Press Officer Rick Purnell writes........ 

Bishopsteignton’s history has close links to the Napoleonic wars as told by the Heritage Centre volunteer, Jenny Ridd to Teignmouth Mens Probus club’s April meeting. The story was about Four Admirals who fought with Nelson who upon retirement, had earned enough prize money to build grand houses along Forder Lane, forming the westward expansion of the village. They fought in the American and French Revolutionary Wars and the Napoleonic Wars from 1793 – 1815, keeping our shores safe from invasion.

Admirals Sir Edward Thornborough, Conrnelius Quinton and Samual Granston Goodall are buried in St John’s churchyard and Admiral James Noble is in Kensal Green Cemetery. Jenny is writing booklets about each Admiral available to read at Bishop’s Community Centre Hub.

Our second meeting was a complete contrasting topic presented by Devon & Cornwall’s Cyber Protection Officer, Mick Harrison updating us with present trends of in on-line criminal activity attempting to con us into parting with our hard earned cash and trying to clone our identity for criminal purposes in our name.

We were all encouraged to ‘stay safe’ being vigilant and questioning unexpected approaches.

Safeguarding, easily remembered slogans ensued: A B C – NEVER Assume: NEVER Believe: NEVER Confirm: ‘Out of the blue, not for you’ (including voice, never confirm anything). ‘Live’ video’s were viewed of street interviews where questioned ‘suspects’ easily gave up passwords of use to cyber criminals. With passwords: ‘Longer is stronger’. The hardest to crack is using 3 random words of 12 characters or more, or with password changes to substitute a letter for a symbol - £ or % etc. , Use of AI was particularly concerning with simple ones cracked in seconds). Keep email & banking access unique for each, Other tips included: use 2 step verification, always keep device operation systems supported and up to date, Keep anti-virus software activated, externally, back-up your data/files frequently, If suspect, call back on a known trusted number, Criminals are putting workforces  into call centres – be very very cautious indeed, Voice theft is rife, Only criminals ask for passwords, Never use debit cards online, particularly if invited to do so. Better protection with a Credit Card as clearance takes longer and more chance of banks being able to stop fraudulent payments.  We were encouraged to report fraud or suspected scams, phishing, smishing and criminal activity – ‘phone to 0300 123 2040 or on a second phone to ‘159’, Texts to 7726. ‘phone numbers displays can be spoofed and most scams emanate from Countries we have no judicial relations, ‘closed’ places like Russia, North Korea and the like. Beware, Artificial Intelligence is becoming a nightmare.   

A grateful vote of thanks was given by Secretary John Polley.