Summer 2019

Drop-in success
at Woodhall Spa

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a r k i n s o n s U k L i n c o L n & d i s t r i c t b r a n c h n e w s L e t t e r - P a r k i n s o n s U k L i n c o L n & d i s t r i c t b r a n c h n e w s L e t t e r - P a r k i n s o n s U k L i n c o L n & d i s

Message from the empty chair Linda, our Treasurer writes ...
Over the last two years, I have Hello everyone. We are having a happening over the last few weeks that
reasonably busy time at the moment you may know about is sue with her
been writing snippets about my teddy bear, this bear has raised in excess
with lots of events happening now
life, starting with my childhood, of £250.
and in the near future.
what it was like living deep in First, he was used at a coffee morning
we held an information day in tesco, which
the Cambridgeshire fens, about was successful and will have another one where people had to guess his name,
my experiences and happenings on saturday 6th July at Pennell’s garden once named as “brave barry” he was then
during the winter of 1946/47. centre from 10am to 4pm. sponsored to do a parachute jump from a
church tower.
how i got trapped in deep snow drifts, we always need volunteers to man
followed by the great floods of spring the table and always have two people sue is hoping to spend some of “brave
1947, remember how i was parted and together and do either one and a half hour barry’s” money on organising an event
lost my dog Micky, and how i got him or two hour stints. she has seen previously demonstrating
back and so on, until his death, what a “Laughter therapy” - hopefully this will be
if you feel that you may be able to help in september.
dog and loyal friend he was. out at future times please either email
well, i have been asked to continue with lincolnparkinsons@gmail.com or ring me whilst we are on the subject of raising
my life story, which i will do and which will on 01522 872414. funds i usually remind you all how easy it
be from 1951 when i left school, and the is to support us via the Lincoln community
we are having a Parkinson’s wellbeing lottery (see our advert), we have had a
change i made in my career path from event on tuesday 20th august 2pm to
what my family expected, that will come in few people who have been lucky with
4pm where there will be lots of stalls and small wins but on saturday 15th June we
the next newsletter. various therapies on offer with free taster
how about a letter page or a comments had a winner who won £250.
ifeel sure my happenings must have sessions (booked on the day).
corner in the newsletter? so until the next Please consider joining us that way we
jogged the memories of some of your one of the things that has been
time, enjoy the summer and any planned can all benefit.
life experiences, so let us hear about
episodes of your life, most of have a story holiday.
i’m now named ‘brave barry’ but i’m still scared to jump
to tell, no matter how small, perhaps you neville, not a Yellow belly, but an old Fen brave barry i can’t help thinking that i am a bit of a hefty lump
would like to share it with us. tiger, Up the imps. i may need a bit of a push to leave the church summit
by brave barry
It’s not going to be dignified as to the earth I plummet

S u p p o r t o u r C a u S e
My knees are knocking and i’m not feeling brave
but i’ll try my best and give you a cheerful wave
stand back though. i’m going to land with a bump
Lincoln Community Lottery draw each week on Saturday at 8pm i don’t want you to be injured as i land on my rump
i just hope on the day there isn’t too much of a breeze
We need your help so we can continue to offer our it’ would be so embarrassing if i get stuck in the trees
various activities and hopefully expand our service. i’ve heard you can be stuck there for a week or more
I don’t know what would worse the tree or the floor
Thank you for your support and good luck! i thought that maybe on the day i could just pull a sicky
About us: Parkinson’s UK Lincoln Branch Visit www.lincolnlottery.co.uk, select but everyone’s counting on me so that would be a bit tricky
provides a much valued service for “Buy Tickets” and enter “Parkinson’s UK i know most of the teddy bears are all taking part for fun
anyone who is affected by Parkinson’s Lincoln” in the search bar. This will take so as a really big bear i have to be brave, i can’t just run
including their carers and families within you to our page and select “Buy tickets”
our local community. and follow the instructions. on the plus side i’m so heavy it will all be over quick
Lottery support: Visit lincolnlottery.co.uk | Tel: 01522 253888 | Email: support@lincolnlottery.co.uk i hope my lunch stays down and i’m not actually sick
afterwards i’ll be proud of my jump so take photo’s for me
Always play responsibly, if you need to talk to someone about your gambling please contact www.gambleaware.co.uk. Lincoln Community Lottery is promoted by City of Lincoln Council, a
Local Authority Lottery licensed by the Gambling Commission. Gambling Commission Registration No: 000-051295-R-328529-001 © 2018 Gatherwell Ltd an External Lottery Manager (ELM) though more than that i’ll need a cuddle and lots of t.L.c.

