Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council
My account: log in/register

Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Bulletin, spring 2024 (edition 94)

Page 24 to end

Right royal honour

Congratulations to Bosworth in Bloom and the Market Bosworth Community Library who have been granted the King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS).

The KAVS is the personal recognition by the Sovereign of the contribution of voluntary groups in the country. Instituted by the late Queen in 2003 as the QAVS, these awards are the first to be made by King Charles III. The award is the highest honour that can be bestowed on a voluntary group and equates to an MBE.

It is an award that must go through the most stringent of examinations, so it is even more praiseworthy to learn that Bosworth in Bloom were the only 'in Bloom' group anywhere in the UK to receive the award this year and the first group to be awarded in the East Midlands for at least ten years.

It is believed that the Market Bosworth Community Library is the first Community Library to ever receive the award.

Mr Chris Hooker, Chaiman of Bosworth in Bloom said: “the awards are in many ways a collective 'win' for all those volunteers and groups that make Market Bosworth somewhere to be even more proud of.”

Chairman of the Library Trustees, Mr Brian Granger said: “The Trustees of the charity are delighted that the hard work and commitment of past and present volunteers has been acknowledged by this award.”

Grant aid to help fund community equipment

A community equipment grant fund will open for parish and town councils and constituted community groups on 1 April 2024. The grant fund will help fund items of equipment for use by the community.   

The total grant fund of £25,000 will be distributed on a first come first serve basis, with a maximum of £3,000 available for any one group or organisation and there is also a limit of £3,000 of grant funding for each parish area. 

Items that could be purchased through this grant could be a bench/seat, sign/noticeboard, defibrillator, tables and chairs as an example. The grant will be for 50% of the item cost or a maximum figure.

Executive Member for Rural Affairs, Councillor Martin Cartwright said: “If you require any equipment this grant can help you.  

“This funding is on a first-come, first-served basis so I urge any parish or town councils to apply as soon as possible.”

To find out more visit Community Equipment Grant, or if you have any questions, contact the Green Spaces: Green Spaces contact form

Don’t lose your right to vote in PCC election

The Police & Crime Commissioner elections will take place on Thursday 2 May 2024. 

Make sure you are registered to vote

Soon, all residents who are currently registered to vote will receive a poll card. If you do not receive a poll card, it might mean that you are not registered to vote. This could be because you have recently moved house.

Many people think they are registered to vote because they pay council tax, but this is not true. You must register to vote separately. 

You can register to vote online (GOV.UK), or you can call the Electoral Services office directly on 01455 255830/255672. You will need to provide your date of birth and your National Insurance number.

Anyone who needs to register should do so in plenty of time so they don’t risk missing the registration deadline of 16 April 2024.

Make sure you have chosen the right method of voting for you 

Up to 17 April 2024, you can apply to cast your vote by post. This means that your ballot paper will be delivered by Royal Mail in advance of polling day. You can complete your ballot paper at home, then post it back using the envelopes provided.  

To qualify for a postal vote, you must complete an application form and provide a consistent version of your signature. This is a security measure to stop someone else from being able to use your ballot paper.  

If you would like to apply for a postal vote, you can apply online: apply for a postal vote (GOV.UK), or contact Electoral Services. 

You should do this as soon as possible to ensure that your ballot paper can be sent out at the earliest opportunity before polling day. You don’t need to complete another application if you already have a postal vote in place. 

If you do not wish to vote in person, but cannot apply for a postal vote, please contact Electoral Services for advice. 

On voting day please remember you must bring photographic ID to the polling station. Further information about elections. You can also apply for a free form of voter ID.

Important dates to remember:

  • Midnight, 16 April 2024 - Deadline to register to vote
  • 5pm, 17 April 2024 – Deadline to apply for, change or cancel your postal vote
  • 7am to 10pm, 2 May 2024 – Polling stations open for polling day

Electoral Services contact details:

Disability app to help users rate businesses

Have you heard of Snowball? Snowball is a new accessibility app designed to empower users to rate services and businesses based on their disability-friendly features.

Completely free to use, Snowball enables users to locate disability-friendly establishments such as restaurants, tourist attractions, supermarkets, and coffee shops worldwide by simply selecting their location. 

Users are encouraged to contribute by adding venues not yet listed on the app and leaving reviews, resulting in tens of thousands of new locations and reviews being added.

The app seamlessly integrates with Google Maps, allowing users to navigate to their desired destination with ease. Another feature is the identification of blue badge parking bays, changing places, and accessible toilets throughout the country.

Individuals with disabilities, whether local or visitors, can share venues they've found to be welcoming and accessible, catering to various physical and cognitive disabilities as well as sensory issues. 

As more users contribute suggestions, the app's database grows, akin to a ‘snowball’ effect.

