Get up to date with Harborough news and events!
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News and features from Harborough District Council - September 2024 |
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Phil Knowles
Leader of Harborough District Council |
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Welcome to your September newsletter!
There are lots of things going on across the district this month including some new physical activity sessions including Chatty Chairs and an over 55s exercise circuit we are running in Broughton Astley and Thurnby.
There is also a veteran's information fair and a job fair with details below. Everyone is welcome so please do come along.
I'm thrilled to see the new and extended gym now open at Harborough Leisure Centre with 115 stations and super state-of-the-art equipment.
Feedback has been fantastic and we're pleased that the refurbishment projects at both Lutterworth and Harborough Leisure Centres continue to be on plan and on schedule.
Look out for details about the exciting open day event at Lutterworth Leisure Centre on Saturday 28 September. With sporting celebrities in attendance you'll want to be 'selfie ready'! It might be rather early but we are also sharing the date of the Market Harborough Christmas lights switch on so you can pop it on your calendar! We will keep you updated with other festive events and light switch on across the district too.
There is also a great opportunity this month to visit places of heritage across the district as the annual Heritage Open Days offer free access to hidden and rarely accessible sites.
You can find other exciting events and things to see and do across the Harborough district on our dedicated Visit Harborough site.
Please do get in touch for more information or if you have an event or business to promote.
Please read on for all the latest news, grant details, events and service updates and take care as the nights draw in.
Best wishes, Phil |
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Grant funding supports our beautiful waterways |
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Pictured left to right:
Alan Leather, Partnerships and Funding Manager - East Midlands, Canal & River Trust, Cllr Jo Asher - Harborough District Council's portfolio holder for Culture, Leisure, Economy & Tourism, and Richard Erwin-Jones, Enterprise Manager - East Midlands, Canal & River Trust. |
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A popular stretch of the towpath and canal bank at Foxton Locks is being upgraded, improving the route for people to walk and cycle.
Essential repair work has started to replace the tarmac and install additional support to the canal bank protection that adjoins the waterway, south of Top Lock Cottage.
The towpath surface has been cracking causing a hazard to visitors. Intervention now ensures public access and safety for all and prevents further deterioration. The much-needed enhancements to the towpath and canal bank are being carried out by the Canal & River Trust thanks to funding that the council has agreed.
The improvements are happening along a 700-metre-long section of towpath and are expected to take approximately 10 weeks to complete. Foxton Locks is a Grade II listed site with a history over 200 years connected to travel, trade and leisure. Set in 34 acres, it’s a great place for wildlife spotting and enjoying the health benefits of being by the waterside and in natural green space. |
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Explore local heritage during this free festival |
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Heritage Open Days Festival which is England’s biggest and most popular heritage event is celebrating its 30 anniversary this year. It is an opportunity for people to explore venues that either usually charge or are not open to visitors at all.
We have been working with organisers across the Harborough district to support and develop an exciting programme of interesting historical places to visit, for free, all opening between 6-15 September 2024.
There are lots of great places to visit locally and nationally so grab your chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences – all of which are FREE to explore. |
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| | Veteran's information fair |
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From left: Harborough District Council officers, Ian Reynolds, Julie Young, Cllr Jo Asher, Harborough District Council's Armed Forces Champion and officer Clive Mason pictured at a Veteran's event in Broughton Astley in 2023. |
We will be holding our first Veteran’s Information Fair on Thursday 26 September 2024 between 1.30pm and 4pm.
It will take place on the ground floor of the Council Offices in The Symington Building, Market Harborough. This event will also see the launch of a new free Veteran’s Coffee Morning, and yes, we know it is in the afternoon on this occasion, but we aim to introduce a purely social regular Coffee Morning from October onwards.
This Veterans Information Fair has the aim of raising awareness within the veteran community to the range of charities, local organisations, and governmental bodies that provide support and services to the Armed Forces community across or near Harborough District. As well as veterans, Regular serving personnel, Reservists, and family members of Armed Forces members past and present are also very welcome to attend.
We are delighted that numerous organisations with a local footprint have all agreed to support the event. These include the Royal British Legion, the Royal Naval Association, Soldiers', Sailors' & Airmen's Families Association (SSAFA), the two Armed Forces & Veteran’s Breakfast Clubs, representatives from the NHS, volunteers from the LLR Veteran’s Wellbeing Hub and Lutterworth Veteran’s Drop-In, and staff members from the council.
