…..well, what can I say, what a super 6 months it’s been for the Branch! My enormous thanks to the support of the Committee, which is now 12 strong – I simply couldn’t have done it without you. I’ve been on many Committees in my time and this is the best one I’ve ever had the good fortune to work with, thank you all. I’d also like to thank the additional help which has been offered by non- Committee members too, your assistance is gratefully appreciated and continues to help us connect with people living with Parkinson’s locally. If you think you can offer some of your time, please do get in touch with Mary at mary@skeparkinsons.org.uk, thank you.

 

Our Branch events over the next 6 months are not to be missed. Later this year we have specialist speakers from the law firm Parfitt & Creswell, Hubs Mobility and Sue Mills from PUK will be returning to talk to us about the gizmos and gadgets which can help us day to day. Plus our Christmas Dinner on Wednesday 17th December too. It’s going to be a

cracker! 2026 begins with the new year lunch on Wednesday 14th January, Tai Chi presentation in Feb and a bingo afternoon in March. And don’t forget our regular monthly events too – please read on to find out more information.

 

I am delighted to announce that for the second consecutive year, we have had the good fortune and honour of being selected as one of the Mayor of Sutton’s charities along with Sutton Women’s Centre. This is such a privilege as the additional funds raised will help the Branch retain the level of events/exercise classes currently offered (cost to Branch approx. £20k). Last year we banked over £11,000 from the Mayor’s events. We are already discussing with the Mayor’s Committee about a variety of Mayoral events, which are of course additional to our own – already confirmed are:

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Silent Disco 8 th November 2025 at Sutton Community Dance

Race Night on 22 nd November 2025 at SUFC

Karaoke Night 14 th March 2026 at SUFC

 

Other Mayoral events in the boiling pot are a Halloween children’s trail, Burns night, musical bingo, quizzes and gala dinners, we’ll keep you posted. It’s going to be another busy year! Your support for all Branch and Mayoral events would be greatly appreciated, thank you.

 

And I haven’t mentioned World Parkinson’s Day on Saturday 11 th April next year yet! Sutton Council have agreed a motion to host a Parkinson’s awareness event at the Civic Offices, featuring keynote speakers, PUK representatives, information stands and opportunities for residents to engage and learn. To find out more, please look at the latest news

section on our website at www.skeparkinsons.org.uk.

 

Thank you, Martin, for running the Rosebery Manor Support Group which is at 10.30am on the last Wednesday of the month at 458 Reigate Road, Epsom KT18 5XA. All things Parkinson’s related are discussed so please do come along and support him at this informal coffee/tea meet up. Malden Manor Bowls Club needs a special mention too. We are delighted and privileged to have been selected as their nominated charity for the coming year. Our thanks go to the President Mrs Lynda Padgham and all the members.

 

I believe that raising awareness is crucial, especially as the new figures from Parkinson’s UK state that Parkinson’s is on the rise. In the UK today, someone is diagnosed every 20 minutes. And due to our growing and ageing population, it's expected that 1 in 37 people will be diagnosed with Parkinson's in their lifetime. With that in mind, it’s important for me/us to open new dialogues locally, here’s a list of presentations/talks I’ve given, there are more lined up in the future!

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03.04.25 : Sutton Carers Centre

24.04.25 : Hackbridge, St. Helier & The Wrythe local Committee (Sutton)

22.07.25 : Sherwood Grange, Care Home. Kingston

23.07.25 : Galsworthy House. Care Home. Kingston.

28.07.25 : Attended cheque presentation (24/25) in Mayor’s parlour.

31.07.25 : African & Caribbean Heritage Association

06.08.25 : Sutton Women’s Centre meeting Mayor’s charity partners

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Thank you for taking the time to read my note here and enjoy the rest of our Autumn/Winter booklet.

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Don’t forget our exercise classes too, with our continuing subsidy of 50% off the class cost up to £100 per person annually, we encourage you to give one a try.

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Looking forward to seeing you at one of the many events ahead soon.

 

Warmest wishes,

Arthur