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a r k i n s o n s U k L i n c o L n & d i s t r i c t
Parkinson’s Awareness Day
On Thursday 11th April
(Parkinson’s Awareness Day)
We attended a wellbeing event
organised by the Peterborough
District Branch I thought it would
be a good place to promote my
book of poems.
we left the house for 8am which was
a challenge in itself. (i’m not a morning
person) but we had to get our table set up
before the event started and it was over
an hours’ drive away.
it was held in the Masonic centre. i
couldn’t help wondering if it was held
there because someone with Parkinson’s
had accidentally joined when they gave
the funny hand shake (shake), this
thought made me smile.
it was a really inspiring day with talks
on sleep problems from the Parkinson’s
nurses, and updates on the latest trials
from the Parkinson’s research team. it
was nice to hear that the GdnF trials will
continue.
On offer were free therapy sessions of
hand massage, reflexology, Indian head
massage etc. I went for the reflexology
(bliss). we also took part in Pilates,
dance therapy and the most bizarre of all,
laughter therapy, which i’ll come back to
in a moment.
We were provided with a lovely buffet
lunch, everyone was so friendly. overall
it was a fun day that raised awareness
and funds for Parkinson’s Uk. i even
managed to sell a few books.
back to the laughter therapy as i said
before it was strange and a bit silly but
really enjoyable. after doing a lot of
fake laughter everyone was genuinely
laughing and it was very uplifting. i spoke
to the lady who runs the laughter therapy
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b r a n c h n e w s L e t t e r - P a r k i n s o n s
class, she also promotes wellbeing and
mindfulness. she said she would be
willing to travel to Lincoln if we had 10
people or more interested in taking part.
Maybe it would be something worth
looking into. although we only had a 15
minute session i found it a lot of fun and
mentally beneficial.
when it was time to leave we couldn’t
believe how quickly time had flown by.
we arrived home tired but felt it was well
worth the drive out.
well done Peterborough group!
i’d also like to thank saint Lawrence’s
church in skellingthorpe for their support
in holding a coffee morning. The ladies
really worked hard and all the proceeds
will be going to our local group. i also
sold seven books with help from Jeanine
reading a few poems. thank you Jeanine.
Finally i would like to thank Pennell’s
Garden centre for letting me have a
stand for my books and a small tombola.
all proceeds from this event will also be
going to our local branch. also i’d like to
thank ian for his help on the day.
U k L i n c o L n & d i s t r i c t b r a n c h
The benefits of massage
Less pain, improved mobility and a lovely sense of well-being
Scientific research has proven
to help manage and improve
symptoms in Parkinsons, such as
cramps, tremors and stiffness as
well as low moods. Tests showed
how symptoms improved when
test participants received regular
one-hour, full-body massage
therapy sessions or regular 30
minute massages per week.
Did you know that massage has been
known since antiquity for its medical
benefits and for relaxation?
Julius caesar (100-44 bc)
had himself ‘pinched
all over’ daily to relieve
his neuralgia and prevent
epileptic fits.
Massage is often recommended as a
staple complementary therapy for Pd.
one lady puts it like this:
“a massage is not a luxury as far
as i am concerned, it is necessary for
my emotional and medical health and
well-being.”
Gretchen Church
https://parkinsonsdisease.net/?s=massage
n e w s L e t t e r - P a r k i n s o n s U k L i n c o L n & d i s
Massage benefits tight or sore shoulders
or backs, arms or legs. You can enjoy it
lying down or sitting up. in my experience
as a massage therapist, massage makes
people happier. it is ‘Me-time’, time to
switch off and relax.
You may qualify for free complementary
therapy sessions if you live in Lincoln or
surrounding area. our therapist Maud will
come to the house.
