Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Bulletin, spring 2025 (edition 97)

What's on

March

Friday 14 
Hinckley Rock 'n' Roll Club, Jive Nights. Wykin District Social Club, Fredrick Avenue, Hinckley, LE10 0EX. It’s a night of Rock 'n' Roll music, Jive, Bop and Stroll dancing. With top DJs playing the best music. Optional Jive lesson 7:30 to 8:15pm, £5, bring a dance partner. Time: 7:30 to 11pm. Ticket: £5 per person. Contact: dandeatkins@yahoo.co.uk or telephone 01455 840052

Saturday 15 
A Month in the Country, presented by Red River Theatre Co. St. Peter’s Church, Market Bosworth, CV13 0LG. A play adapted from the novel by J.L. Carr. Time: 7pm to 10:30pm. Tickets: Adults - £12.50, 12 to 16-year-olds £8. Contact: info@bosworthfestival.co.uk, buy tickets online (bosworthfestival.co.uk)

Saturday 15
Hinckley BID’s Live Windows. Throughout Hinckley town centre. New for 2025, Windows will come to life with performing arts and a trail to follow. Time: 9:30am to 11:30am. Tickets: free. Contact: info@hinckleybid.co.uk

Thursday 20 
Hinckley & Bosworth Museum event. All hail the ale and 100 facts you didn’t know about Hinckley. Presentation by Paul Gardner of Hinckley District Past & Present. Hinckley Great Meeting Chapel, Baines Lane. Time: 7:30 to 9:30pm. Tickets: Friends of Hinckley & District Museum £1, non-members £5 at the door. Contact: hinckleymuseum@hotmail.co.uk 

Friday 21 
Desford in Bloom Village Quiz. Desford Village Hall, 12 Lindridge Lane, Desford, LE9 9GN. Village quiz, maximum people per table is eight. There will also be a raffle. Time: 7:30pm. Ticket: £5 per team member. Contact: desfordinbloom@hotmail.com to book a table. 

Saturday 22 to Sunday 23 
Reinterment Anniversary Event, Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre & Country Park. Join us to commemorate the 10-year anniversary of King Richard III’s return to Bosworth Battlefield prior to his reinterment at Leicester Cathedral. An action-packed weekend that includes a special ceremony, living history camps, a new exhibition about the return of the King, family crafts and more. More details to follow on what's on (bosworthbattlefield.org.uk). Time: 10am to 4pm. Tickets: Check website for costs closer to the time of the events. Contact: telephone 01455 290429, email bosworth@leics.gov.uk

Monday 24 to Wednesday 2 April 
Nuneaton Festival of Arts Photography exhibition. Atkins Gallery, Hinckley. Nuneaton Festival of Arts is a local arts competition with many different categories for all to enter for more information on Nuneaton Festival of Arts (nuneatonfoa.org.uk)
Time: Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, free entry. Look out for additional evenings and weekend viewings on social media @AtkinsBuilding. Contact: info@atkinsbuilding.co.uk

Friday 28
Hinckley Rock 'n' Roll Club, Jive Nights. Wykin District Social Club, Fredrick Avenue, Hinckley, LE10 0EX. It’s a night of Rock 'n' Roll music, Jive, Bop and Stroll dancing. With top DJs playing the best music. Optional Jive lesson 7:30 to 8:15pm, £5, bring a dance partner. Time: 7:30 to 11pm. Ticket: £5 per person. Contact: dandeatkins@yahoo.co.uk or telephone 01455 840052

Sunday 30 
Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea. Battlefield Railway Line, Shackerstone Station, CV13 6NW. Afternoon tea on the country railway line in the heart on rural England. Time: See The Battlefield Line (battlefieldline.co.uk) Tickets: Adults £30, Concessions (Seniors/ Children) £25. Contact: Tel. 01827 880754.  

April

Wednesday 2 
Lunchtime concerts at St. Mary’s Church, Hinckley. Kasia Skupien (piano). Her programme will include a selection of Chopin’s Nocturnes and Rachmaninov’s Preludes. Time: 1pm to 1:45pm. Ticket: Adults £4.50, children or students £1. Season tickets are available to buy at the first concert at £16. Contact: phillip.worley@virginmedia.com or Tel. 01455 846215.  

