Category: News

Mason Moore | Hinckley Reporter | 22 May 2022

A BENEFIT concert was held at Hinckley Rugby Football Club today (Sunday, 22 May) to raise funds for Ukrainian refugees, with all ticket profits going to an appeal by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

The event, titled ‘Live Music 4 Ukraine’, was hosted by the Football and Rugby Club and was organised by Streetwave Productions and Lewis Ward Music.

It ran for a total of six hours, starting at 4pm all the way through to 10pm.

Tickets were priced at £10 per person, with 16-year-olds and under being given free admission to attend.

The decision to put on a fundraising concert was made when Ukraine became a war-torn country just a few months ago.

One of the organisers, Phil ‘Bilko’ Byrne, had ‘realised he should do his bit in Hinckley’, which led to him calling upon his friends, who are local musicians, to appear at the show – all who were contacted agreed to take part in the fundraiser.

Some of the names who performed on the night and wowed attendees, included guitarist Krzystztof Potera, Chloe Dawson, Baker & Crane, Lewis Ward, former football manager turned crooner, Dean Thomas, and Bilko himself.

The main act of the night was the ‘Fuke Fighters’ – a Foo Fighters tribute band who headlined the show.

A spokesperson said: “Live Music 4 Ukraine aims to alleviate a little bit of the horrors of war by supporting Ukraine refugees who have been misplaced outside their country.”

Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Councillor, Michael Mullaney, paid a visit to watch some of the performers over the course of the night, and thanked all who were involved for their fundraising efforts.

In a statement posted on social media sharing site Twitter, Coun. Mullaney, said: “It was great to attend the live music for Ukraine event at Hinckley Rugby Club tonight.

“Thanks to everyone who helped organise, performed at and attended this event for a great cause.”

Mason Moore | Hinckley Reporter | 22 May 2022

A NATIONAL charity which helps vulnerable families who are expecting a new baby, are to hold an official launch event for their Hinckley branch in three weeks’ time.

Baby Basics Hinckley will officially celebrate their launch with members of the public inside Hinckley Methodist Church, on Saturday, 18 June, from 2.30pm until 4pm.

The charity has been trading quietly for a while, as back in March they have sent out seven Moses baskets filled with ‘beautiful’ clothes, toiletries, and books for babies.

They have already made strong links with some local community groups – The Salvation Army, Feed the Hungry, Tesco, and Wickes – and they are actively making more links with other groups in the area.

In fact, Wickes donated the wood to help build the shelves which have since been installed at the Methodist Church. The charity have stated that they were “very grateful” for employees, Eddie and Malcolm, helping to build the shelves.

And, many Hinckley residents have already donated items and volunteered their time helping out to sort through some of the stock which has been generously donated.

A spokesperson for the group, said: “We have been overwhelmed with how generous the community has been. We currently have around 20 volunteers who help on a regular basis.”

The newly-elected Mayor, Dawn Glenville, and her consort and husband, Barry Walker, are confirmed to be in attendance for the official launch day.

Speaking on the launch, the spokesperson further explained to the Hinckley Free Press: “We are very excited to say that the Mayor Elect and her consort Elect of Hinckley will be coming along to help us to launch Baby Basics on this day.

“Hinckley All Age Community choir will be performing also at this event.

“We look forward to seeing you all and especially welcome any health professional, midwives, social workers etc to find out more about how we can support them too.”

Baby Basics Hinckley can be ‘liked’ on Facebook.

Further details about the national charity can be found at this link.

Mason Moore | Hinckley Reporter | 21 May 2022

A SPECIAL service and parade is to take place in Hinckley on Armed Forces Day (Saturday, 25 June) to show support for the Armed Forces in a combined event which will also commemorate the 40^th anniversary of the Falkland conflict.

The event is being organised by Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council (HBBC) in association with the Hinckley Combined Armed Forces and Veterans Community and Churches Together, and the Hinckley Combined Ex-Services Association.