Please enquire with Linda Flintham 01522
872414 for more information or call Maud
berneburg, Micht on 07984 592808.
sources:
1. the touch research institute and the
department of neurology at the University of
Miami school of Medicine; duke University
department of Pharmacology. authors:
Maria Hernandez-Reif, Ph.D., Tiffany Field,
Ph.d., shay Largie, christy cullen, Julia
beutler, chris sanders, william weiner,
dinorah rodriguez-bateman, Lisette
Zelaya, saul schanberg and cynthia kuhn.
originally published in the Journal of
bodywork and Movement therapies,
July 2002, Vol. 6, no. 2, pp. 177-182.
2. https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/information-
and-support/complementary-therapies
3. http://www.winhealth.ca/new-blog/
2018/2/12/benefit-of-massage-therapy
-for-patients-with-parkinsons-disease
a r k i n s o n s U k L i n c o L n & d i s t r i c t
Quotes from those who tried Golf in Society
“I thought my golfing days were
over until I joined the Harrogate
Parkinson’s Group and discovered
the golf sessions. The golf is
amazing and the group so friendly.
It’s like another family, all with
the same interest in golf.”
Quote from Martin
“Golf in society’s support in the harrogate
district has been received with nothing
short of euphoria over the 2 years since
its introduction.
exercise is an essential part of treating
the condition and the use of golf has
been a tremendous success with 100%
take up on every date held. It fits the bill
giving exercise at the same time giving
enjoyment and fun.
i wonder if we have anyone who could
help us to introduce Golf in society locally?
Call for participants...
Participants are wanted for a new
investigation in to whether computer
software can distinguish video
recordings of walking patterns caused
by Parkinson’s disease from ‘normal’
walking patterns. the computer software
will analyse only the outline of your
movement and thereafter the video
recording will be deleted.
You will be asked to participate in a
simple walking task on one occasion,
over a maximum total distance of 10
metres (3 x 3 metres). You must be able
to walk unaided over this distance. Your
walking pattern (gait) will be captured
using a standard video recorder. You will
be fully clothed throughout but ideally
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b r a n c h n e w s L e t t e r - P a r k i n s o n s
“I had never played golf before and Golf
In Society has introduced me to a sport
I really enjoy. The days are brilliantly
organised, the facilities are excellent and
the camaraderie among the other people
who are going through what I’m having
to deal with is fantastic.
They are one of the very few occasions
I mix with other Parkinson’s sufferers.
The sessions have introduced me to
new friends and provided a comforting,
inclusive environment at a potentially
quite lonely time.
I can’t think of a better activity for
people with Parkinson’s to do. It gets
you out, you meet a load of really decent
people dealing with the same challenges
as you and everyone is welcome. You
have a laugh. And occasionally, very, very
occasionally, you hit a shot that makes
you feel a million dollars. Oh, and did I
mention the winning...”
Quote from John
in close-fitting clothing. The session is
expected to take 15 to 20 minutes.
to be included in the study you must
have a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease
and consider yourself to potentially have
movement difficulty due to Parkinson’s
disease. You will be aged between 18
- 65 years old. we are looking for male
and female participants.
this research could have implications
for the monitoring of Parkinson’s
disease progression and medication
control. if you are potentially interested
in participating, please contact ross
Clifford, Senior Lecturer at the University
of Lincoln, on rclifford@lincoln.ac.uk or
01522 835450.
U k L i n c o L n & d i s t r i c t b r a n c h
On THe 8TH APrIL 2019
sadly, our visiting speaker who was
to give a talk on ‘when he was a boy’
passed away a few days before the
meeting.
we were very grateful to oonagh Quinn
- healthwatch Lincolnshire stakeholder
Engagement Officer for being our
replacement speaker at short notice.
oonagh came to tell us about the work of
healthwatch Lincolnshire. healthwatch is
an independent organisation that monitors
all health-related experiences from the
nhs including doctors, nhs dentists,
Pharmacy, opticians and ambulance
services etc, good and bad.
You can get in touch with them
by telephone 01205 820892 or
by visiting their website www.
healthwatchlincolnshire.co.uk to pass
on any comments about the service you
have received.
