INFORMATION

NOTICE BOARD

Village Calendar

Ransomware Cyber Attack

Following the ransomware cyber attack on Friday 12 May which affected the NHS and is believed to have affected other organisations globally, the City of London Police’s National Fraud Intelligence Bureau has issued an alert urging both individuals and businesses to follow protection advice immediately and in the coming days.
 
Ransomware is a form of malicious software (Malware) that enables cyber criminals to remotely lock down files on your computer or mobile device. Criminals will use ransomware to extort money from you (a ransom), before they restore access to your files. There are many ways that ransomware can infect your device, whether it be a link to a malicious website in an unsolicited email, or through a security vulnerability in a piece of software you use. 
 
Key Protect messages for businesses to protect themselves from ransomware:

• Install system and application updates on all devices as soon as they become available.

• Install anti-virus software on all devices and keep it updated.

• Create regular backups of your important files to a device that isn’t left connected to your network as any malware infection could spread to that too.

 
The National Cyber Security Centre’s technical guidance includes specific software patches to use that will prevent uninfected computers on your network from becoming infected with the “WannaCry” Ransomware: https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/guidance/ransomware-latest-ncsc-guidance
 
For additional in-depth technical guidance on how to protect your organisation from ransomware, details can be found here: https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/guidance/protecting-your-organisation-ransomware
 
Key Protect advice for individuals:

• Install system and application updates on all devices as soon as they become available.

• Install anti-virus software on all devices and keep it updated.

• Create regular backups of your important files to a device (such as an external hard drive or memory stick) that isn’t left connected to your computer as any malware infection could spread to that too.

• Only install apps from official app stores, such as Google’s Play Store, or Apple’s App Store as they offer better levels of protection than some 3rd party  stores. Jailbreaking, rooting, or disabling any of the default security features of your device will make it more susceptible to malware infections.

 
Phishing/smishing 
Fraudsters may exploit this high profile incident and use it as part of phishing/smishing campaigns. We urge people to be cautious if they receive any unsolicited communications from the NHS. The protect advice for that is the following:

• An email address can be spoofed. Don’t open attachments or click on the links within any unsolicited emails you receive, and never respond to emails that ask for your personal or financial details. 

• The sender’s name and number in a text message can be spoofed, so even if the message appears to be from an organisation you know of, you should still exercise caution, particularly if the texts are asking you to click on a link or call a number.

Don’t disclose your personal or financial details during a cold call, and remember that the police and banks will never ring you and ask you to verify your PIN, withdraw your cash, or transfer your money to another “safe” account.
 
If you have been a victim of fraud or cyber crime, please report it to Action Fraud at http://www.actionfraud.police.uk/

Power cut?

New phone number 105 launched

POSTER

Reshaping Your Councils Roadshow

A consultation being carried out on the 'Reshaping' of the councils and the options on forming a Unitary Authority

website www.reshaping-your-councils.uk

ROADSHOW LOCATIONS

KEEP WARM THIS WINTER!

Jo Keats says

I am the Co-ordinator for the British Gas Energy Trust project in the county of Dorset. We are particularly interested in reaching older people who may be struggling to fund their fuel bills or repairs to their heating system.  It may also be that their home is hard to heat. We are working with Citizens Advice in Purbeck, Bridport and East Dorset, Wyvern Credit Union, Dorchester Age UK, Magna Housing and Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty as well as Dorset Mental Health Forum to deliver this project. CAB and Dorchester Age UK are delivering advice and signposting to organisations that help insulate the home for example.  They are also giving debt advice and Wyvern are able in some cases to offer low cost loans.I also have a pot of money for those people who aren’t in a position to get a loan for emergency repairs of help towards fuel bills just to give them a better start for the winter.Magna Housing and Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty are working together to provide some sustainable wood to some people identified as benefitting from wood burners as they cannot get gas supplied to them.Dorset Mental Health Forum are giving sessions to help front line workers find it easier when difficult conversations need to be had. I am trying to contact as many organisations as I can to get this information out in local communities or for volunteers and paid staff to have this information as an extra tool if they come across fuel debt problems.

