Yoga

My name is Pauline Denam, I have been teaching Yoga at Bedford Hall since 1982. My greatest rewards have been noticing improvements in people that I have taught not only physical but also their self-confidence.

No person has to be super flexible or super fit. Yoga is for all its a gradual progression in your individual self. Your practice of the exercises can be performed sitting on a chair or lying on a yoga mat on the floor, you are in charge. I will be there to guide you and show you the safest way to perform.

Yoga is non-competitive, it’s about looking after your joints and strengthening your body, but it is done gently to suit each person’s individual needs. You will learn several breathing and relaxation techniques, which have a great calming effect and will help you to relax, these last about 15 minutes and I’m sure you will benefit greatly from them.

If this sounds like something you would enjoy then get in touch, we are always on the lookout for members to join in the fun and exercise.

Pauline Denman – Yoga Tutor

Yoga takes place at Bedford Hall on Wednesday afternoons from 1.30pm – 3pm. Each yoga session is £4, which includes a variety of light yoga, breathing exercises, meditation and of course, a tea and coffee break to socialise. Please call or ask at reception for more information on the class. Reception’s number is 02086882486.

Thank you to everybody who drops off used stamps to reception. Just as a quick note please make sure that if you are cutting or tearing the stamp off the letter please make sure to leave enough space around the stamp so that no damage comes to them. Many Thanks!

 

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Update from Susanette

Dear Members & Volunteers

Hope you all keeping warm this winter! It has been a busy January at Croydon Vision, planning the year ahead; making sure 2019 is an even more exciting year for everyone. Below are a few updates and shared plans:

Events
We have been working to create an event calendar for 2019, hopefully it has incorporated a few of your ideas. There’s still 2 spaces available for your suggestions. Please read the calendar or listen via talking news, alternatively someone at reception can read it to you.

Information and Awareness Workshops
We are in the process of organising Information and Awareness programme such as Live well, Skills for Seeing, ECLO service and much more. Katherine and John are leading on this – if you have any ideas, please let reception know.

New Referral Form
We’ve created a new referral form, easy to complete by friends and family for anyone interested in joining Croydon Vision. If you would like to circulate copies to your local GP surgery, pharmacist, sheltered home or place of interest, please ask reception – thank you in advance. This form is now available at Moorfields and Community Optometrist Services in Croydon.

Advice Service Committee
I love hearing from you, please continue to send your suggestion via the box available. Alternatively, the Group Leaders and Tutors group bring forward your suggestions and feedback which is discussed. We also now have a Health and Safety Representative from the group, David Elvy. David will assist Shaun (Facilities Officer) by making recommendations to further improve our service.

Fundraising initiatives 2019
We are always looking at ways to further progress Croydon Vision (CV) as well as replace equipment’s for improved efficiency. We therefore need your support; to fundraise. The following below are goals we would like to achieve this year, with your help:

Item	Cost (Approx)
Tactile tiling – Front entrance to Bedford Hall This will promote independence and safety	£2,200
Evacuation Chairs For members safety – Main Building	£850
Hand railing at back of Bedford Hall – safety	£2,500
Commercial Dishwasher This will please our Cook, much needed	£1,000
An accessible 7 Seater Vehicle to better improve transport delivery	£12,800

Some ideas on how you can fundraise for Croydon Vision (CV):

• Elect CV as charity to your local supermarkets/ department store
• Fundraising through family and friends
• Participate at our upcoming events to raise funds
• Donate or choose us as your sponsored charity – all helps
• Bequest/Legacy giving – see below for further information on this

Thank you in advance for supporting our vision. If you would like a copy of our fundraising plan or event calendar; please ask at reception for a hard copy or electronic version.

Bequest/Legacy
A bequest is an opportunity for you to continue helping and provide for your loved ones and the causes you care about after you’re gone. Leaving a bequest is also a practical way of showing your gratitude for the support you might have received from Croydon Vision. It is little known fact that Croydon Vision wouldn’t survive without gifts in wills.

I do hope you will consider leaving a gift in your will to Croydon Vision, to maintain sustainability and service provision for many others.

If you require further information, please speak to Susanette.