This can be done in complete confidence
there is no need to give any personal
information. any information you may give
will help the hospital and nhs to improve
their services which in turn will help both
patients and relatives.
On THe 13TH MAy 2019
allan binding took us through the
Landscape and wildlife of the isle of
wight showing a selection of photographs
to illustrate his words.
n e w s L e t t e r - P a r k i n s o n s U k L i n c o L n & d i s
On THe 10TH June 2019
the branch meeting was entertained
by a group of our own. ‘Parks Larks’
singing for Fun members with a medley
of songs. this was a relaxed informal
meeting and planned to give extra time for
conversation and exchange of information
and ideas.
On THe 26TH June 2019
a group of us went to barnsdale gardens
as suggested in the last newsletter. the
weather had not been ‘out in the garden
weather’ but we were very fortunate;
spitting rain during the journey... whilst we
were enjoying the gardens no rain at all.
the food was good too.
Further request from
Ross Clifford and his
research
In the previous newsletter
Ross Clifford, a senior lecturer
at the university of Lincoln,
outlined a potential study
at the university of Lincoln
involving walking analysis
of people with movement
symptoms related to
Parkinson’s disease.
thank you to those who have
already expressed an interest in the
research and have already contacted
ross. the research has been given
favourable ethics opinion by the
University’s ethics panel.
You can see more details on the
study below. if you would like to
express an interest in this study or to
ask questions then you can contact
Ross Clifford by email:
rclifford@lincoln.ac.uk
a r k i n s o n s U k L i n c o L n & d i s t r i c t
Working Together Day at the
Dower House Hotel, Woodhall Spa
A selected group of Parkinson’s
Lincolnshire Branch Members
were invited to attend the meeting
on Tuesday 14th May. The theme
of the event was to Celebrate Local
Groups. Members who attended
the meeting were asked what their
local group had done that has
made a difference in their area.
after the opening session the discussion
turned to ‘team Parkinson’s membership
promotion. the new membership packs
began being sent out to members in
March this year.
the pack included membership cards
and plastic button badges. these badges
will be for members only. From this year,
anyone can be a member of Parkinson’s
Uk and receive a quarterly magazine
regardless how much they donate.
People do not have to pay to be members
of Parkinson’s Uk.
The following Parkinson’s UK staff were
in attendance;
A message from Daniel
And he has this request...
I am Daniel Curran and a Trainee
Clinical Psychologist, university
of east Anglia.
as a doctoral student of the University
of east anglia, i am currently completing
a research project looking at the
experience of anxiety among those who
have Parkinson’s. this is in the form of
an online survey.
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b r a n c h n e w s L e t t e r - P a r k i n s o n s
emma Parkinson
the new Local networks Volunteer
Support Officer, East Midlands
ramilla Patel
england Manager, east
Georgina Sait
Local Campaign Officer, East
Shiven Limbachia
Group Lead, Loughborough sub-group
and Leicester early onset Group. he
shared with us how the local groups he is
involved with are making the difference in
the region.
after lunch we discussed the new
campaign for Get it on time raising
awareness about the importance of
getting Parkinson’s medication on time in
hospital, and how we can help and get
involved in the campaign. Many hospitals
are still struggling to implement getting
drugs on time due to lack of staff and
awareness of how important it is. More
education of staff is still needed.
the meeting closed at 14.45 after a brief
question and answer.
Parkinson’s Uk have kindly advertised
the project through their research
support network and on their research
hub.
all necessary information and access to
the survey can be reached from this link:
https://uea.onlinesurveys.ac.uk/
advertisement
thank you very much for your time.
