Member’s Bulletin w/c 13 April to 16 April 2026
April’s Lessons, May’s Decision: Your Voice in Croydon
April is often remembered as a month of turning points; moments when people have faced big decisions and helped shape the future.
In April 1961, Yuri Gagarin became the first human to travel into space, showing what is possible when bold choices are made. In April 1970, the Apollo 13 mission faced crisis but returned safely thanks to teamwork and determination; proof that even in difficult circumstances, good decisions and cooperation can lead to positive outcomes. Just last Friday 10 April saw one for the history books; the return of Artemis II; marking the first crewed journey to the Moon in over 50 years. The crew reached 252,757 miles from Earth; the furthest humans have ever travelled into deep space and included the first woman (Christina Koch) and the first Black person (Victor Glover) to fly a lunar mission.
April has also been a time of ideas that continue to shape our world today. The publication of DNA’s structure in April 1953 by James Watson and Francis Crick transformed our understanding of life itself. And every April, Earth Day reminds us that collective action can protect and improve the world we share.
Taken together, these moments show April as a month defined by change, choices, and the impact of people coming together to shape the future. As we move from April into May, that theme of decision-making continues closer to home. The upcoming Croydon Mayoral Election on Thursday 7 May is an opportunity for our community to have its voice heard.
Nicola’s Note
Hello everyone,
First of all, we have lots of staff birthdays to celebrate, with Stella and Sarah both celebrating this week. If you see them, please do help us mark the occasion (bonus points for singing 🎶).
As many of you will know, the local elections are taking place on Thursday 7 May. Some of you may have received a letter from Croydon Council explaining the support available for visually impaired voters. I wanted to briefly highlight the key points:
- New audio and tactile voting equipment (called a McGonagle Reader) will be available for the first time in Croydon. This allows blind and partially sighted voters to vote independently and in secret using audio instructions and tactile controls.
- The device can be delivered to a polling station on polling day or arranged in advance to avoid any delay.
- Tactile voting devices will continue to be available at all polling stations, alongside large‑print ballot papers, to help voters identify candidates.
- Postal voters can request amended instructions, tactile devices, and access audio lists of candidates. There will also be an opportunity for postal voters to use a McGonagle Reader at Croydon Vision on Saturday 2 May with election staff present.
- Large‑print documents and other reasonable adjustments can be requested, and Electoral Services encourage voters to get in touch as early as possible if they need support.
If you would like help understanding your options or would like to practise using the new equipment with Daniel, please speak to a member of the team.
Have a great week!
Nicola
Puzzle of The Week
In May 2021, Sonny Molina broke the world record for walking barefoot for the longest distance over what?
- Ice cubes
- Lego
- Drawing pins
The answer is ‘B’! Molina walked just over 5.5 miles barefoot over Lego. In a feat that makes one wince, he turned one of life’s smallest annoyances into a record-breaking endurance challenge.
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