Thank you all for supporting the Branch over the last 6 months. I give personal thanks to my ever faithful (and quite simply the best) Committee I’ve had the pleasure of working with.

 

Additional thanks to the kind souls who are not on the Committee who have given up their time to support and help us, what a marvellous team! Your efforts do not go unnoticed. If you think you can help, please email Mary at mary@skeparkinsons.org.uk, thank you.

 

Our membership continues to grow (306 members at last count) and there’s lots in the calendar over the Autumn/Winter months.

 

First though, a quick look back at the last 6 months...

 

Thanks to being one of the Mayor of Sutton’s chosen charities for the second consecutive year, the mayoral events were plentiful with the Branch hosting a karaoke and race night at Sutton United FC. In total, the Branch were honoured with a cheque for £10,000, we are truly grateful.

 

Our World Parkinson’s Day event in Sutton Civic Centre Library was a roaring success – the effort to put on this event was off the scale! I was completely exhausted at the close, however brimming with pride. 20+stalls, over 350 visitors, live demos, Movers and Shakers, entertainment and multiple presentations. We certainly fulfilled the brief and raised awareness. Well done everyone.

 

Other events hosted by the Branch were an Afternoon Tea, croquet, a talk from our 2 wonderful Parkinson’s nurse specialists, bowls, bowling, an African drumming session and a presentation on Essential Tremor. These are on top of our regular monthly events. I’m proud to be leading such a busy Branch!

 

Looking towards Autumn/Winter, there’s a full calendar of events including talks about fire safety in the home, LPAs and wills from Parfitt and Creswell, a theatre trip to see Annie and our popular Christmas  dinner and New Year lunch.

 

Please note that there are changes to the dates for Sing to Beat Parkinson’s and the Wimbledon exercise class with Jeannie, up until Christmas, so please check the event dates carefully.

 

Also don’t forget our new third venue at Rosebery Manor on the last Wednesday of each month 10.30 – 12.00pm.

 

And if you are able, why not come for an informal natter, cuppa and cake to the Kingston Vale Parkinson’s Café on the last Thursday of the month, 2.30– 4.00pm. There is no need to book and parking is available. To find out more, please email Sarah at southlondon@parkinsons.org.uk.

 

Thank you for taking the time to read my note here.

 

Warmest wishes,

Arthur