The August 2026 edition of the Braunston News has been published, bringing residents a host of updates ranging from green energy initiatives at the village hall to local government reorganization and upcoming community events.
Village Hall Trustees are taking proactive steps to cut energy costs and reduce the community's carbon footprint. Having already planned insulation work for the older sections of the hall, the trustees are now advancing plans to install solar panels, storage batteries, and an air source heat pump. By generating enough electricity for year-round daily use and exporting surplus power, the hall aims to achieve payback on the solar and battery scheme in approximately seven years. Furthermore, a successful grant application through the National Lottery could significantly shorten that payback timeline.
Because heating accounts for the majority of the hall's energy expenses, shifting from oil to an electric-powered air source heat pump will yield a very low carbon footprint, supported by cheap overnight winter electricity tariffs to recharge the storage batteries. Jim Atack noted that these upgrades will help keep facility costs down for everyone and future-proof the hall against inevitable energy price rises.
In other council news, the Braunston Parish Council is proposing an upgrade to local play equipment by installing a Monkey Challenge Climbing Wall at the Brooke Road Play Area. Chris Bichard has announced that a voting panel will soon be posted on the Braunston Good Neighbours WhatsApp group to gauge demand, with the project requiring at least 20 supporting votes to proceed.
Residents are also engaging with wider administrative changes following the government's 16th July announcement to divide Leicester City, Leicestershire, and Rutland into two new unitary authorities. Because the decision runs counter to the majority of opinions expressed during consultations, local MP Alicia Kearns is joining other MPs to challenge the ruling, and residents can view a petition on her website. No structural changes will take effect until April 2028.
On the community and social front, All Saints Church services for August begin on Sunday the 2nd with Holy Communion at 11:00 AM, though services may temporarily move to the village hall if wasps or bees become a nuisance. Preparations are also underway for a village Harvest Festival service and lunch on Sunday, 20th September. Meanwhile, the Braunston Gardening Club's next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, 20th August at 7:30 PM in the Village Hall, featuring a talk by medical herbalist Hannah Sylvester. This follows the recent success of Caroline Lomas’s open garden event at Quaintree Hall on 12th July, which drew 200 visitors and raised £600 for the church fabric fund. Finally, amid dry summer conditions, villagers are reminded to use water conservatively and remain vigilant regarding fire safety.
Including Market Place, Market Street, Church Street, Crown Walk,
John Street, Melton Road and Deans Street and Gaol Street.
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