Scam alert – Beware of scammers pretending to be a relative asking for help 

Beware of text or WhatsApp messages appearing to be from a relative, in most cases a son or daughter, asking for help because they lost or broke their phone. It is likely to be a scam.

The messages often begin with ‘Hi Mum’ and could provide several different reasons why they are using a different phone number.

These scams are designed to trick you into handing over money or financial information to a fraudster. If you respond to these messages, the fraudster will eventually request help for some kind of emergency, such as needing a new phone or paying an urgent bill.

If you get a message like this:
1. Contact your relative through an alternative communication channel such as a phone call, video chat, or another messaging platform on a number that you always use for them.

2. Confirm their safety and ask if they indeed lost their phone. It is essential to have direct confirmation from your relative before proceeding with any assistance.
3. Take your time and do not be rushed, fraudsters are using your emotions to make you fall victim.
4. Report the account immediately to WhatsApp and An Garda Siochana.
5. Block the suspicious account to prevent further attempts at communication.

Look out Number 11 at Cahore Point, Co Wexford

LOOK OUT POST number 11

Great seeing everyone on Tuesday – I think the few weeks of fine weather lifted all our spirits. The meeting was a wonderful opportunity to catch up with friends as well being informative. Thanks to the committee, Carmel, Mary and Michael.

**********************************************

The meeting commenced with presentation of vouchers to our Golf team, Mary Mahon, Ann Fenelon, Ted Rooney and Mick Deeley who ably represented us in RTAI All Ireland Golf Classic in Mountrath .

The Committee is anxious to support branch social activities – they are already supporting golf and dancing. Any suggestion for further activities would be welcome. Carmel suggested that a WhatsApp group might be beneficial in spreading news about events; if you wish to be part of a whatsApp group send your name and ph no to Breda Fay @ 087 2417226. Breda also encouraged members to make better use of website/blog by scrolling down on home page, adding email and subscribing (free). You will then receive an email every time a new post is added.

Carmel Gleeson welcomed Gen Sec ARTI, John O’Brien for his first official visit to Kildare Branch.

JOHN’S REPORT

John was glad to report that all ARTI activity levels are back to normal. The final increase of the Building Momentum agreement will hit our accounts in October and already work is underway for the next pay agreement. While ARTI do not have a voice at the bargaining table, the INTO remains staunch in its view that pension parity is a priority. John also advised that retired teachers could join movements that do have a voice i.e. Retired Civil and Public Servants Association and of course we can always write to local politicians or make suggestions to ARTI to forward our views to pressure organisations.

A number of retired teachers are being surveyed – John advises ignoring the veiled threat that pension could be cancelled if you fail to reply – but also advises that you complete survey.

There were some queries at our table about the increase to Winter fuel allowance for over 70’s. This should not be confused with the Household benefits package (free TV Licence- €160 and electricity /gas allowance- up to €35 credit per month IF YOU’RE OVER 70). Siobhan or Patricia in ARTI 01-245 4130 will answer any queries you have – best to ring them in the morning.

There is still no bar on retirees subbing – schools are supposed to explore availablity of not retired trained teachers – but as subs are few and far between, retirees are in demand.

 

Here are some events that might interest you.

POETRY COMPETITION

NAAS LIBRARY HOSTS LOCAL AUTHOR

Kildare RTA Summer meeting

KILLASHEE HOTEL

TUESDAY 20th JUNE

Looking forward to seeing you all

See you all at 10.30 for chat/tea/coffee

Meeting at 11am

Followed by Lunch for those who wish

Please reply to Secretary Mary’s msg ASAP to book lunch

A WARM WELCOME TO OUR NEW COMMITTEE

Chairperson: Carmel Gleeson

Vice Chair: Michael Minogue

Secretary: Mary Kennedy

Míle buíochas to out-going officers, Martin Hoban and Fidelma Farrell for their wonderful service. We appreciate all the time and effort you have put in on our behalf.

DELEGATES TO ANNUAL CONVENTION:

Carmel Gleeson, Michael Minogue, Mary Kennedy and Geraldine McHugh will attend Convention in Croke Park on 28th March. Our branch nomination for President is Mary McCarthy and for Vice President is Charlotte May.

SOCIAL ACTIVITIES

TRIPS AND OUTINGS:

After 8 years of organising tours and trips for us, Rena McAllen is resigning as chief organizer – you’ll be sadly missed, Rena, but I’m sure you will share your expertise with next organizer. Many branches join together to make up numbers for outings and Mary McCarthy, our new President, is assured that members from ARTI Laois Branch would be happy to join with us if numbers were required. Some of the small branches joined together in September 2022 for a few days in Westport – a great time was had by the 80 attendants and there were lots of activities over the few days. This year an Autumn break (8th – 11th October) to Kilkenny is planned. it is open to members from all branches. Please see www.rtaireland.ie for booking details.

GOLF OUTING:

RTAI GOLF CLASSIC 2023 – Mon 22^nd May

VENUE: Mountrath Golf Club, Co Laois.

ACCOMMODATION: Midland Park Hotel, Portlaoise.

To ensure our branch gets an opportunity to enter a team, please book through Mary Kennedy, Branch Secretary – booking accepted till 7th May

NATIONAL BRIDGE CONGRESS

A Bridge congress is being planned for 2023 – more news to follow

DANCE CLASS

Our Dance Class continues every second Wednesday in the Town House Hotel. Check it out!

Would you like to support children with reading?

We are recruiting volunteers to the

BETTER  BASICS BOOSTING READING PROGRAMME

Training will take place over 2 Wednesdays – 30th Nov and 7th Dec

Contact: aine@countykildarelp.ie or 045 895450 to register