1.30Pm WOLSEY HALL s1

CHESHUNT U3A Charity no. 1150779

MEETING THURSDAY 25th FEBRUARY 2016 1.30pm WOLSEY HALL.

Today the guest speaker will be IAN KEABLE who will be entertaining us on the subject of “UNMASKING OF THE COCK LANE GHOST” Our next meeting will be on 24th MARCH 2016 when the guest speaker will be Bill HAMILTON a former BBC journalist, who will be entertaining us on the subject of “MAN ON THE SPOT”

Monthly meetings will usually be held on the 4th Thursday of each Month at 1.30pm at Wolsey Hall.

Please note that the doors to Wolsey Hall will not be opened until 1.30pm and the main Meeting will commence in the Hall by 2.30pm.

Visit our web site www.u3asites.org.uk/cheshunt for more information of events and groups. Peter HARRIS maintains this site. This programme/newsletter is available on the website about three days before the monthly meeting.

When you attend the monthly meetings, you should bring your membership card (this year the colour is Ivory), along to book yourself in at the respective desk. You should also take it to any group meetings. The group leaders will want to keep their own records.

Visitors A Temporary Membership Fee of £2 is charged to visitors, and a dated receipt will be given. This confers all the advantages of Cheshunt U3A membership, including Insurance for that month only, during which time a group activity can be joined if there is room, on production of the receipt and payment of the usual group attendance fee. Members’ information held by Cheshunt U3A will not be disclosed to any third party NEW GROUPS MOTO (Members On Their Own) No dates yet, I will contact members as soon as possible, if any new members are interested please phone me. This group is progressing very well, we meet up quite a bit, often making arrangements a day or two in advance. For more information, please phone Pat on 01992 303860

RUMMIKUB Ann Waddingham - 01992 465218 & Delphine Andrews – 01992 637288 (A Lea Valley Group) Meet every second Friday at St Clement’s Church Hall, Cheshunt Wash, 10.15 – 12.15pm. More new members welcome, ring the leaders or just come along. If you have a Rummikub set please bring it with you.

CHESHUNT U3A GROUPS DIARY NOTES FOR 2016 Mary HANNEY Saturday June 11th. Summer Celebration, Wolsey Hall Cheshunt 7.30pm -11.30pm. Have booked Jodie Stone as DJ who is also a talented live solo artist who has the ability to perform all genres of music throughout the decades, something a little different but comes well recommended. More details over the coming months. Please register your interest with Mary in Main Hall, so that we can gauge numbers. Following the success of our Christmas Disco 2015 the 2016 disco will be held on Saturday December 3rd.

AWAY DAYS Rose LOVELIDGE 01992 626697 Wednesday 30th March - Bessingham in Norfolk (dad's army). This trip will be same as my usual Away days: all inclusive coach, 2 course lunch, drivers’ gratuities etc. Pick up times are: Outside Tesco's at the Pond 8.30 a.m. and Waltham Abbey 8.40a.m PRICE - £42 pp please pay full price when booking. There are a few places available.

ART APPRECIATION Diane POPE 01992 632829 The Art Appreciation group visits art galleries, museums or churches to view various aspects of art. There is currently a waiting list to join this group. Diane POPE has taken over and is the person to contact.

AFTERNOON TEA with QUIZ Mary 01992 426341 Our quiz on Tuesday February 16th was well attended with some welcome new members. The quiz was won by The Has Beens' who scored an impressive 58 points out of 70. Well done to all those that took part. Our next quiz will be in April at Wolsey Hall. Please see Mary in Main Hall to confirm date.

BADMINTON/TABLE TENNIS Jan WAGSTAFF 01992 624706 We meet every Monday from 7pm-9pm at Cheshunt School. All abilities are welcome and we provide equipment. A small charge of £2 per head per night required to pay for the hall. Come along and join a very sociable group.

