Hello Everyone from John Minhinick, PAGE CONTENTS

FIFE BRANCH NEWSLETTER February 2020

Thank you to those of you who attended 1. Hello from Chair John the Annual General Meeting but you’ll see later an article commenting on the small 2. Hello continued number of members who attended. What Have I Done?

Whilst the main vacancies were filled at 3. Branch Coffee Morning the AGM, we would still like to hear from Coffee & Chat Group anyone who would like to join Annette and

Jenny in running the social programme. 4. AGM 5. AGM continued

6. AGM continued After the festive season when you will Race Night have concentrated on spending time with family and friends, February is the month when the full programme of Branch events and activities gets 7. Donations going: in 2020 why not try something new? Glenrothes Café

It’s my hope that in 2020 you will try out at least one new event or 8. Camera Club activity. For the indoor bowling and ten-pin bowling we are planning to We Need Your Advice have some come-and-try sessions where no skills or equipment is required. The walks about every two weeks are designed to cater for all 9. Christmas Cheers abilities. We are always looking for new ideas for additions to the

programme and new venues for existing events and activities. 10. Useful Contacts Walking Group

The Quality of Life Group would still like to see more people with 11. More Useful Contacts Parkinson’s coming along to the monthly meetings where the group can DRIG talk, laugh, share experiences, and learn to be forthright about their feelings and needs. The meeting 12. Pitlochry Theatre Trip provides a space where people with RETURN SLIP Parkinson’s can freely express their thoughts and feelings about day- to-day living, in a safe environment, free from judgment, criticism, embarrassment. The meeting is an opportunity to exchange information about what works for individuals: whatever has improved the quality of life for someone and so potentially for others.

HELLO FROM CHAIR JOHN continued ......

I have been asked questions about two professional support roles. I am aware that Parkinson’s UK (Scotland) is working on the revised strategy to cover the Local Adviser role that Ginny Glen vacated last year. I’m also aware that the NHS has advertised the vacancy on the nursing support team since Gillian Aldrich left to develop her career.

The tri-fold leaflet detailing the 2020 programme will be with you soon. In the meantime here is the listing for the remainder of February:

Mon. 10 th Coffee & Chat, Rejects, Kirkcaldy (10am) Thurs. 13 th Falkland Meeting (Midday) Tues. 18 th 10-pin Bowling, Bowlplex, Dunfermline (2pm) Fri. 21 st Walk - Culross Mon. 24 th Parkinson’s Café, Baptist Church, Glenrothes (10.30am)

WHAT HAVE I DONE? – Mark Coxe – 07913 207057

My name is Mark Coxe and I have signed up to do an ABSEIL off THE FORTH RAIL BRIDGE on the 10 th of May this year. Now, have you ever had second thoughts? Well as nobody wants to stand in for me, it looks as if I’ll have to go through with it. After all, all the money I raise will go to Parkinson’s UK Fife Branch funds.

No seriously folks, I’m now looking forward to it, especially as it won’t require too much effort, unlike the effort put into completing Janet Kerr’s Challenge last year. Hat’s off to you, Janet!

In order to get into the swing of things, no pun intended ! I have been watching a few films as part of my rigorous training programme as you can see. THIS IS SURE TO BE A CLIFFHANGER!

Please visit my JustGiving (This looks e-e-e-e-s-y) and help make my exploit worthwhile. It’s not until May, so there’s plenty of time to save up or maybe even give more than once!

Alternatively, I’ll wander around with a Sponsorship form, so stop me and force some cash into my hand. I won’t keep you in suspense, waiting for another training photo, for too long. Sorry about the puns and if you want me to stop, dig deep. https://www.justgiving.com/thislookseeeesy- Coxe?utm_source=Sharethis&utm_medium=fundraisingpage&utm_content=thislookseeeesy- Coxe&utm_campaign=pfp-email&utm_term=rZ4QdXnBy .

BRANCH COFFEE MORNING – DATE FOR YOUR DIARIES – SATURDAY 18 th APRIL 2020

Our annual Coffee Morning will be held at the Corn Exchange in Cupar from 10 am on Saturday 18th April 2020. Although it might seem a long way off, we would appreciate it if you could start thinking about collecting items for our stalls now.

