My Life at Ralph Perring Court

Life at Ralph Perring court

Has been far nicer than one would have thought

I was given a well planned carpeted flat

And was very thankful for that

I was offered a problem free life of ease

So my many thanks to the trustees (of Perring Court)

The facilities and amenities are very good

For residents to use if they could

I am now immobile but if I could participate, I would

I now reflect on my sublime life here – no fears

For I have lived here for 21 years

Written by our member Elsie Warrack

 

Children and Young People

Easter Holidays 2019

Brit School Dance Workshop

The Easter school holidays have been a busy time with a variety of activities organised for the young people. We were given opportunities to visit the famous Brit School. The students from the Community Arts Project kindly donated their valuable time and experience to introduce our members to a creative dance workshop. Our members were able to use their imagination and express their feelings and emotions through dance. They were taught how to warm up, then followed a choreographed routine. After being split into two groups, they were all encouraged to come up with their own freestyle dance and perform it in front of a small audience. The children and young people did so well and we are all so proud of them for pushing themselves out of their comfort zone.

 

Easter Fun at Bedford Hall

We organised a chocoholic day teaching the children how to make their own chocolate chip cookies from scratch. The children divided into groups and each took turns to follow the recipe, weighing out the tasty ingredients and mixing all of the sugary goodness together. It was quite hard work, mixing the butter, sugar and flour together until a cookie dough was formed. They then created their own shaped cookies, some used a spoon others used their hands. A healthy lunch followed before the children were let loose to take part in an all ages Easter Egg hunt around the ground floor of Croydon Vision. In their own words the chocolate day was ‘lots of fun’ and one young member said

‘I really enjoyed learning how to make my own cookies and I get to take the recipe home’.

I hope everyone had as much fun over Easter as we did!

Nicola Peake – Children and Young People Project Officer

 

Working Age

Science Museum Trip

The Working Group enjoyed a trip to the Science Museum in South Kensington on Wednesday 3^rd of April. Once we arrived we were given a guided tour from one of the volunteers at the Museum, they showed us around the Sater lights the radio and different antennas. The tour lasted an hour and was extremely informative; the Museum even had brail as a method of getting information from the presentation.  After the tour, we got to experience what it would feel like to be part of the Red Arrows in a 3D simulation ride, which was filled with movement and physical stimulation. It was an educational informative day out enjoyed by all members and guides, the Science Museum definitely has something for everyone to enjoy.

Working Age Group Upcoming Events

Take Over the Council Day

 This is for anyone with a disability that would like to know about the different services with the council. You get to shadow a member of staff around for a day and gain an insight into what their role consists of and give them a helping hand .The last day to apply for this is Monday 17^th June, for a registration form and any more information please see the Working Age Officer

Working Age Forum

On Wednesday 15^th May Thomas Pocklington are hosting an event that will be presented by Alex Pepper and our very own Jennifer Smith. The forum will be held at Thomas Pocklington headquarters from 6pm until 8pm. Life experience has motivated our presenting pair to coach others to be the best version of their selves. They have put together an introductory workshop that they would like to share with their peers. 

Trevor Aziz – Working Age Officer

 

Over 65s

Travel Tips for people travelling by air with disabilities

I recently travelled to Rome and found that the experience was enhanced with ‘travel assistance’. Here are my top 5 tips for traveling by air;

• When booking your flight/ holiday make sure to tell them of your disability so that they can provide you with necessary information and so they can alert the airline in advance. If you are travelling with a guide dog, make sure to tell your travel agent so that they can inform you of the guidelines and required registrations.
• Make sure your passport has at least 6 months validity left, or you will be unable to fly.
• Make sure that you apply for your free travel assistance at least 48 hours before your journey, and before you fly make sure your sorted for your return journey as well, contact your travel agent or the airport for more information
• On arrival at the airport, ask at the check in desk for Travel assistance. Travel assistance when requested is invaluable, you are assisted around security and passport control and speed around the airport with your luggage. For example at Gatwick airport you are escorted to the disability lounge, a lanyard is placed around your neck, which buzzes and flashes to indicate to your helper that your flight is ready for boarding.
• Ensure you have sufficient medication for your time out of the UK. If travelling outside of Europe make sure to check if any drugs are illegal in that country.