BIRD WATCHING WALKS Derek WEBSTER 07712 675105/ Antony POPE 07949 739116 6 of the group visited Fishers Green on the 8th February 2016 on a windy and wet day and saw 36 species of birds. The highlight of the day was seeing the Goldcrest and Kingfisher. Next month is a visit to Walthamstow Reservoirs on Monday 14th March 2016. Meet at Cheshunt station at 9.30 am to catch the 9.43am train to Tottenham Hale and then walk down Ferry Lane to the Reservoirs. Future Walks: Visit to Tring Reservoir Nature Reserve on Monday 11th April 2016 Visit to Amwell Nature Reserve on Monday 9th May 2016 Visit to Two Tree Island on Monday 13th June 2016

BOOK CLUB - Reading for Pleasure Carol HILL 01992 302722 We meet on a Monday and for further details of the next meeting, please see Carol at the information table or contact her by phone. This group is now full so perhaps someone would like to form another.

READING FOR PLEASURE-GROUP 2 Pat TOWERS [email protected]

Normally every 1st Tuesday of the month at 11am, next 1st March, at the Crocodile PH. If you would like to join, we have a vacancy, please email Pat for further details.

BOLIVIA/CANASTA Peter HARRIS01992429297 [email protected] New members always welcome for a light hearted afternoon of cards. Bolivia is a derivation of Canasta played with three packs of cards, easy to learn and a great deal (no pun intended) of fun. The membership is continuing to grow with an average of two members joining each month; however we are still looking to expand. We can guarantee at the end of one session, any newbie will understand and be able to play the game. If anyone would like to play or learn how to play, please come along and enjoy a very sociable afternoon. We have now moved to St Clements Church, Cheshunt Wash EN80LU, opposite Hillview Gardens. Dates for next month are Monday 7th March then Monday 21st March. (Please park in Hillview). The venue has wheelchair access and will accommodate vehicles in the grounds is necessary.

CHESHUNT and WARE CYCLE GROUP Stewart 01992 624706 Our group meets every Wednesday morning at 9.30am at Pindar Car Park near Cheshunt Railway Station, for a prompt 09.45am start. We have several rides available, which can be divided into either “easy ride” or “moderate/harder” ride. Cycling has low impact on HIPS AND KNEES, so if you fancy exercise, post Christmas what better method is there? So get the bike out of the shed give it a service and come and join a very sociable group.

COMPUTERS See notice later in this programme, for new project to start early 2016.

CONCERTS Ann POWELL 079710 33181 Awaits details.

CRAFT - CARDS Betty WARREN 01992 637988 This group is now up and running again. All are welcome to join.

CRIBBAGE Jenny CHRISTIAN 01992 306859 Crib every Tuesday 2-4p.m. at my house in Mylne Close, opposite M&S at Brookfield Farm shopping centre. No charge. All abilities welcome even if you are a beginner. Please contact Jenny Christian for more details.

DISCUSSION TOPICAL Rachel LARMAN 01992 636034 2nd Thursday every month, 2 – 4pm. New members welcome, have a topical discussion on any subject you like, it’s your choice.

EAT YOUR WAY AROUND THE WORLD Mary 01992 426341 No meals planned at present.

EXERCISE GROUP - KEEPING FIT Mary 01992 426341 Every Thursday, Wolsey Hall Cheshunt. Cost £3. 9.45 am for registration. Class runs from 10 am - 11 am. The sessions are run by fully qualified instructors whose aim is to ensure that we have fun whilst trying to get fit.

EXPLORING LONDON 1 Eileen FUNNELL 01992 422475 Tuesday 15th March 2016 Visit to Drapers Hall Wednesday 6th April 2016 Brands Museum and Portobello Road. Next Planning Meeting – Friday 4th March 2016 10.45 a.m. Cheshunt Free Church.

