As the air turns crisp and leaves start to crunch under our feet, there’s something creeping into Oakley Vale…
It’s not just cosy jumpers and pumpkin lattes – it’s the prelude to Halloween! – and we’ve got plenty to keep you occupied in and around our Oakley Vale community as the ghosts and ghouls come out to play.
Stay tuned as we dive into the local stories and events that are making headlines this Autumn!
Family Arts Festival was a success
Last month’s Family Arts Festival brought a whole lot of joy to Corby town centre.
It brought colour, creativity, and energy to Corby, offering families a chance to engage with the arts.
Swipe across to get a glimpse of what happened during the brilliant day.
Read more here.
Corby’s chance to lead on mental health
Corby Town Council has an opportunity to be one of the first local authorities in the country to formally adopt the Mentally Healthier Councils Framework, a 10-point plan launched by the Centre for Mental Health and Mind.
The framework outlines practical steps councils can take, from addressing poverty and creating healthier environments to supporting children and integrating mental health into all policies.
Cllr Ceilidh Devine, who tabled the motion, highlights the importance of this initiative: “This is a real opportunity for Corby to lead the way nationally on mental health… With so many families and young people struggling right now, we cannot afford to ignore it. This is about putting residents first. By acting now, we can save money in the long run and improve lives today.”
Full story here.
Take care of your mental health in Corby
What’s on in and around Oakley Vale?
Get your calendars ready! The next few weeks are packed with celebrations of culture and autumnal fun.
Harvest Festival at Corby Irish Centre – Sunday 12 October
Embrace the spirit of giving this autumn, as a brand new community event Corby Harvest Cares is here. It’s the perfect time to come together and fight local food poverty, helping those who are less fortunate.
Alongside a food collection, the festival will host stalls including community services, mental health organisations, and local faith groups.
Please bring along non-perishable food and toiletries as donations if you can. All items will be collected, sorted by volunteers, and delivered directly to Corby Food Bank.
Corby Low-Cost Kitchen will also be around, serving free food on the day.
Time: 12 pm to 3 pm
Where: Corby Irish Centre, Patrick Road
Read more here.
Grandad Anansi Performance – Saturday 18 October
Mark your diaries for a fantastic cultural outing right on your doorstep! Made with Many presents a typically wonderful, family-friendly theatre piece. It’s a tale of love, courage and letting go.
Time: 12 pm to 3 pm
Where: 10 Castle Way, Wellingborough
This performance is FREE if you live in Corby and Wellingborough area. Book here.
Mapping 75 years of connection in Corby – Friday 24 October
It wouldn’t be an Oakley Vale blog without a nod to Corby’s past!
This month, get ready to reflect on local history at a community art exhibition. This special show, celebrating Corby’s 75th anniversary as a new town, kicks off with an Open Reception evening on Friday 24 October. It’s a perfect chance to connect with the heritage that shaped our town.
Time: 6 pm to 8 pm
Where: Rooftop Arts Centre, Corby
Contact Myrle Roach for more about info about this event. Email myrle@madewithmany.org or call/text/WhatsApp 07936958997 (working days Tuesday to Friday).
Local legends of Corby
Halloween fun at Rockingham Castle – Multiple dates
The Rockingham witches and wizards await your arrival as Halloween returns to the castle this October half term.
Dress up in your most ghoulishly glamorous Halloween garb, all ready for a carved pumpkin trail and plenty of games.
Date: Saturday 25 to Sunday 26 October & Tuesday 28 to Thursday 30 October
Time: 11 am to 4 pm
Where: Rockingham Castle, Rockingham
Pre-booking is advised, which you can do here.
Boughton House Pumpkin Patch and Trail – Sunday 26 to Friday 31 October
Get your wellies on!
Head to the Estate to choose your perfect pumpkin grown right on site, then put your nerve to the test on its spine-tingling autumnal trail.
Time: 11 am to 1 pm OR 1 pm to 3 pm
Where: Boughton House, Kettering
For the perfect outdoor fun, book your spot here.
Stanwick Lakes Halloween Trail – Saturday 25 October to Sunday 2 November
You’re in for a full week of family fun!
This spooky half-term trail offers trick-or-treating with woodland animals and the chance to discover glow-in-the-dark secrets, according to Stanwick Lakes.
No need to book ahead – just purchase your trail leaflet from its Visitor Centre and start the adventure.
Time: No specific time, but recommended completing the trail between 9.30 am to 4 pm during daylight and visitor centre hours
Where: Boughton House, Kettering
More info here.
Your sports roundup in Corby
The Steelmen storm to the top of the table
Corby Town FC is back on top of the Pitching-In Northern Premier League Midlands Division, after a stunning 5-1 away win at Shepshed Dynamo recently.
After falling behind early, the Steelmen came back for a brilliant second-half, including four goals in the final 30 minutes which secured the win.
Read more here.
Looking back on Corby’s rugby heritage
Last month, Northants Telegraph celebrated the roots of rugby here in Northamptonshire – and we’re here for it!
From the mighty Saints right down to our brilliant grassroots clubs, the sport has always been a huge part of our local scenery.
Enjoy some retro rugby photos from across the county below, including many featuring Corby teams.
Can you spot anyone you recognise?
As the days get shorter and the Halloween fun approaches, we hope this roundup helps you make the most out of what Oakley Vale has to offer.
Don’t forget to wrap up warm, enjoy the beautiful autumn colours, and get out to support the fantastic events and local organisations in our area.
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