Maidenhead & Windsor

Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough senior citizens can learn how to avoid becoming victims of fraudsters and conmen – by enjoying a musical show.

The Windsor and Maidenhead council's trading standards and adult services teams have jointly organised a free, fun-packed morning at the Town Hall in Maidenhead on Tuesday September 25 where older residents can enjoy the musical Scambuster!, followed by a singalong of 1960s classics, and refreshments before and after the show.

Scambuster!, based on true stories, tells the tales of Sydney, the victim of a rogue tarmac tradesman, and Mary, who thinks she's won the holiday of a lifetime. Professional actors from Solomon Theatre Company present the live story-telling event. The company visited the borough for the first time last year with Trickster, which showed how older people could avoid being the victims of distraction burglaries.

Also on hand to provide related advice and assistance will be a range of Windsor and Maidenhead organisations such as Neigbourhood Watch, Age Concern, Thames Valley Police, Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service and Repair with Care.

Cllr John Story, lead member for adult services, said: "This is an excellent opportunity for older members of the community to come together to learn some really useful tips on how to look after themselves in their own home, not only from the Scambuster! performance but also from the wide range of services which will be represented on the day to provide a variety of helpful support and advice."

Cllr Alison Knight, the Windsor and Maidenhead council's chief whip, who will give the welcoming speech, said: "The borough's trading standards team deals with many cases where senior citizens have been victims of heartless conmen or false lottery scams.

"The team puts in a huge effort to help people who have been tricked, but also recognises how essential it is to prevent such incidents happening in the first place. Putting on Scambuster! is an entertaining way to inform people of how they and their money can remain safe by avoiding the fraudsters."

The doors open at 9.30am and the show starts at 10am, lasting just under an hour. After a short break there will be a half-hour singalong and the chance to view the information stands, and the event finishes with a buffet lunch.

Entrance is free and booking is essential; tickets are available from Louise Gray on 01628 683709.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead