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Parkinson's UK Shrewsbury Branch Newsletter | Nov/Dec 2024

Writer's picture: Parkinson's UK Shrewsbury BranchParkinson's UK Shrewsbury Branch

Updated: Jan 30

Putting the fun into fundraising

On 9 November, the Sovereign Suite at Shrewsbury Town FC was transformed into the liveliest spot in town. About 150 guests gathered to support a fantastic cause: keeping the Parkinson’s Hub alive and kicking!

Mc Danny Power gets the auction underway
Mc Danny Power gets the auction underway

The Hub, which started last summer, has proved a lifeline for many of us, providing weekly exercise sessions run by the wonderful team at Shrewsbury Town Foundation. Without this event, the Hub might have faced a very un-fun early retirement.


Lowry pulled out all the stops to organise the evening, and it went off without a hitch. The atmosphere was buzzing as people enjoyed drinks from the bar, took to the dance

floor, and got competitive in two auctions.


Impressive shapes were thrown on the dance floor
Impressive shapes were thrown on the dance floor

Among the lots were a holiday voucher, meals out at local pubs, signed football memorabilia, food hampers, and even lunch at Windsor Castle. But it was the gin and tonic hamper that really got the crowd going, sparking a bidding war worthy of a Premier League transfer window.


The generous bids kept coming, contributing to an amazing overall total of £4,006 by the end of the night. Huge thanks to everyone involved—particularly Eric and Sylvia!

 

Chance to Enjoy Victorian Carols

Shrewsbury's Victorian Carol Singers will join shoppers at the Christmas Fayre at St Mary's Church, Shrewsbury, on Saturday, 21 December, and will perform at 11am and 1pm. Branch members are invited to come along—and if you have a Victorian costume, you’re welcome to join in with the group.


Your outfit doesn't have to be historically accurate, and there are lots of ideas online. There’s no rehearsal, no audition, and song words will be provided. Alternatively, just browse the stalls while you sing along. Permission has been given for donations to be

collected for the Shrewsbury Branch.

The Victorian Carol Singers in full swing
The Victorian Carol Singers in full swing
 

Festive Cards Now on Sale in Church

The charity Christmas card shop in St Mary’s Church opened on 25 October and will run

until 7 December, Monday to Saturday, from 10.15am to 4.00pm.


It’s one of our biggest fundraising events, so do come and browse the Parkinson’s stall—

there are some lovely designs! Many thanks to all the volunteers who are giving up their

time to run the shop.












 

Don't Miss Out on Our Christmas Meal!

Bookings are still open for our Christmas lunch at the Beaconsfield Club on 18 December, at 12.30pm. Please let treasurer Jane Williams know by 1 December if you’re planning to attend.


Jane can take payment by card, cash, or bank transfer to:

Parkinson’s Disease Society of the UK

Sort Code: 20-00-00 Account no. 63487652


Menu choices (£25 for two courses):

Mains:

Hand carved roast turkey, sage & onion stuffing with pigs in blankets

Roast lamb

Salmon in a champagne & asparagus sauce

Pear, blue cheese and walnut tart


Desserts:

Sherry trifle

Profiteroles

Christmas pudding with brandy sauce

Lemon posset with shortbread

Tea or coffee & mints

 

A Warm Welcome at Parkinson's Hub

Every Wednesday from 10am to 12pm, Smithy’s Bar at Shrewsbury Town Football Club in Oteley Road becomes the vibrant home of the Parkinson’s Hub. Run by the club’s charity foundation, these exercise sessions are tailored for people with Parkinson’s, with a warm welcome for partners and carers alike.

Parkinson's Hub participants limber up with some stretching exercises in Smithy's Bar
Parkinson's Hub participants limber up with some stretching exercises in Smithy's Bar

Led by a team of qualified fitness coaches, each session offers gentle and engaging activities, from chair yoga, stretching exercises and circuit training to quizzes and games like darts and bowling.


The sessions are designed to be both enjoyable and effective, helping everyone stay active and connected. Partners and carers can join in with the activities or simply relax, have a chat, and enjoy the endless tea, coffee and biscuits on offer. The atmosphere is friendly, supportive and, above all, fun.


Just turn up if you’re interested, and feel free to bring someone along. With ample parking right outside the building, it couldn’t be easier to attend. We look forward to seeing you!

 

Becoming a Member of Parkinson's UK

It is not necessary to become a member of Parkinson’s UK in order to access the many benefits of this organisation such as exercise and speech therapy groups, helplines and

various publications, writes volunteer Jill Cantrill.


However, as was pointed out at the recent Parkinson’s UK AGM on 12 October 2024, becoming a member increases the influence of the organisation as the sheer weight of numbers has an impact on the approach of politicians and research bodies.


As a member you would receive:

* information about campaigns, research

opportunities, and news from the charity

* a membership card and pin badge

* discounts from partner companies on everything from supplements to stairlifts, accessible bathrooms to adjustable beds.

* subscription to two magazines, online or by post: The Parkinson is packed with tips to

help you and your loved ones navigate life with Parkinson’s; Progress has the latest updates on research into new treatments.


It is free to become a member, with no obligation to donate. So, if you are not a member, please think about becoming one and remember to tick the box to show your affiliation to the Shrewsbury Branch.


To find out more about becoming a member and to sign up, go to:


Alternatively:

Call the Supporter Care team on 0800 138 6593 or

 

Swimmers Splash Out With Donation

Shrewsbury Masters Swimming Club have generously donated £40 to our Shrewsbury

Branch, raised from a recent quiz night, and were thanked by Christine Greaves.

Alison from Shrewsbury Masters Swimming Club hands the donation to Shrewsbury Branch volunteer Christine
Alison from Shrewsbury Masters Swimming Club hands the donation to Shrewsbury Branch volunteer Christine


















 

Dates For Your Diary

Our monthly socials are held at 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. They’re an opportunity to get together with like-minded people and find mutual support over a cup of tea or coffee and biscuits. All are welcome including carers, friends and supporters. The club has a car park and disabled access.


Physiotherapy (free): Mon 25 November & 9 December, 11am-12pm, at ‘Central’, above Palmer’s coffee shop, Claremont St, SY1 1QG. Please note there is no session on 23 December.


Christmas Lunch: Wed 18 December, 12.30pm, at Beaconsfield Club; £25 for two courses; please pay by 1 December. For menu choices see above in this newsletter.


Speech & Language Therapy: Please note that due to illness there will be no further sessions for this year.

 

We are Parkinson’s UK

Powered by people. Funded by you. Improving life for everyone affected by Parkinson’s.


Together we’ll find a cure.


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

(for textphone users only)


Parkinson’s UK is the operating name of the Parkinson’s Disease Society of the United Kingdom. A charity registered in England and Wales (258197) and in Scotland (SC037554).

© Parkinson’s UK.

 

Branch Contact Details

Mobile: 07879 338895


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