It will include representatives from several regiments, nationalities, sections and services, including local cadet forces.

Armed Forces Day, which is now in its 14^th year in total, offers everyone a chance to thank the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community, from currently serving troops to service families, veterans and cadets.

Starting at 10.45am, a procession will leave from outside the Jaspers of Hinckley and march down Castle Street, into Argents Mead, where they will gather for the service, which will start at 11am – and it will be led by Rev. Ian Hill from Churches Together.

After the service, the parade will make their way down Castle Street and along Station Road, where a formal salute will be taken.

A variety of military vehicles and memorabilia will be displayed inside of Argents Mead for park-goers to take a look at – these have been generously supplied by the Charnwood MVT, which are affiliated with the Military Vehicle Trust and their members.

And, a walkabout ‘Captain Mainwaring’ will further be in the Mead, offering balloon modelling.

Coun. Danny Findlay, the Borough Council’s Armed Forces Champion, said: “This year as ever, offers an opportunity to highlight the sacrifices that were made for the freedoms that we enjoy today and to recognise the ongoing service that our Armed Forces undertake.

“The backdrop of Armed Forces Day 2022 is significant for the 40^th Anniversary of the Falklands conflict, as well as more recent events such as servicemen and women supporting the national pandemic effort and now increased military deployments to Europe in the face of ongoing global security concerns.

He continued: “Armed Forces Day is both an opportunity to remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice and a celebration for the steadfast service that our serving, reserves and veterans have given.

“The day offers the opportunity to consider the wider armed forces family such as those Cadet Forces, servicemen and women’s families and civilian support personnel. 

He concluded: “Finally, I would both welcome and encourage citizens of Hinckley and Bosworth to come and support Armed Forces Day, previous events have been very well attended, with the historic vehicle collection receiving fantastic reviews.”

Details about the Falklands War

The Falklands War was an undeclared war which was held for ten weeks between Argentina and the United Kingdom, starting from 2 April and ending on 14 June in 1982.

It lasted a total of 74 days and was the first military action since World War II which utilised all elements of the Armed Forces, with a total of 255 British personnel sadly losing their lives.

Mason Moore | Hinckley Reporter | 21 May 2022

A NUNEATON town centre cafe is to re-open soon – with a bit of a twist to what town-goers and regular customers are used to.

Castillo’s, based on Abbey Street, have served up many breakfasts and lunches from their greasy spoon cafe for many years.

But, the business is headed in a more ‘upmarket’ direction, as it has been announced by bosses on social media that they are rebranding into Nuneaton’s newest wine bar and bistro.

It will now be known as ‘Castillo’s Wine Bar and Bistro’.

Back in March, the owners had sought out permission from Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council (NBBC) to serve up booze and further have live music performances take place on-site.

And since then, the Borough Council have approved the premises licence.

This would mark one of the newest bistros to set up in town, joining The Jail House on Chapel Street, which has plans to open in June, following a two-year closure.

Teasing what’s to come, a post on their Facebook page, reads: “Castillo’s – Wine Bar & Bistro is opening soon, serving up a range of delicious drinks and Mediterranean food!

“Opening soon at 116 Abbey Street. Let us pour you a glass and get you ready to unwind.”

According to the ‘Information’ tab on the social media sharing site, they will serve up a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks with their dishes.

They will be open every evening.

For further details, you can follow Castillo’s on Facebook at this link.

A spokesperson for the newly-announced venture was approached by the Hinckley Free Press, but they did not respond at the time of publication (Saturday, 21 May).

Mason Moore & Vaughan Moore | 20 May 2022

A NATIONAL gym operator have officially confirmed that they are to open a branch in Hinckley on Hawley Road sooner than later.

The Hinckley Free Press have learnt that The Gym Group are now actively aiming to bring the former Lidl building back in to use after sitting vacant and untouched for a total of two years.

The gym chain have added Hinckley to their official website as a new branch – and on the listing it states that the branch is “coming soon”, and once open, it will trade for 24 hours each day.

