Market Harborough and The Bowdens Charity

14/10/2026

Breaking news!

Market Harborough and the Bowdens Charity has submitted a planning application to Harborough District Council to refurbish and transform its property at 53-56, High Street, Market Harborough.

Subject to approval of the planning application, the building will be called The Town House and will provide a major new community hub for everyone in Market Harborough, Great Bowden and Little Bowden.

The Charity is making a multi-million-pound investment to restore the building. The new accessible community building will offer an affordable and friendly café, meeting rooms of various sizes and a large hall to rent for community activities, celebrations and events. Office space will also be available where local charities and voluntary organisations can share ideas, resources and work together collaboratively.

The restoration aims to preserve the much-loved and easily recognisable building, which was built in the 1840s and was formerly rented from the Charity by Joules and County Jewellers.

The Charity is working with local property professionals to design, plan and deliver The Town House development. The first phase of the project will be the refurbishment of the beautiful Grade II listed façade.

For more details, head to https://ow.ly/COwt50ZXEoG

20/08/2026

Local students to benefit from annual Education Grants - we're delighted to award new Education Grants for the next academic year to 54 local students, totalling just under £70,000.

The Education Grants support students and apprentices living in Market Harborough, Great Bowden and Little Bowden, with priority given to students from lower-income households or those who may need additional support to continue their education.

Each recipient was interviewed by the charity’s Trustees, with the successful applicants preparing to study at college, university and a special needs school. The grants vary from one-off payments of £500 to £2,000, to be paid over the course of the academic year.

Read more at: https://ow.ly/BmoN50ZBUhx

20/05/2026

🏠 Relief in Need Grant - Appliances For a New Home 🏠

A new home is a fresh start, but some families struggle to afford essential items like white goods, carpets and furniture.

Our ‘Relief In Need Grant’ has helped many people get the household items they need for their new homes.

Click here to find out how we could help you:
https://www.mhbcharity.co.uk/grant-applications/

18/05/2026

🚶‍♀️ 💜 We are really pleased to have supported Women Only Walks Harborough Women's Only Walks (WOW) Community with a grant towards their new safer walking programme.

This wonderful initiative is helping bring women together through walking, creating opportunities to feel safer, build confidence, improve wellbeing and connect with others locally.

It is always encouraging to see community-led projects like this growing and making such a positive difference to people’s everyday lives.

A huge well done to everyone involved, and we look forward to seeing more pictures from WOW. 👏

Read more here:
https://www.harboroughmail.co.uk/your-world/harborough-womens-walking-community-secures-ps8000-to-launch-safer-walking-programme-7024408

15/05/2026

🎵 It has been fantastic to see the continued success of the .harborough 'Busk!' project at the Undercroft of the Old Grammar School.

From the energy of Carnival Drums group to the wonderful sounds of , the performances are helping bring creativity, atmosphere and community spirit into the heart of Market Harborough. 🎸🥁🎹

Market Harborough & The Bowdens Charity are proud to support this initiative by providing the space free of charge and funding the licensing costs for performers, helping make it easier for local artists and musicians to share their talents with the community.

✨ It is wonderful to see the space being used and enjoyed by so many people.
Find out more here:
https://www.mhbcharity.co.uk/creative-harborough.../

Thank you to ‘Creative Harborough’ for tagging us and for their photos.

14/05/2026

🧡 We loved reading about the positive impact The Divergent School, Market Harborough, is already having in its first year following its recent Ofsted inspection.

🌱 What stood out most to us was the role of outdoor learning at our Steven Street allotments, where pupils are building confidence, learning practical skills and benefiting from time outdoors in a calm, supportive environment.

🌷 It has been wonderful to watch the space grow alongside the students, and we are so pleased the school is now taking on a second plot.

🧡 Read the full story on our website:
https://www.mhbcharity.co.uk/opening-doors-through-education-2/

26/03/2026

📣 We are proud to support the Market Harborough - LOROS - Bereavement Support Hub.

🌻 If you’re navigating loss, you don’t have to do it alone. The LOROS Bereavement Hubs offer free sessions where adults aged 18+ can access information, talk to trained volunteers, and connect with others who understand.

📍 Market Harborough – 2nd and 4th Monday each month
10 - 11.30 am, Market Harborough & The Bowdens Charity, 10 Fairfield Road, Market Harborough, LE16 9QQ.

🌻 No referral is needed. These sessions are supported by trained volunteers and open to anyone who has experienced bereavement, regardless of how long ago the loss was or the circumstances.

📲 For more infomation call Jo Beeching or Michelle Warden on 0116 231 3771 ext 7549

23/03/2026

19/03/2026

💛 We’re proud to support families with everyday essentials when they need it most.

😔 Difficulties can come at any time, such as illness, disability, unemployment, or family problems.

🌼 Here are some of the things we can provide:
White goods such as washing machines or fridges
Carpets and curtains
Furniture
Bedding
Household equipment
Mobility aids, including wheelchairs (not provided by the NHS)
Clothing and school uniforms
Travel costs to medical appointments
This list is not exclusive, and other items/services are considered.

🌞 Click here to find out how we could help you:
https://www.mhbcharity.co.uk/grant-applications/
Insta link in Bio.

05/03/2026

🌱 Is this the season you start growing your own?

🌱 There’s something about this time of year that makes us want to get outside. Lighter mornings. The promise of spring. The sense of new beginnings.

🌱 An allotment offers more than just your home-grown fresh fruit and vegetables. It’s space to breathe. Time away from screens. Quiet satisfaction of planting something small and watching it grow.

🌱 It’s a chance to get some exercise regularly, improve your wellbeing and experience the simple joy of harvesting food you have nurtured yourself.

🌱 Whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced grower, there is a welcoming community waiting for you, where many friendly people already enjoy these benefits.

🌱 From 1st April 2026, we anticipate having plots of various sizes available at our Stevens Street site.

🌱 To find out more or to apply, please visit https://www.mhbcharity.co.uk/growing-community/allotments/