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Events Calendar

*Cost applies

Date	Event	Further Details
2nd March	Swimathon	Fundraising Event                   *
25th March	Spring is Here! Lunch wine and games	1:00pm – 4:00pm
12th April	Quiz, Food and Entertainment	Celebrating all ages                *       * 4:00pm – 8:00pm
Month of April	Geranium Day: replaced with a new sponsorship programme	Raising funds for CV               *
5th June	Celebrating Volunteers	Event at CV from 4:00pm
3rd week of June	Woldingham Wives Tea	Woldingham Wives to confirm
21st June	Taster day – Opening Doors	Showcasing Croydon Vision –All Day event 12:30pm – 5:00pm                  *
6th July	Family Outing	A day out Beddington Park     * Celebrating all ages
	Any Suggestions?
21st  August	Summer Barbecue!	1:00pm – 4:00pm                     *
5th to 23rd August	Excursions 2019	Monday to Thursday               *
4th October	Annual General Meeting (AGM)	4:00pm – 6:30pm
22nd November	Autumn is Here – Dinner and Dance	5:00pm –  9:00pm                    *
	Any Suggestions?
19th December	Christmas Party (Christmas break follows)Re-Open 6thJanuary 2020	Celebrating all ages from        * 13:00 – 17:00pm (Essential to book)

      

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Purley Swimathon

This year Croydon Vision have entered into the Purley Swimathon again to see if we can swim to our personal best. The Purley Swimathon is a fundraising event where participants take it in turns to swim as many lengths of 25m as possible in 55 minutes. Last year we managed to raise a huge £337 for Croydon Vision.

Taking part this year we have Steven Marchese, Lauren Crisp, Sarah Parry, Jaqueline Smith and Fay Chegwidden. The event will take place on Saturday 2^nd of March at Purley Leisure Centre. If you would like to donate and support this wonderful event and our swimmers please either donate via our web page on https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/croydonvisionfishes1 or alternatively either donate at reception or via our participants who will be actively fundraising. If you require more information on the event and how to donate, please call reception on 02086882486

 

Event: Purley Swimathon

Location: Purley Leisure Centre, 50 Purley high street, Purley,

CR8 2A8

Time Slot:  4pm – 5pm

 

Croydon Symphony Orchestra Saturday 16^th February

For classical music lovers, Croydon’s Symphony Orchestra will be performing ‘Romance and Revolution’ at Trinity School Concert Hall, (CR9 7AT). They will be playing Prokofiev – Cinderella, Rachmaninov – Piano Concerto no 3 and Shostakovich – Symphony no 5, conducted by Darrell Davison and a solo piano piece from Alan Brown. The Concert is from 7.30 pm on Saturday 16^th February and tickets are £15 for more information and to buy tickets please call the hon ticket secretary on 02086802639. Free parking is available on site

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Children and Young People

On Saturday 12^th January, Susanette, Trevor and I visited the new trampoline park in Sutton along with 14 of our younger members aged from 4-12 years old. On arrival, we were all kitted out with neon coloured trampoline socks and then watched a 5-minute safety video. The doors opened to reveal an amazing space full of trampolines of all sizes, a mini basketball court, a range of different height platforms enabling you to jump into a huge foam pit, slides galore and balance beams. All of the children immediately ran off in every direction, jumping ecstatically and racing around to see what they could do and how high they could jump! Some of the children needed a helping hand from their parents but the majority ran around having the best time. After an hour of trampolining the children were exhausted and very red in the face. Susanette even jumped from a super high platform along with one of our younger members. They both did really well and we were all so impressed! After our 1 hour slot of jumping we had to leave but all of the children and parents were rewarded with the most delicious cupcakes. They certainly deserved a treat after all that exercise.

We will definitely have to revisit Sutton Trampoline Park again soon!

Our future activities will take place during February Half term:

Wednesday 20^th February 10.30am – 2pm

Board games and treats, Bedford Hall, Croydon Vision

 

Thursday 21^st February

Visit to Hobbledown, Epsom, Surrey

 

Friday 22^nd February

Pottery 11am – 2pm, Bedford Hall, Croydon Vision

 

For more information on the Children and Young Peoples Project and about upcoming events, please contact Nicola our Children and Young Peoples Officer

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Introducing Admin Hub: Working Age

The Working Age Project now has funding from the Greater London Fund for the Blind (GLFB). This will help us achieve our goals and provide a better service to our members.