EXPLORING LONDON 2 Rosemary TRUNDELL 01992 621155 Our February outing was to the Museum of Childhood in Bethnal Green. This took us on a nostalgic trip down memory lane looking at the exhibits of toys and childhood memorabilia. There is also currently a temporary exhibition telling the true stories of Britain's child migrants who were sent to Canada, Australia and other Commonwealth countries. The children's stories were very moving. On our way to the museum we passed the memorial to the Bethnal Green Tube Disaster of 1943. Our forthcoming trips are as follows: 7th March 2016 - Tour of Southwark Cathedral April 2016 - t b a Planning meeting every 3rd Friday of the month at the Green Dragon Pub, Churchgate, Cheshunt 1.00-2.00 pm

EXPLORING LONDON 3 Shirley NEWTON 01992 678571 This group cannot take any more members at the present time. We have a planning meeting every month at the Green Dragon at 11.15a.m. Our next meeting will be on Wednesday 2nd March 2016. Trips organised for the next couple of months are: Wednesday 16th March - Backstage Tour of the Royal Opera House – Fully Booked

Tuesday 19th April - Tour of the Cinema Museum - Fully Booked It was such a coincidence that ‘The Two Johns’ showed us a video of the Amphitheatre found under the Art Gallery at the Guildhall at our AGM U3A Meeting, when we were going to make a visit this month. He certainly gave us an insight of what it was like, when we came to look around the remains. The Guildhall itself is a very interesting place and our Blue Badge guide gave us a great deal of information, including the fact that at one time everyone had to pay their taxes there, whereas nowadays it is used for Banquets in honour of visiting Heads of State and other dignitaries, royal occasions, and receptions for major historical anniversaries. The original date of our visit had to be changed, because of one of these functions. Unfortunately we couldn’t get an invite. But perhaps next time!!!

EXPLORING LONDON GROUP 4 Rose LOVELIDGE 01992 626697 We usually meet on the 3rd Wednesday in the month at the Green Dragon Pub 11a.m till 12 noon. Trips arranged are: March 9th "The Crime Museum Uncovered" April 8th Visit to the BBC Studios. April 26th Visit to the BBC Studios. May 24th Tour of A10 Printers. I have a couple of spaces available on this visit. There are vacancies in this group for those interested in some excellent venues. FAMILY HISTORY Rena KING 01992 631826 We meet every third Monday of the month at 2pm at the Green Dragon Pub, Churchgate, Cheshunt [next to the Broxbourne Council Offices in Churchgate, opposite St. Mary’s Parish Church]. Our members are researching ancestors as far away as Ireland, Scotland, all corners of England and of course locally in Hertfordshire. At the meetings we have a computer and years of experience to help solve those unexpected problems and queries. Everyone is most welcome to the meetings; just bring pencil and paper and any documents you wish to discuss. GERMAN Susan LUCK 07966 533616 [email protected] The Group meets every Tuesday at the Green Dragon from 2-4pm. New members are very welcome, but as we have been going for a while now, it would be an advantage if you do have a little knowledge of German, although we do try to accommodate complete Beginners if at all possible.

If you are interested, come and join us for a session to see if the class is for you. If you have any queries, then please contact Susan.

LAUGH YOUR PAINS AWAY Carol FARREN 01992 629028/ Ann POWELL 01707889189. New members are welcome to join us. Next meetings are: Thursday's 10th March, 14th April and 12th May. We meet on second Thursday of the month from 10am to 12noon. The venue is “THE RED COW” by Cheshunt Railway Station. Come and join us and have fun discussing our various ailments in an informal way over a cup of tea/coffee and biscuits. We really don’t sit and “moan”, we have a good laugh about our various aches & pains – most of which are associated with getting older.

LINE DANCING (Broxbourne U3A) Lesley BURNHAM 01992 445938 Mondays: 9.30am to 10.30am: Beginners/Improvers. 10.45am to 11.45am. Improvers. 12noon to 1.00pm. Beginners. Fridays. 10am – 12noon Improvers. All classes held at Wormley Community Centre. Anyone wishing to join one of these groups would need to have some line dancing experience. email [email protected]. There are currently no plans to start another Absolute Beginner class.

MODEL MAKING Jack SNARY 01992 638046 1st Wednesday of the month, 2pm, Green Dragon, Churchgate.