Accessible through the Play Store or the App Store under the name Snowball Community, the app is not only revolutionising accessibility for individuals but also impacting local businesses. It provides valuable insights into the accessibility of towns and villages and serves as a platform for businesses to promote their disability-friendly services.

Snowball was founded by Markfield resident Simon Sansome, a wheelchair user, who envisioned it as a tool to facilitate successful outings and experiences for individuals with disabilities.

Check out Snowball and download the app (snowballassessment.com)

Help and support for ex vets

Are you a former armed forces veteran? Would you like to meet fellow vets in the area? 

If the answer is yes then please join us every second Wednesday of the month at the Green Rooms Masonic Hall on St Mary’s Road, Hinckley. Come and have a chat, accompanied by tea, coffee, biscuits and cakes with the occasional special guest, entertainment, alongside a raffle.

The coffee morning runs from 10am to 12pm, offering advice and support throughout the duration of the morning. Your families and carers are also welcome. If you would like any more information, please contact Hinckley & Bosworth’s Cultural Services team. Tel, 01455 255856.

Councillor Cathie Gibbens, Chair of the Hinckley Area Committee welcomed the initiative and said: “I am delighted the council has once again been able to continue with this funding and look forward to it continuing to have a positive impact on the development of community-based projects in the Hinckley area. Local groups – please apply.”

Visit Parish and Hinckley community initiative fund for more information and how to register, or tel. 01455 255707. Deadline for applications is 12 January 2024.

Local businesses urged to apply for new grants

Eligible local businesses and organisations are being urged to apply for two new grants.

The Rural Prosperity Grant offers a pot of £400,000 in support for rural businesses and organisations, while the Business Prosperity Grant is worth £150,000 and is open to all eligible businesses across the borough.

The Rural Prosperity Grant is designed to help rural applicants boost productivity and improve community buildings, as well as to improve accessibility to tourist attractions and green open spaces that support our local communities and businesses.

There are a range of grants available, with funds from £7,500 to £22,500. The Rural Prosperity Grant is only open to rural areas and excludes Hinckley and Burbage.

Executive Member for Rural Affairs at the Borough Council, Councillor Martin Cartwright said: “We are pleased to be able to offer these grants to support our rural communities and businesses, helping them to thrive especially given the challenging and difficult circumstances over the recent years. 

“Our thanks to the Rural England Prosperity Fund for helping to make this possible. Good luck with your applications.”

Meanwhile, the Business Prosperity Fund offers grants from £7,500 to £22,500. 

Businesses are being invited to apply for capital-only funding which supports micro and small enterprises looking to deliver innovative projects. 

The Business Prosperity Fund scheme is open to all eligible businesses throughout Hinckley and Bosworth including the urban areas of Hinckley and Burbage.

Council Leader, Councillor Stuart Bray said: “We are excited to be able to offer these grants to so many businesses across the borough. 

“They offer exciting opportunities for micro and small enterprises who are looking to innovate, as well as businesses who help local tourism to thrive. 

“There’s also an opportunity for companies who would like to reduce their carbon footprint, so please don’t hesitate to apply if you think you’d be eligible, or if you think you could benefit.”

Full information about the two funds:

Both grants are open now for applications.

Volunteers recognised for making a difference

Volunteers who have made a difference to the lives of other people in Hinckley and Bosworth have been recognised at a special event held at Hinckley Rugby Club. 

The Making a Difference awards recognise and celebrate the contribution that volunteers play in strengthening the community and improving the quality of the life for residents.

Councillor Michael Mullaney, Executive Member for Housing and Community Safety, said: “Reading the nominations for the awards was a privilege, and everyone nominated deserves to be applauded for the work that they do to support our community.

“These awards recognise contributions from some of the many individuals and groups who work tirelessly to assist others who may be more vulnerable or less fortunate. The nominees also provide activities and opportunities to make life more enjoyable and inclusive for all people, to improve the appearance of our borough, and to help all of our neighbours.”

There were six individual categories and five group categories and the Mayor of Hinckley and Bosworth, Councillor Scott Gibbens presented the awards.

To read about the awards visit Making a Difference award winners 2023

Warm welcome guaranteed at community hubs

The Warm Welcome initiative aims to ensure that everyone knows where they can go to meet other people, have a hot drink, and keep warm for a while – for free. 

There may also be the opportunity to have a snack or a light meal, take part in activities such as crafts or playing board games, and maybe make use of computers or free Wi-Fi. 

Our amazing local community has embraced this initiative, and we are fortunate to now have nearly 50 venues around the borough providing over 100 ‘Warm Welcome’ sessions every week between them. Venues are open to all and cover a broad range of organisations, including churches, village halls, community libraries, charities, leisure centres and other sporting and leisure venues. 

You can search for a session near you, and find out exactly what’s on offer, by going online: warm welcome, or telephone Jennifer Fry on 07557 816741. 