Friday 4 to Saturday 5
An Inspector Calls, The Atkins Gallery, Hinckley. Priestly’s classic play with a twist brought to you by the Red River Theatre Co. Time: 7:30pm. Tickets: £10 (free for GCSE students studying the play). Contact: N. Roberts, Mobile: 07973429965

Saturday 5 to Sunday 6 
White Dove Gallery. Shenton CV13 6DP. Openings to the gallery for April. Time: 11am to 4pm. Tickets: Free. Contact: Tim Richardson tim.richardson220@gmail.com

Friday 11 
Hinckley Rock 'n' Roll Club, Jive Nights. Wykin District Social Club, Fredrick Avenue, Hinckley, LE10 0EX. It’s a night of Rock 'n' Roll music, Jive, Bop and Stroll dancing. With top DJs playing the best music. Optional Jive lesson 7:30 to 8:15pm, £5, bring a dance partner. Time: 7:30 to 11pm. Ticket: £5 per person. Contact: dandeatkins@yahoo.co.uk or telephone 01455 840052

Hinckley Choral Union presents ‘An Easter Concert’. Hinckley United Reformed Church, Hinckley. Featuring familiar choral pieces and a new work by a local composer, Alec McGregor. Includes a light refreshment in ticket price. Time: 7:30pm. Tickets: Adults: £8, under-16s free. Contact (hinckleychoralunion.co.uk)

Saturday 12 to Thursday 17
Hinckley BID’s Easter Adventure. Free Easter fun for all the family. More information will be available on Hinckley BID's website (hinckleybid.co.uk) closer to the time and advertised on social media. Contact: info@hinckleybid.co.uk 

Saturday 12
Fish & Chip Train. Battlefield Railway Line, Shackerstone Station, CV13 6NW. Enjoy the nations favourite dish while riding through the Leicestershire's countryside. Time: 5:30-9pm. Tickets: Adults £30, concessions (seniors/children) £25. Contact: Tel. 01827 880754. Battlefield Railway Line website (battlefieldline.co.uk)

Desford in Bloom, ‘Night at the Races’. Blue Bell Pub, 39 High Street, Desford, LE9 9JF. Anyone can participate, cash for betting and a raffle. Time: 7pm for a 7:30pm start. Cost: Free. Contact: desfordinbloom@hotmail.com for queries. 

Sunday 13
Ploughman's Luncheon Train. Battlefield Railway Line, Shackerstone Station, CV13 6NW. A heart ploughman’s lunch served on board our heritage coaches whilst rolling through the Leicestershire countryside. Vegan option now available, select your menu choice whilst choosing your ticket. Time: 12:30-14:30pm. Tickets: Adults £30, concessions (Seniors/ Children) £25. Contact: 01827 880754. Battlefield Railway Line website (battlefieldline.co.uk)

Monday 14 to Friday 25 
Nuneaton Festival of Arts, Craft & Needlecraft exhibition. Atkins Gallery, Hinckley.  Further information: Nuneaton Festival of Arts (nuneatonfoa.org.uk) Time: Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm, free entry. Look out for additional evenings and weekend viewings on social media @AtkinsBuilding. Contact: info@atkinsbuilding.co.uk

Friday 18
Walk of Witness, Hinckley Town Centre. Churches Together, the church festival sees Christians reflect on their belief. The walk begins at St. Peter’s Church and finishes at Market Place for hymns. Time: 11am to 12pm. Admission: Free. Contact: 01455 255856

Good Friday, All-age Service, Holy Trinity Church, Hinckley. A service for all-ages to discover the good news of Jesus’ rescue. Time: 10am. Admission: Free to attend. Contact: vicar@holytrinityhinckley.org

Good Friday Reflective Service, Holy Trinity Church, Hinckley. A time to reflect on the death of Jesus for us. Time: 6pm. Admission: Free to attend. Contact: vicar@holytrinityhinckley.org

