Museum receives UK government funding for improvement works

The funding will help to improve current accessibility, while also preparing the thatched cottages for the future.

With the funding, an internal ramp and new mannequins – to help tell local stories – have been purchased. One of the new mannequins for this year is telling the story of Hinckley and Bosworth’s town crier.

Funding has also been used to carry out a range of building surveys to assess the current condition of the cottages, and to facilitate the museum’s long-term goal of an extension.

This extension would improve the facilities on offer, including a new and accessible entrance suitable for wheelchair and pushchairs, improved reception and shop area, installation of a lift and more. This would add value to the museum experience for visitors, schools and educational groups.

Ann Crabtree, Hinckley & District Museum Trustee, said: “The Trustees at Hinckley & District Museum have been very grateful for the UKSPF funding that has enabled us to improve access within the museum by way of an internal ramp for use by wheelchair and pushchair users and the addition of new mannequins which has improved our visual displays of some of the costumes in our collection, especially remembering the role of Town Crier, held by Mr Joe David.”

Councillor Mark Bools, Deputy Leader of the Borough Council, said: “I was delighted to hear the news that Hinckley & District Museum, a valued partner of the Borough Council, has received this funding from the UK government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

“I can’t wait to see the results once this funding has borne all its fruits. An extension to this already wonderful museum will bring so many great benefits to the community.”

Hinckley & District Museum opens for 2025 on Easter Saturday (19 April). It will be open on Saturdays and Mondays, including Bank Holidays Mondays, from 10am until 4pm. The museum will close for the year on Monday 27 October.

For more information on Hinckley & District Museum’s 2025 programme please visit the Hinckley & District Museum What's On page (www.hinckleydistrictmuseum.org.uk)