ST Giles on the Heath Women’s Guild September meeting opened with the presentation of a cheque for £640 to Sue Whipps from the Launceston branch of Parkinson’s UK, which was the guild’s chosen charity for 2017.

Sue followed this with a talk about the disease and how the money would be used. She also introduced her husband John, who has Parkinson’s, and Bob, her successor as chairman for the local branch.

Parkinson’s disease acts on the nerve cells in the brain and interferes with the neurons that act like switches and pass on the messages from one part of the brain to another. This produces the more obvious signs such as the tremor, which we all recognise as a typical symptom. The drugs used for palliative treatment cause the jerky movements but there are many other symptoms that are less well known such as depression, a loss of sense of smell and taste and muscle stiffness causing pain. At present research is being carried out on drugs used for other conditions that may be used to alleviate the effects of Parkinson’s. There is also research into diagnosis as the disease is very difficult to diagnose and is usually confirmed after every other avenue has been investigated, although brain scans for dopamine help. Apparently dogs can smell it and are being trained to help with diagnosis.

The guild was anxious that the money collected for the charity would be used locally and Sue assured them that it would as there are more than 1,500 sufferers in Cornwall. There are six ‘drop in’ centres in Cornwall the most local being Launceston and Liskeard. The society holds many social events, usually in the afternoon, including walks, trips and meals out. They also hold dances, as dancing is a very good therapy for stiff muscles and also a very sociable hobby for any age (the youngest sufferer was diagnosed at 29), and for those who like to sing there is ‘The Tremble O’s’.

Publicity for all these events is by a newsletter, this costs about £2,700 a year, and social media. The money the guild donated would help with hire of venues for the meetings, providing equipment and gym membership. The society also provides additional training for NHS staff and pharmacists about research and new drugs and treatment. Anyone wishing to join one of the groups should contact the Parkinson’s Society. Cornwall and Devon work together and there are groups in Tavistock and Plymouth too.

Thanks were expressed to Sue and John for a very informative talk.

Next came the AGM when all the officers were re-elected. Florrie Hodge resigned from the committee, who shall be very much missed, and they welcomed Sue Hicks in her place. The accounts were unanimously voted as correct.

Flower of the month 1, Carole Towl; 2, Moya Eley; 3, Rosemary Wonnacott.

The table flowers will be taken to Diane Lloyd.

The next meeting is on October 17 and is a fun demonstration by Helena on scarves as a fashion accessory.

Anyone wishing to join the guild, contact Trish Shanks on 01566 773256.