As we look ahead to 2026 it’s a good opportunity to reflect on all that was achieved this year.
We started the year in January with a brilliant fundraising effort by the Rothwell Ladies Thursday Club who raised £500 for Rothwell Youth Club.
February saw the launch of Love Rothwell which has helped to promote all the events taking place throughout the year.
In March we held our first Big Rothwell Clean with over 40 bags collected, kindly supported by lots of volunteers and The Red Lion. On 24th March the long awaited new 3G pitch at Montsaye Academy was officially opened.
On 15th April we raised £500 for Holy Trinity Church at the fundraising quiz held at Vintage Vault - Rothwell which brought the total raised during my year as Mayor to £1,260.
May saw us mark the 80th anniversary of VE and VJ Day. We also had a fantastic time on the Rothwell Twinning trip to Droué which marked 40 years of friendship.
In June I was thrilled to be invited to judge the annual Rowell Fair Society tart competition.
July marked the return of Kettering Carnival after six years away. Plans are already underway to make next year’s Carnival bigger and better.
In August we welcomed the first ManorFest to Rothwell and what a brilliant day it was. You’ll be pleased to hear ManorFest will be returning in 2026.
September saw us take a huge leap forward for Rothwell Town Council’s Health and Wellbeing Strategy with the launch of the Market House Pantry. I was also pleased to help out at the relaunched Burton Latimer Duck Race after six years away.
In October we marked the 40th anniversary of the Rothwell Preservation Trust and I was pleased to join their board of Trustees. Loads of exciting plans already being worked on for 2026!
October also saw the long awaited opening of the Poppies Community Centre after much hard work with Kettering Town FC to secure this building for the community to enjoy.
November saw the brilliant fireworks display in Rothwell marking the 420th anniversary of the Gunpowder Plot, significant given our local connections with the Tresham family. We also held another Big Rothwell Clean with amazing support from AFMIM UK Kettering, Oasis of Life Assembly.
Rothwell sparkled in December with more Christmas lights coming to the town centre. The Market House Pantry continues to grow with generous support from many local groups including donations received from Montsaye’s Christmas jumper day.
What a busy year! Thanks to everyone for their support during 2025.