They have further lodged plans with Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council (HBBC) for the installation of internally and externally lit fascia signs, a replacement panel to existing totem, and window graphics, but these are currently “awaiting decision”.

A statement has been posted on their website about the newly-announced location, simply reading: “If you’re looking for a gym in the Hinckley area with flexible membership and no contract then our new location on Hawley Road is for you!”

It continues: “You can find our bright and spacious new location on Hawley Road, only a 4-minute walk from Hinckley station and close to the town centre and Rugby Road park.”

Gym-goers would have no contract, meaning direct debits can be cancelled whenever they choose.

The gym would be fitted out with “top kit”, including a wide range of high-spec equipment.

Free classes would be held and knowledgeable personal trainers would be on hand to help users inside.

At the time of publication (Friday, 20 May), they have not yet shared a timeframe of when they plan to open their ‘bright and spacious’ site.

CGI imagery of what the gym could look like has been mocked up to illustrate what the gym could potentially look like, if the signage plans are fully approved.

Interestingly, the proposed signage plans show that the Gym Group would put their signage across all the main sections of the building.

But, planning has been approved to split it up into three retail units, and Leicester-based bathroom showroom, Pochins, were posed to take on one of the units.

It is unclear if the signage covering the front sections of the building in the planning mock-ups are solely an example, or if the chain have purchased the entire building.

The Hinckley Free Press have approached a spokesperson for the chain for comment, but have not yet heard back at the time of publication.

Mason Moore & Vaughan Moore | 20 May 2022

A CEREMONY was held inside of Argents Mead’s Garden of Remembrance today (Friday, 20 May), to mark 100 years to the day that Hinckley’s War Memorial was unveiled.

Many turned up to mark the centenary commemoration, including members of the armed forces, local schools, Borough Councillors, civil leaders, and local historians.

Bosworth MP, Dr. Luke Evans, borough mayor, Dawn Glenville, and her Deputy Consort Barry Walker, took part in the ceremony, by laying wreaths, and helping to uncover the flag which covered the names of the fallen on the memorial wall.

In what was a ‘poignant’ nod to past times, descendants of some of the bereaved Hinckley mothers who took part in the original ceremony back in 1922 laid wreaths and paid their respects.

Many prayers were told, and a rendition of “God Save the Queen” was played by a brass band in attendance nearing the end of the short ceremony.

The event even caught the eye of regional TV news correspondents from BBC East Midlands Today and ITV Central paid a visit to cover the momentous event.

Ian Walker, a Standard Bearer from the Royal British Legion, helped organise the ceremony.

Speaking to BBC East Midlands Today, Mr. Walker, explained: “It was important to organise it because it’s too much of a significant event that we couldn’t leave it.

“It’s in honour of those who have fallen and in the honour of those who have died and of the families who campaigned to have this memorial put here.”

Dr. Luke Evans told the Hinckley Free Press: “Yet again, the people of Hinckley showed their community spirit at this centenary event. The compassion and dedication that people had shown at the original ceremony was being shown again today.”

He further thanked organisers and dignitaries for helping arrange the event.

Paul Gardner, Founder of Hinckley District Past and Present, said: “[It was] a very special morning at Hinckley memorial, exactly 100 years to the day since the memorial was unveiled.

“I was honoured to lay a wreath on the foundation stone on behalf of all HDPP members.

“A special thanks to Greg Drozdz and Ian Walker and anybody that helped organise this event. Also many thanks to everybody who took the time to attend along with plenty of school children & students. You made our town proud.”

Mason Moore | Hinckley Reporter | 19 May 2022

NUNEATON MUSEUM visitors will have the opportunity to get ‘hands on’ with some of the Museum’s ‘wonderful’ transportation artefacts this Saturday (21 May).

They will be able to do so in the ‘Hands on History’ session, running from 11am to 4pm, where attendees can take a journey through ice, snow, water, and even the town’s everyday streets, as the Museum curators reveal objects from their collection themed exclusively around transportation.