This year we are introducing an unwanted, new or used but in reasonable condition ‘ Handbag and Scarf ’ stall so please check out your wardrobes and spring clean in our direction!

The other stalls are ‘Home Baking ’, ‘Books ’, ‘Tombola ’, ‘Bottles ’, ‘Raffle ‘and ‘Crafts ’. Please note that there is no ‘bric-a-brac’ stall again this year so PLEASE NO BRIC-A-BRAC.

Please start bringing your items for the stalls to any of our meetings, e.g. Falkland, ‘Coffee & Chat’ Get- togethers, Glenrothes Cafes, Bowling Sessions or simply ask any committee member to collect them from you.

Last year we had a very successful Coffee Morning thanks to the hard work and generosity of our Fife Branch Family. The Committee really appreciated your support before, during and after the event so let’s hope we are as successful this year.

COFFEE & CHAT GROUP – Frances Copeland – 01383 822668 and Evelyn Maxwell – 01592 267432

Hello everyone and best wishes for 2020. We hope that all our regular Coffee and Chat members are ready to meet up for the first time in the new decade on Monday 10 th February in ‘ REJECTS’, KIRKCALDY on Monday, 10 th February 2020 at a time that morning to suit yourself between 10am and 12 noon. We would also be delighted to welcome any new members who have never been with us before. Come along to enjoy the company, the coffee/tea and of course the chat! Also if you have time a look round the store, the sale items look great bargains!

For your diaries we have listed the ‘ Coffee and Chat ’ dates for the rest of the year. Please pass these dates on to everyone you think might like to join the group.

If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to call either myself, Frances Copeland (tel. 01383. 726383) or Evelyn Maxwell (tel. 01592. 267432).

Kirkcaldy Dates at Rejects Dunfermline Dates at Dobbies

10 th Feb., 13 th April, 8 th June, 10 th Aug. 9th March, 11 th May, 13 th July or 14 th Sept.

Parkinson’s UK is the operating name of the Parkinson’s Disease Society of the United Kingdom. A company limited by guarantee. Registered in England and Wales (00948776). Registered office: 215 Vauxhall Bridge Road, London SW1V 1EJ. A charity registered in England and Wales (258197) and in Scotland (SCO.037554)

FIFE BRANCH AGM – Thursday 24 th January 2019

Over thirty members including members of the committee were present at our annual AGM in the Dunnikier Golf Club, on Thursday 24 th January, 2020. Many thanks to all the members who sent in their apologies.

John Minhinick welcomed all present and introduced our special guest from Parkinson’s UK (Scotland) Alice Hall, our Volunteer Co-ordinator, who would be leading our elections and talking to us later in the meeting.

A minute’s silence was observed in remembrance of all our members who had sadly passed away since our 2019 AGM.

John then presented his Chairman’s Report. He thanked his 2019 committee members for their support and hard work. He also thanked Parkinson’s UK staff members Ginny Glen, Chloe MacMillan and Alice Hall who had all given invaluable support to the Fife Branch throughout the year. Ginny had recently taken early retirement and John wished her well.

John also thanked the Fife NHS Parkinson’s Nurses for their outstanding service and support. John reported that Gillian, who had moved onto pastures new, had been presented with a voucher as a thank you gift from our Branch members. The recruiting process is underway to fill the vacancy.

2019 had been another active year for our Fife Branch. Falkland was now attracting between fifty and sixty people. The ‘ Coffee and Chat ’ drop-in meetings and the Glenrothes Café were now well established and well supported and it is hoped to widen these opportunities into the Levenmouth and East Neuk Areas but this would require a few volunteers to come forward to develop these initiatives

Our existing Young Persons’ Group continues to have regular monthly meetings. Congratulations were given to Janet Kerr who had been celebrating her fiftieth birthday with a year-long physical and mental 50/50/50 challenge and had raised over £6000.00, of which half will be coming to our Fife Branch Funds. £1000 was also given to Parkinson’s UK by Clarity, Beauty, Health & Wellbeing, Dunfermline, thanks to its contact with one of our members, Alan Chapman, who gave an interview to the local press. Well done Alan.

