Parkinson's UK - Christchurch Branch

18/11/2025

The Christchurch Branch of Parkinson's UK have run Tai Chi classes at Portfield Hall in Christchurch for some 15 years. Exercise, especially Tai Chi has been shown to help those affected by this condition and we are proud to arrange and sponsor these classes.

Run and managed by Paul Lockyer, a qualified instructor of 22 years, the group meets every Friday with some members who have been attending for many years.

We are now looking for more Parkinson's sufferers together with their partners or carers to join the classes.

Come along and see how enjoyable it is and how it can benefit your Parkinson's symptoms.

Please get in contact to find out about our free introduction session

27/10/2025

Today’s Christchurch Group Meeting, we had an excellent Musicals musing. The fun started at 2:00 pm- 4:00pm, and we had a great time. Here are a photo of the event.
Our next speaker on Monday 24th November ,will be Jane Glennie ‘ How do you take yours’ Set at a 1950s tea party and includes local stories about tea smuggling as well as etiquette tips.

Location: St Catherine's Hill Community Hall, 17 Marlow Drive, Christchurch, BH23 2RR
As always a warm welcome , we will also be holding a raffle during the meeting, so if you have any prizes you’d like to donate, please feel free to bring them along. We look forward to see you

28/09/2025

FYI- Carers Event on Tuesday 7th October 2025, 10:00am–2:00pm at the Hamworthy Club, Canford Magna (BH21 3AP).
This special day is for anyone caring for or supporting someone with Parkinson’s, and will include:
• A chance to meet others in a similar role over a relaxed chat and cuppa.
• Talks on welfare, coping strategies, benefits, rights, and employment, with an opportunity to ask questions.
• Time for the person you care for or support to meet others, enjoy refreshments, and, if they wish, take part in a gentle exercise session led by an activity coordinator.
• Stalls with information and advice from organisations including SWAN Advocacy, Forward Carers, Carers Support Dorset, the Leonardo Trust, Parkinson’s Dance at Bournemouth Pavilion, and more.
• A complimentary buffet lunch with teas and coffees throughout the day.
How to register:
Please register via the QR code on the attached poster, by 28th September. If you have been unable to do this today, please email me directly and i will discuss with the orgainisers.

22/09/2025

Today’s Christchurch Group Meeting, we had an excellent speaker . The fun started at 2:00 pm- 4:00pm, and we had a great time Richard Hutley speaking about ‘Isaac Gulliver- Smuggler. Life and times of Isaac, a notorious Dorset Smuggler. Here are a few photos of the event.
Our next speaker on Monday 27th October ,will be Miranda Pender, a Musicals musing – A musical combination of Victoria Wood and Pam Ayres

Location: St Catherine's Hill Community Hall, 17 Marlow Drive, Christchurch, BH23 2RR
As always a warm welcome , we will also be holding a raffle during the meeting, so if you have any prizes you’d like to donate, please feel free to bring them along. We look forward to see you

06/09/2025

Parkinson's Cold Water Dipping in Christchurch 💦

Are you ready to take the plunge?

8 weekly sessions with fully-trained, experienced cold water coaches and dedicated qualified beach life guard. Free funded places available.

📆 Course starts 2 October 2025 10.30am

19/08/2025

Yesterday’s Christchurch Group Meeting was our Summer Party and entertained by the Land Girls with music from the 1940s, 1950s, 1960s and 1970s. The fun started at 2:00 pm- 4:00pm, and we had a great time. Here are a few photos of our Summer Party.

Our next speaker on Monday 22nd September, will Richard Hutley speaking about ‘Isaac Gulliver- Smuggler. Life and times of Isaac, a notorious Dorset Smuggler. Location: St Catherine's Hill Community Hall, 17 Marlow Drive, Christchurch, BH23 2RR

As always a warm welcome , we will also be holding a raffle during the meeting, so if you have any prizes you’d like to donate, please feel free to bring them along. We look forward to see you.

16/08/2025

Interesting

A new study from Wuhan University suggests Parkinson’s disease might actually start in the kidneys—not the brain.

Researchers found clusters of alpha-synuclein (α-Syn) proteins—strongly linked to Parkinson’s—inside the kidneys of patients. In healthy animals, the kidneys cleared these proteins, but when kidney function was impaired, the proteins traveled to the brain and triggered damage.

Even people with chronic kidney disease but no Parkinson’s symptoms showed α-Syn buildup, hinting that the kidneys could be an early “storage site” for these toxic proteins before they spread to the brain.

If confirmed, this discovery could transform how Parkinson’s is understood and treated, opening the door to prevention strategies focused on protecting kidney health.

06/08/2025

28/07/2025

Christchurch Group Meeting today's we welcome Bill Combe on the International Space Station. Location: Our next event will be our Summer party on the Monday 18th August and entertained by the Land Girls with music from the 1940s, 1950s, 1960s and 1970s. All the fun begins at 2:00 pm- 4:00pm, and we have an. Location: St Catherine's Hill Community Hall, 17 Marlow Drive, Christchurch, BH23 2RR
As always a warm welcome , we will also be holding a raffle during the meeting, so if you have any prizes you’d like to donate, please feel free to bring them along. We look forward to see you.

25/07/2025

FYI -CODA are holding a Parkinson's Active Therapy Day the 14th August at their wonderful stable block studios at Walkford from 10:30am to 3:30pm.

The day will consist of Laughter Yoga, Movement for Parkinson's with Dance for Parkinson's South West ending with a session by the Singing Groups that attend on Thursdays & Fridays.

This is an ideal opportunity to come along and see what the two Groups get up to which it is not all about singing or being in a choir. Fiona the qualified leader and teacher takes everyone through exercises for the body, facial muscles and voice, those that can weaken with Parkinson's. It is not taken too seriously and everyone has fun.

The attached leaflet shows the cost as £20 cash with carers being free, however, for Branch Members this will be refunded later with a 50% discount so it will only cost £10. If you would like to come along, please let CODA know as the contact details on the leaflet and let Bob Kirkham know as well. The address is Chewton Farm Rd, Walkford, Christchurch BH23 5QL

From the Autumn Term, the two Groups will combine together on Thursday afternoons with all Branch Members who attend being able to benefit from the 50% refund on the £5 cost per session, again carers are free. If you currently go to the Thursday Group, could you let Bob know so you can be added to the discount list.

These discounts are possible due to the Olive Rose Legacy which is to benefit all Branch Members.

Bob can be contacted on bob.kirkham3@gmail.com.

23/07/2025

We’re looking forward to welcoming you to our next meeting on Monday 28th July, from 2:00pm to 4:00pm at:
St Catherine’s Hill Community Hall
17 Marlow Drive
Christchurch
BH23 2RR
Our guest speaker will be Bill Combes, who will be giving a fascinating talk titled ‘International Space Station’ — all about life aboard this incredible structure and the science behind it.
There will also be tea, cake, and our usual raffle, so please do come along and enjoy the afternoon with us.
We hope to see you there!
Best wishes