WANA

29/10/2026

We are pleased to share some positive news for Witherley residents. Leicestershire County Council (LCC) has confirmed today that work to remove silt and excess vegetation from Witherley Brook around Mythe Lane Bridge will begin on Monday 2nd November and is expected to take approximately one week.

The work aims to improve drainage and help floodwater recede more quickly from Mythe Lane and Atterton Lane. While it will not prevent flooding, it is a welcome step towards addressing some of the ongoing problems experienced by residents.

There will be no planned road closures or traffic restrictions.

Looking ahead, LCC is also funding a study by Trent Rivers Trust to explore longer-term solutions to reduce flood risk in Witherley. This will take place over the winter, with landowner involvement being an important part of the process.

We would like to sincerely thank Leicestershire County Council for listening to residents' concerns and taking practical action to support our village, particularly as these maintenance works fall outside its statutory responsibilities.

There is still much to be done, but this is a positive step forward for Witherley. Thank you to everyone who has continued to raise awareness and push for improvements.

Photo credit: Jack March (2024)

25/10/2026

Two years of company, games and friendship!🤩🥳

“I look forward to Thursdays. I love it. It really helps me,” said one of our regular attendees.

October marked the second birthday of WANA’s popular Company and Games afternoons — and there’s more good news!

WANA has received a further £600 grant from Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council’s Warm Spaces Scheme, bringing the council’s total grant support over the past three years to £3,000.

Around 30 people regularly join us, with men and women attending in equal numbers. There’s tea, coffee, cake, cards, games, quizzes and the occasional sing-along.

We meet every Thursday, 1.30–3.30 pm, at Witherley United Football Club, Church Road.

Everyone is welcome! If you need help getting there, please contact WANA.

A big thank you to Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council and Witherley United Football Club for their continued support!

20/10/2026

21/08/2026

Thank you to the WANA Bees for your hard work

A wonderful example of what can be achieved with a relatively small amount of funding, plenty of enthusiasm and a real sense of community spirit.

18/08/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1H4tuqkx4e/

10/06/2026

🤩🤩🥳WHOOP WHOOP WANA have only gone and won the RCC's 'Connecting Communities Award 2026' 🤩🤩🥳. Well done the WANA bees who impressed the judges with how much has been achieved in such a short time - the busy bees have really gone from strength to strength. The awards were announced in Oakham this evening at the annual celebration of community where Kim, Margaret and Pat were our representatives. Well done all.

10/05/2026

The Blue Tree Project is a charity that started in Australia after the tragic loss of Jayden Whyte to su***de in 2018. Since then, it has grown and is helping change the way we talk about mental health. The blue tree is a symbol that starts conversations — and those conversations can save lives.
It is Mental Health Awareness Week, and in partnership with WMPFT, we’ve wrapped a tree in blue ribbon.
🙂
COME VISIT | TAKE A TAG | WRITE A POSITIVE MESSAGE | HANG IT UP FOR SOMEONE TO FIND | BE THE REASON SOMEONE'S DAY FEELS BRIGHTER
The blue tree is a reminder that it’s OK to say we’re feeling down, struggling, sad, or lonely .
It’s a prompt to check in with loved ones, neighbours, and friends who may be struggling. A smile can make someone’s day. A hug or kind words can mean a lot.

30/04/2026

Bluebells at Merevale | 26 April 2026

What a day! This sell-out event was more than just a walk—it was a celebration of community spirit, nature’s beauty and local generosity. Thanks to everyone who walked, volunteered and supported us; we created lasting memories and raised nearly £1,000 to reinvest in our community.
💙 We were delighted to welcome a wonderful mix of people, from just 12 weeks old to nearly 90!
🌿🚶 The Merevale Estate provided the perfect backdrop, with a trail meandering along woodland and lakeside paths—an ideal setting for walkers to immerse themselves in spring’s seasonal display 🪻. A breathtaking carpet of bluebells at peak season captivated all ages.
This blend of nature and heritage made the walk a unique experience for families, local residents and nature lovers alike.
Huge thanks to everyone who walked, volunteered and supported us—and a special thank you to the Merevale Estate, whose support was vital to the event’s success. By hosting our walk and generously opening their beautiful grounds, Merevale has provided our community with an exceptional experience. 🎉 Together we raised nearly £1,000, which is being reinvested in community actions to make a difference.
Pictured Here: Our WANA Marshalls who kept us safe

21/04/2026

An Afternoon of Fun and Games | Saturday 16 May, 2–4pm

Join us for this fun, FREE family event with games and activities for all ages.

It’s Mental Health Awareness Week (11–17 May), when we’ll be running a range of simple, welcoming activities to bring people together and encourage gentle movement—because being active, connecting with others, and spending time outside can all support our mental wellbeing.

📍 Witherley Memorial Playing Field — just turn up (all welcome).

Food: The football club will be lighting the BBQ, and you are welcome to bring a picnic – only plastic drinkware is allowed. No dogs please on the field.

At WANA, we aim to create a more open and supportive community where mental health is acknowledged, talked about, and never treated as a taboo. If you’re finding things tough, you’re not alone—reach out to someone you trust.