Cllr Roy Gerstner – Community Activist

Good Neighbours Coordinators,
I am pleased to say that a large percentage of Cambridgeshire’s No Cold Calling Zones are now led by a local resident which is fantastic news and our Good Neighbours Scheme is also proving popular with over 30 schemes now in place across Cambridgeshire. Welcome to our new coordinators and thank you all for your help. I hope these updates are proving useful to you all.
Be wary of people calling you claiming to be from The Telephone (or Mailing) Preference Service asking for payment to complete your registration. TPS/MPS is a FREE service. TPS have also been made aware of an overseas company claiming to be BT, asking for your credit card details to stop unwanted calls. This is a scam. BT advise on their website to never give out your credit card details over the phone.

Another one to watch out for… We have been made aware of a resident who had a phone call recently from a man advising that he was from the police. He claimed that following the latest terror attacks, the resident’s email had been flagged as having been involved in the attacks. The caller was very aggressive and was demanding a £350 payment to ‘stop’ the problem by logging on to her PC. He called the resident up to 10 times the following day threatening that they would go to jail if they did not make payment. The resident is elderly and lives alone and was struggling to cope with all these calls so our team have become involved to help stop these phone calls. If you hear of anything like this, please try to reassure the victim and do let us know if you think we can help.
We have also had a message from the Action Fraud team warning of a text message scam. This is known as ‘smishing’ (SMS phishing!). It enables criminals to steal a victim’s money or identity, or both, as a result of a response to a text message. Fraudsters are targeting victims via text message, purporting to be from their credit card provider, stating a transaction has been approved on their credit card. The text message further states to confirm if the transaction is genuine by replying ‘Y’ for Yes or ‘N’ for No. Do not respond to these messages (or to text ‘stop’ to a strange number to stop text messages). Through this method the fraudster would receive confirmation of the victim’s active telephone number and would be able to engage further by asking for the victim’s credit card details, CVV number (the three digits on the back of your bank card) and/or other personal information.   Protect yourself:

• Always check the validity of the text message by contacting your credit card provider through the number provided at the back of the card or on the credit card/bank statement.
• Beware of cold calls purporting to be from banks and/or credit card providers.
• If the phone call from the bank seems suspicious, hang up the phone and wait for 10 minutes before calling the bank back. Again, refer to the number at the back of the card or on the bank statement in order to contact your bank.
• If you have been a victim of fraud or cyber-crime, please report it to Action Fraud at http://www.actionfraud.police.uk/ or alternatively by calling 0300 123 2040

Please take care of yourselves and (as always) if you would rather not receive these little updates please let me know.

Kind Regards,
Elaine Mountfort
Community Protection Officer
Corporate and Customer Services Directorate

Telephone: 01954 286006 or 07810153604

Email: elaine.mountfort@cambridgeshire.gov.uk

The information in this email is confidential and may be legally privileged. It is intended solely for the addressee. If you receive this email by mistake please notify the sender and delete it immediately. Opinions expressed are those of the individual and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Cambridgeshire County Council. All sent and received email from Cambridgeshire County Council is automatically scanned for the presence of computer viruses and security issues. Visit www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk

Well, it wouldn’t be Sunday if I repeated for the past 12 weeks that The now for-ever ‘Closed Toilet’ is still……wait for it!!!! …. still closed – well blow me down am I surprised.
I am beginning to think this is a bit of a challenge between myself FDC & WTC councillors, to see who gives in first….Well if ‘they’ are thinking that way…they’ve picked the wrong man. I will continue to HIGHLIGHT this now travesty for as long as it takes.
It is an embarrassment to our council (Who are not actually responsible for the toilets) but would seem to be inept into getting this issue sorted for once, and the FDC councillors who tell me they are on the case – 12+ weeks on the case….Now I was told in good faith that The Toilet had been fixed – although something went wrong shortly afterwards!!!!
So let Me apologise for having to bore you with this for never ending saga…I am sorry to bore you (R.G.)