I hope these tips prove to be some use to you in the future. I wish you a safe journey on your future travels!

Jim Smith – Volunteer and Member

 

Information and Advice

The role of the Eye Clinic Liaison Officer (ECLO)

On Wednesday 17^th April, we were given a presentation from Julia Smythe, who is the ECLO at Moorfields Croydon, to explain her role.

Moorfields at Croydon University Hospital was established April 2014 providing treatment to around 40,000 patients a year.  They recognise the importance of early intervention when diagnosed with sight loss. The, eye clinic liaison officer is the link between Moorfields, the local authority, GP’s, Opticians and local charities that support people with sight loss, such as Croydon Vision, Kent Association for the blind, Thomas Pocklington Trust, RSBC and RNIB.

The ECLO acts as patient advocate working directly with people with low visio, sight loss and their carers. The support is both practical and emotional and is extended to carers and family members, and for all ages. The ECLO provides time to listen to a patient that a consultant would otherwise be unable to do.  The Liaison officer provides the reassurance that can help people come to terms with the situation.  The ECLO must have a level of knowledge that allows them to meet the different specific needs of each patient, as well as issuing out the certificate of visual impairment.

The Liaison officer is happy to do a presentation and Q&A session for volunteers and members.  If you are interested, please contact the I&A officer directly or your group leader.

Please make an appointment via reception to see John the Information and Advice Officer for information and advice enquiries. Please see the revised schedule below for this month.

Tuesday	9am	11am	1pm	2.30pm
Wednesday	9am	11am	1pm	2.30pm
Thursday	9am	11am	1pm	2.30pm

 

John Ebubedike, Information and Advice Officer.

 

Resource Centre

Hi Everyone,

My name is Danielle, I have been an active member of Croydon Vision since June last year. Prior to this I have had on/off communication with the organisation for around fifteen years.

I have been attending pottery on Mondays and the Working Age group on Wednesdays. I’ve found the Working Age group invaluable and it is the reason that I am now confident enough to also volunteer here.

You can find me on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the Resource Centre from 9am-3pm ready to answer any questions that you may have about equipment or skills that may make your life easier with a Visual Impairment.

It doesn’t matter how big or small your question is; whether it’s about the technique of being able to tell your bottles and tins apart in your cupboard, a cane tips, look at the talking microwave, measuring jug, or if you want a tactile set of dominos, dice or playing cards. I am here to help you.

We have lots of equipment; magnifiers, liquid level indicators if you need assistance with filling your mug with hot liquids, non-slip mugs so that you don’t lose that all important brew all over the floor before you get to drink it. We also have clocks, items that will read your books and magazines, lamps that may help you with crafts, to name just a few things, and what we don’t have, I am very happy to look up for you.

The resource centre is all about trying to help you with everyday life, enable you to try things out, and give your ideas to make things easier for you.

I am hoping to get around to some of the groups to meet you, but if you miss me, why not come and say hello and have a chat.

Danielle Cleary – Volunteer

 

Events Calendar

 

Date	Event	Further Details
Sunday 19th May	South East London Orchestra concert	Event at St. Barnabas Church 4:00pm – 6:00pm
Wednesday 29th May	Exceeding Expectations Day (see page 10)	11am- 2pm, Bedford Hall
Wednesday 5th June	Celebrating Volunteers	Event at CV from 4:00pm
Wednesday 12th June	Woldingham Wives Tea	Woldingham Village Hall from 2:30-4pm
Saturday 15th June	South East London Orchestra concert	St Mary’s Church, Beddington Park 7.30pm – 9.15pm
Friday 21st June	Taster day – Opening Doors	Showcasing Croydon Vision All Day event 12:30pm – 5:00pm                  *
Saturday 6th July	Family Outing	A day out Beddington Park     * Celebrating all ages
Wednesday 21st August	Summer Barbecue!	1:00pm – 4:00pm Bedford Hall *
5th to 23rd August	Excursions 2019	Monday to Thursday               *
Friday 4th October	Annual General Meeting (AGM)	4:00pm – 6:30pm Bedford Hall
Friday 22nd Nov	Autumn is Here – Dinner and Dance	5:00pm –  9:00pm, Bedford Hall *
	Any Suggestions?
Thursday 19th December	Christmas Party (Christmas break)	Celebrating all ages from        * 13:00 – 17:00pm Bedford Hall (Essential to book)
	Re-Open 6th January 2020

 

Quiz and Food Event Review

 

Our quiz event happened last month on Friday 12^th April. It was attended by teams of all ages ready to stretch their brains and see who would come out victorious.