Saturday 18 to Monday 21 
Battlefield Railway Line, all stations. Easter Eggpress. Tickets: Contact: 01827 880754. Battlefield Railway Line Website (battlefieldline.co.uk)

Saturday 19 
Barwell Parish Council’s Easter Eggstravaganzer, Radford Park, Barwell. Take part in an Easter Egg Hunt, make wild bird feeders and face painting. Time: 12 to 4pm. Cost: Free. Contact: The Clerk, Barwell Parish Council, 10 High Street, Barwell, LE9 8DQ

Saturday 19 & Monday 21
Easter Bunny Hunt, Hinckley & District Museum, 30 Lower Bond Street, Hinckley. Time: 10am to 3:30pm. Tickets: Museum admission including Easter Bunny Hunt. Adults £4, Children £1, under 5’s free. Contact: hinckleymuseum@hotmail.co.uk

Sunday 20
Easter Day Celebration, Holy Trinity Church, Hinckley. A service celebrating the resurrection of Jesus, with communion and children’s activities. Time: 10am. Admission: Free to attend. Contact: vicar@holytrinityhinckley.org

Thursday 24 
My Musical History Show, Hinckley & District Museum event. Hinckley Great Meeting Chapel, Baines Lane. The Industrial Revolution in words and music. Speaker: Steve Allen. Time: 7:30 to 9:30pm. Tickets: Friends of Hinckley & Bosworth Museum £1, non-members £5 at the door. Contact: hinckleymuseum@hotmail.co.uk

Friday 25
Hinckley Rock 'n' Roll Club, Jive Nights. Wykin District Social Club, Fredrick Avenue, Hinckley, LE10 0EX. It’s a night of Rock 'n' Roll music, Jive, Bop and Stroll dancing. With top DJs playing the best music. Optional Jive lesson 7:30 to 8:15pm, £5, bring a dance partner. Time: 7:30 to 11pm. Ticket: £5 per person. Contact: dandeatkins@yahoo.co.uk or Tel. 01455 840052

Saturday 26
St. George’s Day Celebrations, Market Place, Hinckley. Festivities take place across Hinckley Town Centre to celebrate our patron saint. Time: 10am to 2pm (parade to begin at 1:15pm). Free to attend. Contact: 01455 255856. Check the council’s social media channels or visit events for further details and updates nearer the time.

May

Wednesday 2 
Lunchtime Concerts at St. Mary’s Church, Hinckley. Serenity Flutes with Fergus Black (piano). They will present a sparkling and tuneful programme of music around the world. Time: 1pm to 1:45pm. Ticket: Adults £4.50, children or students £1. Contact: phillip.worley@virginmedia.com or telephone 01455 846215

Saturday 3 to Sunday 4 
White Dove Gallery. Shenton CV13 6DP. Openings to the gallery for May. Time: 11am to 4pm. Tickets: Free. Contact: Tim Richardson tim.richardson220@gmail.com

Thursday 8 to Saturday 10 
VE Day 80th Anniversary. Check events for details about events across the borough. Or check social media nearer the time.

Thursday 8 
Barwell Parish Council’s VE Day 80th Anniversary. Barwell Park (Tip Park) Barwell. Beacon Lighting. Time: 6pm to 9:30pm. Cost: The Clark, Barwell Parish Council, 10 High Street, Barwell, LE9 8DQ

Friday 9 
Hinckley Rock 'n' Roll Club, Jive Nights. Wykin District Social Club, Fredrick Avenue, Hinckley, LE10 0EX. It’s a night of Rock 'n' Roll music, Jive, Bop and Stroll dancing. With top DJs playing the best music. Optional Jive lesson 7:30 to 8:15pm, £5, bring a dance partner. Time: 7:30 to 11pm. Ticket: £5 per person. Contact: dandeatkins@yahoo.co.uk or telephone 01455 840052

Friday 9 to Friday 23 
Peter Berry Exhibition. Atkins Gallery, Atkins Building. A solo exhibition by local artist Peter Berry in his primary style of abstracts using a palette of acrylic earth colours. Time: Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, free entry. Look out for additional evenings and weekend viewings on social media @AtkinsBuilding. Contact: info@atkinsbuilding.co.uk

Saturday 10 
Music in the Mead, Argent’s Mead bandstand, free event organised by the Borough Council. The first in the summer series of live performances. Steven Faulkner opens the season. Time: 1 to 3pm. 