U k L i n c o L n & d i s t r i c t b r a n c h n e w s L e t t e r - P a r k i n s o n s U k L i n c o L n & d i s
enjoying a celebration tea at
Woodhall Spa Coffee Drop in
After discussions with the Lincoln meeting would be held at the Methodist
Branch Committee David Swindells Church Coffee Room, Iddesleigh Road
a Parkinson’s Area Development Ln10 6se with people to help themselves
Manager for the east Midlands to coffee and tea. Luckily, Gladys, a friend
and Lorraine ray Volunteer of Christine’s offered to go along and run
Coordinator for east Midlands the cafe side and help organise the room
this was much appreciated.
decided to set up a Drop in Cafe
in Lincolnshire and Woodhall The Drop In Cafe celebrated their first
Spa was the chosen location anniversary on the 12th september with a
special cake made by another friend, trish.
and Christine Sharp agreed to
coordinate the Cafe. At our first official meeting there were
on the 10th July 2017 the inaugural drop 5 couples attended we now have 14
in was held in a local bookshop and cafe couples most of whom attend regularly.
and attracted 16 people. if you know anyone who would care to
everyone liked the idea of a drop in style join us they would be very welcome with
cafe with no agenda no speakers and their spouse or carer. a lot of swopping of
no real need for much organisation. it stories is done regarding symptoms and
was decided that due to the response to it is surprising what can be learned from
our first Woodhall Spa drop in that the other people’s experiences.
rest & relaxation
SeATeD exerCISeS
every Thursday at 10:30am join us
and the Better Healthwise Team for
Stretch and Flex Sessions in the
Activity room at Lincoln Library.
Stretch and flex is a relaxing and self
focused class.
experience a range of guided meditations
and stretches while understanding the
importance of being ‘still’.
Payment is by donations only and will be
reinvested into the sessions. there’s no
need to book, just come along! tea and
coffee are provided afterwards.
For more information call charlotte and
the team on 01522 701308.
a r k i n s o n s U k L i n c o L n & d i s t r i c t
Monthly drop-in
Parkinson’s Cafés
n Gainsborough
the new Gainsborough drop-in is
continuing with a small number of people
dropping in at present.
Please pass the message on if you’re
aware of people in the Gainsborough
area who might benefit from an informal
hour or two.
the last thursday 1pm to 2.30pm
each month.
Disability Network Office, Marshalls Yard
dn21 2na
contact katie smith on 0344 225 9863
or 07831 256748 for details.
n Mablethorpe
The Monthly Coffee drop in is held in The
conservatory, Linkage Green cafe, 10am
to 12.30pm on the third tuesday in each
month and is doing well.
Carers Corner
As a carer or supporter, whether
for a spouse, partner, family
member or a friend living with
Parkinsons - regardless of how far
you have travelled along this path,
we would be pleased to see you at
any of our get-togethers.
these meetings are usually on the 3rd
thursday in the month and vary between
afternoons and evenings to allow us to be
as inclusive as possible.
we meet informally to chat and exchange
thoughts and information. there is no
agenda but if anyone has a topic they
wish to bring up we always make sure it
happens. we have our serious moments,
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b r a n c h n e w s L e t t e r - P a r k i n s o n s U k L i n c o L n & d i s t r i c t b r a n c h
Carers Group
all at the woodcocks, burton waters, Lincoln
n thurs 19 september. 7.30pm (evening)
n thursday 17 october. 2pm (afternoon)
a number of people are coming from
outside of Mablethorpe, many of n thurs 21 november. 7.30pm (evening)
whom are newly diagnosed, and they
are returning on a regular basis. the n thursday 19 december. 2pm (afternoon)
attendance is variable from 6 to 20.
Please ring Martin sellars 01507 339460 Bowling
for information.
bowling at the Grandstand, carholme road,
n Woodhall Spa Lincoln most tuesdays 2pm to 4pm.
an informal drop-in on the second Contact Paula Justham 01427 788725
wednesday of each month 11am to 12.15pm
Methodist Church Coffee Room, Singing for Fun
iddesleigh road, woodhall spa Ln10 6sh
First and third wednesday each month
contact christine on 01526 353606 or
2pm to 4pm at: north hykeham town
email christinesharp40@gmail.com
Council Offices, Fen Lane LN6 8EY
For details contact Karen Missenden
on 01522 693160
Pub Lunch
a Pub Lunch has been organised
for the 8th May at:
the Ferry boat inn, 4 high street,
washingborough Ln4 1aZ
but also a lot of general chat and laughter.
it is a time of relaxation and mutual support. Booking is essential as spaces
we have been getting together for several are limited.
