News Items
Local information for People with Parkinson’s their Carers and families
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VICE-CHANCELLOR'S
COMMUNITY RESEARCH AWARDS
KINGSAND CRAFTS
& CREAM TEA AFTERNOON
TAVISTOCK
PARKINSON'S SUPPORT GROUP
DAY TRIP TO KINGSLEY
VILLAGE & PADSTOW
SPEECH AND LANGUAGE THERAPY CLASSES
VICE-CHANCELLOR'S COMMUNITY RESEARCH AWARDS
Exciting news! Out of 36 applications we have
been successful, in association with Associate Professor Bernhard
Haas, in procuring a Research Award. Research carried out in the
USA has suggested that highly intensive work-outs can be just as
beneficial as longer sessions. If this proves to be true for
people with Parkinson’s, some of us could see a radical change in
our exercise regime. We realise that this will not suit everybody
and traditional classes will be available as well. Further
information and a formal call for volunteers to participate in
this will be available soon. However, in the meantime anyone
interested in finding out more and considering volunteering for
this study can contact Bernhard either by phone or e-mail.
Bernhard Haas School of Health Professions, Plymouth University.
Tel: 01752 588815. E-mail: bhaas@plymouth.ac.uk
[Joyce Plaice]
KINGSAND CRAFTS & CREAM TEA AFTERNOON
Kingsand Community Hall & Garden, Kingsand, Cornwall. The afternoon will include:- Live music by local choirs & musicians, a wide range of local crafts, face painting for children, a raffle & cake stall, and of course Cornish Cream Teas. Entrance fee: Adults £3:50 Children £1:50 (price includes a Cream Tea)
TAVISTOCK
PARKINSON'S SUPPORT GROUP
On 4th Feb, The Tavistock Support Group held a
lunch at The Tavistock Golf Club. 45 people attended, including 10
members of the Plymouth Parkinson’s Group. We had a lovely meal
and the venue with its view of Whitchurch Downs was a big hit. A
lucky number draw took place during coffee. During lunch, a cheque
for £35 was presented to the group by Mr. Mark Hoar on
behalf of his Mum, Mrs. Pat Hoar. The members would like to thank
Mrs. Hoar for her generosity and also the staff of Tavistock Golf
Club for their hard work in producing a tasty meal and excellent
service. The Group’s next outing will be to The Leaping Salmon,
Horrabridge on 19th March for morning coffee and cake.
[Pam Coxwell]
It is some time since I last wrote about this subject and I make no apologies for raising it again. The work of the Parkinson’s Brain Bank (PBB) in obtaining, storing and making available to researchers samples of brain tissue is critical in the search for a cure. Organ donation (particularly the brain) is a sensitive subject which many people are reluctant to think about. Please give it serious consideration. The PBB has a comprehensive process for helping new donors to register. They also handle all the arrangements for the donation in a sympathetic manner.
For further information please contact the Brain Bank manager (Tel: 020 7594 9732, email: hello@parkinsons.org.uk
or visit www.parkinsons.org.uk/brainbank[Bob Garland]
DAY TRIP TO
KINGSLEY VILLAGE & PADSTOW
Coach pick up point, Bretonside Flyover at 10am & arriving back at 6pm (approx.) Lunch bookings at Brewers Fayre will be arranged later. The coach is fully booked but if anyone is still interested in going, please contact JOYCE WHITE on 01752 771754
SPEECH AND LANGUAGE THERAPY CLASSES
Marjon Speech Group
This is a group for people who have difficulties with speech, however mild, as a result of Parkinson’s disease. Sessions are weekly, and take place each year during the months January to April.
The emphasis is on improving COMMUNICATION IN
EVERYDAY SITUATIONS and learning ways to maintain clear speech.
Many of the group activities focus on VOICE LOUDNESS as many
people with Parkinson’s Disease develop a very soft voice and find
it difficult to tell whether they are talking at the right level.
The group aims to equip members with STRATEGIES to cope with
communication difficulties and provides a chance to meet new
people and practice new skills in a FRIENDLY AND SUPPORTIVE
environment.
[Sarah Griffiths]
Our thanks go to Helen & Michael Sherlock
for hosting the Coffee and Cake event at their home on 18th
January. Although the weather prevented some people from getting
there, those who went had a really enjoyable time and the cakes
were delicious! Thank you again.
[Haroun Mohammed]
The newspapers have been extolling the virtues
of exercise for people with Parkinson’s. Dance, singing, drama,
walking have all been accredited as suitable physical activities.
The Committee is investigating the possibility of putting on one
or two of these activities. The Branch provides an Exercise Club
with three classes. These take place on Tuesday morning at St
Bartholomew’s Church Hall, Milehouse (10.30-12noon), on Tuesday
morning at Elburton Methodist Church Hall (10.15-11-45).and on
Wednesday morning at Mount Gould Hospital (10.15-11.45). The cost
is £3 per person with carers attending free of charge. We
have also applied for a University of Plymouth research award to
study the effectiveness of our exercise classes.
[H. Jenkins]
This confidential service is staffed by Specialist Nurses and Advisers who will answer questions or give advice on any aspect of Parkinson’s. You do not need to be a member of Parkinson’s UK to call the Helpline. It is open Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 8.00pm and Saturday 10.00am to 2.00pm. Telephone:0808 800 0303 (Freephone) or email: hello@parkinsons.org.uk
| Honorary President | Lord Mayor of Plymouth |
| Honorary Vice President | Dr S Mahadik |
| Chairperson | Mrs Meg Speed |
| Vice Chairperson | Mr Hugh Jenkins |
| Treasurer | Miss Pat Bennett |
| Secretary | Mrs Georgina Ingham |
| Publicity Officer | Mrs Joyce Plaice |
| Committee Members: | Mr John Bowles |
| Mr John Boyes-Sturrock | |
| Mrs Sue Dye | |
| Mr Phil Ellis | |
| Mrs Chris Hobbs | |
| Mrs Margaret Hodkinson | |
| Miss Joyce White | |
| Mrs Gillian Bowles |
|
| PNS | Dawn Hugill |
| PNS | Fiona Murphy |
| PNS |
Emma Edwards |
| PNS |
Sian Day |
| ISW | Kay Lillie |