John reported that recently our Indoor Bowling and Ten Pin Bowling numbers had dropped and that in order to attract new members, there would be a few taster sessions organised to allow members to come along and have a go! Look out for details of these special sessions.

The very successful and interesting walks organised by our Walking Group could also do with attracting new members. The walks, offering longer and shorter alternatives, happen every two weeks and were thoroughly enjoyed by the group members who cannot understand why more members don’t come along to join in the fun in the fresh air.

Another group looking to attract a few more members is the monthly ‘ Quality of Life ’ Group. This group is exclusively for people with Parkinson’s and has been running for two years. It provides an opportunity to freely express thoughts and feelings about day to day living, in a safe environment. It is hoped to investigate the setting up of a similar group for Carers of People with Parkinson’s.

FIFE BRANCH AGM – Thursday 24 th January 2019 continued . . . .

John reported that the Camera Club , run by Bob Copeland and Werner Remmele, continues to run monthly and is always looking for new members as are the monthly Tai Chi sessions which are held in the Dell Farquarson Centre. At present both Massage and Reflexology treatments are available at Falkland. There has also been a home massage service which has had a limited uptake, for those members who found it difficult to travel. The time was right to review the service and this is currently being undertaken.

In March 2019 the Branch ran a Therapy Weekend for eighty members in Crieff Hydro, thanks to funding received from Lloyd’s Bank Fundraising Team. Despite overnight snow on the Friday night our guest therapists and speakers managed to battle their way to the hotel to contribute to a wonderful and enjoyable event. The Branch also arranged a summer outing in the pouring rain to Loch Katrine and a Pitlochry Theatre trip.

John informed the meeting that the decision to charge members for part of the transport used had been reversed as there did not seem to be a fair system which could be adopted. Fife Branch was well known for being generous in providing transport to events for members who need it and wanted to maintain this good practice.

Requests have been made for swimming, dancing and exercise to music sessions but these would require more volunteer help.

John finished his report by informing the meeting about his involvement in the Scottish Development Team and encouraged everyone to attend their meetings. He is also a member of the steering committee for the Dundee Research Interest Group which supports research programmes at Dundee University.

John thanked everyone for making 2019 a successful year. The floor then opened for questions before the Treasurer presented his report.

Matthew Dodd, Branch Treasurer, spoke to the paper he had prepared for the meeting. He reminded members that three quarters of our Branch income came from donations and fundraising and was not guaranteed and therefore quite difficult to predict. However 2019 had been a good year for fundraising and he thanked everyone who had contributed, for their hard work and generosity. A special mention was made to Janet Kerr who had raised to date £6,150 for her 50in50at50 Challenge – 50% going to Research and 50% coming to our Branch Funds. Gift Aid had increased to £1,182 mainly due to the use of the JustGiving website.

The main expense was the Crieff Hydro Weekend which cost £15758. The costs involved in the Falkland Meetings had increased, transport costs had decreased and the Committee donated £6000 to Parkinson’s UK for research as it had been unable to donate to a Scottish research project over the last few years due to changes in research funding procedures.

As Matthew was standing down as Treasurer, he thanked the Committee for its support and patience. He also thanked John Minhinick for all the extra time and effort he had given him over the last three years. Matthew said he had been impressed by how hard all the volunteers work and he had great admiration and appreciation for everything they do.

FIFE BRANCH AGM – Thursday 24 th January 2019 continued . . . .

Alice Hall then led the Election of the Lead Volunteers. The full list of appointments can be found later in the newsletter. John’s first job as returning Chairman was to conduct the appointments of the Volunteer Coordinator posts before inviting Alice Hall to address the meeting.

Alice spoke to the ‘Infogram’ she had brought along, which highlighted some of the many achievements Parkinson’s UK Scotland had achieved during 2019.