How about a bit of what is known as ‘Inconsiderate Parking’ thanks to my correspondent who sent me these pictures of said Range Rover at West End, who parks not for minutes but for several hours – frequently ….The police have been informed….Park with more consideration….Chelsea Tractor Person….

We were all blown away by the fantastic performance of one of the UK’s premier entertainment ‘organist’ – Mr Chris Powell who performed a vast array of music.
His performance on the ‘Roland Atelier’ organ was bliss to ones ears – The small but very happy audience at St Andrews Church last night were there to support of Christian Aid,
Both Connie & I enjoyed the one and a half hour performance – all for £8pp
Might not be everyone taste in music – but it was very well worth it and for a good cause.

   
Click on pictures to enlarge.
Visit Chris Powell on his website Click Here

Success comes in small amounts and we should be proud of ‘our’ small achievements. For those of you who could not attend Thursdays meeting, one of the items of concern raised was a cold caller – who was Young, Good looking and Charismatic in his approach. ‘I am calling to apologise for the noise and inconvenience which we may cause, we are working a few houses down.’ He blabs on for a while until he reaches the ‘REAL’ reason he is there – Selling Windows and Doors etc. No I.D. visible, a few of our team had already been visited – although no law as such is being broken, it is against cold calling rules which all companies who do this type of selling must sign up too.

The very next day (Friday) our member Averil C – herself just arrived home to find a knock-knock on her door. She was given the same blab as above, but when she asked to see where ‘they’ were working, the story changed to‘ Well we haven’t quite started yet.’ After the Young, Good Looking and Charismatic man left, Averil called 101 and got through fairly quickly, she relayed her story to them.

The Police contacted our (2) PCSO’s (who were present at Thursdays meeting) – they were in Chatteris at the time. They came over to Whittlesey, tracked down the guy along with two others and their Boss Man. Words of advice was given and a dressing down on Trading Laws/Selling etc, plus the No show ID was raised. Although not illegal as such, but with lots of scammers around knocking on doors, it is rather refreshing that this incident turned out well – and thanks to our small team in blue – it was not an emergency but they have done very well in this occasion. Please be very aware – and please tell your neighbours – Do Not Open Doors to Strangers…..If necessary speak through the letterbox, Always ask to see I.D. – do not always believe a telephone number on the I.D. – call a number either from your Bill, Bank, or check on the Internet, the genuine caller will wait 5 minutes if necessary. Better still place a No Cold Calling Sticker in Your Windows and Doors, it may not do much, but may send a message to the would be person at the door.

Thanks to Averil….

The Friends of Whittlesey Library (I have been a committee member from its early days) had their 3rd visit from the ‘Opera Dudes’ – a now guaranteed sell out event. Neil and Tim putting on a very good show and entertainment for all to enjoy.
Their 20+ years experience really showed through.
They frequently play at ‘Warners’ and have done some ‘Cruising’
(r) R.G. welcoming everyone at the ‘door’

   

(Click on picture to enlarge)
There will be another music event planned for October – more info when available.

The AGM began with Chairman Roy Gerstner asking the attendees for a minutes silence in respect for those who suffered in recent incidents in London & Manchester.

Under the present constitution the group is 10 years old.
There was a NHW group prior to 2007 but not organised as a group as it is at present.

The meeting was well attended and included our 2 PCSO’s Shane and Michael who remained for the whole meeting.

Chairman Roy Gerstner updated the group with the years events and how current policing both in Fenland/Cambs and Nationally is being ‘challenging’ to say the least.

During the year I attended 4 Cambs Executive Meetings at Police HQ/Hinchingbrooke.
I attended 2 Police conferences.
I attended 14 Public engagement meetings
I met with the ‘new’ Police and Crime Commissioner.
I attended 8 Whittlesey Town Council meetings.

Secretary/Webmaster Robin Sutton gave a very good visual/interactive explanation of ‘Ransomware’
Chairman Roy Gerstner gave a talk about recent ‘Doorstep Selling’ issues that had occurred with examples of how local people had been ‘conned’

Local Police PCSO’s gave up to date information of crime and anti-social issues, there was a Q&A session – The main issues being the on-going concerns of traffic using ‘High Causeway and Anti-social behaviour in the Delph and Bassenhally areas.