MUSIC APPRECIATION Peter HARRIS 01992429297 [email protected] We had our first Music Appreciation Group meeting at the Green Dragon in August 2015 and I think it was safe to say that all fifteen enjoyed it immensely. The musical tastes were diverse to say the least with a mixture of Pop, Classical, Blues and Jazz. To give you a flavour of that first afternoon and hopefully a desire to come and join us, here are the artists that were chosen:- Junior Wells, U2, Count Basie, John Denver, Glenn Miller, El Divo, Cliff Richard, Frank Sinatra, Garth Brooks, Tom Jones, Jules Holland, Acker Bilk, Moody Blues, Elvis Presley, Kenny Rogers, Django Reinhart, Bix Beiderbecke and last but not least Bryn Turval. As you can see a real mixed bag. So if you are interested, bring along a CD of your choice, you will be most welcome.

With an average of 20 members attending each meeting and enjoying it so much, it was decided that in 2016 we will meeting fortnightly. Dates are set out below Next Music Appreciation will be on Friday 4th March at 2pm and will then be fortnightly. So dates will be as follows:- Friday 04/03/16 Friday 18/03/16 Friday 01/04/16 Friday 15/04/16 Friday 29/04/16

OUT TO LUNCH GROUP (FORMERLY PUB LUNCH GROUP) Mary 01992 426341 Next meal: Monday March 14th at 12.30 pm Highland Restaurant. Broxbourne. 3 courses £13 inc Tea/Coffee. Please see Mary in Main Hall for Menu choices. Menu choice by Tuesday March 8th please.

RETAIL THERAPY Ann POWELL 01707 889189/ 079710 33181 Shopping trip to Blue Water on Wednesday 23rd March and Southend on 6th July.

SAILING Teresa LEAVY 01438 223860 We sail every Tuesday at Broxbourne Sailing Club as part of Hertford and District U3A Sailing Group. Give Teresa a call if you fancy a taster session or joining. The sailing group is run via Hertford U3a but draws its members from several local u3a's.

MORNING WALKS Rob SCOTT 01992 445288 We had 17 walkers out on our February ramble around Dane End and what a lovely sunny morning it was. Unfortunately, I forgot to take any memorable photographs. Our next walk will be on St David's Day - Tuesday 1st March at 10am and will be a 6.5 mile circular walk around Much Hadham, passing through Green Tye and Perry Green. We can park either in the Village Hall car park SG10 6BZ or along the High Street by the Bull SG10 6BU Grid Ref 427194. Much Hadham, formerly known as Great Hadham, dates from Saxon times, although it was the centre of a major Roman pottery industry. It is one of Hertfordshire's oldest and picturesque villages, lying in the valley of the River Ash. It has a long High Street, lined with well preserved timber and brick houses; the oldest dating from the 15th century.

Famous inhabitants include Edmund Tudor, who was born here and was the father of the first Tudor King - Henry VII, as well as the sculptor Henry Moore who lived at nearby Perry Green. Some people tend to think that he had a somewhat odd idea of what women actually looked like. Other celebrities include Bob Monkhouse, The Pet Shop Boys, Chas & Dave and Bob Carolgees. On our walk we will go past Moor Place, which was the home of Montague Norman - a governor of the Bank of England. To get to Much Hadham, go north along the A10 to just past Hoddesdon, then take the slip road for Harlow on the A414 at the large Amwell roundabout. After about 3.5 miles (just where the 50mph speed limit is), turn left for Hunsdon. In Hunsdon turn right at the T junction on to the B1004 for Widford and Much Hadham. My mobile for direction problems is 075944 27190. Because of the Shared Learning Project, April's walk will be on the 2nd Tuesday of the month.

SEW KNIT PATCH & CHAT Lilian ADAMS 01992 637311 FROM JANUARY 2016 WE SHALL BE MOVING TO PASTURES NEW. COME & JOIN US IN ST CLEMENT'S CHURCH HALL, TURNFORD, CHESHUNT WASH EN8 0LU. We shall be meeting on Thursdays 3rd and 17th March from 2- 4pm. Bring your own work, learn a new skill such as crochet or simply join in with the friendly chatter! Expect a warm welcome from all of us. At the moment, some of us are busily either sewing or knitting red/white/blue bunting in preparation for Queen Elizabeth's 90th birthday celebrations this year.

SHORT MAT BOWLS Lionel BANNISTER In Wolsey Hall. Every other Friday from 1.30pm – 4pm.

