IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT

In 2019 the flourishing Swindon & District Branch was awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service (the highest award that can be given to a charity) thanks to Chairman Dave Logan and the existing committee of about 12 people. Each member had a specific job, some more onerous than others, but if it was needed, it got done! Sadly, as well as covid, many of our previous hardworking committee members have either passed away or become too far advanced with Parkinson’s to continue. Despite many requests and advertising in this newsletter we have been unable to increase the number of people on the committee or gain enough volunteers.

All the activities which the Branch had been able to start: exercise classes, dance classes, Xmas Sale, Xmas Lunch, and other recent social events such as the summer picnic, pub lunch and bingo/quiz night, have been organised mainly by just two committee members. This is not sustainable, especially as these two members also work hard as Treasurer and Secretary. A third member is the Membership Secretary and the fourth the Newsletter Editor, and both these positions require considerable input. We cannot continue as a committee in this manner; we need the support and input from more members in order to enjoy social events again and hopefully to restart Walking Football, Tai Chi and Day Respite Care.

The change will take place immediately and will impact our financial status, with head office having more oversight of the local finances than before. To bring ourselves back up to the flourishing branch that we were, we need to provide more exercise classes, (i.e. walking football, tai chi), and more social activities such as skittles, race night, pub lunches, talks, quizzes, bingo……, all of which greatly benefit our members affected by Parkinson’s. We need to restart Respite Care to help carers who need a break, and to organise publicity and fund-raising from organisations.

There are over three hundred members in the Swindon area; surely there are people who would like to run an event. In the past these events have been greatly appreciated by and have been of great value for many people who would miss out on the enjoyment and benefits they have experienced.

 

 

Thanks for visiting our website. We hope you find all the information you need to know about our Group and what we have to offer in support of all people with Parkinson’s, including their families & carers, in the Swindon area.

 

We aim to keep up to date with events, activities and news and provide a source of useful information.

 

For visitors to the site for the first time, please browse our website for information and if you are keen to find out more or to join us please contact us.

 

We hope you find the information provided useful. We welcome your feedback regarding improvements or other information that you would like to see provided.