Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Bulletin, summer 2026 (edition 102)

Bosworth 1485 Trail success!

One year after its launch, the Bosworth 1485 Trail is firmly establishing itself as a success story for the borough, encouraging more people to explore the area, stay longer and connect with its rich history.

Linking key locations including Market Bosworth, Sutton Cheney and Dadlington, the trail has become a popular way to enjoy the local countryside while uncovering the nationally significant story of the Battle of Bosworth. The route is attracting walkers from near and far, with many choosing to stop off in village cafés, pubs and shops along the way.

Early signs show the trail is already having a positive impact. QR code scans, social media activity and feedback from local businesses all point to growing awareness and use of the route, with visitors engaging more deeply with the area rather than simply passing through.

Deputy Leader Cllr Marks Bools said: “The Bosworth 1485 Trail has been a fantastic addition to our borough. In just one year we’re seeing real benefits – more visitors, more time spent in our villages and greater appreciation of our local heritage. It’s encouraging to see people discovering the area on foot and supporting local businesses at the same time.”

Building on this momentum, work is now underway on the next phase of the project. A new ‘Trail & Towns’ guide will be launched, helping both residents and visitors make even more of their visit. The guide will highlight places to eat and drink, other walking routes and ideas for turning a visit into a full day – or even a longer stay.

Further promotion across the Midlands is also planned, aimed at attracting new audiences and bringing more visitors into the area to enjoy what it has to offer.

Cllr Bools added: “This is very much just the beginning. By promoting the trail more widely and improving the information available, we want to encourage even more people to explore, stay locally and enjoy everything our communities have to offer.”

Residents and visitors who haven’t yet tried the trail are encouraged to make the most of it this summer. Updated leaflets will be available locally and online from the summer. Check social media for updates or visit the website (richardiiicountry.com)

Call to put housing on sustainable footing

A national summit aimed at securing the future of council housing brought together political leaders and senior local authority officers – with the Borough Council among those calling for action to put council housing on a stable and sustainable long-term footing.

The one-day national summit was held in Leeds was organised by Leeds City Council in partnership with Southwark Council and Sheffield City Council.

Executive Member for Housing at Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council, Councillor Michael Mullaney, attended alongside the Borough Council’s Director (Places Services), Madeline Shellard.

Around 200 representatives from central government, local authorities, charities and other key stakeholders took part, with the aim of shaping the future of council housing and strengthening the case for a funding model that supports both existing homes and new supply.

The summit highlighted the scale of the challenge facing council housing nationally, with a focus on putting residents first, strengthening the long-term finances of council housing and ensuring regeneration works for everyone.

Delegates also discussed how councils can work together to influence national decision-making and secure a more sustainable funding model.

Speaking after the summit, Cllr Mullaney said: “It was good to attend the summit on behalf of Hinckley and Bosworth and to hear from councils, residents’ representatives and national partners about what needs to change.

“Council housing provides families with a safe, affordable home, but councils need a funding system that allows us to keep homes up to standard, invest in energy efficiency and build more homes for the future.

“That’s why it’s important councils are involved in shaping the national approach – and why we are adding our voice to calls for long-term solutions.

“Here in Hinckley and Bosworth, we remain committed to maintaining and increasing the amount of council housing available so that more local people can access a decent, affordable and secure home.”

Warning as Asian hornet threatens wildlife

Residents are being urged to stay vigilant and report any sightings of the invasive yellow-legged Asian hornet, as concerns grow about its impact on local wildlife.

First introduced into France in 2004, the yellow-legged hornet has spread rapidly across Europe. Since 2016, sightings have been recorded in the UK each year, mainly in the south of England and the Channel Islands and now being reported in the Midlands.

Reports have increased significantly in recent years, raising concerns about the species becoming established.

Yellow-legged Asian hornets are a serious threat to the environment. They are highly effective predators, feeding on honeybees and other important pollinators that play a vital role in our ecosystems and food production.

How to spot one

They can be distinguished from native species by a few key features. They are slightly smaller than the European hornet and have:

• An orange face
• Yellow-tipped legs
• A dark, velvety body
• A mostly dark abdomen with a thin yellow band
• They are active during the day but not at night. In contrast, the native European hornet has a mainly yellow abdomen, brown-tipped legs and long yellow antennae

Whilst they are not generally aggressive towards people, they may become defensive if they feel their nest is under threat.

