Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Bulletin, summer 2025 (edition 98)

Solar panels go live at Leisure Centre

Seven hundred new solar panels at Hinckley Leisure Centre are now generating free power. 

The panels have been partially funded by a £120,000 grant from Sport England's Swimming Pool Support Fund. The Borough Council paid the remaining £130,000. 

Works were completed in March, with a meter panel going up in the leisure centre's reception area. Visitors to the centre are now able to see how much power the solar panels are generating. 

The panels are predicted to save 52,000kg of carbon per year. 

Councillor Stuart Bray, Leader of the Borough Council, said: "It was great to go up onto the roof of the leisure centre and see the new solar panels, which are already working. 

“These will be of great benefit to the leisure centre users and wider community, especially with the amount of energy they are going to be saving. 

“It is another step in our mission to decarbonise the leisure centre, supporting our Climate and Biodiversity Strategy.” 

Bill Cullen, the Borough Council’s chief executive, added: “Our team worked incredibly hard to secure a grant from Sport England for the project.  

“The investment committed by the council and great partnership working with Places Leisure has ensured this project has succeeded and we expect that investment to be paid back over time from the energy saving costs. 

“I would like to thank everyone at the Borough Council and Places Leisure for their fantastic work on this project.” 

Plaque unveiled to mark life of novelist

Local heritage group Hinckley District Past & Present (HDPP) has unveiled their latest plaque in Hinckley cemetery to Victorian novelist Charlotte Brame. 

The plaque was erected by the side of the novelist's grave in Ashby Road Cemetery, Hinckley. Funds for it were raised thanks to efforts by HDPP, a popular local Facebook group. 

A small dedication service to mark the unveiling took place with local historian Greg Drozdz addressing the small group that had gathered to hear a short-potted history of Charlotte’s life. 

Paul Gardner of HDPP said: "It’s very important to bring these names of the past into the present for future generations to learn about. This is what HDPP is all about and it's great we have continued to highlight such prominent past figures from our town heritage." 

Greg Drozdz also hopes that in the near future a Charlotte Brame trail can be established for visitors and admirers of the novelist to visit her home in Castle Street and her parents' graves in St Mary’s churchyard, as well as the cemetery. 

This is the second plaque HDPP have placed in the cemetery. Last year a plaque for Margery Payne, who donated the land of Argents Mead to the town, was added to her resting place.

Rural Conference sets out priorities

The annual Rural Conference, organised by Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council was held at Mythe Barn, Sheepy Magna in March, attracting delegates from across the borough. 

Delegates representing the rural parishes of the borough, along with key partners including Leicestershire Police, the Rural Community Council, Leicestershire Communities and Sport in Desford attended. 

The year’s event focused on looking to the future of our parish councils, networking opportunities and bringing delegates up to date on key priorities which included: 

• The launch of household food waste collections in 2026 
• Update on the local nature recovery strategy and the next steps  
• Environmental crime and enforcement 
• Hinckley and Bosworth tourism sector update 
• For Charnwood Forest and partnership approach to volunteering  
• Local and neighbourhood planning 
• Health and social opportunities for older adults 
• Rural Community Council support for village and community halls 
• Rural policing
• And much more 

Delegates had the opportunity to meet police volunteers who showcased their mounted police work with a visit from Harry and Flossy the horses. 

Plus, the Borough Council's youth engagement activator spoke about wellbeing courses being run throughout the borough’s rural schools.  

Pupils from Sheepy Magna Primary School presented on how the sessions had helped them to move more and to understand the benefits of physical activity and the benefits to their health and well-being.  

Councillor Martin Cartwright, Executive Member for Rural Affairs said: “I am proud to say that this is our 10th conference and once again I would like to thank all our parish councillors and clerks along with our partners for all the work they do for the borough’s communities particularly over the past year.  

“Topics have been varied, and we look forward to developing and progressing new initiatives both within the borough council and its partner organisations in the forthcoming year and beyond.” 

For further details about the rural work programme and strategy contact Cultural Services: Cultural Services contact form

Parkinson's group host events

The Hinckley and District Parkinson's Group are hosting a range of events this summer. 

Their regular monthly meetings will be held at the Mary Forryan Centre (LE10 1LW) at 2:30pm on 13 July and 10 August. 

The Hinckley Group in support of people with Parkinson’s disease, their families and carers, has a local membership of over 100 and has regular meetings as well as organising special events.  

Some of those who attend have been newly diagnosed while others have had the condition for many years. It is a useful way of sharing information and support. 

Get Active, their Tuesday exercise session, takes place at 2:30pm at the St. Francis Centre (LE10 0EQ). 

Movement to Music (2:15pm) and Singing for Fun (4pm) are at Elmesthorpe Village Hall (LE9 7SP) on Friday afternoons. You can enjoy these sessions even if you don't fancy yourself as much of a danger or singer. 

A special Carers' Group is held on the third Tuesday of each month at the St. Francis Centre, at the same time as the exercise class. There is also indoor bowling at Barwell Bowls Club on the fourth Wednesday of each month. 

For those who want something really informal there is a Parkinson’s drop-in Café at Gates Garden Centre, Stapleton (LE9 8JE) on the third Monday of each month from 2pm until 4pm. 

Any enquiries about the Hinckley group can be directed to the group chairperson, Janet Kavanagh, on 07932615233. 

Is it time for you to get smart?

Is your property heated by electric storage heaters, panel heaters, or immersion heaters in water tanks (particularly in areas without a gas supply)?  

Then you may have a Radio Teleswitch (RTS) meter. You may not be aware that this switch is due to be switched off from 30 June 2025.  

Without this technology, your equipment may no longer work properly so your heating, and hot water supply would stop functioning as normal. 

If you have an RTS meter, your electricity supplier should have been in touch to arrange an upgrade to a smart meter before this deadline.  

However, if you think you have one and not received any notification, we would highly recommend you get in touch with your energy supplier as soon as possible to get this upgraded (free of charge). 

Museum wins funding boost

Hinckley and District Museum, in partnership with the Borough Council, has received £20,000 from the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.  

The funding will help to improve current accessibility, while also preparing the thatched cottages for the future. 

With the funding, an internal ramp and new mannequins to help tell local stories have been purchased. One of the new mannequins for this year is telling the story of Hinckley and Bosworth’s town crier. 

Funding has also been used to carry out a range of building surveys to assess the current condition of the cottages, and to facilitate the museum’s long-term goal of an extension. 

This extension would improve the facilities on offer, including a new and accessible entrance suitable for wheelchair and pushchairs, improved reception and shop area, installation of a lift and more. This would add value to the museum experience for visitors, schools and educational groups. 

Ann Crabtree, Hinckley & District Museum Trustee, said: “The Trustees at Hinckley & District Museum have been very grateful for the UKSPF funding that has enabled us to improve access within the museum by way of an internal ramp for use by wheelchair and pushchair users and the addition of new mannequins which has improved our visual displays of some of the costumes in our collection, especially remembering the role of Town Crier, held by Mr Joe David.” 

Councillor Mark Bools, Deputy Leader of the Borough Council, said: “I was delighted to hear the news that Hinckley & District Museum, a valued partner of the Borough Council, has received this funding from the UK government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund. 

“I can’t wait to see the results once this funding has borne all its fruits. An extension to this already wonderful museum will bring so many great benefits to the community.” 

Hinckley & District Museum is open on Saturdays and Mondays, including Bank Holidays Mondays, from 10am until 4pm. The museum will close for the year on Monday 27 October. 

For more information on Hinckley & District Museum’s 2025 programme, visit Hinckley and District Museum Talks and Events 2025 (hinckleydistrictmuseum.org.uk)

Uniform swap shops to reopen

School uniform swap shops across the borough will reopen once again in local Co-ops and community venues in August.  

