Hi readers, Grace here! As the journalist behind Ashby Nub News, it's been a busy year covering devolution, local events and goings on in our community.

Here's a look back over the last 12 months through 12 articles from 2025.

January

TV Sewing Bee winner to judge competition as Ashby business teams up with breast cancer fundraiser

Angela Higson and Sheree Clarke from Bracrafts, Emma Clark from the Fabric Boutique and Alison Smith MBE. Photo: Supplied

In January, it was announced Ashby's Fabric Boutique was going to join forces with charity Bracrafts to raise funds for various breast cancer charities.

February

Leicestershire Fire Service crews rescue stricken horse Brandy from Ashby Canal

The crews worked to pull the horse out of the water (Photos: Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service)

In February, Brandy the horse found herself in deep water when she fell into Moira canal.

Efforts from Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service rescued Brandy using an inflatable rescue pad, along with some farm machinery.

March

Police carry out investigation to find vandals who damaged the Paddington Bench in Ashby

In March, Police investigated vandalism to Ashby's popular Paddington Bench.

While the bear himself was largely undamaged, the wooden seat was broken and Ashby BID had to remove Paddington to carry out repairs.

Paddington was soon returned to his bench where he remains a firm favourite among locals.

April

MP Hack holds talks over challenges facing local dads in meeting held at Ashby Ivanhoe FC

MP Amanda Hack met dads at Ashby Ivanhoe FC (Photos: Amanda Hack MP)

Ashby MP Amanda Hack met with dads from across North West Leicestershire to discuss the challenges facing fathers today - including limited paternity leave.

It was part of a string of similar events around the country, marking the 22nd anniversary of Labour's introduction of Statutory Paternity Leave.

They discussed the pressures on new dads bringing up children locally and what the Government can do to support them.

May

Dan Harrison says Ashby Reform victory at county elections is 'not about a party — it's about people'

Cllr Dan Harrison elected Leader of Leicestershire County Council (Photo: Ashby Nub News)

In May, a Leicestershire County Council election voted in Dan Harrison as councillor for Ashby and Leader of Leicestershire County Council.

Cllr Harrison had already sparked controversy when he moved from Conservative to Reform UK earlier in the year, but said: 'This victory isn't just about a party - it's about people. It's about your voice being heard after years of being ignored.'

June

Ashby Town Council 'condemns' emergency closure of footpath connecting to Money Hill

The footpath by Ivanhoe College connecting to the new Money Hill development has been called a 'huge risk' to pedestrians (Photo: Ashby Town Council)

In June, the Footpath O89 saga began with the emergency closure of the footpath connecting town centre to the new Money Hill car park.

'Condemned' by Ashby Town Council and residents, the dispute over the footpath between the town, district and county council was an ongoing story for months after the initial emergency closure.

July

Ashby's Style Hive owner 'absolutely devastated' but hopeful for future of baking business

The Style Hive in Ashby announced its immediate closure this week (Photo: The Style Hive)

In July, we said goodbye to The Style Hive, a café situated at the top of Ashby Market Street.

Although devastated with having to close, owner Lucy was optimistic about the future of her baking business.

August

Ashby Pride 2025

Ashby Pride was a triumph, with crowds of people flocking to Market Place to get stuck into the festivities (Photo: Pride Pics UK)

The third annual Ashby Pride was a resounding success, filling the town centre with live music, fabulous outfits and an incredible feeling of strength and community.

Despite homophobic abuse and threats, Ashby Pride bought together local allies and members of the LGBTQ+ community, with lively events including a dog fashion show, live singing and dance.

September

Review: The Woman in White at Ashby Venture Theatre

The Woman in White at Ashby Venture Theatre

In September, Ashby Venture Theatre was busy with performances of The Woman in White.

Ashby mum-of-two and writer Asha reviewed the show.

October

New hopper bus service launches in Ashby Town Centre

A new hopper service will launch in Ashby Town Centre, set up by Ashby BID (Photo: Ashby BID)

In October, Ashby BID announced they would be fully-funding a three-month trial of a brand new hopper bus service around Ashby Town Centre.

The bus service, which is now up and running, hopes to bring more shoppers into town centre and improve access for those who can't or chose not to drive.

November

Results are in for Ashby Town Council's Neighbourhood Plan referendum

Ashby Town Council share results of referendum on whether to update Ashby's Neighbourhood Plan (Photo: Ashby Nub News)

On Thursday 20 November, Ashby residents voted in a referendum to decide whether or not the updated Neighbourhood Plan should be adopted. 

The results showed that the vote had come out in favour of adopting the new Neighbourhood Plan, with 83% of those who voted choosing this outcome. 

In total, 1637 local people voted, representing 13.65% of the population. 

December

Ashby Santa Run 2025

Nearly 700 Santas joined in the 2025 Ashby Santa Run this weekend (Photo: Grace Kennington)

On Sunday 7 December, 699 Santas took part in the Ashby Rotary Santa Fun Run and Walk, raising money for three brilliant local charities.