February 2023

12 Buckden Roundabout February 2023 Village News FRIENDS IN DEED There are times in our lives when we could all do with a little extra support or companionship whatever our age or circumstance. New Drivers Needed We are looking for new drivers. So, if you have a car, some free time and are willing to help please get in touch with peter.mount@btconnect.com or 07914 669967. Friends in Deed is a group of volunteers who offer help and support to residents of Buckden. All our volunteers are DBS checked and safeguarding trained. Need a lift to an appointment? There are fixed fees for this service. Please email our transport co - ordinator peter.mount@btconnect.com or call 07914 669967 and leave your name, number, address and details of your appointment (date, time, location) giving 48 hours notice please. Need someone to talk to or some practical support? Come and chat to us at the Community Café (in the Living Stones Room in St Mary ’ s Church Buckden on the 2 nd Wednesday of every month 2.30 - 4pm) or email friendsindeed@stmarysbuckden.org.uk . We can arrange home visits or phone - calls. This is a free service and can be either a one - off chat or regular chats. Want to volunteer? We are always on the look out for new volunteers. Just contact us at friendsindeed@stmarysbuckden.org.uk or visit the Community Café if you would like to know more. Buckden WI January WI Meeting Our first meeting of the New Year on Tuesday 3 rd January was enjoyed by more than 20 ladies in spite of inclem- ent weather and several absences through illness. Over cheese and wine, we discussed the choice of 4 potential resolutions for the next year ’ s national campaign and each registered our preferred choice to be submitted to the federation. Options included encouraging water conservation, campaigning for a fairer deal for women working on tea plantations, addressing the harms caused by problem on - line gambling and campaigning for the cleaning up of our rivers. After these conversations, the evening was rounded off with two entertaining quizzes prepared by Emma on the subjects of ‘ Cheese and Wine ’ and ‘ The Past Year ’ respectively which led to much amusement and friendly rivalry around the 4 tables. Our next meeting, with a speaker, is on 7 th February at 7.30pm in the Millard suite at the village hall. There will be the usual competition, raffle and Market Stall and both members and visitors are warmly welcome to attend. For further information please contact Ruth Nicolas – 01480 810940, 07957334142 Or Judith Armitage – 01480 811717 Buckden Neighbourhood Watch 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 Suspicions or concerns can be reported via the police force ’ s online web chat function here https://bit.ly/3tfssQF Or via the online reporting forms here https://bit.ly/3ck9z85 CRIME PREVENTION ADVICE Every month in the Roundabout I try to provide information and help in the hope that it will reduce the impact of crime and fraudsters on Buckden residents. Nobody thinks that they will become a victim of crime until it happens. When it does feelings can range from anger and frustration to embarrass- ment and hopelessness. Help and support is available. The National Neighbourhood Watch maintains a map of crimes committed in the UK and provides help and infor- mation if you become a victim of crime. They also examine and suggest ways of limiting risk within communities. Here are a few suggested new year resolutions: • Never leave a car, garage or garden shed unlocked. • Never leave the house with the windows open; ideally they should be locked. • Do not reply to unsolicited mail or emails. • Look out for your neighbours especially if they are old or in poor health. Both are at risk from crime some- times because of loneliness and isolation • Say no to Doorstep and Telephone scammers. They can be particularly unscrupulous and often very charming. Politely close the door or put the phone down. Let us hope we have an incident and crime free year.