The Borough Council is encouraging families to donate good quality school uniforms that are no longer required, as part of a scheme to support residents in saving money on school uniform costs.   

The scheme is designed to help and support those feeling the effects of the cost-of-living crisis. 

Families who have good condition, clean, useable plain coloured clothing or have a school uniform with a logo that they no longer need can drop them into their nearest School Uniform Swap Shop venue.  

This includes school coats, jumpers, blazers, trousers, polo shirts, shirts, dresses, Skirts, P.E. kits (not personalised) including bags and shoes, school shoes and book bags. 

Clothing will be displayed in the local venues and there will be collection boxes for items donated. 

Families can then access free-of-charge school uniforms for their children from their local venue. You don’t have to donate to take uniform. 

Executive Member for Community Safety and Housing, Councillor Michael Mullaney said: “I am delighted that we can continue to support this service across the borough. It has proven extremely popular, and by swapping uniforms, we are also supporting the environment, cutting down on clothes going to landfill. 

“We really want to encourage families to take whatever uniform they need but ask that if you wish to donate, please only give what you would be happy for your child to wear.    

“There is no requirement to donate uniform to take.”  For an up-to-date list of swap shop locations, visit uniform swap shop

Old garage site gets a new lease of life

The Oak Road garage site in Desford has been transformed by a successful regeneration project. 

The project, funded by the UK government's UK Shared Prosperity Fund, was completed by the Borough Council this spring. 

Before the work got underway, the site had several old garages, poor parking facilities and an unused, underwhelming grass area. 

Officers from the council's Housing Repairs and Clean Neighbourhoods departments worked together to safely dismantle and dispose of the old garages, which were found to contain asbestos material. 

Then ground was broken, as external contract SPS (Leicester) Ltd were contracted to create a new car parking area. The area now has improved drainage, 10 full-size marked parking bays and two rainwater gardens. 

The underutilised grass area to the side of the car park has been turned into a wildflower meadow with insect hotel and seating for the public. 

New climbing plants, small native trees and wildflower grass have been planted by the council's Green Spaces team. These will be part of a ‘no mow’ zone from June to August. 

Councillor Michael Mullaney, Executive Member for Housing, said: "It has been wonderful to see how this area of Desford has been transformed. 

"The aesthetic of the site has been greatly improved, which we hope will make the area a place that local residents can enjoy for many years to come. 

"Plenty of important considerations went into this project, not just the look of the site. Biodiversity has been boosted in the area thanks to the new wildflower meadow, which is important to the council and its climate strategy. 

"The work was also carried out with roads in mind. It's hoped the regeneration will improve traffic flow in the area and ease the stresses caused by on-road parking." 

Swimming pool upgraded

Bosworth Academy has made upgrades to its swimming pool facilities thanks to grant funding from the Borough Council. 

The secondary school, located in the village of Desford, received a grant award of £9,637.50 from the Hinckley and Bosworth Parish Community Initiative Fund. 

Funds were awarded to support the costs involved in purchasing a new pool filter and installing a new chlorine gas detection system with a sensor and outdoor alarm unit. 

The old pool filter vessel needed urgent replacement, and the new one will last up to 10 years. The gas detection system was recommended on the latest service report and will help ensure the safety of staff involved in maintaining the pool. 

Both school students and members of the local community use the pool on a regular basis. It plays host to an extensive learn to swim programme, disability swim sessions, and sessions for the public and community clubs. 

Chris Ripley, LiFE Multi Academy Trust Facilities and Programmes Lead, said: "With a number of pools closing each week across the country it is great to have the grant support from Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council and the support of Desford Parish Council to help meet the costs of maintaining and running the pool." 

Councillor Martin Cartwright, Executive Member for Rural Affairs at the Borough Council, said: "This is one of the more unusual grants we have been able to provide for but hugely valuable to the school and local community.  

