Parkinson's UK Shrewsbury Branch Newsletter | October 2025
- Charlotte Fisher
- Oct 6
- 3 min read
Dietitians give us food for thought
There was a great turnout at our September branch social, when NHS dietitians Lizzie and Elysha talked about the importance of good nutrition for people with Parkinson’s.
To sum up, they said that diet plays a major role in managing Parkinson’s.
You should aim for plenty of fruit and vegetables, wholegrains, and fibre; include protein sources such as beans, lentils, fish, eggs, or lean meat; consume dairy or fortified alternatives for calcium and vitamin D; and use healthy fats like olive oil or rapeseed oil.
Eating a wide variety of foods helps maintain energy, muscle strength and bone health. However, they emphasised it’s important to enjoy your food and not feel deprived—so if you fancy a slice of cake, go ahead!
Medication and food timing need special consideration. Levodopa can be affected by protein, as both compete for absorption. To reduce “wearing off” periods, they recommend taking levodopa 30–60 minutes before food or 90–120 minutes after eating, and not eating all your protein in one meal.
Certain drugs may cause side effects such as nausea, constipation or dry mouth. Strategies include eating small, frequent meals, staying well hydrated (1.5–2 litres of fluid daily), and increasing fibre intake.
Email maggie.connell1@gmail.com to listen to an edited recording of the talk.
Sing-along social
At our November branch social (Wednesday 19th) we’ll be joined by musician Alan Thomas, who will be encouraging us to sing along to a range of hits from the 50s and 60, as well as some country music favourites.
Singing is great for people with Parkinson’s, so come along and have fun while exercising your lungs and vocal cords!
Christmas card shop needs you!
Help is still very much needed to help sell Parkinson's cards at the Christmas card shop in St Mary's Church in aid of Shrewsbury Branch funds.
So far only one person has come forward so we really need people to rally round. We’re looking for volunteers to work in the shop on the following days:
Thursdays 30 October, 6, 13, 20, 27 November, 4 December, 10.00am to 1.15pm
Saturdays 1, 8, 22 November, 10.00am to 1.15pm;
Saturday 29 November, 1pm to 4pm
Please email Jane Williams at sec.shrewsbury.parkinsons@gmail.com if you can lend a hand on any of these dates.
Fundraising quiz
Come along to our fun quiz night later this month and help boost branch funds.
The event will be held at the Beaconsfield Club, Meadow Place, Shrewsbury SY1 1PD on Wednesday 29 October, at 7.30pm.
There is an entry fee of £3 per person, with a maximum of five people per team, and a bar will be available. For more information email sec.shrewsbury.parkinsons@gmail.com
Christmas lunch
Our ever-popular Christmas lunch takes place at the Beaconsfield Club on Wednesday 17 December and will cost £29 for two courses, payable in advance. More details and a menu will be available in next month’s newsletter.
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.
Walking Tennis: Fri 3 and 17 October, 10.30am-12.30pm, Cathie Sabin Tennis Centre, Sundorne Road, SY2 4RG
Table Tennis: Mon 6 and 20 October, 10.30am-12pm, the Sports Village, Sundorne Road, SY1 4RQ
Parkinson’s Exercise Hub : Wed 8, 15, 22, 29 October, 5 November, 10am-12pm at Smithy’s Bar, Shrewsbury Town FC, SY2 6ST
Physiotherapy: Mon 13 and 27 October, 11am-12pm, at ‘Central’, above Palmer’s cafe, Claremont St, SY1 1QG
Speech & Language Therapy: Thurs 9 and 23 October, 2-3pm, Radbrook Community Centre, Calverton Way, SY3 6DZ
Branch Social: Wed 15 October, 11am12.15pm, The Beaconsfield Club, SY1 1PD; We’ll be playing Boccia (similar to bowls but with soft balls)
Fundraising quiz: Wed 29 October, 7.30pm, The Beaconsfield Club, SY1 1PD
Branch Contact Details
Website: www.shrewsburyparkinsons.com
Mobile: 07879 338895
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