The requirements funding are: supporting CV writing, improving interview skills, assisting with job applications, helping members to become active volunteers either within Croydon Vision or outside, and long term getting members into paid employment.

Along with the ‘job side’ we are also looking to reduce social isolation and will be doing this through weekly social meetings and outings and activities throughout the year.

All this will enable our members to improve their self-esteem and quality of life, and reduce their feelings of isolation.

As part of our funding for the working age project, we have been busy setting up a computer in the low vision room. This is going to form the core of our Admin Hub, a place where working age members can volunteer for Croydon Vision and gain Admin experience.

There will be access to the Admin Hub on a Monday and Friday, and members of staff will be around to assist volunteers where needed. The computer will have Supernova and JAWS installed on it, as well as the Microsoft Office Suite.

Upcoming events with the Working Age Group:

Wednesday 20^th February
Possibilities, 10.30-12.30, Bedford Hall, Croydon Vision

Wednesday 27th February
Ludoquist

For more information on these upcoming events, please contact Trevor our Working Age Officer

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Over 65s

A review of Christmas Party – Claire White

What a dinner! Christmas arrived with a flourish at Bedford Hall on Thursday 20^th December. When we were welcomed in around 12.30; the hall was buzzing with excitement, the tables laid and old and new friends meeting together.

We were given a marvellous Christmas feast, starting with turkey and the traditional trimmings, followed by Christmas pudding and brandy butter. Surprise, surprise, a little later mince pies and mulled wine then appeared and then I was completely astonished by the selection of cheese and biscuits.

A mysterious Father Christmas wandered around greeting everyone spreading joy and the afternoon was completed with Christmas music performed by Sue and her friends from the South East London Orchestra with some hearty carol singing from us the audience.
As we left, we were all given a little gift, which was a lovely gesture.

It was the happiest of afternoon’s, thank you to all those who made it special, funders, Staff, Volunteers and music makers!

Review Salamanda Saxophone Quartet – 18th December 2018 The four-piece saxophone quartet came and provided some much appreciated entertainment as part of Croydon Vision’s run up to Christmas. Some of the pieces that they played allowed the audience to sit back, relax and enjoy the festive atmosphere. Other pieces required audience participation; members, volunteers and staff joyfully sang, clapped and played percussion instruments to well-known carols and music. The surprise came when the lead produced a number of freebies that he had collected at football matches; these made an excellent ‘whip’ noise that members used during the playing off ‘Sleigh Ride’. The quartet were altogether delightful and helped to make the 2018 Christmas period be remembered for a long time.

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Information and Advice

During the course of the month, as the Information, Advice and Guidance Officer, I will be visiting groups to have an informal discussion about member welfare and to inform of any upcoming workshops, which might be relevant.

What is Taxi card?

The London Taxi card scheme provides subsidised door-to-door journeys in licensed taxis and private hire vehicles for London residents who have serious mobility or visual impairments.

It is funded by the London boroughs and Transport for London and managed by London Councils on their behalf. You are automatically eligible for a Taxi card if you:

• Receive the Higher Rate Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance
• Receive 8 points or more for the Moving Around Activity component of the Independence Payment
• Are registered severely sight impaired or blind (not partially sighted)
• Receive a War Pension Mobility Supplement
• Receive the Armed Forces Independence Payment

I will be able to assist you through the application process and answer any questions you may have regarding eligibility.

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Testimony of the Information and Advice Service

A member/Volunteer of ours wanted to share his experience with you.

 

‘John was approached by Anna, who was shocked by the conditions I was living in during late 2018.I having had foot surgery, was unable to look after myself properly. He used his knowledge to approach a care home company. A visit was arranged, nothing came from it but this gave me the incentive to look for myself and now I employ a care/cleaner. Thank you John for your help and Anna for your prayers.’ Bob Horne – Member/Volunteer

 

For more information and assistance with these or any other matters, please contact John our Information and Advice Officer

 

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Resource Centre

Remember the Resource Centre is available for you to browse on a Tuesday and Thursday and there are bookable appointments on Monday and Wednesday. During January I have been busy compiling a how-to for all the equipment, so any member of staff can demonstrate equipment.

Audio Description

Audio Description (AD) is a free service that can transform TV viewing for people who have difficulty seeing what’s happening on the screen. Like a narrator telling a story, an additional commentary describes body language, expressions and movements, making the story clear through sound.

