New map incorporates Rutland's rich history

A map drawn by King’s Cliffe illustrator Katie Cardew reveals the very best of Rutland - and was inspired by the people who live there.

Katie revealed her plan to draw a Rutland map during an interview broadcast on Rutland Radio in June with the breakfast presenter Rob Persani and residents of the county were asked to suggest what should go on it.

It was finally unveiled during a summer party at Katie’s studio in King’s Cliffe on Friday and Rob was there with his wife Rachel and daughter Florence to see it - and of course to purchase a copy.

Katie said she thought she knew a lot about Rutland before starting it - her first job was at The Olive Branch in Clipsham - but had learned so much more about it since.

“It was so much fun doing it,” Katie said.

“It was lovely to see everyone’s small ideas building up into the finished piece.

"The response was absolutely amazing on Friday and hopefully it will be a good seller.”

She said her favourite parts of the map were those that were a little more cryptic and not as well known to non-Rutlanders - such as the woolly mammoth in Glaston.

She also included her father’s garage - Greetham Garage on the A1 - as well as more well-known spots such as Normanton Church, Hambleton Hall and Ketton Cement.

During Friday’s launch party, she was able to meet some of the people that had inspired the map including the ice cream man from Rutland Water who is featured.

Rob Persani said he was delighted to be involved - and he even features himself.

He said: “I’m so impressed with the finished map and the way Katie has cleverly incorporated so many of the listeners suggestions.

"It’s the first time I’ve ever been drawn on a map and even without that, I just had to buy one to hang at home as it’s one of the best pieces of Rutland history I’ve ever seen."