Parkinson's UK Shrewsbury Branch | December Newsletter
- Charlotte Fisher
- Jan 12
- 5 min read
Mps show support in Parky debate
Members of the popular Movers & Shakers podcast, who all live with Parkinson’s, managed to persuade more than 100,000 people to sign their Parky Charter petition – which meant that the subject of Parkinson’s care had to be debated at a Westminster Hall session.
A large number of MPs made the effort to attend and the committee room was packed.
The Movers & Shakers, who include former BBC employees Jeremy Paxman, Rory Cellan-Jones, Mark Mardell and Vicar of Dibley writer Paul Mayhew-Archer, as well as businesswoman Gillian Lacey-Solymar and retired judge Sir Nicholas Mostyn, were of course all present. Here is Mark Mardell’s post on their Facebook page:
“We did it! We got our debate in Westminster Hall, on November 17th, and it was packed with MPs, who made all the right points and showed they care about their constituents with Parkinson’s, and they’re backing our Parky Charter.
All were limited to two-minute speeches each, which is pretty unusual and shows how many wanted to talk. Lots mentioned the ‘diagnosis crisis’, the unfairness of DWP demands, young onset — and we were very glad Parky women were recognised too. And the Health Minister Ashley Dalton said all their points will be answered in writing.
So: a huge thanks to everybody who signed the petition to get this far. Huge thanks to all the MPs who turned up. And to the brilliant petitions committee.
And remember, this is just the beginning, not the end. Our next podcast will be reflecting on the debate — and what the focus should be now. Let us know what you think.”
Fun time meeting guild members
Branch chair Maggie Connell writes:
I very much enjoyed meeting the ladies from Trefoil on Wednesday 6th November, when I gave a short talk about Parkinson's and about Shrewsbury Parkinson's branch. This was the first time of "flying solo" and my tremor (usually controlled) was very much in evidence!
Barbara Branch had organised the event and so I knew one friendly face, and also Yvonne (I think - whom I met when we were both selling Christmas cards on Saturday).
There were about 18 ladies (all of whom had been involved in Girl Guiding at some point in their lives) - all in their uniforms. They meet regularly at the Lantern off Sundorne Road.
Annually they hold a raffle, all donating a prize and (most winning one back!) which caused much laughter.
Very unexpectedly and generously, the takings from the raffle (£85.00) were donated to Shrewsbury Parkinson's and also the fee which is regularly paid to the speaker (£50.00) was given to me.
As a charity, they're not allowed to donate to another charity so the £50 fee is for me (!) - but I assured them that I would donate it to the branch funds and thanked them very much.
Nicky Fancett, Chair of Shrewsbury Trefoil Guild, took the photos and said that the lady with all the badges (pictured right) is called Tessa Griffiths, adding: "She has been a member of girl-guiding for many years as a Guide and a Leader as well as joining Trefoil Guild, which we like to call Guiding for grown-ups".
All welcome for Christmas Lunch
Places are still available for our branch Christmas lunch, which will be held at the Beaconsfield Club on Wednesday, 17 December. It costs £29 per person for two courses—simply choose a main and dessert from the menu published in the November newsletter.
Please let treasurer Jane Williams know if you’re planning to come along.
Jane will be able to take payment by card, cash, or bank transfer to:
Parkinson’s Disease Society of the UK, Sort Code 20-00-00, Account no. 63487652.
New physio steps into the branch
Maggie Connell writes:
Goodbye and hello! Well, it’s a goodbye from us to Jade, our physiotherapist of the last few years. She is off to have a baby (congratulations to her!) and hopefully we’ll be seeing her again in the future.
However, her shoes will be ably filled by Audrey Bramford, who is taking over this month. Audrey is a neuro-physiotherapist who qualified in 1983 and has since worked for the NHS both in a hospital stroke unit and in the community, specialising in neurology.
She moved to Shropshire from Lancashire to spend more time walking, doing yoga and meditation and developing a new garden as she winds down to retirement, but told us that she is definitely looking forward to meeting her new friends in Parkinson’s.
Our physiotherapy sessions take place on the second and fourth Monday of the month from 11am-12noon in the centre of Shrewsbury above Palmer’s Café. If you want to take advantage of these sessions, please just turn up; it’s all free to members. Just remember to wear loose clothing and bring some water with you.
Bumper boost for Parkinson's funds
Friends of Shrewsbury Branch members Dave Jervis and Sylvia Lyle have raised a bumper amount for charity. Driving a 1972 Triumph Stag, Duncan Abbott, from Longden, and his son Mike took part in the annual 48-hour Round Britain Reliability Run over the weekend of 3-4 October and netted the amazing total of £3,504, which will all be donated to Parkinson’s UK. What a result!
Toe-tapping time at branch social
Members enjoyed a musical theme at the November branch meeting. Musician Alan Thomas performed a medley of popular songs from the 50s and 60s and encouraged everyone to sing along.
Train app releases new travel badge
Parkinson’s UK has recently partnered with online travel app Trainline to launch a campaign aimed at increasing awareness among travellers of the needs of those living with Parkinson’s.
Travelling can be one of the most challenging experiences that people with Parkinson’s face. Whether it’s navigating crowded stations, coping with last-minute platform changes or boarding trains, travelling can be stressful and exacerbate symptoms.
As part of the initiative, Trainline has launched a new badge which aims to improve understanding of conditions like Parkinson’s and foster greater understanding and patience among passengers. The badge reads ‘Patience please, travel is challenging for me’. The badges are available free of charge in the Parkinson’s UK online shop while stocks last.
Trainline are also offering an additional £10 off travel. Visit the website or use the Trainline app for UK train ticket purchases with a minimum spend of £1 (excluding fees) and quote PARKINSONS.
The offer is valid once per email address and limited to the first 500 uses.
Talk on Beechband
This is just to remind everyone that a representative from the company that makes the BeechBand will be giving a presentation at our branch social on 18 February. The device, which can be worn on the wrist or ankle, aims to ease Parkinson’s symptoms through a tactile tapping mechanism. Log on to beechband.com to find out more.
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, and the club has a car park.
Table Tennis (free): Mon 15 December, 5 January, 10.30am-12pm, the Sports Village, Sundorne Road, SY1 4RQ
Parkinson’s Exercise Hub (free): Wed 10 December, 7 January, 10am-12pm at Smithy’s Bar, Shrewsbury Town Football Club, SY2 6ST (Please note there is NO hub on 17, 24 or 31 December)
Physiotherapy (free): Mon 8 and 22 December, 11am-12pm, at ‘Central’, above Palmer’s cafe, Claremont St, SY1 1QG
Speech & Language Therapy (free): Thurs 11 December, 2-3pm, Radbrook Community Centre, Calverton Way, SY3 6DZ
Walking Tennis (free): Friday 5 and 19 December, 10.30am-12.30pm, Cathie Sabin Tennis Dome, Sundorne Road, SY2 4RG
Branch Christmas lunch: Wed 17 December, 12.30-2.00pm, The Beaconsfield Club, Shrewsbury SY1 1PD
Branch contact details
Website: www.shrewsburyparkinsons.com
Mobile: 07879 338895
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