More than 220 elderly people attended a recent performance of Scambusters the Musical which provided effective advice to help prevent them falling victims to scams.
The play was commissioned by Wiltshire Council and hosted by Melksham & District Seniors 55+ Forum at Melksham Assembly Hall. Performed by Solomon Theatre, it helped to raise awareness of scams, how they are carried out, and how to protect against them. Both the council’s trading standards team and the Melksham & District Seniors 55 + Forum are committed to ensuring residents are equipped to recognise the signs of being scammed.
Through simple songs and catchy tunes, the play delivered key messages about this type of crime in a fun and memorable way. The play featured relatable characters, each of whom was scammed in a different way.
Yvonne Bennett, Wiltshire Council trading standards manager said, “The play was very well received and really helped get out some important messages.
“Scam victims can often be left traumatised and isolated by this type of crime and it is important a victim seeks support. Reporting the crime, getting that support and not being afraid to talk about it to someone they trust is vital. Supporting a victim ensures they regain their confidence, feel empowered to make the right decisions for the future, and once again feel safe and secure in their home.”
Brian Warwick, Wiltshire’s older people champion said, “I am absolutely delighted by the support provided by trading standards and the Melksham & District Senior 55 + forum to make this event a success. I am pleased that we were able to get these important messages out and my hope is that this raises awareness of the issue across the whole county.”
The council’s trading standards officers regularly meet elderly and vulnerable people who have been scammed, sometimes out of many thousands of pounds.
Anyone who believes they have been scammed, or is being victimised by a scammer should seek advice by reporting the matter to the Trading Standards Consumer Helpline on 03454 040506.
Advisers will offer help and guidance and will ensure that the local trading standards team in Wiltshire is fully involved whenever that is appropriate.
Fraud or cyber-crime can also be reported to ActionFraud by calling 0300 123 2040. Or by visiting www.actionfraud.police.uk/
![Melksham Times Past
A column about days gone by in Melksham by local historian Lisa Ellis
The Independent Chapel and Women’s Rights in the 1840s
A document I recently transcribed lists the baptisms performed at the Independent Chapel. This record is especially helpful in that, along with baptisms, a lot of them include birth dates - one of the ways I discover which day someone was born.
The following is taken from a Wiltshire Times article published on 9th November 1878 which reports a speech given during the 100-year services and to celebrate their renovations (what we now know to be the Rachel Fowler Centre).
One speaker, Rev. T. Mann, minister in Trowbridge, talked about the Chapel’s origins when he related how Rev. Honywill came to Melksham and how he’d gone on to remain as the minister for the Independent Chapel for almost 60 years. [Honywill and his family lived on King Street in what we now call “Legion House”.]
Read more on our website, the link is in our bio.](https://scontent-lhr6-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.75761-15/505444438_18038424887647822_3264519508333556874_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=18de74&_nc_ohc=gXZQJoHTNiEQ7kNvwHezuPI&_nc_oc=AdlrJvMDapuork_EjycPOcegNeMnCA37GEIudkxkTeCfTgvB5iijE05ojpwlYCd5gN8&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-lhr6-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=2ejTZ6D9dPXIFkdtQ-bGfg&oh=00_AfMePUYDK6PXDzeUYs-aKY4wfMPOaURY8Z6OwO7o8TXJSA&oe=685718CA "Melksham Times Past
A column about days gone by in Melksham by local historian Lisa Ellis
The Independent Chapel and Women’s Rights in the 1840s
A document I recently transcribed lists the baptisms performed at the Independent Chapel. This record is especially helpful in that, along with baptisms, a lot of them include birth dates - one of the ways I discover which day someone was born.
The following is taken from a Wiltshire Times article published on 9th November 1878 which reports a speech given during the 100-year services and to celebrate their renovations (what we now know to be the Rachel Fowler Centre).
One speaker, Rev. T. Mann, minister in Trowbridge, talked about the Chapel’s origins when he related how Rev. Honywill came to Melksham and how he’d gone on to remain as the minister for the Independent Chapel for almost 60 years. [Honywill and his family lived on King Street in what we now call “Legion House”.]
Read more on our website, the link is in our bio.")