Thursday 15 
The Tale of Two Kates, a Hinckley & District Museum event. Hinckley Great Meeting Chapel, Baines Lane. A talk on Catherine of Aragon and Katherine Parr presented by Eddie Smallwood. Time: 7:30 to 9:30pm. Tickets: Friends of Hinckley & District Museum £1, non-members £5 at the door. Contact: hinckleymuseum@hotmail.co.uk 

Friday 16
Hinckley Choral Union presents a concert at Higham Parish Church. The main work will be ‘Four Characters’ a new work by local composer, Michael Dix featuring historical figures from the local communities of Hinckley, Higham, Wykin and Stoke Golding. Time: 7:30pm Tickets: Adults £5, under-16s free. Ticket price includes light refreshment. Contact via the Hinckley Choral Union website (hinckleychoralunion.co.uk)

Saturday 17
Fish & Chip Train. Battlefield Railway Line, Shackerstone Station, CV13 6NW. Enjoy the nations favourite dish while riding through the Leicestershire's countryside. Time: 5:30-9pm. Tickets: Adults £30, concessions (Seniors/ Children) £25. Contact: 01827 880754. Battlefield Railway Line Website (battlefieldline.co.uk)

Music in the Mead, Argent’s Mead bandstand. Her first time performing in Argent’s Mead, 20-year-old Izzy Way treats us to her sound of alternative favourites. Free event. Time: 1pm to 3pm. 

Sunday 18 
Ploughman's Luncheon Train. Battlefield Railway Line, Shackerstone Station, CV13 6NW. A heart ploughman’s lunch served on board our heritage coaches whilst rolling through the Leicestershire countryside. Vegan option now available, select your menu choice whilst choosing your ticket. Time: 12:30-14:30pm. Tickets: Adults £30, concessions (seniors/children) £25. Contact: 01827 880754. Battlefield Railway Line Website (battlefieldline.co.uk)

Saturday 24
Organ Recital. Hinkley United Reformed Church, The Borough, LE10 1NL. A recital on the historic Holdich pipe organ given by Rachel Mahon, organist and director of Music at Coventry Cathedral. Time: 3-4pm. Cost: Tickets: Adults £5, under 18s and students’ free admission. Contact via the Hinckley Choral Union website (hinckleychoralunion.co.uk)

Friday 30 
Hinckley Rock 'n' Roll Club, Jive Nights. Wykin District Social Club, Fredrick Avenue, Hinckley, LE10 0EX. It’s a night of Rock 'n' Roll music, Jive, Bop and Stroll dancing. With top DJs playing the best music. Optional Jive lesson 7:30 to 8:15pm, £5, bring a dance partner. Time: 7:30 to 11pm. Ticket: £5 per person. Contact: dandeatkins@yahoo.co.uk or telephone 01455 840052

Additional information

Hinckley & District Museum, 30 Lower Bond Street, Hinckley

Museum, garden and tearoom are open from Saturday 19 April (to Monday 27 October). Open Saturdays and Mondays. Time: 10am-3:30pm. Admission: Adults £4, children £1 and U5s free. Summer school holiday event days: Children £2. Contact: hinckleymuseum@hotmail.co.uk

Burbage Gardening Club

We are a friendly group of gardening enthusiasts based in Burbage Leicestershire who meet on the first Tuesday of the month at 7:30pm for 7:45pm at Burbage Constitutional Club, 64 Church Street, Burbage, LE10 2DE and welcome new members. Why not come along to a meeting and see for yourself or for more information visit the Burbage Gardening Club website (bgclub.uk) or email info@bgclub.uk

The George Ward Centre, Church Lane, Barwell LE9 8DG

There's something for everyone at The George Ward Centre, including:

