The City University couldn’t have been more helpful with all the arrangements and kindly provided support on the day. We are very grateful to their significant contribution to making the day a big success.

We also want to acknowledge and thank our volunteer Patrick for organising the event at quite short notice when it became clear that this was the only day that worked for everyone. Following a recent foot operation, Patrick began organising the dance from a wheelchair but, encouragingly, by the end he was back on his feet only encumbered by a surgical boot. Sadly, he was missed on the dance floor this year!

A fantastic effort, Patrick, for the second year in a row. Many thanks!

A total of 60 clients came on the day and were supported by 15 volunteers. There were sandwiches and cake washed down by tea, coffee and juices, all very generously donated by local branches of Waitrose and Sainsbury’s. The refreshments were delicious and greatly appreciated.

Claire has been involved with FCV for many years and is very popular with everyone involved at Lunch Club, both volunteers and clients alike.

We also greatly appreciate the donation that Bwin has recently made to FCV. Their support has been a perfect example of the benefits that can accrue to everyone involved when local businesses get involved in their community.

The performance covered various events that took place during the war leading up to the Peace in 1945. There was a good old sing song as the show unfolded including most the contemporary songs of the time such as The White Cliffs of Dover and finished with the finale of Land of Hope and Glory. A number of our clients said how emotional it was singing the songs they had grown up with.

We are very grateful to Nigel at Sotheby Mews for organising such an enjoyable event. Our clients were talking about it for days afterwards.

It was inspiring to see the organisation and efficiency in the preparation and delivery of the lunch and the lovely manner in which it all unfolded. It certainly reflects well on the training and attitude of their company.

The clients had a wonderful time and thoroughly enjoyed the treat. Many thanks once again to Dorottya and everyone involved from Hilton Hotels.

The caravan at Steeple Bay, near Maldon in Essex, has been opened up for the season.

We look forward to many visits for our clients. These can be day outings or visits for a longer period if preferred. Transport with our two wheelchair accessible minibuses makes the outings an easy door-to-door service and they remain a very popular trip out of London.

Steeple Bay is on the estuary and is a peaceful, tranquil location where clients can really relax and enjoy being out of their flats and in the countryside.

Fingers crossed for a sunny summer…..

During her time with FCV Janice has achieved certificates in Emergency First Aid and as a Fire Marshall. She has also attained a Level 2 pass with the Food Standards Agency.

We are delighted she plans to stay in touch with us and will help out in her spare time.

We hope they feel at home with us very quickly.

Their arrival coincided with the first visit of volunteers from Maseco, a local Private Wealth business. We make a positive effort to involve local businesses in our activities, as it is very beneficial for all involved. The clients love the fresh faces and the volunteers are always enthusiastic, helpful and very chatty with the clients. That is certainly the case with the volunteers from Maseco and the clients and we thoroughly enjoy their contribution.

‘I enjoyed the evening immensely. I loved it from the start. Even the conductors were wonderful,  with very delicate movements. The staff were very good and helpful. I can’t fault them. They were magic. It was a lovely evening.’ (Emily Hamman)

‘The talent was superb. A wonderful evening.’ (Rita Jury)

‘What was really nice was the variety of music – orchestral, barber shop, steel band amongst other styles.’ (Neville Ryan)

Many thanks indeed to the Rotary Club and to our two volunteer drivers (Ayse and Orisha) for transporting the clients to and from the Hall on a Sunday night.

Paul Gilbert was involved with FCV for 22 years until 2011. During that time he was responsible for developing and running the services of our organisation that helps alleviate isolation in South Islington. Sadly, Paul died at far too young an age, in 2012.

We are so pleased that his children stay in touch with us and we are particularly grateful to James, who has completed the Chimzy’s Dorney Lake half marathon raising £700 for FCV. With his typical enthusiasm for whatever he is undertaking, he achieved a very impressive time of one hour forty minutes in chilly, windy conditions.

Many thanks for the fantastic effort, James!

Nearly 250 clients from a range of organisations attended and were supported by volunteers. FCV sent 20 clients, many of whom were transported to and from the event in our two wheelchair accessible minibuses.

The show put on by a variety of local music and entertainment performers was of a very high standard and was really enjoyed by the clients.

Many thanks to all involved!

P.S.  There was quite a bit of reminiscing about the old Agricultural Hall that stood on the site of the excellent Design Centre. At Christmas there was always a circus at the hall and  a parade along Upper Street of circus clowns, performers, horses and elephants. Quite a sight!