News - Bristol Branch
Read our latest news for the Bristol
Branch.
Donation for research
December meeting 2011
Thanks must go to Karen Rose for organising another successful
and enjoyable Christmas meeting when nearly 100 members enjoyed the
festive fayre and entertainment.
The event was attended by several guests, including Dr Maeve
Caldwell from the University of Bristol. The Branch
presented her with a cheque for £30,000 to support her
research project which included £5,000 raised at the Golf Day back
in September, organised by Steve Taylor.
Dr Maeve Caldwell's research project
is looking into the re-programming of stem cells made
from skin cells which can then be prompted to grow into
dopamine-producing nerve cells in a lab dish with the right mix of
chemicals. This research could help to bring a real cure for
Parkinson's closer. We wish her and her team every success with
their research.
Our visit to Slimbridge
Hail, rain, thunder and lightning – but that was the day before!
On the 15 December 2011, 22 intrepid travellers set out from
The Vassall Centre for a day at Slimbridge.
It was chilly but sunny and bright and we were all able to have
a good look around the reserve. Lunch and an afternoon cuppa
were enjoyed by all, but surely the highlight of the day was the
floodlit feeding of the birds at 4pm.
The count of Bewick swans on the day had been 110
- 1 pair had 5 children with them! Whilst the feed
went on many swans, geese and ducks were still arriving until the
Rushy Pen was, it seemed, alive with feathered necks and wings.
Kilimanjaro Trek
Congratulations to Patricia Hembrough who is recently back from
climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. She
arrived home with sunburn, frost nip, skinned shins, wonky
knees, aches, pains and wonderful memories. Tricia has
raised around £5,000 and the climb should contribute £80,000 to
Parkinson's UK funds.
Cornwall coastal challenge
Congratulations to Jean Williams, secretary of the Bristol Branch, who took part in the 11 mile
sponsored walk organised by Parkinson's UK to raise vital funds for
people with Parkinson's in the South
West. The walk, on 24 September, was from Porthleven to
Marazion and despite the grey and damp weather, spirits were high
and she raised £525.
Information and support worker availability
The information and support worker
for Bristol and the surrounding area, Kevin Carter, is available to
give advice by phone and in person. Kevin is happy to make home
visits when needed.
Contact Kevin on 0844 225 3697 or email isw.bbsg@parkinsons.org.uk
Kevin makes sure he is available by phone on Thursday afternoons
between 1pm and 5pm. This is to try to address the difficulty a few
people have experienced in contacting him by phone.
Kevin often comes to branch meetings early, from 10am, to give
short advice sessions.
New Parkinson's Nurse Specialist Clinics in South
Gloucestershire
For people living in South Gloucestershire the Parkinson's Nurse
Specialist has set up new outpatient clinics. In addition to her
outpatient clinics in Frenchay Hospital Kathryn Prout now runs
clinics on a Thursday afternoon in Downend Clinic, Buckingham
Gardens, Downend, and on some Tuesdays in the new West Gate Centre
in Yate.
If you live in South Gloucestershire and feel it would be easier
to attend one of these new clinics you are welcome to contact
Kathryn on 0117 3403430 or email: kathryn.prout@nbt.nhs.uk for
an appointment.
Name badges
Following suggestions from members we are producing name badges
for everyone who comes to branch meetings. A donation towards the
cost would be appreciated. As a guide, the cost is about 50p per
badge.
There is a donations box at Branch meetings for contributions
towards the costs of running the Branch.
Tesco collections
We have been allocated 7 more collection dates in 2012:
- 28 and 29 March - Keynsham
- 12 April - Bristol
Eastgate
- 27 and 28 April - Bristol Golden
Hill
- 13 and 14 June - Thornbury
Please get in touch with one of the committee if you are able to
help
Bring and buy sales
The Bring and Buy Sale held at the branch meeting on
Saturday 5 November 2011 raised around £100 towards
branch funds. Thank you to all those who worked hard to set up the
sale and to those who purchased!
We also hold a raffle at each meeting and all the prizes are
donated by members – more prizes are always welcome.
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