• Mondays: Yoga/Weight Class (10am), Table Tennis (3:45pm), Yoga (6.30pm), Clubbercise (6:15pm, 7:15pm)
• Tuesdays: AFC Barwell (5pm), Slimming World (5pm), Tai Chi (7pm)
• Wednesdays: Mum's and Tots (9am), Slimming World (9am), Pilates (6:30pm), Yoga (6:30pm), Clubbercise (7:15pm)
• Thursdays: Steady Steps (10am), Table Tennis (7pm), Speaker's Club (fortnightly, 7pm)

Why not pop into the Centre's cafe for a cuppa and a chat? We have a range of reasonably priced hot and cold drinks and snacks.

The George Ward Centre's ‘Tots Time play group’ runs weekly on Wednesdays. Time: 9am to 11am. Cost: £2 adults, 50p per child, which includes unlimited tea, coffee and juice, biscuits, pastries, and fruit. There are lots of toys for your little ones to play with from birth upwards and clothes and toy giveaways. 

We encourage pregnant mums to come along, as we do dads and the wider family. 

The George Ward Centre will be taking part in the council's school uniform swap shop throughout the month of April.

Our hall is available for hire for children's parties, for reasonable prices.

Call us or pop in for details. 

The centre is a registered charity. For more information, telephone 01455 847410 or find the Centre online and on Facebook and X (Twitter).

Regular ‘Friends of Hollycroft Park’ activities at Hollycroft Park, Hinckley

Community Café is open on the first and third Wednesday of every month (bar January) from 10am to 1pm. Volunteer gardening reopens on the first Saturday of every month from 10am to 12pm from April each year. For more information about Friends of Hollycroft Park (hollycroftpark.wordpress.com) or email friendsofhollycroft@gmail.com

Veterans Coffee Morning, The Green Rooms 

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 natter, 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 Department on telephone 01455 255856

St Francis Community Centre, Tudor Road, Hinckley, LE10 0EQ

Weekly group meetings take place at the centre which include:

• Free coffee morning with light bites and free Wi-Fi. Tuesdays 9:30am to 12pm.
• Lunch Club Social (booking required). Wednesdays 10am to 1pm.
• Friendship Café. Serving hot and cold food. Thursdays 10am to 12pm.
• Telephone 01455 617185 for more information

Pathways Computer Club Hinckley Baptist Church's Community Centre, Baptist Walk, Hinckley LE10 1PR. 

Teaching is on a one-to-one basis. Subjects covered in lessons include ancestry and family tree, photo editing, slide-show production, Microsoft Office (Word/Excel/PowerPoint) and file management, or if there is anything you wish to learn within IT we’ll be able to accommodate. You can bring your own laptop or tablet or use the desktop computers provided. The Pathways Café serves a range of refreshments before and after the lesson. Cost: £41 per term (approximately 10 lessons) Every Thursday 9am to 10am; 10:30am to 11:30am; 12pm to 1pm. Booking is essential. Contact: Pathways: Telephone 01455 890026; Email: enquiries@pathwayscomputerclub.uk. Website: Pathways Computer Club (pathwayscomputerclub.uk)

Parking extended at recreational site

Stoke Golding Parish Council has been successful in completing a car park extension project at the recreational ground in Stoke Golding with the help of the Borough Council’s Parish and Communities Initiative grant, successfully receiving £9,332.

Sarah Beale, Clerk to Stoke Golding Parish Council said: "The Village Hall and Recreational Ground in Stoke Golding is at the heart of community life, serving as vital spaces for events, activities, and gatherings.”

From bustling dance classes and engaging shows to spirited football matches at the recreational ground, these facilities are consistently lively and well-loved by locals and visitors alike. However, with such popularity came an unavoidable challenge – parking.

The existing car park simply wasn’t sufficient to handle the volume of vehicles, particularly on weekends when multiple events often coincided. 

Overflow parking regularly spilled onto surrounding streets, causing inconvenience for nearby residents and frustration for those attending events.

