Free exhibition celebrating last 50 years of Hinckley and Bosworth now open

The exhibition, which has been kindly supported by Thomas Flavell and Sons and is hosted in the Atkins Gallery, shows off photos, memories and rarely seen items that tell the story of how life has changed in the borough since 1974.

Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, and the exhibition tells the story of how the council came to be in its current form – and the journey the borough has been on ever since.

The Concordia Theatre and Hinckley & District Museum have both loaned a selection of rarely seen photographs and exhibits and offer visitors the chance to hear the story of how these popular community venues have grown and thrived during the last 50 years.

Long-standing borough businesses have lent unique objects from their archives including Penny Price Aromatherapy of Hinckley, JJ Churchill of Market Bosworth, Uptonsteel of Markfield and Caterpillar of Desford showing how their businesses have changed.

Hinckley based firm Triumph has kindly lent a Street Triple 765 RS motorcycle on a unique tilting stand so visitors can have their photo taken whilst sitting on the motorcycle. Meanwhile, Hinckley District Past & Present have lent their photograph collection printed on large viewing boards for visitors to see.

Exclusive film kindly loaned by Kenneth Knight of Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council’s former waste and recycling depots showing the early days of kerbside recycling.

There are also photos of the former and current Hinckley leisure centres offering visitors the chance to reminisce.

There will also be a celebrity visit quiz, while younger visitors can colour in their own coat of arms and learn local history.

Cllr Mark Bools, Deputy Leader of Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council, said: “It is wonderful to see this collection of photos and items that celebrate the journey our wonderful borough has been on since 1974.

“Thank you to everyone who contributed to this exhibition and worked hard to put it together. I look forward to seeing as many people as possible at the Atkins Gallery in the coming weeks.”

The exhibition runs until 6 January 2025. The Atkins Gallery is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, excluding Christmas and New Year bank holidays.

There is an evening viewing of the exhibition on Thursday 12 December, 5pm to 7pm. Look out for Atkins Gallery opening hours here (www.atkinsbuilding.co.uk) or @AtkinsBuilding on social media.

Thank you to our project partners:

• David Potter, former editor of the Hinckley Times
• Caterpillar
• Concordia Theatre
• Penny Price Aromatherapy
• JJ Churchill
• Upton Steel
• Horiba MIRA
• Triumph
• Hinckley & District Past and Present
• Hinckley & District Museum
• David Bill
• Simon Holden, current editor of the Hinckley Times
• Jim Tomlinson
• Caroline Wessel

The exhibition has been kindly sponsored by Thomas Flavell & Sons.