Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Bulletin, summer and autumn 2024 (edition 95)

Robin dons the chain of office

One of the highlights of the civic year and an event which marked the start of the council’s 50th anniversary celebrations took place when the new Mayor of the borough was installed for the next 12 months. 

Councillor Robin Webber-Jones, who represents Newbold Verdon with Desford & Peckleton, was handed the chain of office from former Mayor, Councillor Scott Gibbens. This took place before a council chamber that was packed with specially invited guests, including former councillors who were in post at the start of the new authority in April 1974.

Councillor Webber-Jones was first elected to the Borough Council in 2019 and his consorts for the year will be his daughters Amelia and Clara.

The new Mayor will be raising funds for Twycross Zoo, Hinckley Homeless Group (Lawrence House) and the Alzheimer’s Society throughout his term. In his spare time, Councillor Webber-Jones is involved in a wide range of community and research projects, supporting young people to progress in their education. He is completing a PhD and serves on several boards for theatre and art charities.

The new Deputy Mayor is Councillor Richard Flemming, who represents Burbage Sketchley & Stretton. His consort is his wife, Jill.

Proms bring Hollycroft Park alive

Hinckley’s Hollycroft Park came alive with the sound of music when the ever-popular Proms in the Park concert returned in June.

Crowds basked in the sunshine at the free open-air event organised by the Borough Council, which featured performances from the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire’s (RBC) Wind Orchestra, an ensemble comprising more than 50 talented young musicians. 

Under the baton of acclaimed conductor Douglas Mitchell, the orchestra performed a feast of well-known music, including much-loved scores from films Star Wars: The Force Awakens and Dambusters. Scottish Dances by Malcolm Arnold and music by Bernstein from Candide, with Elgar’s Pomp and Circumstance March No 1 and Walton’s Crown Imperial ensuring that the concert ended in true flag-waving style.  

The orchestra was also joined by singer Samantha Oxborough, a graduate of The Royal Birmingham Conservatoire and notably sang the National Anthem at the Commonwealth Games in 2022. 

Council Leader, Councillor Stuart Bray, said: “Proms promptly followed our 50th anniversary family festival and it has been a delight to see everyone enjoying another fabulous evening of music.  

“My thanks to everyone involved in another great event. It was a great evening in the beautiful setting of Hollycroft Park.”

Residents asked for their views of public spaces

Residents, businesses and interested parties are being asked for their opinions on public open space in the Borough.

Public open spaces provide opportunities for sport and recreation, socialising, and tourism and wildlife. They also make an important contribution to the health and well-being of communities, ecosystems and economies. 

Hinckley and Bosworth has a variety of public open spaces, from Langdale Road allotments to small local play areas, and the larger parks such as Queen's Park. 

However, up-to-date information is needed to ensure that there is adequate provision of accessible, high quality open spaces that meet the needs and aspirations of local communities, local people and people who work in or visit the borough.

Formal sport provision such as tennis and football clubs are not included as part of this survey. These are covered as part of a different, sports-focused, study, known as a Playing Pitch Study.

To get a proper picture of what residents want, we would be grateful if you would complete the survey by 26 July 2024. This will then provide valuable information that the council will use to inform both the new Local Plan and investment decisions as part of an up-to-date strategy for public open spaces.

The survey can be found by visiting open space and recreational facilities survey

New rules to clamp down on anti-social behaviour

Rules that help to tackle the problems associated with public drinking, the taking of drugs and so-called 'legal highs' in all public areas of the borough have been renewed by the council.

Councillors voted unanimously to renew the public space protection order (PSPO) for a further three years after the public supported it in a consultation held in the autumn.

First introduced in the borough in 2016, the PSPO is a measure, created by the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, which is intended to deal with activities carried out in a public space that have a detrimental effect on the local community’s quality of life.

Signs are installed in parks and other public spaces to warn potential offenders that restrictions are in place, with the aim of preventing individuals or groups committing anti-social behaviour in public spaces. A breach of the PSPO is a criminal offence and can result in a £100 fixed penalty fine. More serious offences can lead to prosecution with a maximum fine of £1,000.