Recognising the need for improvement and with the help of the Parish and Communities initiative fund, visitors can now park conveniently, a huge benefit for those visiting and the surrounding roads.

Councillor Martin Cartwright, Executive Member for Rural Affairs at the Borough Council said: “This project has added tremendous capacity to the existing car park and with the space has allowed for the addition of the click and collect, scan tap and go shop lockers which will also be an added benefit for the local community. 

“Congratulations on the success of your project and thank you everyone that have worked so hard to benefit local residents.”

Improvements to road system will help boost local economy 

Market Bosworth Parish Council has successfully secured funding for upcoming improvements to the road system in the town, aided by a substantial grant from the Borough Council. 

In March 2024, both councils formalised an agreement with Leicestershire Highways, who will serve as the contractors for the redevelopment of the town centre's road network. 

This initiative aims to fulfil the objectives established during consultations with residents and businesses that took place while developing the Market Bosworth Neighbourhood Plan. 

The aims: 

• Create a safer pedestrian environment 
• Increase parking bays in Market Place 
• Time restricted parking 
• 20mph speed limit in the town centre and a full one-way system

The project is planned to commence in late spring this year. 

John Wasteney, Chairman of Market Bosworth Council said: “We hope that the planned changes help the flow of traffic through the village; improve pedestrian safety and improve and increase parking, which in turn will draw more visitors to our local businesses.”

Free trees scheme grows in popularity

Thank you to all who picked up their free trees and hedging at collection points in Hinckley, Sibson and Barlestone back in December.

More than 27,000 tree saplings and hedging were offered as part of the scheme including birch, crab apple, hornbeam and hazel trees, as well as five-metre hedging packs.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank our sponsors Hinckley & Rugby Building Society and The National Forest.

If you have collected a free tree from the scheme in recent years, the council would love to see how they are looking now. 

Please take a picture and send it into Communications: Communications contact form

Mapping out the best places to eat

A new online map has been launched to help Hinckley and Bosworth residents discover a range of places to eat and drink across the borough.

The Taste Adventures Map, which features 34 locations across 18 towns and villages, has been launched by the Borough Council and its tourism partners.

The illustrated map gives details of each business, including their location and contact details.

Councillor Mark Bools, Deputy Leader of the Borough Council, said: 

“We have some amazing places to go to in the borough for a bite to eat and drink; lovely pubs, restaurants, cafes, farm shops, even an ice cream parlour and only a stone's throw away but still yet undiscovered to many. 

“With the new Taste Adventures Map, these great places will be hidden gems no longer. My family and I will certainly be visiting some new places, and I encourage you to do the same.”

Many of the establishments on the map hope it will help build their business and be able to grow the existing sense of community they thrive off in the borough.

Kirsty Taylor from the Cosy Café in Hinckley, which features on the map, said: “We really appreciate the sense of community within Hinckley and its surrounding areas.

“The people are friendly and supportive to our small business. It’s great to see the town come together with regular events held throughout the year.

Jo Thorp from the Dreamy Cow, Twycross said: “We feel very blessed with how lovely our customers are that visit. There is no better feeling than seeing a smile on someone's face when enjoying your product or seeing them relax and have a good time with friends and family over an ice cream.”

To download the map, visit trails (visitleicester.info) and select Hinckley and Bosworth, or visit taste the place. For a paper copy, contact Cultural Services: Cultural Services contact form or telephone 01455 255856.

 *The Taste Map is owned and produced by the Great British Food Club. For more information about the map or to suggest changes or additions, please contact  info@greatfoodclub.co.uk

Celebrating our sporting heroes

The Hinckley & Bosworth Active Awards to celebrate local sporting heroes have been awarded at a ceremony at Hinckley Rugby Club.

The awards, which recognise the impact that sport and keeping active can make to the lives of residents across the borough, were presented by Deputy Leader of the Council, Councillor Mark Bools.

Special guest Vikki Macqueen BEM was also on stage throughout the night to celebrate the winners. Macqueen is a former Saracens, Lichfield and England rugby player and founder of Didi Rugby.