SHORT WALKS Bill NEVARD 01992 633959 On our last walk, 18 of us enjoyed exploring the beautiful Forty Hall Park. Many thanks to Helen Yule and Bob Barton for welcoming members to the January meeting. Next Walk, Friday 11th March 2016 10.15am for 10.30 am start: St Margarets to Ware. Meet at the bus stop at St Margarets Station for a walk along the Lea Navigation Path to Ware, where there are many pubs and cafes. Return to St Margarets or Cheshunt by the 310 bus or train. Further details at Bill’s table, at next monthly meeting. SINGING FOR FUN Contact Jim REID 01992 629997 and Pat PRYDE 01992 767321. Note our new Group Leaders.

Singing for fun group meet on Mondays 2pm to 3.30 pm at Cheshunt Free Church; anybody can join in, no auditions, just come along and give us a try. £2 per session. See us at the monthly meetings.

SOCIAL HISTORY Carole BATTER 01707 879773 We are a friendly little group and meet the second Tuesday each month in the bar of the Green Dragon, usually on the first Tuesday we visit somewhere of ‘Historical’ interest. Our February event was a visit from Chris Sumner who gave us a fascinating talk relating to his Grandfather a Poplar Counsellor who resolutely upheld his principals. The next meeting of the group is at 11.15 on Tuesday 8th March and all Cheshunt U3A members will be made welcome. Prior to this on 1st March we are going to Alexandra Palace for a guided tour and presentation talk. On 5th April, on behalf of Cheshunt U3A we will be welcoming Richard Thomas to the YHA in Windmill Lane for his slide talk relating to the River Lee – this forming part of the Shared Learning Objective – when we will host not only Cheshunt U3A members but those from Broxbourne, Hertford, Ware, Lee Valley and Harlow too. All Cheshunt U3A members will be welcome, please let your Group Leader – or me – know if you wish to join us, there is no entry fee.

SPANISH LESSONS Pam SUMNER 01992 428959 We now have our Spanish Tutor and are moving forward, however the Group is now full and are unable to take new members.

SATURDAY LUNCH GROUP Pat TOWERS 01992 303860 Adrienne 01992 678265 Normally held at the Bulls Head 1pm on the first Saturday of the month. Next 5th March 2016. Our lunch group is going well.

SUNDAY LUNCH GROUP Pat TOWERS 01992 303860 Adrienne 01992 678265 This lunch is normally held on the 3rd Sunday of the month at the Crocodile Public House. Next Lunch is at the Crocodile 1pm on Sunday 20th March and although our lunches are well attended, we have room for a few more diners. TAP DANCING Diane POPE 01992632829/Maureen WOOLLARD 01992621939

Weekly - Tuesdays St Mary's Church House, Churchgate, Cheshunt. Advanced class 10.30–11.30. Improvers class, 11.30 – 12.30. Some experience needed. See Diane for more information.

THAI CHI [email protected] Slow relaxed movements to tone your muscles, feel calm and in harmony with nature. 1 hour class every Wednesday from 2 to 3pm at the Cheshunt Free Church. Come along and try it out for free, £2 per class after that

THEATRE GROUP Pam CRAWFORD 01992 308413 Now booking; On May 18th, at the Richmond Theatre, (prior to transfer to the West End) a matinee performance of "TOM", which is the story of Tom Jones' journey of the boy from the valleys to international superstar. Excursion price £37.50. There should be time to explore Richmond before the show providing traffic and weather is good to us. Only 1 ticket left. 23rd June, matinee performance of MRS HENDERSON PRESENTS at the Noel Coward Theatre, W1, starring Tracie Bennett, Emma Williams and Ian Bartholomew. Price per ticket including coach, £44.00. The story is based on the creation of the Windmill Theatre. Only 3 tickets left. Thursday 14th July, Waterside Theatre, Aylesbury “CHICAGO” with John Partridge from Eastenders. £39 all included. Thursday 1st September at The New London Theatre, “SHOWBOAT” a wonderful musical that has rave reviews. £44 all included.

