Members eNewsletter November edition
Welcome to the November edition
With November coming to an end and Christmas nearly here, it is really important this month that we reflect and do not get stressed or overwhelmed before the holidays. Spending time with our family and friends will always be our long and most memorable moments. Especially after last year’s lockdown Christmas, it is so important that we cherish the time we spend with each other which we may have taken for granted pre-Covid-19.
In this month’s newsletter, Thamesbank will be sharing some Christmas tips on celebrating with a reduced income, and we want to raise awareness on the Get Britain Talking campaign with an article on ‘A Friend in Need’ a great ITV initiative to address mental wellness to help families get closer.
We have also introduced a Christmas Loan to help you spread the cost of Christmas so that it can be stress-free.
With kind regards,
Thamesbank editorial team
Thamesbank celebrates a friend in need
As we finally emerge from the hibernation that was brought upon us because of the pandemic, we reflect on how the past 18 months have impacted our lives. Have we made positive steps to make our loved ones’ lives better? Have we resolved to talk more, make more time, and help each other more?
Stop the loan sharks campaign
With Christmas just around the corner, some people may be struggling to make ends meet therefore may look for an easy way to get money. Loan Sharks are always on the lookout for vulnerable people to target therefore you should always be vigilant.
Therefore, Thamesbank has joined forces with the ‘Stop Loan Sharks’ team to educate people about loan sharks and support those who have fallen victims of illegal money lending.
The ‘Stop Loan Sharks’ scheme is run by the England Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT) which encourages people to join credit unions, in order to save regularly or enable them to obtain legal, affordable loans, when emergencies arise.
You can get the tips on ‘how to spot a loan shark’ from our website.
Watch the Q&A video with Thamesbank Stop Loan Sharks below:
Thamesbank’s Christmas tips
The festive season is often a time when we feel under huge financial pressure, especially this year when many people are having to get by on reduced incomes. The good news is that there are plenty of ways to keep Christmas spending to a minimum.
Read our tips on how to prepare for an enjoyable Christmas on a budget.
Christmas Loan
We understand that you might not have been able to put money away this year for Christmas. Thamesbank has introduce our Christmas loans which are available now before the holidays.
This loan is open to members and new members. You can apply for a loan and join Thamesbank Credit Union at the same time.
Our loans are affordable with low-interest rates. What’s more, you can borrow three times your savings if you are already a member of Thamesbank.
Here is an example if you borrow £1,000
Loan amount: £1,000
Repayment period: 24 months
Interest rate: 24%
Monthly instalment: £52.88
Total interest on the loan: £268
Thamesbank wins award
We are delighted to announce that Thamesbank Credit Union received the Hounslow Chamber Business Awards 2020/2021 for the ‘Best Business Support and Advice/Service Company’. Stephano de Zompo, board director commented, “We would like to thank all our members and the people that make TBCU such a great institution. Success does not happen overnight, and it is great to be part of this amazing achievement which has taken many years to build.” A huge congratulations to Sarah Gardner, our ex-Vice Chair of TBCU, for receiving an award for the ‘Entrepreneur of the Year’. Well deserved!
Members noticeboard
Christmas opening hours and application deadlines
The office will be closed from midday on 24 December 2021 until Tuesday 04 January 2022.
As usual essential systems maintenance will take place on 29, 30 and 31 December 2021 and the office will be closed.
Child Benefit Payments will resume on Tuesday 04 January 2022.
To guarantee loans for Christmas the application and any supporting documents must be in by 14 December 2021.
The last day payments will be processed is Christmas Eve (24 December 2021) and any requests for share withdrawals or any loan agreements need to be in no later than 9 a.m. Christmas Eve to guarantee payment, any that come in after this time will be processed on 04 January 2022.
Web App
Please visit our new web app, which also includes the Members Area. Existing members will need to re-register while new members will need to register to log in.