We are hopeful of attendance from a few other organisations that will be confirmed in the next couple of weeks.
So please come along and have a free cuppa, meet some other local veterans, and take a look at what is offered to the Armed Forces community here in your local area. | |
New activities in Thurnby and Broughton Astley | New activities coming to Thurnby
We are pleased to announce our 6 month fall prevention programme, Steady Steps, is returning to Thurnby. Sessions start on Tuesday 3 September from 9.30am-10.30am at the Thurnby Memorial Hall. Places are filling fast so if you would like to sign up, please contact activetogether@harborough.gov.uk
Please note placement on the course is subject to eligibility criteria which will be discussed with our instructor.
We are also excited to be bringing a brand new Over 55 Exercise Circuit to Thurnby Memorial Hall. This gentle exercise class will combine a mixture of cardio, strength, functional balance and flexibility training. There will be adaptions to accommodate different ranges of fitness levels and abilities. To sign up to this session please complete the pre-activity questionnaire. Alternatively email activetogether@harborough.gov.uk with the subject line, 'Over 55 Circuits'.
New Chatty Chairs in Broughton Astley gets underway
On Tuesday 28 August, we started our new Chatty Chairs session in Broughton Astley. We have had a fantastic response to this new offer with 15 participants attending the first session! Our instructor Hollie delivered a fun session which featured seated exercises to develop strength and improve posture with elements of the session delivered to music. It was great to have groups of friends attend the session together which really added the 'Chatty' in Chatty Chairs!
If you are interested in attending the sessions which take place on Wednesdays 10am-11am at Sutton Elms Baptist Church, please email activetogether@harborough.gov.uk with the subject line 'Chatty Chairs Broughton'. Sessions are currently FREE until January 2025.
Exciting new partnership with Orchard Medical Practice
Our Health and Well-being Officers recently met with Stephani and Charlotte, who are GPs from Orchard Medical Practice. During a 'walk and talk' meeting we discussed how they can become an Active Practice to support their staff and patients become healthier and more active.
If you are a registered patient at Orchard Medical Practice, in Broughton Astley - look out for some exciting physical activity opportunities coming soon! |
 | Pictured: The first Chatty Chairs session in Broughton Astley on Wednesday 28 August. |
| Spiking advice from the police |
 | Spiking is when someone puts alcohol or drugs into another person’s drink or body without their consent or knowledge.
Spiking can happen to anyone, anywhere and can be carried out by strangers or people you know. Spiking someone could be a number of criminal offences, which can carry sentences of up to ten years in prison; even when no other offence, like theft or assault, has happened.
The signs of being spiked
It can be difficult to tell if your drink has been spiked but if you notice any changes to the appearance or taste of your drink, stop drinking it. If you’re in a bar or club tell staff or security immediately. If you think you or a friend have been spiked, there are a range of things to look out for, including:
confusion nausea or vomiting hallucinations and paranoia disorientation or poor coordination loss of ability to communicate properly unconsciousness
It can be difficult to spot the symptoms as they vary depending on what you have been spiked with and can be similar to having excess alcohol. If you, or someone you are with start to feel strange, seek help straight away:
- Alert a member of staff or security if you're at a venue.
- Stay with your friend and keep talking to them.
- Don’t let them go home on their own or leave with someone you don’t know.
- Report to the police online, on 101 or, in an emergency, call 999.
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Clear your calendars |
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The Christmas Switch on event in Market Harborough is back with a bang and just when you think it couldn’t get any better… 2024 is set to be our biggest year yet! Following the success of last year’s Saturday night switch on, the 2024 event will be held on Saturday 23 November 2024, from 5pm until 8pm.
It’s fun for all the family with live music, Christmas carols, street entertainment and even a visit from the star of the season… Father Christmas! With a fantastic selection of food and drink, there really is something for everyone.
The popular Christmas Food and Drink Festival will also be returning to The Square from Friday 22 November to Sunday 24 November 2024. Clear your calendars and bring the whole family to enjoy our wonderful annual celebration.
Watch this space for more exciting information about this and other events in the district to come!
