Members eNewsletter October 2022 edition

Celebrating International Credit Union Day

This month we celebrate International Credit Union (ICU) Day that takes place on the third Thursday of October. This year it took place on Thursday 20 October 2022. It’s a day which celebrates the spirit of the global credit union movement. ICU day is recognised to reflect upon the credit union movement’s history, promote its achievements, recognise hard work and share member experiences. This year’s theme is: “Empower Your Financial Future with a Credit Union.” We have therefore put an article together on how you can empower your financial future with Thamesbank.

We also share some facts about Staines Bridge and give some tips on how you can save on your heating bills by making small improvements in your home.

In other news, we were pleased to receive a visit from Seema Malhotra, MP on 07 October 2022 where we are delighted that she is raising the threat of a growth in Loan Shark activity in our community. Still on loan sharks, we were informed by the ‘Stop Loan Sharks’ team that a suspected loan shark was arrested in Hounslow.

We would like to thank you for your continued support as Thamesbank Credit Union members. If you have any testimonials or success stories since joining our credit union, we would love to hear from you. Please email us at admin@thamesbank.org.

With kind regards,

Thamesbank editorial team

Saving on your heating bills


Gas and electricity bills have been rising fast. In your home, there are quick wins on how you can save money such as limiting your shower time to just four minutes, washing clothes at 30OC, switching on lights only in the rooms that you need them, to name but a few.

We have put together some ways that you can make improvements around your home to save on high heating bills. You can read the tips on our website.

Read more

Thamesbank celebrates International Credit Union Day


The 74th anniversary of International Credit Union Day took place on Thursday, 20 October 2022. This year, we gathered as a global movement under the theme: “Empower Your Financial Future with a Credit Union.”

We have put together some ways that you can help you empower your financial future. Read the tips on our website.

Read more

Facts about Staines Bridge

We share some interesting, and historic, facts about Staines Bridge. This article was written by John Taylor, a researcher and writer.

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Thamesbank welcomes Seema Malhotra, MP

Thamesbank Credit Union was pleased to receive a visit from Seema Malhotra MP on Friday 07 October in reference to Illegal Money Lending in West London.

The MP welcomed our approach of working with Landlords to tackle rent arrears and prevent homelessness and in particular the need to provide an ethical alternative to Loan Sharks.

Graham Tomlin from Credit Union Solutions (CUS) said:

“Seema is a long-time member and supporter of Thamesbank and we are delighted that she is raising the threat of a growth in Loan Shark activity in our community.

Thamesbank Credit Union has been working with the Illegal Money Lending Team for several years and we fear that the current economic downturn will see more vulnerable families turn to loan sharks unless landlords partner with Thamesbank Credit Union to ensure the availability of ethical loans.”

Suspected loan shark arrested in Hounslow

Last month, a man was arrested on suspicion of illegal money lending and money laundering offences and possession of an offensive weapon, following an operation in Hounslow.

The England Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT) worked in partnership with officers from the Metropolitan Police to execute a warrant at an address in Heston.

Get the full story on Thamesbank’s website.

Read more

Homeowner loan

As the winter months are dawning upon us, and with the ever-rising energy bills, it’s a good idea to make improvements to your home to make it more energy efficient.

Therefore, Thamesbank Credit Union is here to help. 

If you are a regular saver with equity in your property, we can give loans up to the maximum allowable by our regulator. This is £10,000 on top of your savings. The maximum savings you can have is £7,500.

Rates are negotiable but start as low as 3% APR.

Apply now

Like, follow and share – Thamesbank social media channels

Our social media following has been growing and we would like to thank you for your support.

Some of our weekly features include:

#MondayswithMukesh where we get some insights, hints and tips from our very own chair, Mukesh Malhotra.

#Wednesdaywisdom where we share inspirational quotes every Wednesday.

We also share news and awareness days from time to time so be on the lookout for those.

If you would like to keep up-to-date with us on social media, please follow us:

Twitter: @ThamesbankCU

Facebook: @ThamesbankCreditUnion

Instagram: @tcumarketing

LinkedIn: Thamesbank Credit Union

World Polio Day 2022 and Beyond: A healthier future for mothers and children

World Polio Day is observed on 24 October 2022. It’s a day that commemorates global efforts toward a polio-free future, as well as the selfless sacrifices of those working on the frontline of the battle to eradicate polio from every corner of the world.

What is polio?

Polio is a serious infection that’s now very rare because of the vaccination programme. It’s only found in a few countries and the chance of getting it in the UK is extremely low. This is despite the fact that some poliovirus has been found in sewage from London recently.

The chance of getting ill from polio is higher if you are not fully vaccinated, so it’s important to make sure you, and your child, are up to date with your vaccines.

Children aged 1 to 9 years old in London are being offered a dose of polio vaccine. For some children this may be an extra dose on top of their routine vaccinations. In other children it may bring them up to date with their routine vaccinations.

Find out more about polio and the polio vaccinations from the NHS website.

Words of wisdom

“You can’t just sit there and wait for people to give you that golden dream. You’ve got to get out there and make it happen.”

– Diana Ross

If you have always dreamt of having a successful future financially, there is no better way to start than with Thamesbank Credit Union. Thank you for being part of our credit union. Please share the love of your credit union with others.