Jan 2026 Newsletter
- Jan 1
- 3 min read
Dear members and supporters of SKEM,
Welcome to 2026 – a year which will include the Winter Olympics and Paralympics next month in Italy, the football World Cup in June/July in North America and, much closer to home, our own World Parkinson’s Day celebration on Saturday 11th April at Sutton Civic Centre Library, 10am – 2pm.
If anyone:
Can offer to help at this event I’d be really grateful.
Has any contacts who might like to have a stall at this event, please let me know.
Has any other content ideas for the day, please do get in touch.
Your committee is already working hard on this and are always open to discuss your suggestions.
Our regular monthly events will continue eg: Group Speech Therapy, Singing Groups at two locations (Bourne Hall and Wimbledon Park Hall) and three separate monthly coffee mornings for our Branch carers, people living on their own with Parkinson’s (Parkinsolos) and coffees (or teas) in SW19 each month too!
And don’t forget Martin’s Roseberry Manor Support Group on the last Wednesday of each month 10.30 – 12.00pm Roseberry Manor Care Home, 458 Reigate Road, Epsom, KT18 5XA. All sorts of events go on
here….even just a social chat. Tea, coffee and biccies supplied
Along with our 9 recurrent exercise classes each month, there’s much to choose from.
February kicks off at 2.30pm at St John’s Church Hall with a Tai Chi taster session with Vicky. Personally, I find this class calms my busy mind, so why not give it a try!
Then on March 4th, get your dabbers ready for an entertaining bingo afternoon. So, 29 (rise and shine) and 32 (buckle your shoe) and come to St John’s, no need to 4 (knock at the door) and we’ll have 83 (time for tea) and 41 (time for fun)!!
Mayor’s Events
Additional to our branch events don’t forget the Mayor’s events this year too. I hope you’ve seen my earlier Chairman’s Note about the Karaoke, please do come and support this popular event.
Karaoke Night 14th March 2026: Sutton United Football Club
Bowls Night 15th April 2026 : Sutton Bowling Club
May I ask again for assistance with sourcing raffle prizes for the Mayor of Sutton’s events. A substantial percentage of the money raised at these events comes from the raffles where our aim is to have valuable prizes. I appreciate that finances are tight, your time is precious, however, all donations are gratefully received. I re-attach the Letter of Authority from the Mayor’s office to assist you.
Many thanks
Do you Play a Musical Instrument?
Do you find it more challenging to play your musical instrument with Parkinson’s?
Do you miss playing music with other people?
We would like to start a new initiative at the Branch. Some of our musical members would like to get together with others perhaps once a month to play and enjoy music.
If this is something that would interest you or you would like more information then please contact Helen on events@skeparkinsons.org.uk or leave a message on our information line 07955 840281.
Branch Facebook Page
Did you know the branch now has a Facebook account SKEM Facebook group!
The group supports the main branch website, and we want this to be a place where members and the local community affected by Parkinson's, can find information on upcoming events, reviews of recently held events, fundraising contributions and celebrations along with general help and support.
We welcome you to join and follow along, or get involved to share your stories and experiences, and get to know the community, the branch and its members.
New Parkinson’s Coffee Meet Up in Kingston
Come and join PUK at the launch of a new coffee meet up on 2.30pm on 29th January at Sherwood Grange care home in Kingston Vale. It’s an informal session with an opportunity to meet other people with Parkinson’s, family and friends too. Complementary refreshments too!
The address is Sherwood Grange Care Home, 1a Robin Hood Lane, SW15 3PU. For more information, please contact southlondon@parkinsons.org.uk
PUK Local Advisors
We have two PUK Local Advisors covering our branch:
Marie King covers Sutton, Kingston and Merton. Her email address is mking@parkinsons.org.uk
Jill Beaumont covers Epsom. Her email address is jbeaumont@parkinsons.org.uk
I hope to see you all soon.
With warm wishes
Arthur
