THE Bell Bank Club is still continuing with weekly meetings as they still have a useful community role to fulfil for the visually impaired members of Hay area - additional helpers are welcome.

Since the last report, members have enjoyed an excellent meal at the Three Horse Shoes, Velindre, many thanks to Diane and her staff for their hospitality and attention to detail.

Long standing member Dorothy recently entertained members with some very interesting stories and experiences. They also enjoyed more musical exercises from Judith and some interesting audio reminisces from CDs supplied by John and Aileen. John is currently digitising Aileen's Bell Bank monthly round-up tapes. She recorded some amazing interviews, going around Hay on her bicycle from 1998 to 2013 and some of these historical recordings may be played at future meetings.

The most recent meeting was a presentation by PCSO Lee Garret from Brecon Neighbourhood Policing Team, Lee highlighted how skilled scammers are, ringing individuals with their frequent cold calls. His advice is to put the phone down when called by an unwanted enquiring cold caller, remember that bank nor any of the utilities will ever ask for your banking details over the phone.

Displaying a 'cold callers not welcome' sticker on your door or window will help to deter doorstep rogue traders. PC Garret gave members many freebies including stickers, useful information to help protect members and police contact details for any future concerns.

He advised never be to embarrassed to report an incident as this may help the safety of the wider community.

If anyone knows of any visually impaired people in the Hay area who would like to contribute to the Bell Bank club, please ask them to consider attending meetings at the Conservative Club, Hay on Thursday afternoons, Hay and District Dial- a-Ride can help with transport.