New Branch Chair!

New Branch Chair!

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Gill Campbell as our new Branch Chair in succession to Kay who retired earlier in the year at the Branch AGM after many years’ service.

Gill has been a member of the Branch for many years and, following the AGM, put herself forward for the role.

Having completed the application process with Parkinson’s UK and our Branch Committee, Gill is now in post and so will undergo an induction to the role from Parkinson’s UK and our Committee.

Gill has asked me to send members the following message by way of introduction;

Hello all members 

Those I know and those I don’t know but am looking forward to getting to know.

My name is Gillian but everyone calls me Gill which I do prefer. Having had Parkinson’s diagnosed 15 years ago, l know most of the problems and difficulties we all have to deal and struggle with in our everyday lives and I am therefore hoping to bring/ include that perspective to the role of  Branch Chair.  I feel that my life experiences and people skills (including the Liverpool accent and humour ) will expand my role and encourage all  members, volunteers, carers, and their families to participate in all our activities, social and fundraising. 

Hoping to see and meet you all in the near future.

Gill

I am sure you will wish to join the Committee in welcoming Gill to the role and in assisting her to settle into her new position in the Branch

Windlesham Fete Stall

Windlesham Fete Stall

The Bracknell and District Parkinson’s Branch took a stall at the Windlesham Fete in the Windlesham Field of Remembrance. This was mainly a bric-a-brac stall together with general donations and raising awareness of the Branch and its support to local people with Parkinson’s. As a result, the great sum of £280 was raised and much information about the Branch and Parkinson’s UK was given to interested attendees to the Fete. Thanks go to Wendy Richardson for managing the stall and for arranging for the impressive collection of bric-a-brac.
All Aboard the Watercress Line!

All Aboard the Watercress Line!

Fifty members of Bracknell & District Parkinson’s Branch recently enjoyed a relaxing afternoon’s excursion on the Mid-Hants Steam Railway – The Watercress Line.

The heritage steam train departed from Alresford station, calling at Ropley, Medstead and Four Marks, before briefly stopping at Alton, and then returning to Alresford.  While on board, the members enjoyed a delicious lunch which included salmon quiche and strawberries and cream.

Everyone enjoyed the delightful ride through the heart of the Hampshire countryside, and thanks must go to the organisers of the trip and the volunteers at The Watercress Line for making the event such a  success.

 

Fundraising Success at Tesco

Fundraising Success at Tesco

The Bracknell & District Parkinson’s Branch have held two successful collections at local Tesco stores over the summer.  These have been our first face to face fund-raisers since the COVID restrictions were lifted.

The first was a collection at Tesco Martins Heron store which raised the grand sum of £403 as well as providing useful information about Parkinson’s and the Bracknell Branch to many interested customers. This was a great effort by all concerned and the Branch would also like to thank the shoppers for their generosity and Tesco for allowing the collection to be held at the store.

Our second collection was at the Tesco Warfield store where generous shoppers donated £670.  This included an amount donated through a cashless card reader which will no doubt become a regular feature of future collections as more and more shoppers no longer carry cash with them.

Branch Secretary, Will Hague commented, “These collections were a great effort by all concerned and the Branch would like to thank the shoppers for their generosity and also Tesco for allowing the collection to be held at both the Warfield and Martins Heron stores. The customers at the stores are always very generous towards our cause and the funds raised will help subsidise activities for our members which help alleviate their condition of Parkinson’s.”

Free Bracknell Leisure Centre membership

We have been advised of a promotion with Everyone Active Leisure centres through which people with Parkinson’s, and some carers, can have free membership!

The membership entitles use of the gym, swimming pool, and group exercise classes and so is very generous.

Further details, including how to register, are on the attached link including some useful FAQ’s

https://wwweveryoneactive.com/promotion/parkinsons/

The nearest Everyone Active leisure centre for most of our members is the one in Bracknell and so that is very accessible.

There don’t seem to be any criteria about having to live in Bracknell and so hopefully all our members could apply.

This seems a great opportunity for you to do some more exercise at little or no cost and so do consider taking advantage of it.