I hope this is useful to you,

Please contact me if you would like further information,

Joanna Keats.
British Gas Energy Trust Project Coordinator
Dorset Community Action
The Coach House
Acland Road
Dorchester
DT1 1EF
Tel: 01305 216403 Fax: 01305 216420

Email joanna.keats@dorsetcommunityaction.org.uk

Poster

Released May

Fraudsters who are targeting members of the public

who are expecting to make a payment for property repairs.

Fraudsters are targeting members of the public who are expecting to make a payment for property repairs. The fraudsters, via email, will purport to be a tradesman who has recently completed work at the property and use a similar email address to that of the genuine tradesman. They will ask for funds to be transferred via bank transfer and once payment is made the victims of the fraud soon realise they have been deceived when the genuine tradesman requests payment for their services.

Protect Yourself:

• Always check the email address is exactly the same as previous correspondence with the genuine contact.

• For any request of payment via email verify the validity of the request with a phone call to the person who carried out the work.

• Check the email for spelling and grammar as these signs can indicate that the email is not genuine.

• Payments via bank transfer offer no financial protection; consider using alternative methods such as a credit card or PayPal which offer some protection and avenue for recompense.

If you believe that you have been a victim of fraud you can report it online at:  http://www.actionfraud.police.uk/report_fraud or by telephone on: 0300 123 2040.

Mobile Library Service – new schedules 

List of stops confirmed for withdrawal Jan 2016

New mobile library schedules from May 2016

Released February

Trading standards warn of Blue-Badge copycat websites

Trading standards officers are warning Dorset residents about copycat websites dealing with applications and renewals of Blue Badge disabled parking permits. The unregulated websites may appear to offer a quick and easy application but in fact charge at least £49 for minimal help in completing the application form, and they have no authority to issue a Blue Badge.  Dorset residents who use these sites will still have to submit their applications to Dorset County Council and pay a further £10 to cover the genuine application fee.  These copycat websites are in no way affiliated to the Blue Badge scheme and many ask for personal information such as bank details and National Insurance numbers, which could be used for further fraud. Complaints are being received by the county council in increasing numbers from residents who have unnecessarily paid excessive amounts to apply for a Blue Badge.  Ivan Hancock, Trading Standards service manager for Dorset County Council, said: “Steer clear of these rip-off sites. Many are based overseas so are difficult to tackle when problems arise. The official Blue Badge costs £10 and you can find more information on the eligibility requirements and how to apply for or to renew a Blue Badge through the Council’s website or through the Government’s official gov.uk pages. “There are all sorts of scams based on applications for official documents we need so all consumers need to stay alert to this risk.Best advice if you don’t know the reliable website you need already is to use the official ‘gov.uk’ websites for any government services such as renewing driving licences, passports or European Health Insurance Cards, rather than rely on search engines that often display copycat sites.” To report a problem with a copycat website contact the Citizens Advice consumer service on 03454 04 05 06. This is the first point of contact for consumer advice or to report any consumer problem to Trading Standards. For information about the Blue Badge scheme and how to apply please visit:www.dorsetforyou.com/blue-badge . Ends

Consultation will run from Monday 11 January to Monday 8 February

Rural bus service review

Dorset County Council needs to reduce the spend on public transport subsidy

Why we need the review

The majority of local bus services in Dorset are operated by commercial bus companies and are run for profit. However Dorset County Council subsidises many uneconomical bus services in rural areas.

The council needs to reduce the spend on public transport subsidy by £500,000 from a review of rural bus services. The budget reduction will predominantly remove subsidy for services that run once or twice a week. Instead, the council will support the on-going development of community based transport schemes which can often better meet local needs.

To meet the council's target of saving £500,000 in 2016/17, the changes would need to be in place from April.

