April 2022

5 Buckden Roundabout April 2022 Neighbourhood Watch 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 AVOID SCAMMERS AND FRAUDSTERS Scams and fraudsters effect the lives of millions of people across the UK every day. The National Trading Standards Scams Team report that they can cost UK consumers between five and ten billion pounds every year! Anyone can be a target but if you know what to look for you are less likely to be taken in. TOP TIPS TO AVOID DOORSTEP AND TELEPHONE SCAMS Doorstop Scams • Be aware that uniforms and ID can be copied and faked • If the person is genuine, they will not mind if you con- tact the company using a number from a bill or web- site. • Do they have a pre - booked appointment? Utilities rare- ly call without an appointment. • If they don ’ t have an appointment, they won ’ t mind waiting if they are legitimate. • Do not let them enter the house until identity proven Telephone Scams • Do not be pressured to decide, offer to telephone back with a decision. • Call back if you are unsure using a number on a bill or a trusted website • If an offer sounds too good to be true it probably is. • Just because the caller sounds friendly does not mean that you can trust them. • Never provide your personal or account details. • Have you heard about call blocker technology which can prevent calls from scammers? • When in doubt put the telephone down. YOU CAN CONTACT ACTION FRAUD FOR HELP ON 0300 123 2040 Buckden Village Hall Developments I am delighted to report that a Zip Wire and Climbing Wall will be installed in early April and many thanks to Buckden Parish Council for funding these. This will make a much more attrac- tive play area for older children. Please visit the Village Club when you are there! The Valley More wildflower planting will take place soon using a method called Hydro seeding, which mixes wildflower seed with liquid- ised mulch and spread via very high - pressure water injection. Speaking about water and mud, the borders around the lake are still very muddy as they are formed from the silt dredged from the bottom of the lake. These areas will gradually drain and dry out and the grasses planted will stabilise the soil. At present, however the root system of the plants has not yet started to grow and dry out the coir areas. It will get better but use common sense please. A local resident mentioned that on his way back from tennis at about 8.15pm his son saw frogs everywhere! They went to have a look and there were frogs all down the path from Mor- ris Close, and on the ground around the valley there were frogs about every metre. It was full moon and I presume that they were all gathering for mating. It shows that they must be en- joying the newly cleared lake – a staggering amount of wildlife! Village Hall and Electricity As a Trustee of the Buckden Village Hall, I have been privy to the financial forecasts. Utility bills have tripled since Decem- ber, and from 1 April, the Hall will have to manage increases in NIC, wages, water bills and inflation. The Village Hall offers very attractive meeting and conference facilities as well as for events (children ’ s parties, weddings, wakes, dance evenings etc). Hire rates are very competitive so please support our Village Hall if you can. The Village Hall Trust is a self - funding charity and receives no funding from the Parish Council. Information provided by Cynthia Alers Children's Society Box Holders A big thank you for your generous contribution to our society. We raised a grand total of £1,650.91. Well done everyone! Jo McGregor