the Normanton Church, and Rutland Water, though probably not wind-surfing.

The distances are not great, but there is so much to see everywhere we go. Every trip we take is too short, and we want to revisit places to explore the countryside and history.