If you're holding a public Christmas event in the Harborough district and would like some support with promotion please email our tourism team: business@harborough.gov.uk |
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Events in Harborough District
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Let's start a conversation and create hope through action |
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World Suicide Prevention Day is hosted on 10 September each year by the International Association for Suicide Prevention and provides the opportunity for people, across the globe, to raise awareness of suicide and suicide prevention.
Suicide is the single biggest killer of men under the age of 45 in the country, but suicides among teenage girls and young women have almost doubled in recent years.
The theme for World Suicide Prevention Day, as set by the International Association for Suicide Prevention is ‘creating hope through action’.
We're coming together to create hope through action, by reflecting on how we can support people who may be experiencing suicidal thoughts or at risk of suicide. Encouraging understanding and sharing experiences creates a society where people have the confidence to take action, building hope for the future.
We all experience mental health and ups and downs. Sometimes life can throw us stressful or unhappy challenges which affect our outlook and mental health. It is important to know that you're not on your own and by reaching out you can find help and practical support in overcoming difficult feelings.
From 27 August 2024, for the first time anyone in a mental health crisis can now call 111 and receive support from trained mental health professionals. The freephone 24/7 service is available for all ages, including children, providing vital help through a single phone line.
The NHS also offer a Talking Therapies Service without a referral from a GP, or a GP can refer you. Help is available in person, by video, over the phone or as an online course. You can access talking therapies for free on the NHS.
Talking therapies, or psychological therapies, are effective and confidential treatments delivered by fully trained and accredited NHS practitioners. They can help if you're struggling with things like feelings of depression, excessive worry, social anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
If you are worried about a friend, colleague or neighbour do connect and show you care. Offering a chat and walk in the countryside can mean the world to someone who is suffering in silence. If you need help, you are not alone. Please reach out today. |
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Read more about World Suicide Prevention Day
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Harborough District business support |  |
Join Us at the Harborough District Employer Forum!
Don't miss this opportunity to connect with key organisations and discover how to support your business and employees.
Hear from Harborough District Council, Job Centre Plus, Healthy Workplaces, and Leicester College. The event will showcase the key support available for businesses and employers in Harborough District.
Event Details:
📅 Date: Wednesday 11 September 2024
🕒 Time: 1:30 - 3:30pm
📍 Location: Market Harborough Building Society, Newcombe House, Unit 16 The Point, Market Harborough, LE16 7QU
Network with local employers, learn about valuable resources, and enhance your workplace well-being.
Register now by emailing julieann.bates@dwp.gov.uk or j.to@harborough.gov.uk
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Find business support in Harborough District
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Open Day event at Lutterworth Leisure Centre |
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A thrilling new Atlantis inflatable has launched at Harborough Leisure Centre following the pool re-opening to visitors in August and each session has been sold out!
Lifeguards have undertaken specific training on the management of the new inflatable and are on hand to supervise and ensure all users are correctly wearing a buoyancy aid, which are supplied to all swimmers, to enjoy the full experience. The sessions are additionally monitored using underwater cameras for swimmers’ safety and support.
The fully refurbished and extended gym has now re-opened at Harborough Leisure Centre with an exciting range of new state-of-the-art equipment! Join today or find out more online.
Get ready for active fun with an exciting open day event at Lutterworth Leisure Centre on 28 September.
With a secret celebrity making an appearance you'll want to be selfie ready!
Send your pics to: communications@harborough.gov.uk
You will be able to book free activities for the open day, online using the Everyone Active App, or by calling the centre on: 01455 200800.
Everyone Active is keeping both members and visitors updated on developments via social media channels and via dedicated websites for both Lutterworth Leisure Centre and Harborough Leisure Centre
| | Find career opportunities at Harborough Job Fair |
Are you considering a new job, a career change, or have you just left school or taking a gap year before accepting a place at university? Perhaps you're considering returning to work after a long break or would like a voluntary role to gain experience to boost your career.
Market Harborough Job Fair is being held on Thursday 19 September at The Symington Building from 12pm - 3pm.
There will be a range of local employers to chat with and find out more about the opportunities they have on offer. You could even have an informal on the spot interview there and then!
You can also find career advice with our professional careers advisers. Whatever your employment history, if you've never had a job, or whether you are looking for the next challenge in your career, just pop in. You don't need to make an appointment so please come along anytime between 12pm - 3pm
You can also find other exciting opportunities in the Harborough district including local jobs, apprenticeships, training, and support for both employers & job seekers and more!