If you would like to know how to enable this feature on your TV you can contact the RNIB on 0303 123 9999, or ask Katherine if you know the make and age of your TV.

Audio Described Adverts

The RNIB have been trying to get adverts audio described for years, but it wasn’t until an Audio Described Proctor and Gamble advert last year that other advertisers started to take note.

There is the difficulty of putting AD in an advert as the adverts are only 30 seconds long, and there is now a lot of thought going into which content should be audio described. On some adverts such as a supermarket, is the story important or only the name at the end?

The RNIB are facilitating a consultation with advertisers to get your input if you would like to take part you can email AdPolicy@cap.org.uk with your opinion.

If you would like to take part but are unable to please ask for help from Katherine our Resource Manager

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Tate Britton Audio Tour

For all of you Art lovers out there, the Tate Britton offers a number of audio and touch tours throughout the year that enhances the experience of Art for those with Visual Impairments. On Tuesday 19^th February in a completely free event, the artist Jesse Darling will be talking all about her new Art display. Jesse works between London and Berlin and creates sculptures, which look at the link between art, health, disability, Batman and St Jerome and the Lion.

It is recommended to arrive at 10.30 am in the Manton Studio where refreshments will be served. At 11am you will then be moving to the exhibition which last an hour and fifteen minutes.

Location: Tate Britton, Millbank, London, SW1P 4RG

Time: 10.30am – 12.15pm

More information is available on the Tate Britton website at www.tate.org.uk or alternatively you can enquire at reception.

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Community Engagement at Moorefield’s

After our successful stint at Moorefield’s hospital eye unit back in November we have the opportunity to continue to spread awareness of Croydon Vision. This is a fantastic opportunity for Volunteers and members to get involved in community engagement. This particular area involves ambassadors of Croydon Vision visiting Moorefield’s eye unit, in their waiting room once every fortnight encouraging people to use our services by conversation and promotion material. Dates are to be confirmed and communicated via the talking news and weekly bulletins.

For more information on how to get involved, please contact
Fay our Volunteer Coordinator.

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Quiz Time

Our Quiz this month has been written by our Volunteer David. David runs a crossword social group on Tuesday mornings. These questions are based on georgraphy of the UK. Good Luck!

1. What is the county town of Surrey?
2. What is the longest river in England?
   a) Thames b) Severn c) Trent
3. What is the 2^nd largest city in England?
4. Which country in the UK would you find ‘The Bog’?
5. In which year was London Bridge destroyed by fire?
   a) 1212 b) 1381 c) 1633
6. In which county in the UK is Cheddar Gorge located?
   a) Somerset b) Wiltshire c) Avon
7. Where would you be if you lived on Cackle Street?
   a) Surrey b) East Sussex c) West Sussex
8. What was the UK’s registered population in 2018?
   a) 66,537,504 b) 69,321,896 c) 56,891,220
9. On average, how many sandwiches are eaten in the UK every year? a) 72 million b) 1.1 Billion c) 1.5 Billion
10. What is the name of the tower in which Big Ben is housed?
11. Where in England would you find Snake Pass?
    a) Derbyshire b) Nottinghamshire c) Leicestershire
12. Where is the Stone of Scone kept?
    a) Glasgow b) Edinburgh c) Bedford Hall
13. Where was Sainsbury’s first self service shop in England?
14. Which
15. Castle did the investiture of Prince Charles take place?

Answers

1. Guildford 2. b Birmingham 4. England 5. All are correct 6. a 7. b 8. a 9. c 10. Queen Elizabeth Tower 11. a 12.b 13. Croydon 14. Carnarvon Castle
   

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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 2nd March 2.30pm (Touch Tour 12.30pm)	The Curious Incident of the DogPiccadilly Theatre, London	T: 08009126971	£18 – £92
Sat 2nd March2pm & 7.30pm	Flight PathsThe Albany, London	T:02086924446	£14
Wed 20th March7:30pm (Touch Tour 5.30pm)	Disney’s the Lion King Lyceum Theatre, London	T: 08009126972	£35
Mon 25th March7:30pm (Touch Tour 6pm)	The American ClockOld Vic Theatre, London Telephone numbers for local theatres:  New Wimbledon Theatre:        0844 871 7646 Bromley Theatre:                     0203 285 6000	T: 03448717628	£21