We started with a logo quiz, which perplexed many of the teams, as the logos were all incomplete. Our quizmaster was Frances, she kept the momentum and repeated any questions as required. The food from Isha was wonderful as usual, and many clean plates were returned to the kitchen.

Congratulations to the winners of the quiz team Crispmarches! In addition, to everyone that took part

Thank you to all the volunteers and staff who helped with the quiz and made it such an enjoyable event.

Katherine Turner – Resource Centre Manager

 

Upcoming musical events

 

The South East London Orchestra will be giving a concert at St Barnabas Church, Beckenham BR3 3LE on Sunday 19^th May 2019 at 4pm – 6pm. This is the same venue as the Christmas Concert which many members attended.

Transport will not be available so hopefully family members could bring you along!  Tickets £8 available at the door

The South East London Orchestra will be presenting a varied programme of String Music from the 17^th – 20^th centuries on Saturday 15^th June 2019 at 7.30pm – 9.15pm at St Mary’s Church in Beddington Park in aid of Croydon Vision and Church Funds.

We are delighted that James Risdon, the blind recorder player will be playing a concerto by Vivaldi.

Concession rate tickets £7 (which includes a glass of wine in the interval) are available at CV reception.

Mini bus transport will be available, please book with reception when you buy your ticket. Transport is subject to availability and normal transport costs off £3 each way apply.

Sue Ardley – Volunteer

 

Exceeding Expectations

 

On Wednesday 29^th May 2019 Croydon Vision Young People’s Project will be hosting a tailor made workshop aimed at our younger members who are visually impaired in Secondary School. This event is called ‘Exceeding Expectations’ and will run in Bedford Hall from 11am-2pm. It is going to be an exciting opportunity for our teens to learn about the opportunities which exist post 16. These will include; options to go into employment, volunteering or further study like college or university. The workshop will be delivered by a company called Blind in Business who specialises in working with young people who are blind or visually impaired with our guest speaker Fashioneyesta. There will also be fun and interactive games to test the children’s skills. To book a place please email Nicola.Peake@croydonvision.org.uk or call on 020 8688 2486 ext 3. There will be complementary lunch and refreshments available that day.

Nicola Peake – Children and Young People Officer

 

Summer Excursions

 

Although Croydon Vision is closed during August, we want to ensure that members can still enjoy our services through various trips and

outings that we provide.  We recently presented a list of potential

excursions to members. From this list, they highlighted their preferred choices followed by suggestions. Our final list of excursions with dates and times will be addressed in our next newsletter, which is when you will be able to start booking. If you require further information on the excursions listed or have a suggestion, please contact reception on 02086882486.

Popular Choices

• Eastbourne, Littlehampton, Camber Sands
• Woodcote Garden Center, Charles Darwin’s Home and Garden
• Windsor Castle, Hampton Court, London Canal River Cruise, Shakespeares Globe Guided Tour, London Zoo

Suggested Choices

• Horniman Museum, Florence Nightinggale Museum
• Chartwell Country House, Godstone Farm, Lavender Fields

Natasha Thompson Campbell – Office Manager

 

Celebrating Volunteers

 

Volunteer week takes place annually on the first week of June; this week is used nationwide as an official date to show appreciation and thanks for the contribution made by volunteers all over the UK. Last year we celebrated a little bit later in October, this year we will be celebrating our volunteers with a special event on Wednesday 5^th June in line with volunteer week.

You are invited in joining us for this occasion. The event will consist of a buffet style meal followed by an Appreciation and Recognition ceremony. The Mayor of Croydon’s Assistant will be attending as our special guest and she will be helping give out some special treats for our volunteers.

