Category Archives: News

Hooky Energy Club – Save up to 20% on your electric bill!

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Hooky Energy Club – Save up to 20% on your electric bill!
The great news is, Avon Dassett is in the catchment area.
Hook Norton Low Carbon, a non-profit community benefit group, has teamed up with 2 local renewable generators and 100green to bring you truly green, local, low price electricity!
“I was on what I thought was a good rate until I changed to the Hooky Energy Club and found that I have reduced my electricity bill by 36%.” Derek
“The whole process was really straightforward,  we didn’t have to do anything else other than completing the initial switching forms. Hooky energy took care of the rest for us. Would definitely recommend.” Mark

“I was skeptical at first because I was on an EV charging price plan with my old provider, but moved and am so grateful. I am saving money, and it feels fantastic to be on a plan that is ethical.” Rowena
Switch your electricity to Hooky Energy Club to benefit from rates of 13 p/kWh daytime (between 8am and 5pm) and 20 p/kWh nighttime (between 5pm and 8am). Business rates available too.
We are linked to a local solar farm and anaerobic digester (AD) plant which means we can set our prices as a community independent on the gas price jumping around due to war and demand. Perfect timing considering there are impending price hikes in Jan again.
It’s really easy to switch, you don’t need to let your current provider know, we do that for you, just fill out the form:

National Trust Open for Free on Heritage Open Days 11-20 September

News
Celebrate culture and history with free entry for Heritage Open Days 
  • Enjoy a free day out at participating National Trust places as part of Heritage Open Days 2026
  • The Heritage Open Days Festival returns from 11 – 20 September 2026
  • Heritage Open Days provides everyone with free access to a whole host of experiences and events across England. For a list of properties open within 10 miles of Avon Dassett see here.
England’s largest festival of history and culture, Heritage Open Days is back for 2026, from 11 – 20 September. Presented by the National Trust, supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery and run by thousands of local organisations and volunteers, Heritage Open Days gives everyone the opportunity to enjoy free access to experiences and events across England.
The festival brings people together to celebrate their heritage, community and history. Each year places across the country, including many National Trusts sites, throw open their doors to give people the chance to explore, see hidden places and try new experiences for free.
This year’s theme is Everyday Histories, exploring daily working life through the ages. The butcher, the baker, the candlestick maker – what did your ancestors do, and what was their daily life like?
Here’s a round-up of the best National Trust events happening near you for Heritage Open Days:
Baddesley Clinton, Warwickshire
This Heritage Open Day, visitors can discover the secluded and intimate estate of Baddesley Clinton, nestled in the heart of the Forest of Arden and home to 500 years of fascinating and unexpected stories.
On Sunday 13 September, the doors will open free of charge, for visitors to explore this remarkable house and learn how it became a sanctuary not only for the Ferrers family, but also for persecuted Catholics who were hidden from priest hunters in its secret hiding places. Visitors can also take a stroll through the beautiful gardens, from the walled garden to the vegetable patch and beyond, with plenty to enjoy and discover.
Don’t miss the showcase in the house of a special exhibition of visitor-created artwork inspired by Lady Chatterton’s life and legacy and how she preserved this beautiful place for future generations to enjoy.
No booking required. For more information on opening times visit: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/warwickshire/baddesley-clinton
Coventry Charterhouse, Coventry
On Friday 18 and Saturday 19 September, as part of the Heritage Open Days celebration, Coventry Charterhouse opens its doors to all. Visitors can enjoy free entry and discover one of Coventry’s most historic treasures, with centuries of fascinating stories to uncover.
Step inside the beautifully restored 14th-century building, home to some of the finest examples of medieval and Renaissance art in England. Explore the peaceful walled garden and wander the surrounding grounds. From its origins as a medieval monastery to its later life as a private home, Coventry Charterhouse offers a unique glimpse into the city’s rich heritage.
No booking required, just turn up and explore the Charterhouse for free.
Packwood House, Warwickshire
This Heritage Open Day, visitors are invited to step inside Packwood House and discover a house where Tudor heritage meets the dreams and imagination of the 20th century.
Opening its doors for free on Saturday 12 September, Packwood brings together salvaged treasures and exotic pieces created by Graham Baron Ash, who extensively restored the 16th-century house between the First and Second World Wars.
Described by a visitor in the 1920s as “a house to dream of, a garden to dream in”, Packwood offers something for everyone, from its brightly coloured ‘mingled style’ herbaceous borders, lakeside walk and famous sculpted yews to the family-friendly Welly Walk, where children can discover hidden fairy houses, play nature-inspired musical instruments and test their balance on wooden stepping stones and interlinked beams.
No booking required. For more information on opening times visit: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/warwickshire/packwood-house
Upton House and Gardens, Warwickshire
Discover Upton House, a remarkable 1930s home on the Warwickshire and Oxfordshire border, shaped by Lord and Lady Bearsted’s passion for art and gardens. Explore its impressive collection of Old Master and British paintings, including works by Bosch, El Greco and Canaletto, and wander through the distinctive terraced gardens.
As part of Heritage Open Days on 12 and 13 September, visitors can enjoy free entry, with the added highlight of Meet Rembrandt, a slow-looking experience centred on the picture Self-portrait in a Feathered Bonnet (1635). Take a moment to look closely at this extraordinary masterpiece and discover more with a free audio guide.
Outside, the National Collection of asters will be in bloom, adding vibrant seasonal colour to Upton’s historic gardens.
Charlecote Park, Warwickshire 
On Friday 18 and Saturday 19 September, explore Charlecote Park, a Victorian home set in a deer park near Stratford-upon-Avon, for free. Legend has it that a young Shakespeare was caught poaching in the park before running away to London, where he gained fame for his plays. National Trust volunteers will be on hand to share Charlecote’s history and anecdotes with visitors, games and activities will be available for young visitors.
No booking required. For more information on opening times visit: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/charlecote

