Summer 2026 Newsletter
Welcome to the Summer 2026 Edition of the Charnwood Eco Hub Newsletter!
Summer is here and it’s shaping up to be a creative if sultry season at the Eco Hub, sadly due in no small part to the effects of climate change. We welcomed teachers and educators to the hub recently to learn about what we can offer schools, and we have started our summer season tour of the local fetes and fairs - we’ve already been to Bradgate Park Spring Fair, but we will also be running activities at Loughborough Mela, Loughborough Pride and Syston Summer Fair.
We’ve got some fun workshops coming up, including handmade book-making, upcycled terrariums, bunting-making, screenprinting and more.
We also have some very exciting news (see below), and as always, thank you for supporting the Eco Hub and helping build a more sustainable community. 🌱
4th Annual Sustainability Fair
The 4th Annual Charnwood Sustainability Fair was another tremendous success for Charnwood Eco Hub, bringing together hundreds of people for a day dedicated to sustainability, community action and positive environmental change.As organisers of the event, we were delighted to welcome a diverse range of local businesses, charities, community groups and environmental organisations, all showcasing practical ways to live more sustainably. Visitors had the opportunity to explore stalls, take part in activities, learn new skills and discover the many projects helping to build a greener future across Charnwood and beyond.
The Fair has become a flagship event in the local sustainability calendar, and this year’s event demonstrated just how much interest there is in reducing waste, protecting the environment and supporting community-led solutions. The atmosphere throughout the day was positive, inspiring and full of meaningful conversations and connections.
A huge thank you goes to all of our exhibitors, volunteers, performers, speakers and visitors who helped make the event possible. In particular, we are grateful to the volunteers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes before, during and after the event to ensure everything ran smoothly. Now in its fourth year, the Charnwood Sustainability Fair continues to grow in both size and impact. It reflects Charnwood Eco Hub’s commitment to making sustainability accessible, practical and engaging for everyone, and we are incredibly proud of what the event has become. We are already looking forward to bringing the community together again next year.
We’re Moving!
We are delighted to announce that Charnwood Eco Hub will soon be relocating to temporary new premises at 7–8 Baxtergate, kindly provided by Loughborough Baptist Church.
Over the next few weeks, we’ll be busy packing, moving and setting up the new space, with an opening date to be confirmed soon. The move will allow us to continue delivering our Scrapstore, creative upcycling workshops, refill station, Library of Things and community projects while we work towards securing a permanent home for the Eco Hub. We also hope to open finally open the Makerspace in our temporary new home, and offer some new membership options.
As we prepare for this next chapter, we would like to extend our sincere thanks to SOFA for hosting us over the past 18 months. Their support has played a crucial role in helping the Eco Hub grow from an idea into a thriving community organisation. We are incredibly grateful for the space, encouragement and friendship they have provided throughout our time there. We would also like to thank Loughborough Baptist Church for generously offering us a temporary home at 7–8 Baxtergate. Their support will enable us to continue serving the community, running events and developing new projects during this important period of transition.
While this is a temporary move, it represents an exciting step forward for Charnwood Eco Hub. We look forward to welcoming you to our new town centre location very soon and sharing updates as we settle into our new home. Watch this space for opening details and opportunities to get involved!
People’s Emergency Briefing
More than 80 people attended the People’s Emergency Briefing screening in Loughborough on Friday night including our local MP and a number of local Councillors from Charnwood Borough Council and Leicestershire County Council.The film ended with stunned silence in the room. The climate crisis is a lot to face up to. But we then had a brilliant conversation about people’s thoughts on what we do next locally. Between us, we have what it takes to tackle this problem and create a bright future we can all thrive in.
Popular ideas included lobbying our local MP to ensure government takes climate change seriously and local, practical projects to tackle climate change.
Want to put on your own screening? Find out more at https://www.nebriefing.org/host-the-film
The event was organised by Loughborough Climate Vigil, Charnwood Eco Hub Transition Loughborough Barrow Greener Living Incredible Edible Loughborough, Parents for the Future Leicestershire and Communities Foundation Network to make this happen.
# New Project Launch - The Leicestershire Fixers’ Toolkit
We’re excited to learn of the new Leicestershire Fixers Toolkit, a county-wide project funded by the National Lottery Community Fund and delivered by Leicestershire County Council. The initiative aims to support repair cafés and community fixer groups across Leicestershire, helping them grow, connect and save even more items from going to waste.
Over the next 12 months, the project will develop an online toolkit packed with practical resources, training opportunities and guidance for both existing repair groups and communities interested in starting their own repair events. The project will also include access to a shared tool library to help groups get established and thrive.
Repair groups play a vital role in reducing waste, saving people money and bringing communities together. As an organisation committed to reuse, repair and the circular economy, Charnwood Eco Hub is delighted to see this investment in Leicestershire’s growing repair movement. We look forward to seeing how the project develops and the opportunities it creates for communities across the county. Find out more here
It’s Barbecue Season At The Hub!