Grant opportunity 

Eligible voluntary, community and charitable organisations providing a warm welcome venue can apply for a warm welcome provision grant of £1200, to help with the costs of heating and providing refreshments. 

The deadline to apply has been extended to 31 March 2024. The grant is administered by the Borough Council using money provided by the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund (Levelling-up Fund). 

Executive Member for Community Safety, Councillor Michael Mullaney said: “We have already awarded funding to over 20 organisations. If your organisation is providing a ‘warm welcome’ venue or would like to please have a look at our Grant page or give the team a call to discuss your eligibility. From the comments we receive from residents, these ‘Warm Welcome’ locations are a huge benefit to the community."

Visit warm welcome grant

Mallory Mile gears up for another top event

The ever-popular Mallory Mile returns on Monday 10 June to the Mallory Park Circuit in Kirkby Mallory as part of local celebrations for National Bike Week. 

Families are being invited to bring along their bikes to the circuit and join in the fun for free between 6pm and 8pm.

Working in partnership with Mallory Park Racing Circuit Real Motorsport Limited, the team running cycling at the Mallory Circuit, the Borough Council will be helping residents to experience cycling in a safe, traffic-free environment.

Making full use of the unique facilities that can be found at the Mallory track, the Mallory Mile event is the perfect chance for families to brush up on their cycling skills or for community groups to get some sponsorship and see how many laps they can ride for good causes. 

No booking is needed, just turn up with your bike - but don’t forget your helmet; cycle helmets are compulsory for those who wish to take part in the Mallory Mile. This is a family cycling event, so scooters and roller skates will not be allowed on the track. 

Follow our social media channels for more information, or tel. 01455 255856.

Sport:

Time to nominate your local sporting heroes

Get ready to cast your votes and help to find Hinckley and Bosworth's sporting and active heroes of 2023. 

Hinckley and Bosworth’s Local Sport and Health Alliance (LSHA) Active Awards recognise all of the hard work that individuals, sports clubs, volunteers, organisations and schools have undertaken to help others keep active and healthy. 

Would you like to thank someone or a sports club/organisation/school for their support and to recognise and celebrate their hard work this year? Has someone helped an older person keep active by joining them on a regular walk? 

Do you know someone who has been the driving force behind the success of their sports club? Does your school have an inspirational PE teacher or have you as an individual taken up a new sport, and got the family to join in? We want to hear all those active health stories.

Executive Member for Leisure at the Borough Council, Councillor Mark Bools said: “These awards recognise and celebrate some of the great work happening in our community and enable us to thank all those who continue to help others stay active and healthy week in and week out. I urge residents to tell us about their sporting and active heroes. 

“These nominations mean that we can still express our gratitude and highlight their successes.”

How to nominate, categories and further details of the criteria: active awards, or to receive a nomination pack, tel. 01455 255571.

The closing date for all nominations is Thursday 4 January 2024 at 5pm. Those who nominate or are nominated will be invited to the awards evening to be held at The Hinckley Rugby Club on 18 January 2024.

Exercise for mental well-being

It is no secret that exercise has a huge range of benefits for our mental well-being.

Whilst many people around this time of year can find it difficult to look after their mental health, there's lots of evidence showing that physical activity has the power to enhance mental wellbeing improving better sleep quality, help with stress and anxiety management and help give a sense of belonging.

Hinckley Leisure Centre offer a range of options to help you get involved this winter.

Gym, classes, and fitness  

The centre offers a wide range of gym facilities, alongside motivating group workout classes which suit many ages and abilities.  

Group sports  

In collaboration with national governing bodies the centre has a programme of sports, like trampolining, that are fun and engaging. Don’t forget you can also hit the court with other sports clubs, such as basketball, netball and pickleball. 

Casual swimming 

There are a variety of casual swimming options, such as lane swimming, just swim, and older adult swimming. These are ideal sessions for those who would like to go at their own pace and enjoy the pool as they wish.  

It’s important to remember that whatever your ability, the Centre and its staff are passionate about helping you stay physically active and emotionally engaged in a healthy lifestyle. 

If you are interested in starting your fitness journey, Hinckley Leisure Centre (hinckley.placesleisure.org) offers a range of membership options that could be the perfect start.

Take a seat for gentle, chair-based fitness sessions

Chatter Chairs is a friendly, chair based weekly session, enjoying a complimentary cup of tea, biscuit and a chat for 30 minutes, followed by 30 minutes of gentle seated fitness, including the use of resistance bands (which are provided for you), to help strengthen muscles and joints.  

Chatter Chair classes are free of charge, provided you live in the borough.

We currently have classes running in Burbage & Barwell, with new classes due to commence shortly in and around Newbold Verdon, Sheepy Parva and Stoke Golding.  

To find out more and register your interest, please call or email Julie Mansfield: julie.mansfield@hinckley-bosworth.gov.uk or 07990 136242

Last updated: 29/02/2024 13:06