Itinerary

 

Date: Wednesday 5^th June 2019

 

4.00pm – 4.30pm	Welcome
4.30pm – 5.30pm	Networking and Food
5.30pm – 6.30pm	Celebrating Volunteers

  

Location: Bedford Hall, 72-74 Wellesley Road, Croydon, CR0 2AR

 

If you have any dedications or there is something, you would like to say/ to be said about one or some of our volunteers on the day then please contact Fay the Volunteer Coordinator.

The event will have limited availability and members who attend will be on a first come first served basis.

The event is free to attend however; transport will still be its regular price, which is £3 each way. Transport on the day will be limited so please book fast to avoid disappointment. Please see reception if you wish to attend the event or call on 02086882486.

 

Buffet Style Menu

Meat
Chicken Stew
Meat Lasagna

Vegetarian

Cheese and Onion Quiche
Stuffed Peppers with Cous Cous

Fish
Salmon Stew

Sides
Basmati Flavoured Rice
Roast Potatoes
Steamed Vegetables
Three Bean Salad

Spring Rolls (Made by our member Le)

Drinks
Mocktails
Soft drinks
Water, Tea and Coffee

 

Dessert
Celebration Cake
Ice Cream
Fruit Skewers

For any dietary requirement, please mention in your RSVP

I am looking forward to this event; having all our volunteers in one room celebrating together, with their help, we have achieved so much in the past year and I personally have enjoyed every moment with them.

Fay Chegwidden – Volunteer Coordinator

 

Quiz Time

This month’s fun filled quiz has been put together by some of our staff members, enjoy.

1. When is national tea day?
2. What is the only single word anagram of Monday?
3. In which book did a pig called Wilbur appear?
4. Which was the first James Bond film to feature Roger Moore in a lead role?
5. What was invented first the cigarette lighter or the match?
6. True or False – the Scots have 421 words for snow
7. What is the name of the teen climate change activist who has been speaking at public rallies recently?
8. Who was the first presenter/s of the X factor? A) Kate Thornton B) Dermot O’Leary C) Ant and Dec
9. The Anglo- Saxon name for which bird was the Ruddock?
10. Which one of these chocolates are not in a box of celebration? A) Bounty B) Snickers C) Fudge
11. True or False – Apples provide more energy than coffee.
12. What colour does a cucumber turn when overripe?
13. In which century were optical glasses invented?
14. True or False – Esperanto is an artificial language

1. 21^st April 2. Dynamo Charlottes Web 4. Live and Let Die  5. Cigarette lighter 6. True 7.Greta Thunberg  8. A) Kate Thornton  9. Robin 10. C) Fudge 11. True 12. Orange 13.12^th century 14. False

 

That’s Entertainment

A selection of Audio described performances in London next month.
Please note that some of the time for Touch Tours is yet to be confirmed (TBC), please use contact detail to enquire.

Date	What’s Happening	Contact Info	Price
Sat 18th May 2.30pm (Touch Tour TBC)	Hamilton Victoria Palace Theatre, London	T:08009884440	£37.50
Sat 1st June 2.30pm (Touch Tour 1pm)	Sweet Charity Donmar Warehouse, London	T:02032823808	£10
Sat 22nd June 8pm (Touch Tour 7pm)	Moby Dick Guildhall Yard ,London	T: 02083055021	£Free
Sat 29th June 4pm (Touch Tour TBC)	Six Arts Theatre , London	T: 02078368463	£18

Dates for your Diary

Tuesdays & Thursday IT Training	The IT Trainer Katherine Turner will be teaching on Tuesday and Thursday.
Tuesday to Thursday Information & Advice	John Ebubedike, Information, Advice and Guidance, is in Tuesday to Thursday, please book through reception.
New Addington Thursday 2nd May	New Addington group will be coming to Bedford Hall on this date
Thursday, 16th June Low Vision Clinic	Fiona Hazell, optometrist with Low Vision Clinic, will be at Bedford Hall between 9.30am and 12.30pm. She gives expert advice. This is a free consultation, but please book first.
Chiropodist Wednesday 22nd May	The chiropodist Joy Dell will be here. Please book with Reception.
Glaucoma Group Monday 3rd June	The Glaucoma Group will meet at Bedford Hall on this date.
Macular Support Group Monday 10th June	Is the next meeting of Croydon Macular Support Group from 1- 3pm at Bedford Hall.
Thursday 26th September	Croydon Hearing open surgeries at Bedford Hall