WATERCOLOUR GROUP Sid KING 01992 711617 Hallo folks. Maureen had to close her art group for various reasons and I feel sure that a number of you are mourning her departure and looking for another convivial group. Currently I run the only other group and we use water colour only. I do have some space, albeit small. Come to the monthly meeting and you may be lucky enough to get your seat on one of our seats.

BOOKSTALL, PUZZLES . If you wish to donate books and puzzles to help raise funds please bring them along to the monthly meeting. Whilst we appreciate the donation of books, we would respectfully ask that you do not donate hardbacks, as we have little demand for them and they are becoming increasingly difficult to store. Laptop, tablet, iPad, kindle, hudl, iPhone.

If you are having difficulty getting full use from any of these devices then why not try the eBuddy Project we are organizing in conjunction with Herts Regional College. Students from the College are giving up their lunch hours to help people such as ourselves get to grips with problems we may have with portable technology. Groups of 10 – 15 members can attend two sessions at the College where they will be paired with a student who will try to help them with their device. Each session will last 90 minutes, but it is important that members attend both sessions. As well as helping us get to grips with IT problems it is hoped that the students will gain confidence in delivering work related learning. Both Ware and Lea Valley U3As have taken part and have been very pleased with the result. Although the College are not imposing a charge, we would ask members taking part, to donate £2 per session (£4 in total) to be given to the IT dept., for the students to decide on its use. You will need a device of your own to bring to the sessions. Sessions will be arranged to start early 2016 so if you find that Father Christmas has brought you one of the above toys you know where to come to get help. Email [email protected] or put your name and contact details on the list on the notice board at our main meeting for more information.

SHARED LEARNING PROJECT Memories of the Lee Valley, Past and Present Richard Thomas is giving a slide talk called River Lee, Luton to Leyton starting at 10.30 on Tuesday 5th April 2016, at YHA, Windmill Lane, Cheshunt, EN8 9AJ (adjacent to Cheshunt Station), very easy to reach - and a delightful location too. Cheshunt U3A is hosting this talk as our contribution to the Shared Learning Project and all Cheshunt members are invited. There is no charge for the talk. We have also invited members from Broxbourne, Harlow, Hartford, Lee Valley and Ware U3A groups. We rather take for granted what the River Lee Country Park offers us now, for pleasant walks, admiring the wildlife and tranquillity – but not so long ago the river was a major source of industry, income and transport - possibly a bit derided and unkempt, but now all has changed with the River Lee being an area to be proud of. It has been called Britain’s best kept secret, and this is what Richard will tell us about, contrasting the past with the present. Carole BATTER 01707 879773

U3A SPRING STUDY DAY Wednesday April 27th 1.30 p.m. to 4.00 pm At Woolmer Green Village Hall, SG3 6XA 1 Climate Change and the part soil management can play Presented by Professor Keith Goulding 2 Meat production – how it can be made more sustainable Presented by Dr Robert Orr Short Interval - Light refreshments will be provided 3 Open discussion – Environmental Management for Sustainability More details on poster at Infomation Table.

TRUSTY TRADER BOOK This is kept on the information table to view, please do not remove. We ask members to enter the names of trades’ people they have used and found to be good and reliable. No guarantees' are implied or offered, please do your research but this might be a good starting point.

A raffle for valuable prizes will also be held at each monthly meeting. **** TOP PRIZE NOW £50**** COMMUNITY NEWS The groups listed below are independent and not operated under the U3A banner

DIABETES - TYPE 2 Joan BORRILL Tel: 01707 888161 "Type-2-Together" meetings are held at 10 am-12 on the last Thursday in each month at The Beaumont Centre in Turners Hill, Cheshunt. This is a Peer Support Group for those living with Diabetes type 2 to share experiences and discuss information and tips in a very relaxed and informal way, learn more about diabetes management and well-being and enjoy the support and friendship of others in the same situation. Please contact the Group Leader, Joan Borrill on the above telephone number for information and the next date.

BALLET CLASS- THE ELDER-BERRIES Two classes’ have started with a qualified tutor at the Valle Academy of Performing Arts at Wilton House, Delamare Road EN8 9SG Tel. No.