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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.
Glaucoma GroupMonday 4th February	The Glaucoma Group will meet at Bedford Hall at 1.30pm
New AddingtonThursday 7th February	New Addington group will be coming to Bedford Hall on this date
Macular Support GroupMonday 11th February	Is the next meeting of Croydon Macular Support Group from 1- 3pm.
Thursday, 14th February 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.
Wednesday 27th February Chiropodist	The chiropodist Joy Dell will here on Please book with Reception.
Thursday 25th April andThursday 26th September	Croydon Hearing open surgeries

RIP – Dora Kempton

 

Lunch Menu – Bedford Hall
Croydon Vision – Eat well, Live well and Age well

All meals include a choice of main course and dessert

Tuesday 5^th February
Meat:Homemade chicken pie served with steamed vegetables and gravy.

Vegetarian: Homemade vegetable pie served with gravy.

Fish: Homemade fish pie served with steamed vegetables.
Dessert

Homemade bread and butter pudding served with custard
or Fresh Fruit salad with yogurt or Ice cream

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Wednesday 6^th February

Pasta bake served with salad

Dessert

Fruit salad served ice cream or yogurt

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Thursday 7^th February (with new Addington)

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

Vegetarian: Stuffed bell peppers served with salad

Fish: Baked cod in onion sauce served with roast potatoes, steamed vegetables

Dessert

Homemade banoffee pie
or Fresh Fruit salad with yogurt or Ice cream

 

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Tuesday 12^th February

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

Vegetarian: Ratatouille served with potatoes and steamed vegetables

Fish: Baked cod served with potatoes and steamed vegetables

Dessert

Homemade vanilla cheese cake served with custard
or Seasonal fruit with yogurt or ice cream

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Wednesday 13^th February

Macaroni cheese served with roast chicken and salad

Dessert

Homemade trifle

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Thursday 14^th February

Meat: Homemade Chicken and vegetable soup served with soft roll

Vegetarian: Vegetarian Lasagne served with steamed Vegetables

Fish: baked salmon served potatoes and steamed Vegetables

 

Dessert

Homemade lemon pie served with ice cream

Seasonal fruit and yogurt

 

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Tuesday 19^th February

Meat: Baked penne pasta bolognaises served with salad

Vegetarian: Baked vegetable pasta bolognaises served with salad

Fish: Sea food pasta bolognaises served with salad

 

Dessert

Homemade tiramisu
or Seasonal fruit with yogurt or ice cream

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Wednesday 20^th February

Roasted butternut squash and vegetable soup served with soft roll

Dessert

Homemade rice pudding served with berries

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Thursday 21^st February

Meat: Shepard’s pie served with steamed vegetables:

Vegetarian: Tofu and vegetable curry served with aromatic rice

Fish: Fish stew served with aromatic rice and steamed vegetables

 

Dessert

Homemade Victoria sponge cake served with custard
or Seasonal fruit with yogurt or ice cream

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Tuesday 26^th February

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

Vegetarian: Stuffed aubergine served with potatoes

Fish: Baked cod served with potatoes and steamed vegetables

 

Dessert
Homemade Apple crumble with Custard

Seasonal fruit with yogurt or ice cream

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Wednesday 27^th February

Homemade chilli con carne served with rice and salad

Dessert

Fresh fruit salad served with ice cream or yogurt

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Thursday 28^th February

Meat: Beef lasagne served with mixed salad.

Vegetarian: Vegetable lasagne served with mixed salad.

Fish: Baked salmon served with potatoes and mixed salad

Dessert

Homemade Panna cotta served with fresh berries
or Fruit salad Seasonal fruit with yogurt or ice cream

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New Addington Menu
Eat well – Live well – Age well

Thursday 7^th February

At Bedford Hall

Thursday 14^th February

Homemade Chicken and vegetable soup served with soft roll

Dessert: Homemade lemon pie served with ice cream

Thursday 21^st February

Shepard’s pie served with steamed vegetables:

Dessert: Homemade Victoria sponge cake served with custard

Thursday 28^th February

Beef lasagne served with mixed salad.

Dessert: Homemade Panna cotta served with fresh berries

 

 

We would love to have your input!Submissions for the March Newsletter are due in by Thursday 14th February. newsletter@croydonvision.org.uk