The AGM election took place.
Chairman Roy Gerstner was re-elected for the 7th year
Secretary/Webmaster Robin Sutton was re-elected for the 2nd year
Treasurer John Garnett was re-elected for the 7th year.

Whittlesey NHW – Helping our community and neighbourbours to a safer place to live, work and play. Our area covers Whittlesey, Eastrea, Coates and Turves.

For a vast amount of help and information visit Whittlesey NHW Website – Click Here

Being involved in many groups and organisations here in Whittlesey, I can not help to notice – It is nearly always the ‘same’ people who are very much involved.
Of course many people do not want to get involved, stating busy lifestyles etc, the same people however find countless hours engaging on ‘Social Media’.
There are around 75 groups and organisations in Whittlesey and Villages.
One of my favourite quotes sums it all up nicely.

WE WERE ALONE (Martin Niemoller)

“When they came for the Communists
we were not Communists
so we did nothing
“When they came for the Jews
we were not Jews
so we did nothing
“When they came for the Social Democrats
we were not Social Democrats
so we did nothing
“When they came for the Trade Unionists
we were not Trade Unionists
so we did nothing
“When they came for the Liberals and Intellectuals
we were scared
so we did nothing
“When they came for the Churchmen
we were frightened
so we did nothing
“When they came for us
we looked for help
but we were alone”

Paul Burpitt & RG – a lifelong friend never complains.

Updated AM 230615
The Meeting began with a minutes silence in respect of those who have suffered in recent incidents.

This was another very well attended meeting considering how hot it was.
Excellent Guest Speaker Louise Russell – Young Peoples Counselling Service gave an enlightening insight of ‘Help’ required by ‘Children’ as young as 11 – Here in Whittlesey.
Cllr Miscandlon informed the group that the purchase/signing/rubber stamping of the purchase of The Old Police Station – To Whittlesey Town Council should go ahead today
(22nd June).

Later on the agenda, was the resignation of Cllr David Mason, who has done a sterling job in his role. However he is a busy man like many, but one reason for his departure was given ‘That the Forum’ had lost slight and focus on the business promotion of the group.
There has been some diversions from the core reasoning behind the group.
Chairman Stephen Hodson asked for a volunteer to replace David Mason for next months meeting, he also suggested a ‘Brain Storming session’ at next months meeting to address the issues raised.
The Trade Fair being planned by the forum is currently on track (Sunday 8th October)
See the forms below for outline & booking.

Whittlesey Business and Community Fayre (Booking Form)

Whittlesey Business and Community Fayre

There are currently 54 paid up members of The Whittlesey Business Forum
The next meeting will be held on Wednesday July 19th 6:30pm The Falcon Hotel.

©Logo WBF

So today being the longest and hottest day it was not surprising that a group of youths were cooling off in the ‘Bower – Lock Area’ this evening.
Maybe they are unaware of the ‘hidden dangers’ and the quality of the water?

Location :  Household Waste And Recycling Centre, New Road,
Whittlesey, PE7 1SZ
Date/ Time : 19/06/2017 17:15 – 20/06/2017 07:10

OFFENDER(S) HAVE GAINED ENTRY INTO THE RECYCLING CENTRE AND FORCED THE PADLOCK ON A METAL CONTAINER AND STOLEN ITEMS FROM WITHIN.

Good to see that the ‘Buttercross’ Tiling has had a wash down, I seem to reporting the state of ‘grubbiness’ quite regularly – I was once told – by a senior manager at FDC that the Buttercross is ‘Jet-washed’ every week – In your dreams….still it was done after the Music on the Square event without my intervention.

   
A nice new bench @ The Bower           Police/PCSO in attendance at Whittlesey Library
Hopefully it won’t get vandalised        this morning. Next engagement July 17th 10:00am