01992622862. This is very well attended and enjoyed. This is a new form of exercise for us YOUNG PEOPLE, the movements we learn will be brilliant for our muscles, limbs and especially for balance.. If you are interested you can contact Valle at the above telephone number. Wednesdays at 10.15am - 11.15. then 11.45am - 12.45, £3.50 for the hour. No Commitment. No Exams. No Pressure

CHESHUNT HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY meets at Wolsey Hall on the first Thursday evening of each month. There are various speakers at the monthly meetings plus they arrange a number of coach outings to gardens throughout the year. Members can enter exhibits in the Spring and Summer shows in a variety of classes including domestic bake items as well as the normal flower/veg competitions. New members are welcome; the annual membership is £8. For more information contact Dave Thomas 01992 631286

PILATES Becky Ashman 07964 631780 We meet every Thursday morning, 10.45 - 12noon at the Cheshunt Club, Albury Ride, Cheshunt. A friendly group with a qualified tutor who will adapt the exercises to your health and capabilities. Please bring an exercise mat or thick towel with you. New members very welcome.

KNIT and NATTER with Shirley Webb (01992 424693) Now every Tuesday at the Royal British Legion, Crossbrook Street. From 1pm to 3pm. Cost £1.

CHAIR BASED KEEP FIT Mary 01992 426341 Cheshunt Free Church, Every Tuesday 11.30am-12.30pm cost £2.00 per session. Taking part in a keep fit class can be fun whatever your age or ability. Each class is designed to help build and develop your strength, balance and flexibility and is designed for people who find an exercise class too energetic. The group will also be run by a fully qualified instructor whose aim is to ensure that you enjoy and have fun whilst trying to improve your level of mobility and fitness. After approximately 60 minutes we shall break for a well earned tea or coffee, provided free of charge.

SCRABBLE 01992 633241 Every Monday 12.30pm Cost: £2.00, Beaumont Centre. Rowlands Fields, Turners Hill, Cheshunt.

THE CHESHUNT U3A COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN MALCOLM LUFF 01992 621543 VICE CHAIRMAN STEVE GOLLOP 01992 629209 TREASURER ROB SCOTT 01992 445288 SECRETARY TONI WALSH 01992 428129 ASSISTANT SECRETARY MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY JANICE SEIBERT 01992 425696 SPEAKER SECRETARY SUE ALLUM 01992 307019 GROUPS CO-ORDINATOR ROSE LOVELIDGE 01992 626697 ASSISTANT GROUPS CO-ORD PROGRAMME PRODUCTION BARRIE GALE 01992 632094 RUG CO-ORDINATOR JEAN WARDROP 01992 632641 WEBSITE CO-ORDINATOR PETER HARRIS 01992 429297 RAFFLE ORGANISER SUE ALLUM 01992 307019 U3A NETWORK REP. CAROL HILL 01992 302722 COMMITTEE MEMBERS STEVE SELL 01992 443012 STEWART WAGSTAFF 01992 624706 NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH Fraud, or “scams”, has become a common way for criminals to attempt to steal your money. To help you recognise and tackle fraud, Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Crime Reduction and Community Safety Department produces this regular update, informing you of common and emerging frauds that are affecting people both nationally and locally, together with tips to help you stay safe and protect your money. Previous editions of this update can be found at: www.herts.police.uk/ProtectYourMoney COUNCIL TAX REDUCTION OR REFUND SCAMS We are aware of a number of Council Tax related scams operating around the country. Someone may telephone you, or call at your door, claiming to be able to reduce your Council Tax bill. Examples of the tactics used by bogus agents to get you to part with your money include:  Insisting you are in the wrong band and are owed back payments, when in fact your band is correct.  Saying they are from the local council and asking for your bank details so they can provide you with a refund. The fraudsters will then steal money from your bank account.  Claiming that taxpayers must be represented by an agent to challenge their band – this is not true  Charging an up-front fee to reduce your council tax band. Protect Your Money: Remember that you can have your band checked free of charge by contacting the Valuation Office Agency (VOA). Details are at: www.gov.uk/valuation-offices-council-tax If you receive a call offering to reduce your band, be sceptical. Contact your council or the VOA to check their story, ensuring your line is clear and you are getting a dial-tone before making the call. Don’t give your bank details to anyone who has called you, even if they claim to be an official.

