All posts by Sarah Richardson

Please Help Our Local Pre-School!

The current Abacus Preschool Nursery building based in Fenny Compton is in urgent need of replacement. Although they share the school site, Abacus is a charity and as such relies heavily on fundraising for major projects such as the build. This is where you can become involved!

They are replacing the building this summer, ready for September 2017 and are asking local businesses, individuals and families to support us. Maybe your children or grandchildren have been to Abacus or will in the future, you may have friends working at Abacus, or you simply think it’s important to have local Preschool facilities for the next generation. Whatever the reason we would be extremely pleased if you can help us reach our target.

To get involved in Adding up for Abacus just choose which level of donation suits you best and donate via their JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/Abacus.

Names of donors will be added to a new abacus within the new building.

Inscription on frame £5
Bronze bead £25
Silver bead £50
Gold bead £100
Platinum bead £+

Donations will be spent directly on the building with every pound making a real difference. For more information, please get in touch and we will show you exactly how your money will benefit the Preschool children.

You can also donate by cheques payable to Abacus Preschool Nursery Ltd, or by cash donations to a Trustee or directly into Abacus.

Thank you,
The Trustees of Abacus Preschool

Have you seen missing dog Luna?


Luna went missing around Avon Dasset/Burton Dasset area yesterday (1st June). Can anyone visiting the area or in the area could look out for her. She is a collie/spaniel and quite shy, she wears a purple collar. 07919 408827- please call this number if you see or hear anything. It will go through to Matthew Pugh.

She was last seen at about 1.30 am on 2nd June wearing hi vis pink harness on the road through the village towards the hills turning. Unfortunately she ran into the bushes before she could be caught.

Extraordinary Planning Meeting, 6th June

Avon Carrow

There will be an extraordinary planning meeting of Avon Dassett Parish Council at 7.30 pm on 6th June to consider the following applications:

  • 17/01284/FUL: Naddumor 17 Avon Carrow Avon Dassett Southam CV47 2AR, Extension and roof amendments plus additional drainage and minor works
  • 17/01220/LBC: Naddumor 17 Avon Carrow Avon Dassett Southam CV47 2AR, Extension and roof amendments plus additional drainage and minor works (Listed Building Consent)

All details available via our Planning pages.

Watch out for Ransomware Scammers!


Action Fraud has received the first reports of Tech-Support scammers claiming to be from Microsoft who are taking advantage of the global WannaCry ransomware attack.

One victim fell for the scam after calling a ‘help’ number advertised on a pop up window. The window which wouldn’t close said the victim had been affected by WannaCry Ransomware.

The victim granted the fraudsters remote access to their PC after being convinced there wasn’t sufficient anti-virus protection. The fraudsters then installed Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool, which is actually free and took £320 as payment.
It is important to remember that Microsoft’s error and warning messages on your PC will never include a phone number.

Additionally Microsoft will never proactively reach out to you to provide unsolicited PC or technical support. Any communication they have with you must be initiated by you.

How to protect yourself

  • Don’t call numbers from pop-up messages.
  • Never allow remote access to your computer.
  • Always be wary of unsolicited calls. If you’re unsure of a caller’s identity, hang up.
  • Never divulge passwords or pin numbers.
  • Microsoft or someone on their behalf will never call you.

If you believe you have already been a victim

  • Get your computer checked for any additional programmes or software that may have been installed.
  • Contact your bank to stop any further payments being taken.

Report fraud and cyber crime to Actionfraud.police.uk and visit our Crime Safety pages.

UBUS is 3 Years Old

The UBUS community transport service has been running for 3 years now.  Previously known as Community Links, UBUS came into effect in June 2014 and since then an amazing 30,000 journeys have been made across the district by over 800 registered users.

UBUS is a ring and ride community transport service operating within Stratford District.

UBUS is available to anyone in the district who struggles to access public transport due to mobility issues, health problems or who lives in an area with no, or infrequent, public transport.

Passengers can travel between 9:30am and 2:30pm.

UBUS will collect passengers from their door, drop them off at their destination, pick up again at the agreed point and drop off back at home.  Drivers can assist passengers to get on & off the bus and will help with up to 3 shopping bags or a trolley if necessary.

All UBUS vehicles can accommodate a wheelchair.

Depending on where residents live in the district a single journey costs £2.10, £2.70 or £3.40. Return journeys £4.20, £5.40 or £6.80.

Residents living in an Orbit property are eligible for a £0.60 discount on their journey.

Journeys need to be booked in advance. Passengers can book up to seven days in advance.

UBUS provides transport in different parts of the district on specific days.

  • West of Stratford – Operates on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays & Fridays
  • East of Stratford – Operates on Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays
  • South of Stratford – Operates on Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays
  • Stratford Town – Operates on Mondays to Fridays
  • Southam & Surrounding area – Operates on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays

UBUS can be used to visit friends, attend social groups, leisure activities or go shopping.  It cannot be used to attend medical appointments.

Residents interested in registering with the service should ring 01789 264491.

For further information contact Marie Darwen at Stratford District Council on 01789 260 108.

UBUS is supported by Stratford District Council, Warwickshire County Council and Stratford Town Trust.