"I would like to thank all the staff that keep the pool running and to such a high standard of water quality extending the overall life of the faculty. It is vital for as many people as possible to have the ability to swim." 

Your museum and gallery needs you

This year marks 80 years since the end of the Second World War, with Victory in Europe (VE) Day on 8 May 1945 and Victory over Japan (VJ) Day on 15 August 1945. 

Hinckley & District Museum and Atkins Gallery are teaming up to create an exhibition from 8 September to 26 September 2025. It aims to capture local people’s memories and family stories of VE and VJ Day. There will be a particular focus on VJ Day, the sometimes-overlooked aspect of the Second World War. 

Did you or any of your family fight in Europe, or alongside or as part of the Commonwealth forces across the Asia-Pacific Region? Did you or family member spend time in a prisoner of war camp?  Do you have any photos from VE and VJ Day celebrations across the years?  Do you have any memories, photos or objects from when Forces personnel returned home to Britain after the war had ended Did you serve in the Commonwealth army and come to live in the UK? 

If you have any memories, stories, photographs etc you would like to contribute to the exhibition please contact info@atkinsbuilding.co.uk 

Sid toasts 104th birthday

Congratulations to Ratby resident Sid Hickenbotham who has recently celebrated his 104th birthday this year. 

Born in Portsmouth in 1921, Sid served in the Royal Navy and was a miner for 30 years. 

Simon Jones, the Borough Council's Cultural Services Manager and Borough and Parish councillor for Ratby Councillor Ozzy O’Shea visited Sid on his birthday with a card and best wishes from the Mayor and his Deputy. 

He walks every day and does his own cooking, washing and ironing. He goes to the shops every Tuesday and calls his two children - Tony, 81, and Sandra, 76 - every morning. 

Holidays to Bournemouth and his first car, a Morris minor, are fond memories for Sid, who is keen to express his thanks to the NHS and all their staff. 

Sid's only minor regret, he says, is that he never became a pianist. If that is the only regret after 104 years, you could say that Sid has lived a very charmed life. 

Support groups receive another warm welcome

Thanks to everyone who attended the second annual ‘warm welcome’ event which was recently held at Newbold Verdon Methodist Church.

Following a busy past year, it was a great opportunity for our community services team to once again catch up with all the warm welcome leaders and volunteers who support this programme throughout the borough.  

The Borough Council has distributed £63,000 in funding to 42 local voluntary and community organisations.   

The grants were made available thanks to a successful bid to the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and support local voluntary and community organisations to provide free Warm Welcome sessions to Hinckley and Bosworth residents. 

The event was opened by Executive Member for Housing and Community Services, Councillor Michael Mullaney who said: “We are proud of the Warm Welcome scheme, which truly captures the essence of Hinckley and Bosworth’s community and compassion.  

“It’s uplifting to witness so many residents uniting to support each other, particularly during tough times. 

“We are extremely lucky to have so many kind, caring and generous residents and volunteers who help at faith groups, community centres, foodbanks and community libraries within our communities to ensure that residents have access to 62 Warm Welcomes across the borough.  

“I am delighted that our grant warm welcome funding has helped to deliver vital resources to those in need.”   

Attendees also met with representatives from RCC Leicestershire & Rutland, Leicestershire County Council’s Warm Homes team, local area co-ordinators, the Borough Council’s welfare support team, wellbeing support, food poverty support and Active Hinckley & Bosworth to learn about the support they can offer.   

Find out more about the warm welcome service and the number of people it supports throughout Hinckley and Bosworth.

Where friendships are made

Hinckley Leisure Centre believes fitness is about more than just exercise – it’s about people.

It's proud to be more than a place to swim or work out; it’s a space where wellbeing is nurtured, friendships are built, and everyone is welcome. 

So, whether you’re taking your first steps into fitness, returning after a break, or looking for new ways to stay active, there’s something here for you. Every week, the team support individuals, families, and groups across Hinckley through a wide variety of activities and programmes. 

