There was a good turnout of 11 people. In spite of there being a conflicting meeting, and several people being away. Thanks to all who attend, especially to Ruth Moore who sorts out the tea/coffee etc. We would also like to thank South Somerset Homes for hosting our meetings, in such a friendly setting.

We were sorry that Michelle Haimes, our Police Community Support Officer was unable to be with us, but were pleased to hear that she has recently attended the Seniors Group to give help and advice. Ruth Moore had spoken to the group about the dangers of keeping large sums of money in the house, and the recent advice to take care when collecting the additional Winter Fuel Payments, which is being sent out in the next few weeks.

Michelle has also reinforced the advice to make sure our houses are safe and secure; to keep a lookout for empty houses over the Christmas period, and to NEVER let anyone unknown into the house without checking ID.

There has recently been a spate of thefts of machinery and diesel from farms. Also there continue to be thefts from vehicles. We are all advised to remove property from vehicles, or put it out of sight. With Christmas fast approaching, it is a good idea to keep curtains closed, and not display presents in full view of passers by.

We have been alerted to a scam concerning parcel delivery. A card is posted through the door from a company called PDS (Parcel Delivery Service) suggesting that they were unable to deliver a parcel and that you need to contact them on 0906 6611911 (a premium rate number) DO NOT CALL THIS NUMBER, as this is a mail scam originating from Belize.

If you do call this number and you start to hear a recorded message you will already have been billed £15 for the phone call. If you do receive a card with these details, then please contact Royal Mail Fraud on 02072396655 or ICSTIS (the premium rate service regulator) at www.icstis.org.uk

Since the meeting there have been a couple of house signs taken from The Willow House, and Silverbanks Lambrook Rd. If you find either, or both of these in your garden, or on the roadside etc, please ring 240-363. We would love to have them back.

Mary H Clarke