This year’s award winners were: 

Active School Award: Congerstone Primary School

Congerstone Primary school believes that good mental health and physical opportunities are the basis of being active. Their wide range of activities encourage students to try new things and learn valuable skills.

Junior Club of the Year: Burbage Taekwondo Academy

The academy raised money for eight students to go to the Taekwondo World Championships in Uzbekistan last year. They were the only UK representatives among 1,200 competitors from 34 countries.

Junior Unsung Hero: Chris Ayres

Chris volunteers at Green Towers Club for Young People and gives up his summer and Easter holidays to volunteer for out-of-school clubs.

Junior Sportsperson of the Year: Megan Havers

Olympic archer Megan sat her GCSE exams last May and made her Olympic debut just weeks later. She reached the women’s individual round of 16, losing narrowly to eventual gold medallist Lim Si-Hyeon.

School Team of the Year: St Peter's Primary School – Under 11s Girls table tennis team
The champions of Leicestershire are “excellent role models” and “encourage younger students to play sports and get active.”

School Wellbeing Award: Brookvale Groby School and Congerstone Primary School
Brookvale celebrates World Mental Health Day, promoting awareness, reducing stigma, and encouraging open conversations about mental health. The school offers a dedicated LGBTQ+ support group, plus one-on-one mental health support for students.

Congerstone Primary, who won the Active School Award, believes physical activity is crucial to mental wellbeing.

Inspiring Instructor: Stephen Beamish
Steve, co-founder of the No Balls Ladies Cricket Club, is “so encouraging for us ladies, always turning up to training and matches despite his many health issues, he never complains.”

The Matt Hamson ‘Let’s Get Moving’ Inclusivity Award: Sarah Shelby’s Stars
Shelby’s Stars does an incredible job teaching special educational needs students of all ages to dance. They are a big part of the community, putting on events throughout the year in Hinckley.

Sports Club of the Year: Hinckley Town Tennis Club (HTTC)
In recent times, the club provided a safe and welcoming space for Ukrainian families to come together and play sport, providing coaching and free memberships to numerous families. These efforts have had a lasting impact on the local Ukrainian population, helping to ease their transition into life in the UK.

Team of the Year: Alderman Smith’s No Balls
The cricket club’s growth and inclusive ethos attract players of all abilities, proving that cricket is for everyone. They remain committed to training and welcoming new players.

Outstanding Contribution: Colin Magee
Colin, 82, is passionate about making sailing affordable and accessible to all. He founded the Leicestershire and Rutland Youth Sailing Association (LRYSA) in 1967. When their training centre was threatened with closure 50 years later, Colin co-ordinated an effort to raise £250,000 for a new clubhouse and amenities.

Volunteer of the Year: Rebecca Preston
Rebecca is club secretary at AFC Barwell, the Leicestershire and Rutland County FA Football Club of the Year 2024.

Rebecca liaises between the club’s 21 teams and the leagues they compete in. She helps to arrange the club’s annual children’s Christmas party, has decorated the clubhouse and taken on kitchen duties. Without volunteers like Rebecca working hard behind the scenes, a lot of clubs would not exist.

Deputy Leader of the Council, Councillor Mark Bools said: “I would like to congratulate all nominees and the individual award winners. Yet again, judges have had the most difficult task picking winners in each category. The sheer number of worthy nominees is inspirational. 

“It is vital that we recognise those individuals across the borough who go above and beyond. 

“Keeping active and helping others to do the same and pursue dreams or even just take up a new hobby for physical and mental health should be celebrated and from the stories I have heard tonight we have a wealth of experience and talent in Hinckley and Bosworth - they all deserve our warmest congratulations and appreciation.”

Ali's fit for the job

The 'special community' at Hinckley Leisure Centre is why fitness instructor Ali still loves teaching 12 classes a week in the year of her 70th birthday.

Ali Gunn has been teaching fitness classes at the leisure centre since 1998, having started her fitness journey 17 years prior, and is now the centre’s longest serving and most beloved instructor.