New initiatives Making a Difference 

Welcome to our new Contract Healthy Communities Manager, Yolanda, who is already leading the way with community-focused programmes that make a real impact. 

One of these is The Big Sister Project, aimed at girls aged nine to 15. This initiative is all about boosting confidence, building self-esteem, and helping young people develop a positive relationship with sport. By offering a safe and supportive space, we aim to empower girls both in and out of school. 

Move Through Menopause, a dedicated programme supporting women through all stages of menopause. With expert guidance and tailored physical activity sessions, this initiative helps manage symptoms, improve well-being, and reduce feelings of isolation. 

A Walking Football Club runs every Wednesday (10–11 am) and Sunday (7–8 pm), providing a fun, inclusive activity for older adults or those returning from injury. It’s a great way to stay fit and make new friends. 

Plus, there are community drop-in sessions for badminton and pickleball, perfect for anyone looking to get involved in sport without the need for a partner or a booking. Just turn up, join in, and enjoy meeting others in a relaxed environment. 

Families with young children love our Active Play and Bounce sessions, held every Friday in the sports hall (10 to 11am and 11am to 12pm). These sessions offer soft play, bouncy castles, and plenty of space for little ones to burn off energy while parents enjoy a fun, active morning out. 

There are also a variety of children’s party packages, including pool inflatables, football fun, and soft play parties. Designed to take the stress out of planning, our parties are all about celebrating in a safe, exciting environment. 

For those looking to build skills and confidence, the centre offers weekly swimming lessons for children and adults, alongside junior sessions in football, basketball, and pickleball, all delivered by qualified, friendly coaches. 

All this alongside over 100 group exercise classes every week, there’s truly something for everyone. Whether you enjoy the energy of Les Mills body pump and body combat, or prefer gentle movement through Yoga or Forever Active, you’ll find classes to suit your lifestyle and ability. 

Swimmers can choose from more than 60 pool sessions weekly, including lane swims, fun swims, Aqua Natal, and inflatable sessions, ideal whether you’re swimming for fitness or family fun. 

Our on-site café is a warm, welcoming space to catch up with friends, take a break after a session, or simply enjoy some quiet time. Whether you're fuelling up beforehand or winding down afterwards, it’s a space designed with our community in mind. 

All the details can be found online (placesleisure.org) or you can telephone: 01455 610011. 

Giving kids a sporting chance 

A group of budding young Hinckley footballers have developed their social skills and had new cultural experiences thanks to Leicester City and the Premier League. 

Leicester City in the Community (LCitC) and Premier League Kicks provided 18 football sessions at the Green Towers centre in Hinckley between January and March this year. 

During the February half term, the Hinckley Years 7-9 team won a county-wide Kicks tournament at Loughborough University. One player from the Hinckley sessions was also selected to represent LCitC in a match against Everton’s community team. 

At the end of March, PL Kicks hosted a Hinckley tournament at Green Towers. 80 young people took part, including 23 girls. There were three teams of regular PL Kicks participants, six teams from Hinckley School Academy and two other teams of independent friend groups. 

In the years seven and eight tournament, Hinckley School year eight boys won the final 4-0, with their year seven counterparts the runners-up. 

In the year nine tournament, Hinckley School Year 9 the boys’ A-team from Hinckley school won the final in a penalty shootout (five-four). Macbeth Kicks team were the runners-up. 

Away from the football pitch, some players from the January-March sessions were chosen to attend a special Iftar event with Leicester City player Abdul Fatawu, providing them with a unique cultural and social experience. 

LCitC say that feedback from participants and their families was “overwhelmingly positive” and “commended the programme for enhancing social skills, boosting confidence and providing valuable experiences.” 

Executive Member for Community Safety, Councillor Michael Mullaney said: “I am delighted that we can be involved and support this programme.  

“It's proved to be extremely popular with both boys and girls alike and it highlights the need that activities and support for this age group are really needed.” 

Last updated: 19/06/2025 16:21