Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Bulletin, spring 2026 (edition 101)

MS support and friendship

Living with multiple sclerosis (MS) can bring its challenges, but no one in our community has to face them alone.

The Hinckley & District MS Society Group offers support, information and, most importantly, friendship to people living with MS, as well as their families, friends and carers.

The group is positive, welcoming, and focused on helping each other achieve the things that matter – celebrating strengths, sharing experiences, and offering encouragement every step of the way.

The group runs a gentle, MS specific exercise class designed to support physical health, emotional wellbeing and confidence. The sessions are fully inclusive, whether you use a wheelchair, a walking aid or walk independently.

The classes take place most Thursdays,10:30am until 11:30am.

Regular attendee John says: “I love coming here. I meet great people and feel very comfortable being part of the group. Coming to the sessions has taught me one thing about MS – it hasn't taken our sense of humour away.

For many, the monthly Coffee, Cake & Chat sessions are a real lifeline. They offer a relaxed space to meet others who understand the ups and downs of living with MS. It’s a chance to share stories, swap advice – or simply enjoy a good laugh over a slice of cake. They take place last Friday of the month, 10:30am until 12:30pm.

Joining a new group can feel daunting, but the team will be there to welcome you from the moment you arrive. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been living with MS for many years, the group is here to support you.

If you’d like to find out more or need support, get in touch by visiting The Meeting Centre, 1 Marchant Road, Hinckley, LE10 0LQ.  Email: hinckley@rnssociety.org.uk Call/text/ WhatsApp: 07726 929746 Facebook: hinckleyanddistrictmssocietynew

Statue unveiled to computer pioneer

A new statue celebrating Ada Lovelace, the pioneering mathematician and world’s first computer programmer, has been unveiled in the centre of Hinckley.

Ada has strong local links, having spent part of her childhood at Kirkby Mallory and frequently visiting Hinckley, a town she grew to love.

The project was led by local enthusiast and former councillor Stanley Rooney, supported by historian Greg Drozdz and members of the Ada Lovelace Community Interest Company.

After their successful 2019 exhibition ‘The Enchantress of Numbers’ at the Atkins Building, the group set out to raise the funds needed for a permanent tribute.

Speaking at the unveiling, Stan Rooney said: “We are immensely proud of this statue.

“There is no public money in this project, it has all been raised from individuals, interested organisations and private benefactors. Our thanks to everyone who has been involved in the project including North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College (NWSLC) who have permitted use of their land for the statue and the time and effort of all officers at the Borough Council in providing their support.”

Local historian Greg Drozdz added: “Ada is now accepted as part of our shared culture. An Ada Lovelace Day in October celebrates her achievements.

From security icons inside our passports, to schools named after her, buildings named in her honour, computer programs bearing her name to musical suites, operas and even a board game – Ada is part of popular culture”.

The statue, created by sculptors Mary and Etienne Millner, now stands outside North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College (NWSLC).

On behalf of her husband, Mary said: “The statue looks like it was always meant to be there outside the college, inspiring students and many others with her brave imagination and brilliant mind."

Ada’s biographer, Miranda Seymour, whose research originally inspired the project group, described the statue as a “triumph for Hinckley and the county”. Suw Charman Anderson, a social media pioneer and the founder of Ada Lovelace Day said “I was delighted to attend the unveiling. Statues of women are rare in this country – only about 17% of statues in this country depict women.

“It is important that public statues of women position them as figures of authority and expertise and worthy of commemoration as here in Hinckley”.

Principal Marion Plant OBE said: “Ada’s pioneering work laid the foundations for modern computing. We hope this inspires young people, especially girls, to explore opportunities in science and technology."

The unveiling was attended by a large crowd, including the Lord Lieutenant of Leicestershire and the Mayor of Hinckley and Bosworth, students, and supporters of the project.

Community venues which are open to all

Did you know there are three fantastic Community Houses right here in the borough – in Barwell, Burbage (Peter and Ann Hall Community Centre) and Hinckley (Gwendoline Community House)?

Each one offers a friendly space where residents of all ages can drop in, join activities, meet new people or simply enjoy a cuppa and a chat.

This year, the community houses are building on their much-loved regular activities and are excited to introduce brand-new craft and cooking sessions.

Try something new in the kitchen

Whether you’re a complete beginner or a confident cook looking for inspiration, our new cooking sessions are open to everyone.

All ingredients and recipes are provided, and participants work together to prepare a meal to take home and enjoy. It’s a supportive, social way to learn new skills and try something different.

Get creative with crafts 

Our craft, crochet and knitting groups welcome all levels – from those picking up yarn for the first time to experienced makers. Bring your own project, experiment with something new, or get helpful hints from fellow crafters. It’s relaxed, friendly and a great opportunity to unwind.

All groups are small, welcoming and sociable. Even if you just want to drop by for a brew and a friendly chat, you’ll be met with a smile.

Councillor Michael Mullaney, Executive Member for Housing and Community Safety said: “Don’t be shy – pop in, say hello and find out more about the many activities we have going on. Our Community Houses are here for everyone, and you’ll always get a warm welcome.”

If you’d like information on what’s happening at your local Community House, contact Rachel, Shirley or Hannah on (01455) 255941, or follow us on Facebook at Hinckley and Bosworth Community Houses.

Promoting your community group

Do you belong to a group in your parish or local area which is actively involved in promoting sustainability and/or climate change awareness?

If you do, we would like to publish details of your group on this website, so like-minded people know where to find you.

Examples could include things like a gardening club, repair café, refill shop or a nature restoration project.

See what is on in your area - Parish council - climate positive groups

To get involved, email us: Climate change contact form

Sporting heroes are celebrated

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, Cllr Mark Bools.

