Scams

Turkey/Syria Earthquakes

Beware of fake donation accounts for the Turkey-Syria earthquake

If you’re considering donating to victims of the Turkey-Syria earthquake, keep in mind that scammers are always lurking to take advantage of such a crisis.

On social media, we’ve found pages, posts and videos containing misleading or false information about the earthquake. This is in an attempt to get people to send funds, including Bitcoin and NFT donations.

Phoney HMRC tax refund emails

Fraudsters are impersonating HMRC and sending phoney tax refund emails. The emails include a link to ‘claim’ your refund. And if you click on the link, you’ll be taken to a website that puts you at risk of giving away your personal details to a scammer.

It is helpful to know that HMRC will never send specific tax information (such as how much you owe or any rebates due to you) by email, so if you receive this email you can rest assured that it’s a scam.

Fake People’s Postcode Lottery letters

If you receive a letter claiming that you’ve won thousands in the People’s Postcode Lottery, it’s important to take a moment to ensure you’re not being targeted by a scammer.

This scam letter includes the People’s Postcode Lottery logo and branding and claims that your postcode has been randomly selected from the electoral roll database. You’re asked to call a number to claim your prize which is when the scammer will phish your personal details.

Amazon Prime scam

Scammers are impersonating Amazon to get access to your device.

These scam calls involve fraudsters telling consumers that their Amazon Prime subscription is increasing in price or expiring. If you say you want to cancel, you’ll be asked to download remote access software such as AnyDesk. This is a genuine program that fraudsters sometimes use to exploit victims. Once you download the program, the scammer will be able to access your device and steal your information or install malware.

ALWAYS BEWARE, CRIMINALS LURK EVERYWHERE.

Short Walks

In March Roy Brown led the group on a circular route from Jacksdale Garden Centre.

They were rather windswept but despite the forecast of probable rain it was a dry morning.

Understandably several felt the need to recover in the friendly recommended cafe afterwards.

Thursday April 20th

On Thursday 20th April we are walking some less frequently visited areas from Bestwood Country Park visitor’s car park. (Near the winding house)

It includes a visit to a viewpoint in the park which is named after one of our current active u3a members

Prior to the walk we are invited to visit inside the winding house courtesy of u3a member Bob Gow who leads the volunteer group at Bestwood.

On your tour around the building you will use the newly installed lift to move up the various different levels of the building to the top where you can experience the sheer size and power of the winding engine. On the way back down via the steps you will hear the story of the mine during its years of operation until its closure in 1967

Park Road Bestwood Village Nottingham NG6 8TQ

Please note the earlier starting time 9.30. 9.40am at the Winding House

David Rose

Science

This month we considered the life and work of Leohnard Euler.

Born in Switzerland he was a brilliant mathematician, physicist, astronomer, logician, engineer, and music theorist.

He is considered to be one of the greatest mathematicians that ever lived.

He wrote a definitive book on teaching Maths and he believed any man or woman can have perfect numeracy.

An activity followed which involved the solving of some algebra problems with varying degrees of success.

It was good to see the group having a go putting to use dormant maths skills learnt in the past.

We finished with a short video about the re-wilding of wolves in Yellowstone USA.

Friday, April 21st 2023 meeting

We return to the theme of sustainability with a focus on the fashion/clothing industry.

Is it possible for manufacturers to produce high quality, environmentally friendly and sustainable clothing?

How does reusing and recycling material help to reduce the negative impact of cheap throwaway garments?

More information will be sent to group members before the meeting.

David Rose

National Trust Visit – Calke Abbey

All fifty three members were on board the coach at Hucknall Market before our depature time of 9.30 am on Monday, 27th March, 2023.

As a result we were at Calke Abbey just before 10.30 am.

The weather was dry and mainly sunny making the conditions ideal for  the various activities.

Over the day members enjoyed visiting the main house, the church, the gardens, the cafe, the shops and enjoying the well signposted walks of varying length.

A broken down van at Nuthall Island on the return journey caused some delay but did not take the gloss off a lovely day.

Next month will see the group venture further afield to Upton House near to Oxford.

                                     

 Barrie

History Group

The History Group always welcomes all U3A members especially new ones. Our indoor meeting place is Central Methodist Church on Baker Street: time 2pm – 4pm ish.

The next meeting is April 19th when we are visiting Bassetlaw Museum at Retford where we will see the Pilgrims Gallery display. The Coach leaves Hucknall Market at 11am – leaving Retford at 4pm. I’m told there are many café’s in Retford and a Weatherspoons next door to the Museum.

Wednesday May 17th 2pm is the date and time for the meeting at Central Methodist Church when Mike Kelly will be with us. He will tell us about The Fall of Saxon England, Christmas Day 1065 to Christmas Day 1066 which is the most traumatic year in English history.

Kathy and Sue will be at the main meeting in May to take bookings for our Visit to Ashby de la Zouch Museum on June 21st.

Maureen

Meetings and visits2023

April 19th 2023

A visit to Bassetlaw Museum at Retford where there is a Pilgrims Gallery Display. No café but Weatherspoons next door.

Leave Hucknall 11am – leave Retford 4pm Cost of visit £10

May 17th 2023

Mike Kelley, someone else who is new to us, telling us about The Fall of Saxon England. Christmas Day 1065 – Christmas Day 1066. The most traumatic year in English History

June 21st 2023

Visit to Ashby de la Zouch Museum where there is a Dolly Shepherd Display. Do you remember the talk we had about the lady parachutist? Plus visit to Ashby Castle if possible – still checking this one. Leave Hucknall 11am – leave Ashby 4pm Cost of visit £10

July and August – Holidays

September 20th 2023

Robert Mee, whom we have enjoyed listening to before, will talk about Nottinghamshire Castles. He says – Eleven sites and more besides

October 18th 2023

Potteries Museum & Art Gallery Staffordshire Hoard on display.

Leave Hucknall 10.30am – leave Stoke 4pm Cost of visit £12.50

November 15th 2023

Michael Cooke, is another of our previous speakers, who usually tells about European history, this time I think it might be around England.

December 21st  – No meeting too close to Christmas