The session is entirely free – and there is no need to book in advance.

Those interested are able to drop-in to the Picture Gallery, where they can come, see, hold and be inspired by the many travel items.

Whilst inside, there are a wide array of other exhibitions to see after this.

These include a ‘last chance’ to look at Japanese sword guards, a craft and needlework exhibition from Nuneaton’s Festival of Arts, and an exhibition discovering the natural world through cyanotypes by Anne Guest.

Mason Moore | Hinckley Reporter | 19 May 2022

A ROAD in Burbage is closed for up to 21 days whilst repair works are being carried out on a burst water main.

Burbage Road in Burbage has closed starting today (19 May) with an ’emergency’ road closure, after Leicestershire County Council’s Highways Team agreed to a Temporary Traffic Regulation Order.

The emergency road closure will be in place from properties numbered 57 to 69.

The works will last for around three weeks, but it is expected that it is to fully re-open in 21 days’ time, on Thursday, 9 June.

According to a Leicestershire County Council spokesperson, the traffic regulation order has been implemented as a public safety measure, so that Coventry-based water supplier, Servern Trent, are able to facilitate the repair of a burst water main.

A proposed alternative diversion route is to be signed on site.

The spokesperson further added: “Access to the properties will be maintained, but a short delay in gaining access to them will occur whilst the area is being made safe.”

Mason Moore | Hinckley Reporter | 18 May 2022

A RESIDENT from Brookside, Burbage, has been appointed Burbage Village Crier to announce a weekend of Platinum Jubilee celebrations taking place across the parish.

Russell Kew has been chosen as the Village Crier following a competitive ‘cry-off’ which was held on the Britannia Road Recreation Ground and was judged by Parish Councillors Dawn Glenville and Barry Walker, alongside Danny Banks, of Toastmasters International.

Russell will help to announce many of the festivities for the forthcoming Jubilee being held locally in the area, including the lighting of a commemorative beacon at Far Lash on 2 June, and a Big Jubilee Lunch Street Party on Church Street on 5 June.

Mr. Kew has stated that he is “delighted and honoured” to take on the prestigious position.

Mason Moore | Hinckley Reporter | 18 May 2022

A NEW Mayor for Hinckley and Bosworth was installed at an annual meeting last night (Tuesday, 17 May).

Coun. Dawn Glenville, who formerly served as Deputy Mayor, has officially been named as the new Mayor of the borough – and her Consort is her husband, Coun. Barry Walker.

She has taken over the title from previous mayor, Ted Hollick, as a new mayor is usually appointed through an annual meeting each year.

Dawn is set to serve as borough mayor for one year, from 2022 through to 2023.

The mayoral chain was passed over by Ted Hollick to Dawn following the meeting.

Coun. Scott Gibbens has been named as Deputy Mayor of the borough – his consort is Cathie Gibbens.

In a Tweet posted to his official Twitter account, Scott Gibbens stated that he was “very honoured” to have been appointed Deputy Mayor.

And, local Liberal Democrat Councillor, Coun. Michael Mullaney (Lib Dem, Hinckley De Montfort), issued a message of congratulations to the new Mayor and Deputy Mayor.

Councillor Mullaney, said: “Good annual meeting of Hinckley and Bosworth Council tonight.

“Congratulations to Dawn Glenville on becoming Mayor, and my Liberal Democrats ward colleague Scott Gibbens on becoming Deputy Mayor.

“Thanks to Ted Hollick for doing a great, and extended, period as Mayor.”

Dawn was first elected on to Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council back in May 2019.

She used to be a professional singer, but since retiring, she now works at a jewellery store based on Castle Street in Hinckley town centre.

During her time as Mayor, she will be raising funds for Age Concern and Air Ambulance.

The Mayor’s Chaplain will be Rev. Andrew Hall, Rector of Burbage St Catherine’s Church.

In her spare time, Dawn enjoys walking, cycling and golf – and she was Ladies Club Champion in 2012.