• There are now 8 local advisors to support 1,000 families with Parkinson’s. This is an increase in 20% tailored support, advice and information. • More than 400 Volunteers throughout Scotland helped to make everything happen. • Three Local Research Interest Groups are active with a new one likely to start up in the North of Scotland in early 2020. • £700,000 was raised in Scotland by our regional fundraising team. • Across Scotland there is a network of 57 groups and cafes and more than 500 activities available to our community. This includes six new Parkinson’s Cafes. • The “Get It On Time” campaign continues to raise the issue of hospitals issuing of medication on time. • Volunteers arranged for 90 buildings to light up in blue to mark World Parkinson’s Day. This year’s World Parkinson’s Day is Saturday 11 th April 2020. • Six Research Projects are being funded in Scotland. • Facebook – this is very popular with 4,421 people now following Parkinson’s Facebook page. and • 728 media articles mentioned Parkinson’s UK in Scotland. They reached an audience of 52 million people. Advertising on this scale would be impossible for Parkinson’s to do ourselves.

John thanked Alice for her input to the AGM and invited everyone to partake in refreshments.

A GREAT, FUN, DATE FOR YOUR 2020 DIARY – John and Jackie Ramsay

Now that we all have our 2020 diaries, we can soon start to fill them up with all the Parkinson’s Fife Branch planned events throughout the year. The 2020 Trifold Leaflet will be with you all soon but we wanted to remind you that John and Jackie Ramsay have managed to persuade the staff of STYX in Kirkcaldy to hold a third Race Night in aid of our Fife Branch of Parkinson’s UK. Please put Friday 20th March at 7pm in your diaries and arrange to come along to STYX. You will not be disappointed. You will have a highly entertaining evening, a tasty buffet supper and you might even go home with your shirt on !!

Thanks to John, Jackie and everyone in STYX and we look forward to seeing as many folk as we can at the races.

DONATIONS TO OUR BRANCH FUNDS – Matthew Dodd – 07792 330 003

Our Fife Branch of Parkinson’s UK is always very grateful to receive donations from members, their families and friends and from individuals and groups who wish to raise money for a local charity. We are aware that these donations are given after times of celebration and enjoyment but that sometimes they are gifted after times of sadness. Here are the latest donations.

In Memoriam Fundraising Other Donations

Anne Paxton Angela Collins Clarity House Glenrothes Churches Together

If you or someone you know is thinking about fundraising, remember that our Fife Branch has its own ‘Just Giving’ page with a link in our own web site, fifeparkinsons.org

THE GLENROTHES CAFÉ – Mark Coxe – 07913 207057

The Glenrothes Cafe got off to a great start after our festive break. It was good to chat to some of the regular cafe goers as well as welcoming a few new people to the meeting. As usual there was an almost electric buzz of chatter as friends caught up with each other and shared their news, punctuated by the occasional clink of cup on saucer. Delicious homemade cakes were on offer and I would like to personally thank all of the talented bakers, although my waistline has other ideas. Everyone who volunteers, whether it be baking, serving tea, coffee and biscuits, washing up and taking the £1 donation on the door makes this a friendly place to be.

Most months we aim to have guest speakers, covering a variety of topics, mostly related to Parkinson’s. January’s group was treated to an informative and entertaining presentation from Richard Brinkley from Disability Sport Fife, who talked about exercise and all sorts of activities available in Fife, for those coping with PD. Following on from that, February sees us welcome Jamie Small from Fife Health and Wellbeing, who will be demonstrating some exercises and rumour has it that he will try and get us doing some gentle exercises on the day. Perhaps I’ll scoff my cake afterwards! Other speakers are booked for subsequent months, but not all. Sometimes it’s good to just talk amongst ourselves.

We saw well over thirty people come in and join us in January and there’s plenty of room for more, so give it a go! You’ll find us in the meeting room at the Glenrothes Baptist Church, which is near to the M&S food hall, on the last Monday of every month (except June & December). See you there, costs a pound and don’t forget to bring a little extra for cake!

7 CAMERA CLUB – Bob Copeland - 01383 822668 and Werner Remmele – 07502 350701

Bob and Werner are both looking forward to a new year running our Camera Club and to celebrate the new year they are launching a new feature for members of the club. It is the Photo of the Month feature and you can see the winning photographs in our Branch Newsletters throughout 2020. The gentlemen hope to do something creative with the winning photographs to raise funds for our Branch later in the year.

You can see the first Photograph of the Month right here and the editor wishes to congratulate the unknown photographer whose identity will be revealed in our next issue. Bob and Werner hope that our new feature will encourage some new members to come along to the monthly Camera Club meetings.