years now, mostly at the woodcocks, see Linda Flintham at a branch meeting
burton waters. carers attend as and or telephone 01522 872414 or email at
when they can, there is no obligation. we lincolnparkinsons@gmail.com
are very relaxed. all we ask is that if you
are planning to attend you contact myself exercise Classes 2019
(Margaret Martin 01427 788639) or Val
(Valerie barber 01522 691102). we can Mondays from 2pm to 3pm at
give you details of times and venues, bracebridge heath Village hall.
have an idea of numbers - and most
n July 22nd and 29th
importantly look out for you.
n august 5th and 19th
we have proposed dates for the autumn
(see page 11). exact times and venue to
n september 2nd, 16th, 23rd and 30th
be confirmed.
n october 1st, 15th, 22nd and 29th
n e w s L e t t e r - P a r k i n s o n s U k L i n c o L n & d i s
DATeS FOr THe DIAry
Monday branch meetings are held at
bracebridge heath Village hall from
2pm to 4pm.
some people meet at 12.30pm at the bull
hostelry, close by the village hall, for lunch
prior to the meeting, all are welcome.
n Monday 12 August
afternoon tea, to be served at
Pennells Garden centre.
Booking Essential.
Linda Flintham 01522 872414.
lincolnparkinsons@gmail.com
n Tuesday 20 August
come to our wellbeing event.
2pm to 4pm at Lincoln Grandstand,
carholme road. Lots of stalls
and therapies on offer with free taster
sessions (booked on the day).
n Monday 9 September
branch Meeting at bracebridge
heath Village hall
ooh lovely! special edition chocolates
from Market rasen.
n Wednesday 25 September
something new to try it is fun...
Laughter therapy at swinderby
village hall at 2pm.
Linda Flintham 01522 872414.
Pub lunch first at the Plough in
swinderby 12.30pm. will need to
know numbers for pub lunch.
n Monday 14 October
branch Meeting at bracebridge
heath Village hall
ooh scary? Ghost’s walk talk
by karen crow.
n Monday 11 november
branch Meeting bracebridge
heath Village hall
Goltho Gardens. the designing
and building of the garden.
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a r k i n s o n s U k L i n c o L n & d i s t r i c t b r a n c h n e w s L e t t e r - P a r k i n s o n s U k

Who’s who L I S T O F C O n TA C T S
National confidential helpline Janette olive
0808 800 0303 Parkinson’s Local advisor
(Free from Uk landlines & most mobile networks) for north & south kesteven,
boston & south holland districts
email: hello@parkinsons.org.uk
national website: parkinsons.org.uk 0344 225 3606
Local page: www.parkinsons.org.uk/lincoln jolive@parkinsons.org.uk

Lincoln branch aimee silvey

email: lincolnparkinsons@gmail.com Parkinson’s Local advisor
for local general enquiries for east & west Lindsey districts
and the city of Lincoln
Follow us on Facebook 0344 225 3627
ParkinsonsUk.Lincolnbranch asilvey@parkinsons.org.uk
Linda Flintham
Lincoln branch carers Group
Vice chair and treasurer
Margaret Martin
Fundraising team Leader
01427 788639
01522 872414
Val barber
Paula Justham. branch secretary 01522 691102
01427 788725
carers team, Lincolnshire county council
working age Parkinson’s Group 01522 782224
karen Missenden & Martin newton email: carers_team@lincolnshire.gov.uk
07498 412539
everyone (formerly Lincolnshire Carers
brenda Mighell. exercise classes
and Young Carers Partnership)
01526 321157
01522 811582
allan binding email: hello@every-one.org.uk
Monthly Programme team Leader
01522 879002 dial-a-ride. Lincoln area
abinding7@gmail.com 01522 544983

If you no longer wish to receive this newsletter, or would prefer a copy by email,
please contact Paula Justham or email: lincolnparkinsons@gmail.com
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DISCLAIMer: Parkinson’s Uk (Lincoln branch) accepts no responsibility for the content of any advertisement
published in or enclosed with the newsletter. readers should note that the inclusion of any advertisement in no way
implies approval or recommendation of either the terms of any offer contained in it or of the advertiser by the Branch.

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