Bracknell & District Parkinson’s Branch recently enjoyed a lively start to their Christmas festivities when they held their annual Christmas party. The meeting got off to an energetic start with a selection of carols and festive favourites led by Bimbi from Berkshire Maestros and who runs the Branch’s fortnightly Singing Cafe.

This musical interlude was followed by an enjoyable Christmas themed quiz provided by Committee members Pat and Keith.

There were also refreshments and mince pies served during the evening which were provided by Wendy and her team of helpers. The evening concluded with a raffle comprising 10 great prizes and which raised over £250 for the Branch. The event was very popular with over 50 members and their partners attending, making it the largest attendance the Branch had had for a meeting.

Bracknell & District Parkinson’s Branch recently enjoyed a delicious Christmas lunch at The Oakingham Belle, Wokingham.

The annual Christmas lunch was attended by over forty members and their carers. The diners had a choice of two or three courses and so no-one went home hungry, particularly if they had devoured the huge Yorkshire pudding which accompanied most of the meals! Thanks must go to Wendy for all the arranging, and to the efficient and professional team at The Oakingham Belle for the quality of the food and the excellent service given to what was a very large group. 

Members of Bracknell Parkinson’s Branch recently shared a very enjoyable  visit to the Winchester Christmas Market.  Members availed themselves of the numerous shopping opportunities at the market and its wide ranging food court. Some also enjoyed a tour of the magnificent cathedral, while others visited the city’s Museum and the Bishop’s Palace.

Thanks must go to Keith and Kathy for organising the trip, and to Mel for funding the coach through her magnificent zipwire challenge earlier in the year.

We are delighted to announce that we have a new Treasurer to take over from Sarah.

Her name is Ramani and she is currently undergoing the induction with Parkinson’s UK whilst also learning the role with Sarah.

The intention is that Ramani will gradually learn the ropes from Sarah over the coming weeks and that Sarah will formally step down from the post at our AGM in February, if not before.

Ramani has sent the following message by way of introduction:

Hello everyone           

I am Ramani Kumari Saladi. I have completed my graduation in Bachelor of Commerce,  where my main subjects are Accounts, Commerce, and Computers. I completed most of my education in India itself. I also recently completed AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) Level 2 training.

I’m looking forward to joining the Branch and meeting you all and am currently being trained up by Sarah!

I hope to get along to the Branch meetings and so hope to see some of you shortly.

Best wishes 

Ramani

I am sure you will wish to join the Committee in welcoming Ramani to the Branch and wishing her all the best in the role.

Thirty two members of Bracknell & District Parkinson’s Branch recently enjoyed a relaxing day at Denbies wine estate.

The visit began with a short film which gave a detailed insight into Denbies vineyard and English wine production.  This was followed by a 50-minute outdoor train tour, and recorded commentary, which gave panoramic views of the magnificent 265-acre estate and the North Downs.  The tour visited some of the most beautiful viewpoints of the vineyard. The experience was further enhanced with the inclusion of a glass of Denbies sparkling cuvee!

A delicious lunch in the Gallery Restaurant completed the visit, followed by a visit to the Gift Shop.

Everyone enjoyed the delightful day, and thanks must go to Keith and Kathy, the organisers of the trip, and the staff at Denbies, for making the event such a success.