Described as a “true pillar” of the fitness community, Ali attributes her success to the high energy and sense of community her classes create.

Her classes per week include favourites like Body Pump, Legs, Bums and Tums, Circuits, Forever Active, and freestyle sessions.  She finds it impossible to pick a favourite.

“All of them are brilliant,” she says. “The ambience, the friendships, and the way we all inspire and motivate each other, that’s what I love.

“The friendships and communities we’ve built through these classes are incredible. They’ve become lifelong friendships, all because of fitness.

“It’s the community that makes it so special. “From the reception staff to the cleaners, everyone is so welcoming. It really is my fitness family.”

Ali urges everyone to come along and try the 100+ classes on offer at Hinckley Leisure Centre. Ali and her colleagues are known for their warm, welcoming approach, making sure new members feel at home from their first session.

“There’s so much variety, and you’ll find something that makes you feel good,” she says. “It’s a real community, and we’re always here to support you.”

With premium membership, you can access over 100 exercise classes each week – both virtual and instructor-led by amazing professionals like Ali. 

You can also benefit from unlimited access to the gym, pool, sauna and steam room; plus dual-site access to Places Gym Hinckley. There really is something for everyone.

It's steady as you go for the over 65s

If you are aged over 65 and worried about having a fall, you might be able to benefit from free classes in the borough.

Steady Steps is a free 24-week falls prevention programme delivered by qualified, friendly instructors. They are tailored to all abilities and will help you develop better strength and balance to get you more stable on your feet.

For those who just want a chance to socialise and enjoy some light seated exercise, Chatty Chairs might be the starter class for you.

These classes are also free to all and are a great way to make new friends while improving your physical and mental wellbeing too.

If you’re still not convinced that Steady Steps or Chatty Chairs are right for you, have a read of this letter the council received from a previous attendee:

“I am writing let you know how much I appreciate the Steady Steps and Chatty Chairs classes run by Nila at the Barwell George Ward Centre.

“I underwent spinal decompression surgery in May 2023 and was initially left with very limited mobility. 

“When I left rehab, I could barely walk with a frame and was in danger of falling and being unable to get up if I did fall.

“Steady Steps taught me how to mitigate the danger of falling. I was sorry to see the course come to an end after 24 weeks and was delighted to attend Chatty Chairs afterwards, not only for the exercises but also a chance to meet new people and to get out of the house.

“I am continuing to improve and can now walk unaided for a short distance, walk with sticks for a reasonable distance and climb stairs without assistance.

“Thank you again for all the help you have given me.

To meet and hear from more of participants look at a series of videos on the council's YouTube account @hbbc

For more details, contact Physical Activity Coordinator Andrew Murray on 07990 136242 or email andrew.murray@hinckley-bosworth.gov.uk

Parkrun your way to fitness

It has been nearly three years since weekly parkrun events were kickstarted at Hastings High School with Market Bosworth Country Park following later in the year. Parkrun is now thriving week in week out at these local venues.

Kickstart funded by the council’s Active Hinckley and Bosworth team, via a public health grant in 2022, it is great to hear how the free weekly events are a regular fixture in many people's diary, and they are as much about the social as well as the physical exercise.

Parkrun is a free and weekly event that takes place at different venues worldwide. It offers a welcoming and inclusive experience where there is no time limit, and no one finishes last. 

Everyone is welcome to come along, whether they walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate. All events are run by teams of dedicated volunteers from the local community. 

So if you are at the start of your exercise journey and this sparks your interest then all you need to do is sign up for a free barcode from Parkrun UK (parkrun.org.uk) and search out your nearest event. 

There are ‘first timers’ briefings at 8:45am for those doing their first event, followed by a group briefing at 8:55am. The event then starts at 9am. Children are welcome, but those under 11 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Check with the individual parkrun to see if dogs are allowed.

Remember, parkrun welcomes all and whether you are a seasoned runner, on your couch25k journey or just fancy a jog or walk. It may be you would like to volunteer, if so then please get in touch!

Find out more via the parkrun website or both runs can be found on Facebook.

Last updated: 09/04/2025 08:17