You will all be aware of the danger in dealing with Doorstep Callers, i.e. uninvited doorstep and telephone sales people. We have therefore obtained permission to link with the Surrey County Council Trading Standards website. Just click on their website address www.surreycc.gov.uk/tradingstandards or telephone their Consumer Advice Line on 01372 371717 if you think you may have a problem with a persistent caller. You can also e-mail them on trading.standards@surreycc.gov.uk with your concerns.

You can check their Approved Trader Scheme, which gives valuable guidelines on how to choose a trader, get quotations etc., by clicking on www.buywithconfidence.info or telephoning them on 01372 371666. The site also gives you access to information on member firms so that you can buy goods and services with confidence knowing they are monitored on an ongoing basis. Trading Standards is always glad of your views on member companies, both good and bad, and appreciate information on non-members who have done such a good job you may wish to recommend them for membership.

Although doorstep selling isn't yet illegal, buying from such traders puts your money at risk. Persuasive and pressure sales techniques by doorstep sellers and telephone callers often make it difficult and frightening for some people to say 'No thank you'. Don't hurry to part with your money - a good deal will always wait. So ....BE INFORMED - it costs you nothing and may save you money, time and a great deal of anxiety!

www.nhs.uk is a website which makes life easier. It can tell you how to find out about services the NHS has to offer and is quick and straightforward to use. If you need to find a dentist, GP practice, hospital, optician, pharmacy or walk-in centre near you or, if you are away from home and need emergency treatment, near to where you are staying, look no further. It provides free, basic information such as addresses, maps and contacts in a layout that is clear and easy to understand.

You can check on how long you may have to wait for hospital treatment and what star rating a hospital has under 'Performance'.

The website is officially one of the best of its kind, winning Best Public Sector Project at the 2003 Computing Awards for Excellence. So why not give it a try . . . . check it out for yourself www.nhs.uk.

A pilot study was set up a year ago to explore the possibility of developing a Virtual U3A (VU3A) as a means of helping older people who are isolated (for whatever reason) and who would like to participate in U3A activities, in particular membership of Interest Groups. The aim has been to create an autonomous U3A, offering its members as many of the benefits of full membership of a conventional U3A as is practicable by making use of computer technology and the Internet.

The National Executive Council has recently approved the establishment of the Virtual U3A as a U3A in its own right and we are seeking volunteers who would like to become involved in this exciting project. The three main areas are:

Establishing a small Steering Group who will continue to develop the VU3A concept
Finding a number of experienced people who would like to become Group Leaders/Facilitators for the VU3A Interest Groups
Disseminating information about VU3A in order to establish a viable membership

You may be aware of members of our U3A who are no longer able to attend meetings. Volunteers as well as potential U3A members will need to have easy access to a home computer, be able to communicate by e-mail and use the Internet.

If you would like further information or would like to volunteer to join the Steering Group, or if you are interested in becoming a Group Leader please contact:

Elaine: jem2121@btinternet.com or Mike: mikandel@btinternet.com

Enquiries from potential VU3A members should also be directed to Mike and Elaine. Work is in progress on the design of the VU3A section of the UI3A National Website – www.u3a.org.uk/vu3a. It is important to stress that VU3A is intended primarily for people who find it difficult to attend local U3A activities.

The aim of this organisation is to offer people over the age of 50 the opportunity to be engaged in developing, planning and monitoring current and future services in the community. Topics include finance, transport, health care, employment opportunities, education and leisure as well as health and social care. There is already a membership nearing 1,000.

The Network is part of the Better Government for Older People programme and acknowledges the experience of people over 50 and the contribution they can make. Funded by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, it has a website: www.surrey50plus.org.uk which contains news items, discussion forums and will host questionnaires. Just click on the website and take a look.

The following restaurants/pubs have been recommended by members: