April 2024

17 Buckden Roundabout April 2024 Village News W.I. Twenty - one members gathered in the Mil- lard Suite at the village hall for our A.G.M. on 4 th March, and we were pleased to wel- come Phyllis Brookes, representing Hun- tingdon and Peterborough Federation. Rosey Studd reported on our finances and the annual accounts and budget were read and approved. Judith Armitage gave her final report as secretary as she is stepping down after 13 years in this role. She reminded us of the past year of very interesting and informative meetings when, for instance, we learned about the life of a bee - hive, about Shakespearean Theatre and about Queen Victoria ’ s clothing, had our minds manipulated by David Bales, heard about the exploits of a Home Economist, sampled cheese from White Witch Creamery, made poppies to yarn - bomb Hunting- don Market Square for Remembrance and crackers at our Christmas party … and so much more. Judith was sincerely thanked for her years of service and was presented with the gift of a ceramic planter. Ruth Nicholas is also standing down from the committee after many years and was thanked in her absence. The remaining committee were willing to stand for the coming year and we are delighted to welcome Gill Baker onto the team and very grateful that has agreed to become our new secretary. Emma Spencer gave an encouraging Presidential address look- ing forward to an inspiring programme of events, activities and fund - raising in what will be our 106 th year as an institute. After the annual vote, she was appointed to remain as our President for the coming year. Members voted to re - instate the singing of Jerusalem (discontinued after Covid). The winner of the cup for the most entries in the monthly competitions over the year was Gerry Brown and the prize for the most competition wins was Carol Swepstone. The evening concluded socially over tea and biscuits with some light - hearted quizzes provided by Jessica Blagborough and with the usual raffle. Our next meeting will be on 2 nd April at 7.30p.m. in the Millard Suite, when Albert Jackson will speak on “ Two Years to Serve the Queen: the ups and downs of national service. ” We warmly welcome new members and visitors so if you would like more information please contact: Emma Spencer 07960 018412 Judith Armitage – 01480 811717 Buckden Neighbourhood Watch Stop! Think fraud! Fraud accounts for almost 40% of all crime. In just one year, one in 17 adults in England and Wales were victims of fraud. That ’ s nearly three million. One in five businesses were also a victim of fraud over a three - year period, fraud is a real threat, and it can happen to anyone. Think you ’ re immune from fraud? Fraudsters can use highly manipulative methods to get us when our defences are down. Nobody is immune from fraud. There is a need to be alert to the risks and do more to protect ourselves. Do you stop to check who ’ s really contacting you? Fraudsters often call or message people, pretending to be from their bank, other well - known and trusted companies or even someone you know. They can be very convincing, particularly if they ’ ve already managed to get hold of some personal infor- mation for example by looking on social media. How to reduce your risk Never take calls or messages without checking first that the caller or sender is who they say they are, and always take time to stop and think. Don ’ t be rushed into a quick decision think carefully before handing over money, personal details or access to your device. If you have any doubts, hang up and do not call the number provided. Be aware that fraudsters can spoof telephone numbers, so the number that appears on your ID may not be proof of who they are. Instead, check with the organisation directly using contact de- tails you know are correct, such as those on a utility bill, official website, on the back of your card or 159 for banks. If you get a message from a family member asking you to send money, use known contact details to check if it ’ s real. Do not automatically trust offers and click on links. Always be wary of half - price holiday deals! RICHARD WEST Village Coordinator 01480 811467 / 07841 866630 To contact the police: 999 in an emergency; 0800 555 111 Crime Stoppers; 0300 123 2040 Action Fraud. EMAIL burglarycrackdown@cambs.pnn.police.uk or visit www.crimestoppers.uk.org or you can telephone 101