What to do if you see one

It is vital to prevent these hornets from becoming established in the UK. If you think you have spotted one, do not approach it. Instead, report your sighting to the Non-Native Species Secretariat (NNSS), ideally with a photograph.

Sightings can be reported:

• Via the Asian Hornet Watch app (available on iPhone and Android)
• By email to alertnonnative@ceh.ac.uk
• Or visit our web page on the Asian hornet for further links and information

There is no need to contact the council directly.

By working together and reporting sightings promptly, residents can help protect local wildlife and prevent this invasive species from spreading further.

How piano playing can aid well-being

A small piano studio in Hinckley is helping bring people together through music while supporting confidence and wellbeing in the community.

Pianista Music Studio on Castle Street is run by experienced teacher Maria Torres, alongside Roberto Ponticelli.

Together, they teach children from age four through to adults, offering both individual and small group lessons.

Their approach focuses on the individual, encouraging each learner to progress in their own way. Some students choose to take exams or perform, while others simply enjoy learning for themselves. All are supported equally, with an emphasis on building confidence as well as musical skill.

Beyond lessons, Pianista is becoming more involved in local life. The studio is working with the Borough Council and Leicestershire County Council to explore opportunities for schoolwork experience and future training pathways.

It has also taken part in town centre events and is learning from local SEND specialists to help make music accessible to more children.

Maria Torres said: “Every child should have access to music, regardless of their background or how they learn best, because it gives them something that stays with them for life.”

Contact Pianista (pianista.co.uk) (http://www.pianista.co.uk/) to find out more about their community work.

Discover a love of reading

Residents are invited to discover, or rediscover, the joy of reading as the Borough Council celebrates the National Year of Reading 2026 with a range of activities across the borough including a new book exchange scheme.

From early April and throughout 2026, a free book exchange will be available at Borough Council-run events in Hinckley town centre. An exchange is also available at Hinckley Leisure Centre Reception and The George Ward Centre, Barwell.

The scheme is open to everyone and welcomes all suitable books, whether it’s a fun story for children, a young adult title for teenagers or a cosy novel for adults. Residents can simply choose a book to take away, drop one off, or do both – with no requirement to donate a book to take part.

Cllr Michael Mullaney, Executive Member for Community Safety said: “I encourage everyone to get involved and swap books throughout the year. National Literacy Trust figures show only around a third of eight to 18-year-olds enjoy reading in their spare time, even though books can spark imagination and creativity.”

Cllr Robin Webber-Jones, Children’s Champion said: “I’m pleased we are supporting the Year of Reading with a wide range of initiatives, while helping disadvantaged communities, including people in temporary accommodation due to homelessness, access reading opportunities. Activities will take place across the borough, reaching both urban and rural communities.”

The initiative forms part of the council’s wider support for the National Year of Reading 2026, designated by the Department for Education. A motion supporting the campaign was strongly backed by councillors, and the council has signed a national pledge setting out how it will help champion reading across the borough.

Alongside the book exchange, the council is working with local schools, libraries, voluntary organisations and community groups to maximise participation and ensure activities reach those who will benefit most.

A borough-wide story writing competition has also been launched for primary aged children, with winning stories to be read aloud at the annual Snap Dragon festival and showcased in Hinckley Library.

Young people have already been involved in council conferences focused on building confidence through public speaking, while community houses and local projects are delivering reading themed activities such as book related crafts, discussion groups and family sessions.

Supporting residents with a warm welcome

Warm Welcome group leaders and volunteers gathered in Barwell in May to celebrate their achievements over the latest cold season (Oct 25 to Mar 26) and to share ideas and best practice.

These locations and groups provide community spaces that are safe, warm, and welcoming, where people can enjoy a hot drink, a friendly conversation, and sometimes a hot meal.

They provide venues for residents to connect with each other and with the Borough Council and other support agencies. Most groups continue all year round as part of the Community Warm Welcome network.

Cllr Michael Mullaney, Executive for Community Safety said “Warm Welcome groups are about much more than warmth and refreshments. They are about dignity, inclusion, and connection. They provide opportunities for people to come together, to feel less isolated, and to regain a sense of belonging within their community.”

Find a venue near you: visit our warm welcome web page

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 nine to 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 free 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 do a self-referral (activehb.org.uk)

The centre also delivers the Big Sister Project, giving girls aged nine–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: 03/07/2026 10:26