Please see attached list and map of affected services

Affected services

Please see attached list and map of affected services

Have your say

A four week public consultation will run from Monday 11 January to Monday 8 February, asking local people how the changes would affect them. The consultation will also look at:

·         Whether people are aware of community transport schemes in their area

·         Encouraging more volunteers to join local schemes

·         Identifying gaps in the services

Find out more information and complete the survey:

Details

MAP

Complete the survey

Safer Neighbourhoods

SNT  newsletter

Information sent on behalf of Dorset Alert

Be aware

There are "companys" still trying to contact members of public with regards to your computers needing fixing, problem with the bank or PPI and many others, PLEASE DO NOT give any details out over the phone. Tell them to remove any details from their system and then do 1471 for a contact number and report these to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040. they can be using numbers starting 0058 or 0330, 0843 and possibly others if it sounds suspicious it probably is.

Message sent by Susan Leatt (Dorset Police, PCSO 5382, Shaftesbury Town)

Ms Oldfield believes working as a community could help reduce burglary. She added: “By working with your neighbours you can make it a safer place to live and you can all look out for suspicious people in the area.

“Consider joining a neighbourhood watch group or start one up of your own if there isn’t one in place.

“If you think someone is acting suspiciously, call the police on 101, or if a crime is in progress, dial the emergency number 999.

“If you are aware of someone handling stolen goods or involved in criminal activity, please call the police. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers, an independent charity, for free on 0800 555 111. You will remain anonymous and could be eligible of a reward.”

POLICE GUIDANCE

* Always keep your doors and windows shut and locked where possible, even if you’re in your property * Use a light switch timer * Keep shopping bags out of view, whether in the car or in the window of your house * If you’re going away over the festive season, ask a friend or neighbour to park on your driveway and make sure any post is put through your letter box properly * Cancel deliveries of milk newspapers or any other regular delivery items * Fit a burglar alarm and make sure it’s set * Do not leave car, door or window keys on view. Never leave keys within reach of a letterbox or a window. * Register valuable property at http://www.immobilise.com or keep an inventory including description, serial number and photograph of each item * Ask your local Neighbourhood Watch scheme to keep an eye on your home while you are away

Message sent by

Amy Crowfoot (Dorset Police, Communications and Engagement Department, Force HQ)

This message was sent to Ellie Payne, please direct any feedback through Ellie or register your own account on

https://www.dorsetalert.co.uk.

Message number : 131425

Information sent on behalf of Action Fraud (National Fraud Intelligence Bureau)

Protect yourself from Bogus Electrical Websites

Fraudsters have set up a high specification website template advertising various

electrical goods and domestic appliances. These goods are below market value

and do not exist. The fraudsters will request your card details via the website;

however the purchaser will then receive an email stating the payment failed

and they must pay via bank transfer.

The fraudsters entice the purchaser and reassure them it is a legitimate

purchase by using the widely recognised Trusted Shop Trustmark. The

fraudsters are using the Trustmark fraudulently and have not been certified by

Trusted Shops and therefore the purchaser is not covered by the Trusted Shop

money-back guarantee.

Protect yourself:

* Check the authenticity of the websites before making any purchases.

Conduct a ‘whois’ search on the website which will identify when the

website has been created, be wary of newly formed domains. You can

conduct this search using the following website - https://who.is/.

* Carry out online research in relation to the website, company name and

the business address provided to identify any poor feedback or possible

irregularities.

* Check the Trusted Shops Facebook page where warnings about websites

using their Trustmark are published. If you are in doubt about the

legitimacy of a Trustmark then you can contact Trusted Shops on 0203

364 5906 or by email service@trustedshops.co.uk. They will confirm

whether they have certified that website.

* Payments made via bank transfer are not protected should you not

received the item. Therefore always try to make the payment via PayPal

or a credit card where you have some payment cover should you not

receive your product.

* If the item advertised seems too good to be true, then it probably is.

If you believe that you have been a victim of fraud you can report it online

http://www.actionfraud.police.uk/report_fraud or by telephone 0300 123 2040.

