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

First members of Borough Council visit

At Mayor Making and Annual Council in May, the former Mayor Cllr Scott Gibbens and newly installed Mayor Cllr Robin Webber-Jones invited members of the very first Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council to afternoon tea. 

David Bill, John Bown and Peter Hewis were three of the first members of Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council after it was formed in May 1974. They were accompanied to afternoon tea and to Mayor Making by their wives Valerie Bill, Pauline Bown and Heddwen Hewis. 

Valerie Bill was also a Borough Councillor for many years. Another former councillor, Ursula Cox, was unable to make the event, but the mayor will pay her a personal visit.

Bikers saddle up for Mallory Mile

The ever-popular Mallory Mile returned to the Mallory Park Circuit in Kirkby Mallory as part of local celebrations for National Bike Week.

Over 490 families, individuals and community groups brought their bikes along and joined in, cycling laps of the track just for fun or to raise money for good causes. 

The free annual event was organised by the Borough Council in partnership with Mallory Park Racing Circuit Real Motorsport Limited, the team running cycling at the Mallory Circuit. 

Thanks also to Hinckley based B Page and Son Cycles, for providing mechanical support on the night.   

Executive Member for Leisure, Councillor Mark Bools, said: “It was fantastic to see so many people coming out to take their bike for a spin in such a safe and secure environment. 

“There were lots of families, parents supporting youngsters cycling by walking alongside, we even had a penny farthing and that's a first!  Our thanks for Mallory Circuit for hosting the event and to all those who attended.”  

Solar Together scheme returns

Considering solar panels for your home or business but don’t know where to start? 

Thanks to a council-backed project called ‘Solar Together’, installing solar panels on your rooftop has become easier than ever. The next phase of the scheme is now open for registration across the borough, allowing more residents to benefit from solar panels and battery storage. 

Across the borough, Solar Together Leicestershire has installed 1,240 solar panels, reduced CO2 emissions and promoted sustainable homes. The initiative is expected to help avoid over 2,250,000 kilos (about 71 and a half years) of carbon emissions over 25 years.

By joining the scheme, property owners can get a competitive price on high-quality products and installations from a vetted provider. The registration and installation process are hassle-free, making it an excellent choice for anyone who wants to switch to solar energy and save money.

Borough resident Muriel Crooks (who had eight panels and battery storage installed) praised the service, saying: "The company installing the panels were highly professional. 

“The application through the Borough Council was very easy to access, resulting in the decision to go ahead with the installation.”

To register for free and receive a tailored based offer based on your home and energy needs, visit Solar Together (solartogether.co.uk) or call 0800 014 8851.

Installers are vetted and MCS accredited. All installations are backed by a 10-year insurance guarantee.

Defibrillator is fitted in village 

A defibrillator has been re-installed at Stanton under Bardon Village Hall, thanks to a grant given to the Parish Council by the Borough Council’s Community Equipment Grant. 

The installation was generously carried out free of charge by Hiskins Electrical, based in Barwell, following the previous defibrillator being used in a recent emergency. 

The device, which delivers an electric current to restart the heart, has been specifically designed to be used by someone with no medical training. 

The device features an in-built screen and speaker that gives the user simple step-by-step instructions. Alongside this device, a further defibrillator can be found outside the Old Thatched Inn on Main Street.

A free community first aid training session will be offered at the village hall in the coming months, designed to teach life-saving techniques and the correct use of a defibrillator.

If you are interested in attending, please contact the Parish Clerk by emailing clerk@stantonunderbardonpc.org.uk

Sixth-form students who help to make the news

A huge thank you to Dorothy Goodman’s sixth-form students, who have been supporting the council with the Borough Bulletin for many years.  

For each edition, students prepare over 700 copies of the Bulletin for posting. Pre-covid, students would go into the council offices to complete the task. However, it is now carried out in school, allowing greater numbers of students to be involved. 

Louise Green, class teacher, explained that the students form a ‘production line’ to fold the bulletins, place them into envelopes, seal and adhere address labels.  

This requires a high level of teamwork and excellent communication skills, accuracy and attention to detail. 

Louise said: “The students complete a really valuable and necessary task for our local council, and they should be proud of their hard work and contribution to the local community.”

Student Jasmine said: “I care about my work and stay focused, so I do it really well.”  

Fellow student Ruby was keen to say: “It’s great doing work for the council because it’s good experience and I’m helping my community.”

Nationally only 4.5% of adults with learning difficulties are in paid employment. Dorothy Goodman would like to see that number increase.  

Whilst many companies struggle with recruitment and retention there is a pool of potential employees not being tapped into. Careers education and preparation for work, including work experience placements, are a focus for students in sixth form.     

If you would like to find out more or would like to support the students, please email susan.whawell@dorothy goodman.leics.sch.uk

Share your thoughts on museum extension plan

If you have a moment, please share your thoughts about our friends at Hinckley & District Museum's plans to build an extension.

The new building would be used to improve facilities, including the building of a new and accessible entrance, and would also include an improved reception and shop area, more toilets, a multi-purpose meeting room, a relocated tearoom and a lift. 

It is hoped that the extension will allow for better access for visitors, as well as giving schools and educational groups the chance to better use the museum.

The museum needs to gather as much local feedback and support and raise £13,000 over the next few months to reach its initial target of £50,000. This is so the museum can make an approach to the Heritage Lottery Fund for further funding

To have your say, please visit Hinckley & District museum survey (surveymonkey.com)

Positive ambassadors

Congratulations to all the students across Hinckley and Bosworth who have been working over the last term to become positivity ambassadors in their individual schools.

The course, run by the Borough Council, allows the students the opportunity to support their peers and to shape the way they approach mental health and wellbeing:

• St Peter’s Primary School, Market Bosworth
• Brookvale Groby Learning Campus, Groby
• Barlestone Primary School, Barlestone
• Richmond Primary School, Hinckley
• Dorothy Goodman School, Hinckley

If your school is interested in introducing this course, please contact Donna Lee, Youth Engagement Activator, by calling 07501 157967 or emailing donna.lee@hinckley-bosworth.gov.uk

Warming up for summer fun

With warmer days and summer round the corner, there is no better time than now to start planning all the ways you can have fun! 

Hinckley Leisure Centre, operated by Places Leisure, has plenty of options for individuals and families. 

Members are eligible for an introduction with a member of the experienced fitness team. This can also be supplemented with tailor-made programmes that can be reviewed, ensuring fitness goals are met with precision and care.

There are over 70 swim sessions per week and free swim sessions for specific groups. If you are new to swimming, don’t worry, there are comprehensive swimming lessons tailored for all age groups and abilities, from babies to adults, fostering confidence and proficiency in the water. Plus, for all those water babies there are inflatable fun sessions in the pool. 

On dry land, younger members of the family can enjoy a three-storey soft play area. For the pre-schoolers, there is active play and bounce plus football, trampolining, and other sports for older children. Check out the website for full details. There is lots going on over the summer. 

To find out more, call the centre on 01455 610011.

Last updated: 10/07/2024 15:30