Executive Member for Street Scene Services, Parks and Open Spaces, Councillor Lynda Hodgkins, said: “Parks and open spaces are there for everybody’s enjoyment, but some activities and behaviour can create a nuisance to other park users. After reviewing and consulting with our residents, we’ve now updated the order so we can make all our parks and open spaces more enjoyable for everyone to use.”

All parish councils are now included within the order and have opted for certain rules within their own green spaces.

To read the public space protection order in full, visit protecting public spaces

Launde Park path now more accessible

Markfield Parish Council has completed the path around Launde Park, making it much more accessible for users.  

The parish council was able to secure a grant from Hinckley and Bosworth’s Rural England Prosperity Fund.

Markfield Parish Council would like to thank the Borough Council for their support, as well as MBG Group for carrying out the work. A special thank you also goes to Councillor Klaus Senkpiehl, who not only started this project many years ago but has also overseen the works.

Wayne Hadley, Regional Director from MBG Group said: “As the grounds maintenance contractor for Markfield Parish Council, it was a pleasure to undertake this job and it is already having a positive effect on the community.”

In addition, the council will continue to carry out planned improvement works to their properties, including energy efficiency measures. 

These projects include re-roofing programmes, which includes loft insulation top-ups where needed, as well as window and door replacement programmes, and the installation of more efficient heating systems. 

Executive Member for Housing, Councillor Michael Mullaney, said: “This is an excellent project. It helps the environment at a time when tackling climate change is a top priority. 

“It also helps make tenant's homes more energy efficient and helps reduce energy costs at a time when rising energy bills have become a big burden for many people. 

“A plan that helps protect the environment and helps people through the cost of living is certainly a positive one.”

Uniform swap shop to launch

School uniform swap shops are set to open in local co-ops and community venues across Hinckley and Bosworth this summer to help families prepare for the new school term.

The Borough Council is encouraging families to donate good quality school uniforms no longer required, as part of a new summer scheme to support residents in saving money on school uniform costs as well as cutting down on clothes being sent to landfill.

The Uniform Swap Shop will run within local Co-ops and community venues across the borough from Tuesday 9 July to Tuesday 27 August.

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 or 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 uniform for their children from their local venue.   

Executive Member for Housing and Community Safety, Councillor Michael Mullaney, said: “We all know how quickly children grow and how many local schools insist on the pupils wearing logoed clothing, further adding to the increasing cost for our households so we hope this scheme will help local families.

“By swapping uniforms, we are also supporting the environment, cutting down on clothes going to landfill.

“We are grateful to the Co-op, Ratby Library, the George Ward Centre and the many other locations who are helping us with the ‘shop’.”

School uniform swap shops will be opening in Bagworth, Desford, Markfield, Hinckley, Market Bosworth and Barwell to name a few locations. For an up-to-date list of locations, visit uniform swap shop

What's on

July

Saturday 6
Music in the Mead, Jazzology, Argents Mead, Hinckley. A 10-piece jazz band live in the beautiful setting of Argents Mead. Time: 1pm to 3pm.

Saturday 6 to Sunday 7
Roman Around! Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre & Country Park, Sutton Cheney. Join us in celebrating the Roman History of the Bosworth area. Time: 10am to 4pm. Admission: £3 pay on the day, under threes go free. For more information, call 01455 290429 or email: bosworth@leics.gov.uk

Saturday 13
Barwell by the Sea. Radford Park, Masefield Close, Barwell. Time: 12pm to 4pm. 

Saturday 13
Julius Caesar brought to you by Oddsocks Theatre Company. Archbishops Garden, Canterbury House, Higham. An outrageously comic interpretation of Shakespeare's classic Julius Casar with the Battle of Phillipii included. Time: Play starts at 6pm, picnics from 4pm. Tickets: Adults £16, Family ticket (two adults, two children) £50, Under 15s £11 and under sevens free. For tickets, contact John at obrien2011@btinternet.com or call 07817 397775. Free parking available. 