 

 

Croydon Vision – Eat well, Live well and Age well

 

All meals include a choice of main course and dessert

 

Tuesday 7^th May

Meat: Chicken pie served with mash and steamed vegetables
Vegetarian: Mediterranean vegetable pie with mash and salad

Fish: Fish pie with mash and steamed vegetables

Dessert

Homemade Blackberry Pie
Seasonal fruit salad with yogurt or ice cream

 

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Wednesday 8^th May

 

External event. Food available upon request

 

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Thursday 9^th May

 

Meat: Sausage and mash with baked beans and gravy
Vegetarian: Quorn sausage and mash with baked beans and gravy

Fish: Baked cod and mash with baked beans

 

Dessert

Homemade rice pudding with berries

Seasonal fruit salad with yogurt or ice cream

 

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 Tuesday 14th May

 

Meat: Roast pork served with potatoes, steamed vegetables and gravy

Vegetarian:  Roast vegetables with potatoes and gravy

Fish: Baked cod served with potatoes and steamed vegetables

 

Dessert

Homemade Custard tart with ice-cream
Seasonal fruit salad with yogurt or ice cream

 

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Wednesday 15^th May

 

Baked pasta Bolognese with salad

Dessert

Fruit salad with ice-cream or yogurt

 

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Thursday 16^th May

 

Meat: Roast chicken served with roast potatoes, steamed vegetables and gravy

Vegetarian: Ratatouille served with potatoes and salad

Fish: Pan fried salmon with potatoes and steamed vegetables

 

Dessert

Homemade chocolate sponge served with custard
Seasonal fruit with yogurt or ice cream

 

 

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Tuesday 21^st May

 

Meat: Chicken stew with rice or potatoes served with steamed vegetables

Vegetarian: Vegetable stew served with rice or potatoes

Fish: Fish stew served with rice or potatoes and steamed vegetables

 

Dessert

Homemade pear and plumb crumble served with custard

Seasonal fruit with yogurt or ice cream

 

 

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Wednesday 22^nd May

 

Chicken casserole served with mash and steamed vegetables

 

Dessert

Rice pudding with berries

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Thursday  23^rd May

 

Meat: Roast pork served with potatoes, steamed vegetables and gravy.

Vegetarian: Macaroni and cheese served with steamed vegetables.

Fish: Baked cod served with potatoes and steamed vegetables

Dessert

Lemon pie served with ice-cream
Seasonal fruit salad with yogurt or ice cream

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  Tuesday 28^th May

 

Meat: Beef lasagna served with mixed salad

Vegetarian: Vegetable lasagna served with mixed salad

Fish: Baked cod served with potatoes and mixed salad

 

Dessert

Homemade Apple Crumble

Fruit salad served with ice cream and yogurt

 

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Wednesday 29^th May

 

External event. Food available upon request

 

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Thursday 30^th May

 

Meat: Fried rice served with roast chicken and three-bean salad.

Vegetarian: Cauliflower cheese served with three-bean salad.

Fish: Pan-fried salmon served with potatoes or rice or three-bean salad

Dessert

Strawberry trifle
Seasonal fruit salad with yogurt or ice cream

 

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New Addington Menu

 

Thursday 9^th May

Sausage and mash with baked beans and gravy

Dessert: Homemade rice pudding with berries

 

Thursday 16^th May

Roast chicken served with roast potatoes, vegetables and gravy

Dessert: Chocolate Sponge served with custard

 

Thursday 23^rd May

Roast pork served with potatoes, steamed vegetables and gravy.

Dessert: Homemade Lemon Pie with ice cream

 

Thursday 30^th May

Fried rice served with roast chicken and three-bean salad.

Dessert: Strawberry Trifle

 

We would love to have your input!

 

Submissions for the October Newsletter are due in by:
Thursday 16^th May
newsletter@croydonvision.org.uk

 

 

Contact Croydon Vision

 020 8688 2486

 info@croydonvision.org.uk

 

Charity Number: 1165086