Members’ Bulletin | Week Commencing Monday 17 August 2026

A New Season, New Beginnings

As the days begin to shorten and we start to notice that little hint of autumn in the air, it is hard to believe that summer is already drawing to a close. But rather than seeing the end of summer as something to be sad about, perhaps we can look at it as the beginning of an exciting new chapter.

The past few months have been full of sunshine, activities, outings and opportunities to spend time together. From our summer events and clubs to catching up with friends over a cup of tea, we hope you have made some happy memories along the way. There is still plenty to look forward to as we move into the autumn months.

Autumn can be a wonderful time for fresh starts. It is a chance to try something new, reconnect with people, set ourselves a small goal or simply get back into a familiar routine. There are new activities on the horizon at Croydon Vision, and we hope there will be something for everyone to enjoy.

So, as we say goodbye to summer, let’s not think of it as an ending, but as a turning of the page. Cooler days are coming, but so are new experiences, new friendships and plenty of opportunities to get involved.

Here’s to a bright autumn ahead – and all the possibilities it might bring!

Dates for Your Diary

Every Tuesday – Seated Ballet

Seated Ballet continues in its new slot of 10.30am–12pm on Tuesday mornings. Come along and enjoy movement, music and fun at a pace that suits you.

Wednesday 19 August – Lunch Service

Please note that there will be no formal lunch service on Wednesday 19 August, as the Keep Fit group will be heading out on a lunch excursion.

Thursday 20 August – Breast Cancer Awareness Talk, 1.30pm

We will be welcoming a specialist NHS nurse who will be talking to members about breast cancer awareness. This will be a great opportunity to learn more, ask questions and find out about the importance of awareness and early detection.

Thursday 27 August – Community Choir

Our next Community Choir session takes place on Thursday 27 August at 1.30pm. Whether you’re a regular singer or simply fancy giving it a go, everyone is welcome to join in!

A Change to Our Opening Hours

A quick note for members ahead of next week. During the week commencing Monday 24 August, we will have a number of staff members away on annual leave.

To ensure we can continue to provide our services safely and effectively with a reduced team, Croydon Vision will close at 4.00pm throughout the week.

Members who use Dial-a-Ride are therefore kindly asked to arrange their return transport for no later than 3.30pm, allowing enough time to finish activities and make their way home before the building closes.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation while members of the team enjoy some well-earned time away

Nicola’s Note

Thank you to everyone who supported our bid for the Croydon Neighbourhood Grant. While we were disappointed not to secure funding on the night, we were proud to be among 11 fantastic projects, with only four able to receive awards. Your support meant a great deal, and we’ve certainly learned the importance of voting power. Next time, we’ll make sure we’re there in even greater numbers!

On a much brighter note, I am absolutely delighted to share some fantastic news. After eight long months of waiting, we have finally received confirmation that Croydon Vision has been successful in securing a National Lottery Reaching Communities Grant.

This is news we have been hoping for and working towards for a very long time. In a challenging funding environment, this grant provides the charity with a degree of financial stability and confidence as we look ahead to the future.

Our funded project, Vision Forward, will enable us to expand access to evening and weekend activities, creating more opportunities for members to connect and participate. It will also help us strengthen the infrastructure of the charity, ensuring we are better equipped to meet the needs of our community for years to come.

The past several months have been an extremely challenging time for the organisation, and this achievement is the result of a huge collective effort. I would like to offer my sincere thanks to our dedicated staff team, our incredible volunteers, our trustees, our supporters and, of course, you, our wonderful members. Your encouragement, patience and belief in what we do have helped us navigate uncertainty and continue moving forward.

Together, we are building a stronger future for Croydon Vision, and I look forward to sharing more about Vision Forward and the exciting opportunities it will bring in the months ahead.

I am on annual leave next week – heading to Selsey for a short break so the next Nicola’s Note will be on Tuesday 1st September after the bank holiday.

Have a great couple of weeks!

Nicola

Puzzle of The Week

Highbrow, lowbrow. The answer to the below two questions is the same; but which will you get it from?

• HB: In the classical theatrical trilogy ‘The Oresteia’, which woman was fated to speak true prophecies that would be believed by no one?
• LB: Who marries Rodney in ‘Only Fools and Horses’?

(Please scroll down for the answer…)

The answer to both is Cassandra

Phone Croydon Vision: 0208 688 2486 OR

Email: info@croydonvision.org.uk