Saturday 13 to Wednesday 31
All the King’s Men Hunt. Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre & Country Park, Sutton Cheney. £2 per sheet, available at the ticket office or shop. For more information, call 01455 290429 or email: bosworth@leics.gov.uk

Monday 15 to Friday 9 August
Open Exhibition HBBC 50 Atkins Gallery. The Atkins Building, Lower Bond Street, Hinckley. Opening times: Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. Look out for additional evening and weekend viewings.

Wednesday 17
Hinckley BID’s Summer of Fun Dinosaur Invasion. Market Place, Hinckley town centre. Dinosaurs invade Hinckley! Come and see the fun! Time: 10.30am, 12pm, 1.30pm, 3pm. More information, visit Hinckley BID (hinckleybid.co.uk)

Thursday 18
Hinckley BID’s Second Classic Vehicle Meet. Hinckley Town Centre. Entrance for vehicles from Station Road. Anyone with a classic vehicle of any kind is welcome. Free to enter and visit. Time: 5pm to 8pm.

Sunday 21
Historic Building Myth Busting a James Wright Talk. Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre & Country Park, Sutton Cheney. Time: 2.30pm to 3.30pm. Tickets: £6 per person, pre-booking essential. For more information, call 01455 290429 or email: bosworth@leics.gov.uk

Wednesday 24
Hinckley BID’s Summer of Fun Little Land Train. Hinckley Town Centre. The train will be paying a visit to Hinckley and providing free rides between Market Place and Castle Street. Time: 10.30am to 3.30pm. More information, visit Hinckley BID (hinckleybid.co.uk)  

Friday 26 
Hinckley Rock n Roll Club, Jive Nights. Wykin & District Social Club, Frederick Avenue, Hinckley. A night of Rock ‘n’ Roll music, Jive, Bop and Stroll dancing. Time: 7.30pm to 11pm. Tickets: £5. Optional Jive lesson 7.30pm to 8.15pm, £5 per person, bring a dance partner. Call 07811 632779 or 01455 840052, or email: dandeatkins@yahoo.co.uk  

Friday 26 to Sunday 28
Mark Bosworth Rail Ale Festival. The Goods Shed, Market Bosworth Railway Station, Station Road.  Gates open at 11am. Free bus service running Friday and Saturday between Nuneaton, Hinckley and Market Bosworth. For more information visit Hinckley and Bosworth Campaign for Real Ale (hinckleyandbosworth.camra.org.uk) and the Battlefield Line (battlefieldline.co.uk)

Saturday 27
Music in the Mead, A Different Kettle of Fish. Argents Mead, Hinckley. Professional renditions of popular rock, pop and country songs from the 60s onwards. Time: 1pm to 3pm. 

Monday 29 
Roman Day. Hinckley & District Museum, Lower Bond Street, Hinckley. Suitable for children aged 5 years plus. Time: 10am to 3.30pm. £2 admission per person, including museum entry. 

Tuesday 30 to Thursday 1 August
Shilton by the Seaside. Wood Street Park, Earl Shilton.  Time: 11am to 5pm. Free entry but small charge for some activities. 

Wednesday 31
Hinckley BID’s Summer of Fun Mini Zoo. Castle Street, Hinckley Town Centre. Free to attend. Time: 10am to 3.30pm. More information, visit Hinckley BID (hinckleybid.co.uk)  

August
Saturday 3 to Sunday 4
Feast Hinckley. Argents Mead, Hinckley. Feast returns with a range of local street food vendors, live music, live radio, entertainment and more! Time: 10am to 5pm.

Sunday 4
Church and Party in the Park hosted by Holy Trinity Church. Hollycroft Park, Shakespeare Drive, Hinckley. Free event, all welcome. Time: Church commences at 11am, the party is 1.30pm to 4.30pm. 

Monday 5 to Wednesday 7
Snap Dragon Children’s Festival. Argents Mead, Hinckley. Three fun days of activities for the family. Time: 11am to 3pm. See advert p19.

Monday 5
Victorian Wash Day. Hinckley & District Museum, Lower Bond Street, Hinckley. A hands-on experience for children aged five years+ and adults too. Time: 10am to 3.30pm. £2 admission per person, including museum entry. 