Special guests Jayant Mistry and Vicky Macqueen were also on stage throughout the night to celebrate the winners. Jayant became the first British player to win the wheelchair men’s doubles title at Wimbledon in 2005 and is now a coach. Vicky is an ex-England international rugby player and former head coach of Hinckley RFC.

Cllr Mark Bools, Deputy Leader of the Borough Council, said: “My congratulations and thanks go to everyone involved.

“Your contributions and hard work are valued here in Hinckley and Bosworth. Long may your successes continue.”

Borough Council Chief Executive and Board Member of Active Together Bill Cullen said: “It’s important we showcase the sporting heroes in the borough and recognise the great work of our staff and partners who put on such events and help profile the importance and opportunities of living active lives”.

This year’s Active Awards winners were:

• Active School Award: Congerstone Primary School
• Actively Welcome: Cancer Active Recovery Support (C.A.R.S)
• Coaches Contribution: Wayne Higginson (Burbage Taekwondo Academy)
• Marvellous Mentor: Katherine Dale (Leicestershire and Rutland Youth Sailing)
• Junior Sports Person of the Year: Jack Charles Bailey
• Sports Person of the Year: Joshua Bailey (Dressage)
• Disability Sports Person of the Year: Matthew Chilvers (Tennis)
• Inclusivity Award: Desford Lawn Tennis Club
• Inspiring Instructor: Rebecca Blower
• Junior Club of the Year: Hinckley Juniors Football Club
• Sports Club of the Year: LRYSA Senior Citizens Club
• Junior Team of the Year: TKT Cheerleading
• Sports Team of the Year: TKT Cheerleading
• Junior Volunteer of the Year: Morgan Cresswell (Hinckley Club for Young People)
• School Team of the Year: St Peters Primary School – Athletics Team
• School Wellbeing Award: Heath Lane Academy & Congerstone Primary School
• Outstanding Contribution (Adults): Brett Haywood (Leicestershire & Rutland Youth Sailing)
• Outstanding Contribution (Juniors): Clara Byford (Leicestershire & Rutland Youth Sailing)

Swimmers praised for medal successes

Hinckley Swimming Club has enjoyed a strong start to this year’s Leicestershire Amateur Swimming Association (LASA) County Championships, with more than 90 swimmers qualifying and many returning home with medals and personal bests.

The first weekend, hosted at Hinckley Leisure Centre, saw swimmers of all ages deliver excellent results, securing 11 gold, nine silver and 16 bronze medals. Highlights included a nail-biting win for Logan Maggs, who took gold in the 100m breaststroke by just 0.03 seconds.

Senior captains Ella Trahearn and Paul Page showed exactly why they have been selected for the roles by not only bringing home a gold and silver medal but also being awarded with third overall senior female in the 200m butterfly and 1st overall senior male in 100m breaststroke.

The second weekend at Braunstone Leisure Centre brought more podium finishes, with several swimmers earning their first county medals.

Notable performances included Poppy Mason winning silver in the 200m breaststroke and Jakub Kowalczyk, who qualified through a tense swim-off before securing silver with a huge personal best.  Distance swimmer Michael Fraser added to the club’s total with medals in the 800m and 1500m freestyle.

Coaches praised the team’s resilience and determination, especially during a period of coaching disruption.

Club chair Russ Trahearn said he was incredibly proud: “Our coaches, swimmers and volunteers have pulled together at a challenging time. Their passion and dedication continue to shine through.”

New members welcome

Hinckley Swimming Club welcomes new swimmers into its junior, performance and masters squads. Anyone interested can register via the club’s website (hinckleyswimmingclub.co.uk)

A busy month of school sport

Hinckley Leisure Centre was a hive of activity throughout January as more than 600 pupils took part in Hinckley & Bosworth School Sports & Physical Activity Network (HBSSPAN) Sportshall Athletics events for Years 5 to 8.

Sixteen primary schools competed in a packed programme of track and field races, with Burbage Junior School finishing first, Sketchley Hill second and St Peter’s, Market Bosworth third.

In the secondary competitions, Hastings High School won the Year 7 boys’ and girls’ titles and the Year 8 boys’ event, while St Martin’s High School took the Year 8 girls’ trophy.

The Leisure Centre also hosted a popular ‘This Girl Can’ event in partnership with HBSSPAN and the Borough Council, giving more than 100 girls from nine local schools the chance to try activities including dance, rugby, martial arts, spin and fitness sessions. 

The day supported the centre’s Big Sister Project, which helps girls aged 9–15 stay active through discounted memberships and a supportive environment.

More details about the Big Sister Project (placesleisure.org)

Centre offers safe, structured exercise for all age groups

A growing range of Healthy Communities programmes are helping residents across the borough stay active and improve their wellbeing, with sessions delivered at Hinckley Leisure Centre.

Working in partnership with Active Hinckley & Bosworth you can join a 12-week supported gym programme of personalised physical activity ideal for people returning to activity after injury, surgery or long-term health conditions.

Led by Health Communities Manager Yolanda and long-serving instructor Simon, the programme offers safe, structured exercise to help rebuild strength and confidence. Residents can self-refer (activehb.org.uk)

The centre also delivers the Big Sister Project, giving girls aged nine to 15 a supportive space to stay active through swimming, studio sessions, soft play and girls-only gym access — all designed to build confidence and enjoyment of physical activity.

For women in midlife, the Move Through Menopause programme provides support, education and guided exercise to help manage symptoms and stay active.

A new addition, Good Boost, offers personalised, technology-supported exercise for people with musculoskeletal conditions, helping participants move better and feel stronger.

All programmes share the same aim helping the community move more, feel better and live healthier lives.

Interested in any of the activities, email: yolandapatterson@pfpleisure.org or pop into the leisure centre for more details.

Last updated: 02/04/2026 10:23