Remark! Community Officially Opens Croydon Lunch Club
Over 90 people attended the opening event
On Thursday 5th February 2026, we launched our brand new Lunch Club in Croydon, bringing Remark! Community's social spirit to South London. It was a hugely popular event, with over 90 people attending! Luckily, Remark! Community's brilliant staff and volunteers were on hand to prepare a huge amount of food for everyone, including some delicious canapes that were handed out with a non alcoholic toast.
Everyone arrived nice and early to make the most of the day, and have a biscuit before the main event. People were happy to see old friends, meet new people, and explore the wonderful new venue in St Mary's Parish Centre. The space is very big and will no doubt be the perfect location for our future activities, such as educational workshops and exercise classes.
The Civic Mayor of Croydon knew some BSL!
Richard Chatterjee, the Civic Mayor of Croydon, arrived just in time to deliver a heartfelt speech about the importance of the Deaf community. Mr Chatterjee knew some sign language himself, which our members thought was touching and impressive. The Civic Mayor's speech took place after Herbert Klein (chair of Remark! Community) and Jonny Nelson (Founder of Remark! Community) took a moment to reflect on the history of Lunch Clubs at Remark! Community, and our goals for a flourishing Croydon Lunch Club.
Once the speeches were complete, we invited two Lunch Club Members, Edward and Sally, to hold the ribbon as the Mayor cut it. Edward and Sally were at the very first Lunch Club 15 years ago, so it was very special to still have them here taking part in our events. After lots of applause and party poppers, everyone gathered for a delicious lunch. Croydon Cllr Ria Patel arrived, and both she and the Civic Mayor had some very interesting conversations with club members who raised concerns and ideas about the area. Mr Chatterjee even allowed a few people to try on his Mayor's Badge, which was very glamourous and exciting!
Edward, Jonny, Richard Chatterjee, Herbert, Steven and Sally celebrate cutting the ribbon to officially open Croydon Lunch Club
After plenty of food and chatting, the final event of the day was to serve some beautifully decorated cakes and fruit for dessert. It was tough work getting everyone to leave at 3pm so we could start clearing up, which was a sign that it was a great party.
It was a very special occassion for the community, having so many people come together to celebrate shows just how important it is for Deaf Club like ours to exist. Reducing isolation, encouraging healthy lifestyles, and providing a safe space to sign and ask for help when neccessary is integral to looking after the wellbeing of older Deaf people and something we are excited to be able to do for as long as possible in the Croydon Area. A huge thank you to our funders Croydon Almshouses and The Mercers' Company, as trustee of 'The Mercers' Charitable Foundation, who's generosity allowed us to secure our brilliant new venue at St Mary's Community Centre. We can't wait to see Croydon Lunch Club act as a hub for Croydon's Deaf over 55s for many years to come.
