Parkinson's Shrewsbury Branch Newsletter | Feb 2026

Charlotte Fisher
Mar 5
5 min read

Visitors from the National Trust

Although it was a chilly morning, we had a good turnout to see Ron and Robin (see left) and Rhian (who disappeared before I could take her photo!) - three exceptionally friendly volunteers from the National Trust at our January social. They came to tell everyone about their Social Prescribing Walk and Talks at Attingham Park.

Ron firstly explained a little about what social prescribing is: it is to help GPs, who spend a lot of their time seeing people about social, not health issues. And those people are now being referred to "social prescribing" instead - for example walks in the countryside at Attingham Park. Ron particularly wanted to stress that no-one would be hurried along (laughingly admitting that he didn't do anything himself that even resembled exercise).

He said that the walks could be more of a dawdle or a stroll if that's what people wanted. Or possibly, Robin added, they might not want to walk at all but just to chat over a cup of tea or even not chat... some people prefer to walk in silent companionship.

What sort of people came and why? People simply seeking companionship. But they said there was no need to discuss why you were there if you didn't want to. Some people just enjoyed being in the countryside, watching the changing seasons of nature and the birds and animals.

As a follow-up… branch members are all invited to come along to our social on Wednesday June 17th (our summer outing) when we will be going as a group to Attingham Park on a Walk and Talk (more details nearer the time).

However, ‘social prescribing groups walks’ are already happening; if you want to go along on a Wednesday or Thursday at 2.00pm, you’d be very welcome. Drive up to the free car park, look out for the volunteers (there's always a group of them at the Visitor Reception). No need to go through your GP or to be a member of the National Trust and no fee at those times - just say that you're from Shrewsbury Parkinson's.

Dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes for walking. There are benches along the walk to stop for a rest, accessible toilets, and a cafe on site. An all-terrain mobility scooter and a buggy are available to those who need them. (writer : Maggie Connell)

Report back if you go!

This Month's Social: Carl Beech from BeechBand

Don’t miss our next branch social on 18 February, when inventor Carl Beech and his

colleague April Hutchinson will be showcasing the ‘BeechBand’. Worn on the wrist like a watch, (see right – photo of Rob Fisher wearing his Beechband) the device costs just under £60 including post and packing.

The band aims to ease Parkinson’s symptoms through rhythmic vibrations that produce a calming pulse similar to a mother’s heartbeat felt by babies in the womb. This can help retrain the brain and improve speech, movement and the ability to carry out daily tasks. Although it doesn’t work for everyone, and you may not see any results for several weeks - come along to the talk and make up your own mind.

Do you have a BeechBand already? Carl is particularly keen to get your feedback, so, please do attend if you can. To find out more, visit beechband.com.

Take a Chance & Dance

Take A Chance & Dance Parkinson’s, which was established in 2017, has now come under our branch’s remit. Please make enquiries if this is a class you’d like to join. At times there is a waiting list.

When: Thursdays 11–12.30 including refreshments …. In term time.

Venue: Shrewsbury Baptist Central above Palmer’s Café, Claremont St, Shrewsbury SY1 1QC

Led by Annie Moody, Ballet Mistress, and occasionally by Sandy Ramsay, a retired Physio (see picture). The session is supported by volunteers who enable each dancer to enjoy the class with supervision and with assistance if and when needed.

Benefits: Dance has been shown to improve strength, co-ordination, balance and confidence. The class gives the freedom to dance without the physical and social constraints of having Parkinson’s, whilst smiling and having fun within a supportive and understanding environment.

What to expect: A very warm welcome; guidance within the class as needed. The first half of the class is seated, the second standing (adapted as needed); beautiful music … and lastly tea, coffee and cake available at the end.

For further information please contact Sandy Ramsay 07870 298822

Buy a Ticket for a Great Night Out!

Did you enjoy the fantastic (boiling hot) music night in July last year? Mike and Baz – both great musicians – provided a superb evening’s entertainment playing our sort of music! Well … it must have been – people were up and dancing most of the night.

A great way to raise funds and have an evening’s fun with your friends. So, don’t miss the opportunity to repeat the experience (okay – maybe not the summer heat) … on the 28 February at the Beaconsfield Club, all welcome!

Buy tickets from any committee member to be sure of joining us on the night!

Can you spare a little time?

Shrewsbury Parkinson’s branch often needs people to give a helping hand. On 14 March we’ll be collecting outside Shrewsbury Town Football Club at Croud Meadow and on Friday 10 April we’ll have a stand in the Shrewsbury town square to celebrate World Parkinson’s Day. Please get in touch if you can help – contact details below.

Dates for your diary

Our monthly socials are held at The Beaconsfield Club in the centre of Shrewsbury (opposite the bus station) on the third Wednesday of the month, from 11am to 12.15pm. These friendly meetings are FREE, all welcome, and the club has a car park.

Table Tennis: Mon 16 February, 2 March 10.30am-12pm, the Sports Village, Sundorne Road, SY1 4RQ

Parkinson’s Exercise Hub: Wed 11, 18, 25 February, 10am-12pm at Smithy’s Bar, Shrewsbury Town Football Club, SY2 6ST

Physiotherapy: Mon 9, 23 February, 11am-12pm, at ‘Central’, above Palmer’s cafe, Claremont St, SY1 1QG Speech & Language Therapy: Thurs, 12, 26 February, 2-3pm, Radbrook Community Centre, Calverton Way, SY3 6DZ

Walking Tennis: Friday 6 and 13 February (PLEASE NOTE CHANGE OF DATE), 10.30am-12.00pm, Cathie Sabin Tennis Dome, Sundorne Road, SY2 4RG

Take A Chance and Dance: Thurs 5, 12, 26 February (PLEASE NOTE - NO TAKE A CHANCE & DANCE ON 19 Feb) 11-12.30pm, Shrewsbury Baptist Central above Palmer’s Café, Claremont St, Shrewsbury SY1 1QC

Shrewsbury Branch committee meeting: Wed 4 March (PLEASE NOTE CHANGE OF DATE) 2.00pm, The Beaconsfield Club, Shrewsbury SY1 1PD