George Mason from Avon Dassett to Llanwddyn

News

Our latest local history article comes courtesy of Carol Pearce of Llanwddyn Local History Group.

It tells the story of George Mason and his tragically early death whilst part of the labouring team building a dam across the River Vyrnwy to create a reservoir. You can read the full story here:

Further articles and publications may be found on our Local History Group page.

Warwickshire to move to two unitary councils

News

The Government has announced that the existing six councils in Warwickshire will be replaced by two larger single-tier authorities – one covering the north and the other the south in 2028.

Under the decision, one unitary council will cover the north of Warwickshire, including North Warwickshire, Nuneaton and Bedworth, and Rugby. A second unitary council will cover the south of Warwickshire, including Stratford-on-Avon and Warwick. Avon Dassett will be in the South Warwickshire council.

The six councils said:

“Our shared priority is to make sure residents, businesses and communities continue to receive the services they rely on, and that the move to the new councils is managed carefully and in the best interests of Warwickshire.

“There is now important work to do.We will work closely with Government, partners, our staff and councillors to support a smooth transition and to help shape the best possible future for local services.”

Elections for the newly formed councils are due to be held in 2027.

At that point shadow operations will be in place until the new authorities take full control in 2028, when the existing councils will be wound up.

The new South Warwickshire council will deliver all local services including waste collection, planning applications and street cleaning, education, transport and libraries.

Lloyds Tour of Britain Women, 23 August

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Warwickshire will take centre stage in the 2026 Lloyds Tour of Britain Women, with the newly announced final stage starting and finishing in Leamington Spa on Sunday 23 August. The cyclists will tackle the Burton Dassett Hills and skirt round the top end of the village. Please note there maybe traffic restrictions in place during the race. For more information and a full route map see: https://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/tour-britain-women

From the start in Leamington, the 77-mile (123.8km) route will head north to Kenilworth, before heading through Stoneleigh towards Princethorpe, where it will follow the Fosse Way southwards, passing over the M40 through Wellesbourne and Shipston-on-Stour, before turning north. The peleton will then take in a succession of climbs, including Sun Rising Hill (900m at 10% average gradient) and the ascent of Burton Dassett Hills Country Park (700m at 9% average gradient), which was a summit finish in last year’s men’s race.

The cyclists will turn left at the Avon Dassett crossroads towards Fenny Compton, Knightcote and Southam before returning to Leamington via Radford Semele and the finish near Jephson Gardens.

 

Booking required at some Warwickshire recycling centres

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Changes are coming to Warwickshire Recycling Centres From Monday 20 July 2026.

A new tailored, hybrid booking system is being introduced across Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs). To stop long queues on busy days and at weekends while keeping things flexible, whether you have to book and when will now depend entirely on which site you are planning to visit. The goal is to make recycling as smooth, quick, and safe as possible for everyone.

For details on the changes, operational hours, and if you have to book a slot, go to: https://orlo.uk/7DxIo

Cecil William Boyle – England Rugby International

News

Our latest local history article has been published!

Phil Hill, journalist and author has written a fascinating book: The Lives of England Rugby Players 1871–1899 (available on Amazon) which features tales of the lives of those 337 men on and off the rugby pitch, with photographs accompanying each character. There are stories of a murder mystery, spies, wild cat attacks, a fighting  vicar, Queen Victoria amused and not amused, Sherlock Holmes, Peter Pan and Jack the Ripper, and much more.

One of the entries is on Cecil Boyle of Avon Carrow, and Phil has allowed us to republish his entry here:

Further articles and publications may be found on our Local History Group page.