Thursday 8
Beauty and the Beast Open Air Theatre. Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre & Country Park, Sutton Cheney. Join Chapterhouse Theatre Company this summer for a brand-new telling of this classic fairy tale. Time: 3pm to 5pm. Various tickets available, see website for details: Bosworth Battlefield (bosworthbattlefield.org.uk)
 
Friday 9 and Friday 30
Hinckley Rock n Roll Club, Jive Nights. Wykin & District Social Club, Frederick Avenue, Hinckley. A night of Rock ‘n’ Roll music, Jive, Bop and Stroll dancing. Time: 7.30pm to 11pm. Tickets: £5. Optional Jive lesson 7.30pm to 8.15pm, £5 per person, bring a dance partner. Call 07811 632779 or 01455 840052, or email: dandeatkins@yahoo.co.uk 

Monday 12 
Stone Age Day. Hinckley & District Museum, Lower Bond Street, Hinckley. Fun activities on a Stone Age theme with John Webster. Suitable for children aged 5 years plus. Time: 10am to 3.30pm. £2per person, including museum entry.

Wednesday 14
Hinckley BID’s Summer of Fun Sports Day. Hinckley Town Centre. A variety of fun sporty activities where everyone gets to have a go! All activities are free of charge. Time: 10.30am to 3.30pm. More information, visit Hinckley BID (hinckleybid.co.uk) 

Thursday 15
Hinckley BID’s Third Classic Vehicle Meet. Hinckley Town Centre, entrance for vehicles from Station Road. Anyone with a classic vehicle of any kind is welcome. Free to enter and visit. Time: 5pm to 8pm.

Saturday 17
Music in the Mead. Sam Southall. Argents Mead, Hinckley. Solo male artist covering all your favourite classics. Time:1pm to 3pm. 

Saturday 17
Earl Shilton in Bloom Town Show Display. Age UK, Kings Walk, Earl Shilton. For full details, email earlshiltoninbloom@hotmail.com

Saturday 17 to Sunday 18
Bosworth Medieval Festival 2024. Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre & Country Park, Sutton Cheney. 
Time: 10am to 5pm. To find out more or to book tickets, pre-booking advised. For more, visit Bosworth Battlefield (bosworthbattlefield.org.uk)

Saturday 17
Burbage Gardening Clubs 76th Annual Open Show, including the prestigious BGC Dahlia Championship. Hastings High School, St Catherine’s Close, Burbage. Entries may be made from 8am to 11:45am and the show will reopen to exhibitors and for public viewing from 4:30pm. 

Monday 19
Tudor Day. Hinckley & District Museum, Lower Bond Street, Hinckley. Suitable for children from age five years plus. Time: 10am to 3.30pm. £2 admission per person, including museum entry.

Monday 19 to Friday 30
Earl Shilton Camera Club. The Atkins Building, Lower Bond Street, Hinckley. Earl Shilton Camera Club present their 2024 exhibition with a full members' showcase. Opening times: Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. Additional evening event, Wednesday 28 August 7pm to 9pm. 

Wednesday 21
Hinckley BID’s Summer of Fun Seaside. Market Place, Hinckley Town Centre. Children of all ages will have the chance to make a seaside model using eco-friendly materials. Punch and Judy will also be providing shows at 11am, 12.30pm, 2pm and 3pm. The event is free of charge. Time: 10.30am to 3.30pm. 

Saturday 24
Pride in the Park, Hinckley Pride. Hollycroft Park, Shakespeare Drive, Hinckley.
Entertainment and stalls. Time: 12.30pm to 6.30pm. For more information visit Hinckley Pride (hinckleypride.co.uk)

Saturday 24 to Monday 26
Desford Scarecrow Festival. Follow the scarecrow trails around the village and enjoy food and entertainment in the village centre. Time: 10am to 6pm. Parking available at Bosworth Academy. For more information, email desfordloves@outlook.com

Saturday 31
Music in the Mead, The Sound of Swing, Dean Thomas. Argents Mead, Hinckley. A one-man tribute to all things swing. Time: 1pm to 3pm. 

Last updated: 09/07/2024 18:03