Shrewsbury Friends of Parkinson's

15/06/2026

A reminder that this Wednesday, 17th June, Shrewsbury Parkinson's won't be holding a social meeting in the Beaconsfield Club as we're off on our summer outing - to Attingham Park!
If you haven't let us know that you'd like to come - please email [email protected] - especially if you need transport to Attingham.
There's no cost involved (unless you want to treat yourself to a drink and scone!) and you don't have to be a member of the National Trust.
This visit will be part of the Trust's social prescribing scheme which some volunteers came to talk to the group about back in January - and now finally it's time for us to experience it ourselves.
All Shrewsbury Parkinson's members, friends, family and carers are welcome. We are hoping to enjoy the grounds (views of which surround you wherever you are at Attingham), the beautiful restored Walled Garden and possibly see inside the house while we are there.
If you're finding your own way to Attingham, please make sure that you're there by a little before 11.00am on Wednesday 17th June. There's plenty of parking (including a lot of spaces for Blue Badge holders - don't forget to take your pass) and from there just a very short walk to the entrance where we'll be meeting up and be met by one of the volunteers..
There are several areas which are flat and easily accessible so, if you use the help of a mobility rollator or wheelchair, please bring it with you - or ask us to establish if it will be appropriate.
The site has a buggy service (which can take walking aids) and which can take visitors to the Walled Garden and the Mansion from the Walnut Tree - a short walk from the car park. There is a single step to get into the buggy.
The site has 3 Powered Mobility Vehicles or trampers for free hire but they need advance notice to book them (please let us know ASAP if you anticipate the need for us to try and book one) and there are 2 wheelchairs for free hire - again please let us know if you want us to book one.
There are accessible toilets at the cafe and in the courtyard (though not at the entrance) and if we go in the house there is a lift.

We really need to know if you're hoping to join us on what promises to be a really fun day out.
email us to say you're coming: [email protected]

04/06/2026

Shrewsbury Parkinson's is the local charity that The Armoury pub/restaurant has kindly chosen to benefit from its monthly bingo session!
Sunday 28th June, eyes down at 8.00pm ... prizes for the winners of the bingo games and for lucky raffle winners.
Why not get together with a group of friends, book a table, and make an evening of it? The Armoury serves delicious food in a great atmosphere.
Tickets (£10 buys 5 games) available in advance from: [email protected]

30/05/2026

Shrewsbury Parkinson's branch social in June is our summer outing and we're visiting the National Trust's Attingham Park, Atcham, Shrewsbury, SY4 4TP.
Ever since three volunteers from Attingham’s social prescribing scheme came to talk to us way back in January, we’ve been looking forward to taking up their invitation to visit the Park ourselves.
As with all our socials, all Shrewsbury Parkinson's members, friends, family and carers are welcome - and you don't need to be a member of the National Trust.
We are hoping to enjoy the grounds (the views of which surround you wherever you are at Attingham), the beautiful restored Walled Garden and possibly see inside the house while we are there. There are several places to be tempted by tea, coffee and delicious cakes and there’s a gift shop which also sells plants and second-hand books.
If you're finding your own way to Attingham, please make sure that you're there by a little before 11.00am on Wednesday 17th June. There's plenty of parking (including a lot of spaces for Blue Badge holders - don't forget to take your pass) and from there just a very short walk to the entrance where we'll be meeting up and be met by one of the volunteers.
There are several areas which are flat and easily accessible so, if you use the help of a mobility rollator or wheelchair, please bring it with you - or ask us to establish if it will be appropriate.
The site has a buggy service (which can take walking aids) and which can take visitors to the Walled Garden and the Mansion from the Walnut Tree - a short walk from the car park. There is a single step to get into the buggy.
The site has 3 Powered Mobility Vehicles or trampers for free hire but they need advance notice to book them (please let us know ASAP if you anticipate the need for us to try and book one) and there are 2 wheelchairs for free hire - again please let us know if you want us to book one.
There are accessible toilets at the cafe and in the courtyard (though not at the entrance) and if we go in the house there is a lift.