Becoming Self-Employed
Training and qualifications
Resources and support
Apprenticeship opportunities
Local jobs
Volunteer roles
If you're a local employer looking for fresh talent for your workforce get in touch today and register your interest for the job fair or other recruitment events in Harborough district.
Email: business@harborough.gov.uk |
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| | Market Square car park update |
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Following the latest consultation on the Council’s proposals for the new Market Square in Lutterworth, we have progressed the development of a clear design brief to address the objectives of the project, whilst considering the public feedback.
We have been able to progress the appointment of our delivery partners in the form of a design team and contractor, to develop full design proposals and delivery strategies for the project over the next few months.
Throughout the design process we will continue to liaise with project stakeholders to keep them informed of the development and seek feedback on our ideas, it is our intention to finalise design proposals by early in the new year, commencing works in Summer 2025.
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Church clock chimes again after restoration |
An historic church clock has been restored to full working order after a community initiative to repair it.
The clock in the church tower of St Dionysius Church, Market Harborough, had been silent and still for a year, but that time has ended, after careful restoration work has repaired and cleaned the bell.
This project was jointly funded by Harborough District Council, which allocated £10,000 through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, and Market Harborough and the Bowdens Charity.
St Dionysius Church stands proudly in the town centre on Market Harborough and is one of the prominent buildings within the Cultural Quarter.
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Cllr Jo Asher pictured in St Dionysius Church with Churchwarden Christine Etherington |
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Community grants for parish and town councils |
 | Harborough District Council Cabinet members with a cheque for the £1m Community Grant Fund to parish and town councils. |
The first round of Harborough District Council’s £1 million capital grant funding for parish and town councils is open for applications.
The fund aims to strengthen working relationships between the council and parishes and towns in the Harborough district and enable delivery of projects and initiatives to benefit communities at a local level.
Parish and town councils have until 20 October 2024 to apply for this first round of funding which will be considered by Cabinet Sub-Committee Grants on 19 November 2024. The Community Grant Fund has been split between towns, large villages, medium villages, villages close to urban settlements and smaller villages across the Harborough district ensuring more communities have access to some funding. |
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| | Step up to support our community projects |
 | Our Active Harborough team are keen to hear from local instructors & explore how you could get involved in some our programmes!
Interested?
Please email: activetogether@harborough.gov.uk to arrange a time to chat! |
| Stay Energy Safe and report meter tampering |
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Since the cost of living crisis, Stay Energy Safe, the charity run by Crimestoppers, receives around 1,000 reports of energy theft each month, and it is estimated that it occurs in approximately 1 in 150 homes every year.
Meter tampering poses significant risks to property, tenants and communities. Stay Energy Safe offers a solution that allows people to anonymously report their concerns. Tampering with meters can result in explosions, fires, electric shocks, burns, gas leaks and even injury and death but financial challenges can drive individuals to tamper with their meter without considering the impact it has.
Recognisable signs of energy theft often includes irregular wiring, sparking, burn marks or gas smells. Stay Energy Safe guarantees anonymity when reporting via their online form or when you call 0800 023 2777.
Reporting helps protect properties and lives. It's vital to stay vigilant and speak up to safeguard communities. |
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Opportunity for local businesses to connect against crime |
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Following the closure of the Harborough Against Retail Theft Scheme and Pubwatch, the Harborough District Community Safety Partnership and Economic Development teams have sought to find a new solution to fill this gap.
We know how important it is to our businesses to have a mechanism in place to share information on crime and anti-social behaviour, which in turn helps them to feel protected, and looked for a secure, data compliant solution for this.
DISC is an app which helps local crime reduction schemes to self-manage low-level crime/retail theft and Anti-Social Behaviour across their communities.
Using the DISC smartphone app and secure desktop scheme, members collect information about ‘Persons of Interests’, access galleries showing the most active or those who have been banned from their premises, and exchange useful current awareness information about safety and security issues of direct local concern.
Members can exchange urgent, important information with each other using Disc’s built-in instant messaging system, receive alerts from their Disc administrator, and receive an automated e-newsletter each week, which keeps them informed about everything added to their Disc system in the previous seven days.
If you are a Harborough-based business and would like more information please email: communitysafety@harborough.gov.uk |
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