Message sent by

Action Fraud (Action Fraud, Administrator, National)

This message was sent to Ellie Payne, please direct any feedback through Ellie or register your own account on

https://www.dorsetalert.co.uk.

Message number : 130707

It's time to check to see if you can switch to fibre broadband.

311 Local Bus service

Blandford - Milton Abbas - Dorchester

Click here for Timetable

Check out the new website for

Milton Abbey - Church and Landscape at

www.miltonabbey.org

Add your name to the‘Friends of the Abbey’ who are signing up all around the world to support its preservation.

Milton Abbey Church & Landscape – Questionnaire

Milton Abbas Local History

Milton Abbas Local History Group Milton Abbas has a long and rich history which has attracted the interest of the media and academics in recent years, even drawing TV historian Michael Wood here to talk about King Athelstan for his recently televised series on the Anglo-Saxons. The Village web site has a 'History Page' with contributions on the village and abbey, personal memories of villagers and an in-depth study of the persons cited on the village war memorial. So it seems that many have a lively enthusiasm to delve into the past and uncover more about the history of our lovely village and locality. With all this in mind a small but enthusiastic group met in the Reading Rooms on 1st October to launch the 'Milton Abbas Local History Group'. Areas of interest put forward were local, family, social, economic, and legal history and the archaeology of Milton Abbas as well as the memories of residents. We aim to share our information and memories and explore new ways of finding out more about our lovely village. Thank you to MATCH who funded the hire of the Reading Rooms for this inaugural meeting. The next meeting will be on Wednesday 6 Nov at 7.30pm in the Reading Rooms. Bryan Phillips will give a short presentation on the resources available both on-line and in print. If you are interested please do come along, you will be made most welcome and refreshments will be provided. If you have any photos or documents for discussion please bring them with you. We are especially looking for a photo of the old Village Hall so dig out your old boxes of photos and help us track one down. Also is there anyone out there who has legal knowledge that could help us make sense of some of the old legal documents available. Please contact Pamela Phillips on 880385 for information or just come along on the night."

Portrait of a village

This pictorial profile of Milton Abbas, Milton Abbey and St Catherine's Chapel captures the unique heritage of these historic treasures, stretching over 1,000 years - from the foundation of the Abbey by King Athelstan to the Dissolution of the Monasteries, to the purchase by John tregonwell and the grand scheme of Joseph Damer, the destruction of the old town of Middleton, the creation of the new village of Milton Abbas, followed by the period of residence and restoration of Milton Abbey by the Hambro family, and ultimately the purchase by The Ecclesiastical Commissioners and the foundation of Milton Abbey school.

It includes beautiful photographs by Daniel Rushall of the village, Abbey and local countryside, including the Capability Brown park"

Priced at £7.99, to obtain your copy please email the author Michael McAvoy on mmcavoy@tiscali.co.uk

All profits will be donated to village charities.

Guidance in the event of an emergency in your area in relation to flooding.

Dear Clerks, We have been asked by the Emergency Management Officer at Dorset County Council to pass on to you the following message.

Due to the recent flooding events there may be a risk of groundwater flooding in your Communities, although the rainfall has decreased over the last few days groundwater may still take quite a considerable time to appear.

Dorset County Council and the Borough and Districts along with the Emergency Services have formed a group to advise and guide you in the event of an emergency in your area.

Should you wish to access this facility then please contact Dorset Direct or phone the Police non emergency number 101.

1980's video...

Sarah Kennedy previews the attractions of Southern England

Milton Abbas appears after about six and a half minutes.
(thanks to Janita Hendricks. Focus Business Communications Ltd.)

Coffee Stop ...

Every Tuesday 10:30 - 12:00.

At the new meeting area in St James Church.

Come along and enjoy fresh coffee / tea & homemade cakes.

Meet with your friends and neighbours and make the most of this very comfortable village

Community Fund Supplement 10 Years On

THIS IS FOR YOU...

here is your electronic village notice board. Information sent to the webmaster maccweb@hotmail.co.uk will pinned here.