We really need to know if you're hoping to join us on what promises to be a really fun day out. It's completely free, (except for the cost of whatever you choose to buy in the cafe or shop!) Please let us know if you think you'll be coming and also if you need help getting to Attingham Park. If you are without transport - please do get in touch!
email us to say you're coming: [email protected]

23/05/2026

23/05/2026

It's been an exciting week for Shrewsbury Parkinson's! On Thursday evening, hosted a quiz night for us. The room was packed with quizzers madly whispering and scribbling as Phil Shaw (who wrote and led the quiz) took us through, among others, music, picture, alphabet and general knowledge rounds. Pausing only to buy drinks and check lucky raffle numbers - there were groans of despair and whoops of delight as the answers were read out. For those of us who don't regularly take part in quiz nights, it was a relief to get anything right ... could it really be that long ago since man walked on the moon? Phil and his wife Julie checked all the scores before announcing the winning team (Punk's Not Dead with 59 out of 80) who generously gave their £50 prize money back to the charity! Second place went to The Prince Alberts (57 points) and third to Aged Parents (54 points).
An amazing total of just over £890.00 was raised and Shrewsbury Parkinson's wants to say a massive thank you to Phil and Julie Shaw, to all those who took park and to Anna Bishpham from the Peach Tree - she and her staff were exceptionally helpful.
Further news about the local branch of Shrewsbury Parkinson's: https://www.shrewsburyparkinsons.com/

Photo: Scorer Julie Shaw, Emma Loveluck from Punk's Not Dead and Phil Shaw

18/05/2026

Great news! This Wednesday, 20th May, Shrewsbury Parkinson's are lucky enough to have A Shropshire Lass (Alison Utting) return with another of her one-woman shows for the branch social. Those of you who heard Alison telling the story of ‘Aggie’ (Dame Agnes Hunt) last year, will know how good she is and won’t want to miss the chance to see her again - she is quite an act! This time we’ll be treated to the story of another Shropshire character, Miss Katherine Plymley, who lived in 1816 and kept journals of her busy and fascinating life in Georgian and Regency Britain.
This is a fantastic opportunity – don’t miss it! “Miss Plymley Recollects” on Wednesday 20th May, 11.00am with refreshments, at the Beaconsfield Club in central Shrewsbury. Family, friends and carers are welcome, limited parking available, and the club is fully accessible. Free entry, as usual.
Photo credit: Grum

11/05/2026

Congratulations to Dave Mitchell as he was given a Community Mayor's Award on the 27th April. Dave runs the Parkinson’s Hub (Exercise and Wellness) sessions every Wednesday from 10am to 12pm at Shrewsbury Town football stadium in Smithy's Bar but, as the audience heard, he has made an exceptional and deeply personal contribution to the community through his role as the Health & Wellbeing Officer at Shrewsbury Town Foundation. Each week, he supports around 300 individuals by leading and delivering a wide range of programs, including dementia support, Parkinson’s groups, activities for those over 50, foster carer support, and other vital community initiatives. His journey with the Foundation began as a participant in their exercise groups, which he credits with saving his life. He shared his own experiences of mental health challenges following his time in the military. He uses his story to inspire others, raise awareness, and ensure that no one feels alone or unable to access support. Congratulations again Dave!

06/05/2026

For Shrewsbury Parkinson's May branch social, we will be joined again by Alison Utting (The Shropshire Lass). Those of you who heard Alison telling the story of ‘Aggie’ (Dame Agnes Hunt) last year, won’t want to miss the opportunity to hear another of her one woman shows. She is quite an act! This time we’ll be treated to the story of another Shropshire character, Miss Katherine Plymley, who lived in 1816 and kept journals of her busy and fascinating life in Georgian and Regency Britain.
This is a fantastic opportunity – don’t miss it! “Miss Plymley Recollects” on Wednesday 20th May, 11.00am with refreshments, at the Beaconsfield Club in central Shrewsbury. Family, friends and carers are welcome, limited parking available, and the club is fully accessible. Free entry, as usual.
Photo credit: Grum

04/05/2026

The month of April was Parkinson's Awareness Month and it went very well - including our big effort here in Shrewsbury, our World Parkinson's Day stall at the beginning of the month.
So it was great to see that the Shropshire Star did a spread on the campaign, and it was supported by local businesses - thank you to them!
Parkinson's UK: for every Parkinson's journey