You don’t require to own a fancy camera and you don’t have to be a skilled photographer to join the club. All Bob and Werner look for is an enthusiasm to learn about the art of photography. If you are interested in joining the Camera Club either contact Bob or Werner on the numbers above.

WE NEED YOUR ADVICE – Charles Small 01592 713824 – Email – cjsmall12 @tiscali.co.uk

As everyone is aware, the Branch must hold Annual General Meetings in order to review the work of the branch, elect/re-elect our Lead Volunteer Posts (Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary/Membership Secretary, Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer and Minutes Secretary) and our Coordinator Posts (Almoner, Bowls Group Coordinator, Camera Club Coordinator/s, Catering Team Coordinator, Coffee and Chat Coordinator/s, Glenrothes Café Coordinator/s Newsletter Editor, Programme/Social Team Coordinator, Quality of Life Group Coordinator, Research Champion, Ten-Pin Bowling Coordinator, Therapy Project Coordinator/s, Transport Coordinator, Walking Group Coordinator/s, Webmaster and YP Group Leader), give members an opportunity to air and share their views, become more involved and to look to the future of the Branch.

When you see this list of all the volunteer posts, you can also see the huge number of individuals it takes to run our Fife Branch in its endeavour to provide support to our local people with Parkinson’s, our families and our carers. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if our AGMs could reflect the positive energy and the great enthusiasm in the Branch, celebrate the hard work of our volunteers and congratulate and encourage members who step up and join our regular volunteers?

However only thirty-three folk attended this year’s AGM! Where is the Committee going wrong? What can we change to encourage more of our members to attend our AGMs? Is the venue the problem? Is the time the problem – remembering we have working and non-working members? Is a Thursday a good day? Is transport a problem? Do members get enough notice of the AGMs? Are members afraid that they might be nominated for a post they do not want? Do you have a suggestion which would make our AGMs more attractive to our members? If you have some suggestions to encourage better attendance at AGMs, please get in touch by contacting me and hopefully we can reverse this trend. Phone 01592 713824 or Email [email protected]

CHRISTMAS CHEER AT FALKLAND – Charles Small – 01592 713824

It’s great when a plan comes together and the Falkland Christmas Party on the 5 th December certainly came together despite our national politicians not realising that our Party date was meant to be on December 12 th 2019 when they announced the date of the last General Election! However everyone on the Committee plus helpers just rolled up their sleeves and set to work rearranging all the plans which had been arranged for the 12 th of December.

There was a wonderful atmosphere in the hall as decorations were hung up, tables were set with festive place settings and Christmas music began to play. As guests arrived the food table began to fill with the delicious sweet and savoury donations which had been baked especially for the occasion. The party headwear was distributed and Christmas reindeer, angels and elves came to life! Now the party could begin!

First in the programme was the Christmas Quiz followed by our delicious Christmas Buffet. After the food had been devoured, we played Pass the Parcel incorporating the dressing up bags! The favourite Carpet Golf Game was enjoyed by everyone before John and Jackie Ramsay introduced their exciting Horse Racing Game which raised many blood pressures! Time to calm down, so the Singing Group sang ‘The Christmas Bells Are Ringing’ to an unsuspecting but appreciative audience. This was followed with a Christmas Carol Sing Song before thanks were made and we all went home. The Falkland Christmas Party had been a great success! The only disappointing aspect of the day was the absence of our regulars who had other arrangements and appointments organised on the rearranged date and who therefore were not able to attend this year. Only 300 days to go until this year’s Falkland Christmas Party!

CHRISTMAS CHEER IN KIRKCALDY - David Rigg - 07745 897690

Our YP Group members who were not able to attend our Christmas celebration at Falkland during the day organised their own Christmas Night out. This year twelve members of the YP group enjoyed a substantial Christmas meal at the Strathearn Hotel in Kirkcaldy which was the venue for last year’s event. As David Rigg, the newly appointed YP Group Leader, said, ‘We enjoyed it so much last year we came back for more!’ It looks as if you had a great night. Thanks for the photograph.

