Parkinson's UK Shrewsbury Newsletter | September 2025
- Charlotte Fisher
- Sep 13, 2025
- 3 min read
Walking tennis set to be a smash hit
Members have the chance to try a brand new activity beginning next month. Walking tennis for people with Parkinson's starts on Friday 3 October, 10.30am to 12.30pm.
The sessions will be held on the first and third Friday of each month at the Cathie Sabin Community Tennis Centre, which has two courts and is housed inside a spacious inflatable dome on the David Lloyd Club site in Sundorne Road, Shrewsbury SY1 4RG.
The sessions are free and there is plenty no need to book. The centre is also wheelchair-friendly. Please bring a bottle of water.
Can you help sell Christmas cards?
The ever-popular Christmas card shop will be open its doors again this year in St Mary's Church, with Parkinson's cards on sale in aid of the Shrewsbury Branch.
We need 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 are able to help out on any of these dates, even if it’s just for a couple of hours.
Questions on diet?
Our next branch meeting, on Wednesday 17 September, will feature a talk by an NHS community dietitian. If you have any questions or topic suggestions, please email sec.shrewsury.parkinsons@gmail.com in advance.
A fond farewell to kind-hearted Rod
Shrewsbury chair Maggie Connell writes:
Those of us who went to our table tennis sessions at the Shrewsbury Sports Village will have been struck by the generosity and friendliness of Rod Lewis, who loaned us the equipment so willingly. He loved table tennis and wanted others to share his commitment to the game.
Sad to say, now we have to report his funeral - which was on 1 September at Shrewsbury Crematorium.
It will be no surprise to hear though that a celebration of his life, held afterwards at Shrewsbury Sports Village, included table tennis activities. Rod will be greatly missed.
Chance to get fit and avoid falls
New classes to help you build muscle and become more confident on your feet are being launched later this month.
Qualified falls prevention practitioner Amanda Hordern will be leading the Strength and Balance sessions at St Giles Church Hall, Sutton Way, Springfield SY2 6EH on Thursdays from 10.00am—11.00am, starting on 25 September.
The classes will include gentle seated or standing exercises which aim to increase strength, balance, confidence and general well-being, and cost £5 including refreshments. Just pop in or call Amanda on 07708 224645 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 there is a car park.
Table Tennis (free): Mon 15 September and 6 October, 10.30am-12pm, the Sports Village, Sundorne Road, SY1 4RQ
Parkinson’s Exercise Hub (free): Wed 10, 17, 24 September, 1 October, 10am-12pm at Smithy’s Bar, Shrewsbury Town FC, SY2 6ST
Physiotherapy (free): Mon 22 September, 11am-12pm, at ‘Central’, above Palmer’s cafe, Claremont St, SY1 1QG
Speech & Language Therapy (free): Thurs 11 and 25 September, 2-3pm, Radbrook Community Centre, Calverton Way, SY3 6DZ
Branch Social: Wed 17 September, 11am-12.15pm, The Beaconsfield Club, SY1 1PD; Talk by a community dietitian from the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust, followed by refreshments.
Fundraiser Quiz Night: Wed 29 October, The Beaconsfield Club, SY1 1PD; More details in next month’s newsletter.
Branch Contact Details
Website: www.shrewsburyparkinsons.com
Mobile: 07879 338895
Parkinson’s UK, 50 Broadway, London SW1H 0DB
Free confidential helpline: 0808 800 0303
Monday to Friday 9am-7pm
Saturday 10am-2pm (interpreting available)
NGT Relay 18001 0808 800 0303 (textphone only)
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