Whether you’re planning a relaxed family cook-up or a get-together with friends, our coals are a great way to get your grill going, and our charcoal bags have been diverted from landfill. Pop in, stock up before it runs out, and make the most of the longer days - because nothing says Summer quite like cooking and eating outside!
Workshop Updates
Get creative, learn new skills, and discover the joy of making at Charnwood Eco Hub. Our upcoming workshops include handmade book-making, screenprinting, upcycled terrariums, bunting-making, simple clothing alterations, and much more. Whether you’re looking to try something new, meet like-minded people, or explore sustainable crafts, there’s something for everyone. Keep an eye on our events calendar and join us for inspiring, hands-on sessions that celebrate creativity, reuse, and community.
Biodiversity Literacy Training
Biodiversity Literacy Training is an engaging and interactive online training developed by the University of Edinburgh. As part of Loughborough University’s commitment to biodiversity and the community, the University Sustainability team are offering community members free places on the course (it would usually cost £15 for certification). The next date is Thursday 2nd July.
If community members are interested and would like to take the course, all they have to do is email m.ward@lboro.ac.uk with their postcode and short description on your reasons for signing up.
Refill Station
Did you know you can reduce packaging waste and save money by using our refill station? Bring your own containers and stock up on a range of household and personal care essentials, from laundry liquid and washing-up liquid to shampoo and more. By refilling instead of buying new bottles, you’re helping to cut down on single-use plastic while supporting a more sustainable way of shopping. Pop in and give it a try – every refill makes a difference. We are hoping to widen our refill range once we are in our new home.
What’s On
June
Pop Up Pub
Fri 26th June, 6-10.30PM
The Green Place,
6 Cossington Road,
Sileby
LE12 7RS
Book-Making Workshop
Sat 27th June, 11AM-1PM
Charnwood Eco Hub
Clarence Street
Loughborough
LE11 1DY
WHEPF Repair Cafe
Sat 27th June, 9.30AM-12.30PM
Youth and Community Hall,
Woodhouse Eaves
LE12 8RZ
Fixit Group 23 - MMC Venue Repair Cafe
Sun 28th June, 10AM-1PM
105 Leicester Rd
Mountsorrel
LE12 7DB
July
Tabletop Sale
Sat 4th July, 10AM-2PM
Charnwood Eco Hub
Clarence Street
Loughborough
LE11 1DY
Terrarium Workshop
Sat 11th July, 11AM-1PM
Charnwood Eco Hub
Clarence Street
Loughborough
LE11 1DY
Transition Repair Cafe
Sat 18th July,
Fearon Hall
Rectory Road
Loughborough
LE11 1PL
Fixit Group 23 - Bradgate Arms Repair Cafe
Mon 20th July, 7.30PM-10PM
Bradgate Arms
Cropston
LE7 7HG
Screenprinting Workshop
Sat 25th July, 11AM-1PM
Charnwood Eco Hub
Clarence Street
Loughborough
LE11 1DY
Fixit Group 23 MMC Venue Repair Cafe
Sun 26th July, 10AM-1PM
105 Leicester Rd
Mountsorrel
LE12 7DB
August
Eco Hub Launch
TBC
7-8 Baxter Gate
Loughborough
LE11 1TG
Pride Flag Workshop
8th August, 11AM-1PM
Charnwood Eco Hub
7-8 Baxter Gate
Loughborough
LE11 1TG
Loughborough Mela
Sun 9th August, 12PM-5PM
Loughborough Marketplace
LE11 3EB
Bunting-Making Workshop
Sat 15th August, 11AM-1PM
Charnwood Eco Hub
7-8 Baxter Gate
Loughborough
LE11 1TG
Fixit Group 23 - Bradgate Arms Repair Cafe
Mon 17th August, 7.30PM-10PM
Bradgate Arms
Cropston
LE7 7HG
Clothing Alteration Workshop
Sat 22nd August
Charnwood Eco Hub
7-8 Baxter Gate
Loughborough
LE11 1TG
Loughborough Pride
Sat 22nd August
Queen’s Park
Loughborough
LE11 3BJ
Fixit Group 23 MMC Venue Repair Cafe
Sun 23rd August, 10AM-1PM
105 Leicester Rd
Mountsorrel
LE12 7DB
Where to find us
Opening Hours:
Wednesdays 4-8pm (access via Clarence Street, opposite Travis Perkins)
Thursdays 10am-2pm (access via main SOFA entrance)
Saturdays 10am-2pm (access via main SOFA entrance)
Please note that the Eco Hub is on the first floor of the SOFA building, and the lift is currently out of order - if you have any access requirements, please contact us before visiting.
Address: Clarence St, Loughborough LE11 1DY
Website: charnwoodecohub.org
Email: info@charnwoodecohub.org
Phone: 01509 447075