If you feel that your Council Tax band for your home is wrong, then all you have to do is contact the Valuation Office Agency and explain why you think it is incorrect. They will ask you to confirm that the details they hold about your home are correct. They will review your situation and, if they agree that your band is wrong, they will change it. Please note that bands can occasionally go up as well as down. VALENTINE’S WARNING - BEWARE ROMANCE FRAUD

A Hertfordshire resident recently lost more than £7,000 after she was contacted by a man on an online dating site who claimed to be a US serviceman serving abroad. In less than a month the fraudster first convinced her to send him clothing and electronic goods, then to make a payment which would allow him to ship items back from the middle east. Thankfully, she realised the scam and she quickly contacted the Police, who were able to get her money back. This experience was, understandably, very upsetting for her. In the last six months more than 20 romance frauds have been reported by Hertfordshire residents, some losing tens of thousands of pounds. In many cases the money is sent abroad, as many of the fraudsters were overseas, making it very hard for the Police to investigate. Don't be fooled by a photo on their profile, it may not be genuine. Do a reverse image search (such as www.images.google.com) to check if and where the photo may have been used before. Don’t send money, particularly to someone you’ve recently met or have never met in person. Be careful of people wanting to communicate outside of the dating service straight away, fraudsters often only have a trial account, so won’t be able to keep their profile active for more than a few days. For detailed advice about safe online dating, visit: http://www.actionfraud.police.uk/news Produced by Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Crime Reduction and Community Safety Department ALERT: PHONEY COUNCIL TAX DEBT COLLECTORS Hertfordshire Trading Standards have received numerous calls regarding a letter that has been received by local residents claiming to be from a debt recovery agency - QDC Collection Agents of Macclesfield, asking for a payment of £67.50 for council tax arrears. This is a scam. If you receive such a letter, do not make any payment and please contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or report online at: www.actionfraud.police.uk HAVE YOU LOST MONEY TO A SCAM IN THE PAST? The National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) is warning people of the dangers of “Recovery Fraudsters”, who target the victims of previous frauds, often by cold calling them and claiming to be able to recover their lost funds. These fraudsters usually claim to be a legal professional or a representative of a government agency in order to legitimise the scam. The fraudsters know personal details about the victim and their previous investment, and they claim an advanced fee is required for ‘local taxes’ or ‘litigation costs’, which they often say is refundable as part of a ‘no-win no-fee’ basis. The fraudsters rely on the victims seeing this as a nominal fee compared to the amounts previously lost, which often run into the tens-of-thousands of pounds, and therefore worth paying if it facilitates the return of their money. Subsequently, further larger amounts are then requested by the fraudsters. Needless to say, no money is ever recovered. Protect Yourself  Never respond to unsolicited phone calls – if in doubt, hang up.  Don’t be fooled by a professional looking website as nowadays the cost of creating a professional website is easily affordable for fraudsters who hope to scam many people.  Be wary of any firms or individuals asking you for advance fees.  Consider seeking independent legal and/or financial advice before making a decision. PHONEY “OFFICIAL WEBSITES” Beware copycat websites purporting to process applications for official documents, such as passports, tax returns, blue badges etc. They often look like an official site - but they charge you for something you can do for yourself for free. Here is a list of the genuine official websites for the following services: Passports: https://www.gov.uk/browse/abroad/passports Driving licences: https://www.gov.uk/browse/driving/driving-licences Blue Badges: https://www.gov.uk/apply-blue-badge Tax Returns: http://hmrc.gov.uk/ EHIC - European Health Insurance Card: http://www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/Healthcareabroad/EHIC/ London Congestion charge: http://www.tfl.gov.uk/ COUNCIL TAX FRAUD, BLUE BADGE FRAUD AND TENANCY FRAUD

For more information, or to report a suspected fraud of this nature in the strictest confidence, visit www.hertsdirect.org/reportfraud or call 0300 123 4033.