SOME USEFUL CONTACT NUMBERS

Role Name Telephone Email Chairman John Minhinick 01383 860145 [email protected] 07917 602484 Vice - Chair Sally Rodger 01337 832662 [email protected] Young Person’s David Rigg 07745897690 [email protected] Group Leader Secretary & Diane Dunbar 01383 724501 [email protected] Membership Sec. Treasurer Alex Rodger 01337 832662 [email protected] 07530930224

THE WALKING GROUP – Bob Copeland – 01383 - 726383

This year the Walking Group is going to tackle The Fife Coastal Path – well – the bits we can manage! In essence it will be a walk through some of the coastal villages along The Coastal Path. Let’s hope for dry, warm Fridays and lots of new members.

If you or someone you know is thinking about fundraising for our Fife Branch, please remember that our Fife Branch has its own ‘Just Giving’ page with a link in our own web site. fifeparkinsons.org

Parkinson’s Nurses and Parkinson’s UK Staff

Parkinson’s Nurses Lynda Kearney 01592 643355 [email protected] Abby Whiting Extn. 28834 [email protected] Scotland Director Annie Macleod 0344 2259350 [email protected] Area Development Chloe MacMillan 0300 1233679 [email protected] Manager

Volunteer Alice Hall 0344 2253725 [email protected] Coordinator

THE DUNDEE RESEARCH INTEREST GROUP – WERNER REMMELE – 07502 350781

The Dundee Research Interest Group (DRIG) will continue its series of events - 'Parkinsons and … ' - in the new year. After ‘Parkinson's and Art’ , the event ‘Parkinson's and Exercise’ will take place at the beginning of February (a report about will be published in the next newsletter). In May an event on 'Parkinson's and Nutrition ' is planned, followed by 'Parkinson's and The Gut' , currently the last topic of this concept.

All events are designed for participants who want to understand the results of the research, and also their impact on living with Parkinson's.

In addition, the website has been redesigned. Besides easier navigation, new design and extended content, the website offers members the possibility to publish content themselves. Just have a look from 11th February on and tell us your opinion.

It is not least due to the good work of the four members of the Fife Branch in the steering committee of DRIG that it has become such an interesting, agile organisation, which is accepted and used by both sides as a link between research and patients.

TRIP TO PITLOCHRY - Saturday 1 st August 2020 – Annette Fitzsimmons 01592 874421

This year our annual trip to the Pitlochry Festival Theatre will be held on Saturday 1 st August 2020. The musical we will be seeing is ‘Gypsy’, music by Jule Styne, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by Arthur Laurents. Based on the memoirs of Gypsy Rose Lee, the famous striptease artist, it is regarded as one of the very best great American musicals. Many of the songs including ‘Everything’s Coming Up Roses’, ‘Together (Wherever We Go)’, ‘You Gotta Get A Gimmick’, and ‘Let Me Entertain You’, have become popular standards.

Rose is a pushy, show-business obsessed mother who travels round America to a series of small-town vaudeville gigs with her two daughters, June who loves being in the spotlight and Louise who reluctantly always plays the supporting role. She dreams that she can turn both girls into big ‘stars’ but when the opportunity arises for June only, Mama Rose turns it down to keep their act together. What happens to all three ladies? Book your place/s to the Pitlochry Theatre on Saturday 1st August to find out.

Please complete the booking form and return it, with payment, to Annette by Saturday March 14th st 2020.

………………………………………………………………………………………………….

BRANCH COACH TRIP TO PITLOCHRY / THEATRE ON SATURDAY 1ST AUGUST 2020

I / We would like to book a place / places on the trip to Pitlochry Theatre including High Tea after the show in the Festival Theatre Restaurant on Saturday 1st August 2020.

Name ______Membership Number ______

Address ______Telephone No. ______

______

______Post Code ______

I / We would like to join the bus at KIRKCALDY or DUNFERMLINE (Please circle your choice.)

The cost of this outing (Transport, Show Ticket and High Tea) is £30.00 per person

Payment should be made no later than Saturday 14th March 2020 in cash at Falkland or by cheque made payable to Parkinson’s UK, Fife Branch.

Please return this form with payment to Annette Fitzsimmons, 47 Broomhill Avenue, Burntisland, Fife KY3 0BP. Telephone 01592 874421 by Saturday 14th March 2020.