The Northants Parkinson's People bulletin is produced by people affected by Parkinson's. We wish to extend the hand of friendship and support to others affected by Parkinson's within Northamptonshire. Our group includes people with Parkinson's, carers, ex carers, friends and family. We hope you enjoy the contents of this first edition, we have enjoyed putting it together for you. Please let us know what you think and what you would like to see in future editions. 

Laying in bed in a "bloody" Parkinson's induced state of wakefulness I recalled the day, 14th April 1959. Harold MacMillan was PM, Elizabeth II was on the throne, Buddy Holly was at number one and yours truly joined the Army as a boy at 15 years 288 days old.

At nine o'clock on Northampton station after a few tears from mum I was off to London (never been before) arriving at Euston I was amazed at the cacophony of sound. I negotiated the tube (also a first) to Waterloo and boarded the train to Brookwood even further into the deep south.  Arriving at my destination I approached a rather large formidable looking sergeant and noticed that there were several other guys waiting, we were whisked of to a camp which had the notice 'Junior Leader's battalion, RAOC, Dettingen barracks'. We had arrived. 

After a mug of tea and a sandwich there was by now 26 of us. We all had to stand and introduce ourselves. Then we were taken to our barracks where we were allocated bed-spaces. By now it was mid afternoon. The sergeant then escorted us to the mess hall where we had our first army meal, which personally I thought was not bad (but then my mum was not the best cook in the world), but there were a few comments about the food.

Afterwards we were given directions to the WVS rooms where we could watch the TV or play snooker or just chat. We returned to our block in dribs and drabs. At 9pm the sergeant announced that it was lights out at 10pm and reveille was at 6am, this produced a lot of moans and groans.  Promptly at 10 o'clock the lights were switched out even though some of the guys were not undressed and in bed. The chap in the next bed asked what I thought so far. I replied so far good but tomorrow is another day let's see what happens. I little realized that this was my home for the next two years and that most of the guys in that room were going to become good friends and that we would share great memories, but that as they say is another story. 
Doug.

No longer able to ‘cut-the-mustard’ I thought I’d hung up my boots for good many years ago…but no! I’ve always said that if I ever stopped wanting to kick a football Peter Kaye style (Av It!) then I’d have let this blasted disease beat me. Little did I know that a whole new opportunity to play the beautiful game was just around the corner. 

 I’m the first to admit that despite having tried a variety of different activities thought to improve your ability to ease the symptoms of the disease, none of them had the lure of footie. So, when I sat watching the rerun of Match-of-the-day one Sunday morning shortly after New Year I instantly became hooked when they previewed the game of ‘Walking Football’. 

 Essentially, the game is for the disabled or over 50’s and caters for all abilities. Moreover, it’s very much a total workout in a controlled and friendly environment. It’s important to note at this stage, you will be physically tested. I still finish the session a physical wreck but it’s really enjoyable.

 Please don’t think that it isn’t a competitive game though, a bunch of enthusiastic older gentlemen reliving their glory days on the football field always has the potential to become noisy, but always friendly. 

For further details contact [email protected]

Matthew Yates Community Sports, Health & Wellbeing Co-ordinator 01536 410333

As far back as I can remember I have always ‘dabbled’ in the garden. My Dad was a keen gardener (well initially of necessity to help feed us). But his love of gardening was passed on from his Dad.

So, yes, gardening and its powers of good have always been present in my life. However, only since losing my beloved husband last year have I realised the full benefit of its healing properties. Anxiety and low self esteem were trying to take over. Fortunately my love of gardening took control and lifted me up so to speak and as a consequence is helping to heal my mind. Along with all my Fit & Fab friends.

The thrill of digging down and pulling out a few new potatoes, like a rabbit out of a magic hat, is so rewarding and so nice to eat too. Imagine also pulling a few baby carrots too. Lovely with the new potatoes—that’s if the carrots get as far as the kitchen! There is nothing quite so nice as a newly pulled carrot just eaten raw!

Plant some pansies in a pot near the back door where you can see them from the window in bad weather they lift the spirits. It doesn’t have to be expensive. Get cuttings from friends and any extra plants they might not need. Bought containers are lovely but you would be surprised what you can recycle to contain a few plants.

Thought of the day

A little bit of history inspired by Sylvia's Gardening article
God's Garden is usually found on plaques made of wood or stone or plaster, sometimes held up by garden gnomes and sold in garden centres, Stately home gift shops and good charity shops everywhere. The four lines scratched or engraved are from the 4^th verse of a poem by the same name written by Dorothy Frances Gurney (1858 – 1932) an English Poet and Hymn writer. She wrote the original in Lord Ronald Gower's visitors book sometime just before 1913. Lord Gower had what was described as an Exquisite garden at Hammerfield Penshurst. Reading Sylvia's piece on her garden and how it lifts her spirit just reminded me of the plaque I saw many years ago and luckily took this picture.

The full poem is here

God's Garden

THE Lord God planted a garden
In the first white days of the world,

And He set there an angel warden
In a garment of light enfurled.

So near to the peace of Heaven,
That the hawk might nest with the wren,

For there in the cool of the even
God walked with the first of men.

And I dream that these garden-closes
With their shade and their sun-flecked sod

And their lilies and bowers of roses,

Were laid by the hand of God.

The kiss of the sun for pardon,

The song of the birds for mirth,--

One is nearer God's heart in a garden

Than anywhere else on earth.

For He broke it for us in a garden

Under the olive-trees

Where the angel of strength was the warden

And the soul of the world found ease.

Dorothy Frances Gurney

Poles in the Park - every Friday (well almost) 

Why not come along to a session of poles in the park. Every Friday 10:30 We meet near the bowling greens in Abington Park (Christchurch Road Entrance). After a brief warm up, take either the long or short route before ending up at the Park cafe for a coffee and a chat. Get your exercise and fresh air fix with us. If its blowing a gale, chucking it down with rain or snow we'll give it a miss.  You don't need poles to start but you will get more out of the walk if you do use them. Don't fancy the walk? Just meet us at 11:30 in the café.
 More information call Angela: 07954 099 537