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June 2013
Issue 30
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A thank you from Parkinson's UK The charity's President Jane Asher expresses her gratitude after the recent three-year £126k donation from the Oddfellows was announced. Donated from the Society's H A Andrews Memorial Fund, the money will help tens of thousands of Parkinson's sufferers in the UK – find out how inside.
Sport & leisure Turntables at the ready We investigate why a resurgence of vinyl is making more of us dust off those old record collections.
Also featured this month Travel: Fancy a holiday with a difference? Read more inside Around Britain: We discover a museum tucked away on the North Cornwall coast that celebrates all things Oddfellows. Culture Club: The latest readers’ reviews Food & drink: Chocolate – can it ever be good for you? Health & wellbeing National Carers Week takes place this month. Find out how the Oddfellows Care Department can help Home and garden: As the growing season continues, our resident gardener George Hill is here to answer your green-fingered questions The Oddfellows is the trading name of The Independent Order of Oddfellows Manchester Unity Friendly Society Limited, Incorporated and registered in England and Wales No. 223F. Registered Office 32 Booth Street, Manchester M2 4QP.
We introduce the Society’s new Chairman, George Lickess
Win great prizes! £50 worth of High Street vouchers could be yours in our Through the Lens photo competition! Send us your best photo inspired by the theme ‘glorious gardens’ to enter. WIN: A dazzling pair of gardening gloves! Send George a green fingered question for your chance to win. This Green and Black’s baking hamper could be yours - find out more inside!
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Culture club “I love going to the theatre once in a while, so when I heard my local Oddfellows Branch was arranging a trip I couldn’t pass it up.” Sharon – Manchester
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The Reader’s Review: The Great Gatsby
©2013 bazmark film iii pty limited. courtesy of Warner Bros. Pctures
Having been a fan of both Leonardo DiCaprio and Baz Luhrman, I was really looking forward to watching this film. I was promised a lavish visual journey and wasn’t disappointed. The film goes from one glittery scene to another via beautiful characters and the stunning backdrop of Long Island. New York in the 1920s provides the backdrop for F Scott Fitzgerald’s most famous story. With affairs, debauchery, dancing and beautiful houses you certainly won’t be bored. I’m really glad I went to see it at the cinema as I think some of the glitz and glamour would be lost on the small screen. The soundtrack features Jay-Z and his wife Beyonce, Emeli Sande, Florence and the Machine and the late Amy Winehouse, among others. The film also stars Tobey Maguire and Carey Mulligan, but DiCaprio is the big star. Time after time he delivers a top performance – he’s come a long way since playing the starring role in Baz Luhrman’s Romeo and Juliet. I can’t think of anyone better to play Mr Jay Gatsby! Emily Hughes, Manchester
©2013 bazmark film iii pty limited. courtesy of Warner Bros. Pctures
Leonardo DiCaprio as Jay Gatsby and Carey Mulligan as Daisy Buchanan in Warner Bros. Pictures' and Village Roadshow Pictures' drama "The Great Gatsby," a Warner Bros. Pictures release.
Culture club The Unlikely pilgrimage of Harold Fry Author: Rachel Joyce Harold Fry – the hero of this touching tale – sets off one morning to post a letter. He leaves his wife doing the housework. He has no idea that he is about to walk from one end of the country to the other. He has no hiking boots or map, no compass, no waterproof or mobile phone. He has nothing but the ordinary clothes he is wearing. I found this quite an emotional read – we follow Harold his epic unplanned pilgrimage. We see the world through Harold’s eyes in the people he meets on his journey. As Harold continues to put one foot in front of the other to get to his ultimate destination – a hospital where a past work colleague is holding on to life until his arrival – we are privy to his thoughts about his son and his relationship with his wife. This is a gentle, touching and rewarding tale. Although sad in places, there is a real sense of hope that things can and will be alright. An excellent first novel by Rachel Joyce and well worth the read. Jane Nicole, Reading District
A Classical Education Author: Caroline Taggart Any preconceptions of this book leaning towards highbrow blandness are completely blown out of the water by its natty subtitle ‘The stuff you wish you’d been taught at school’. It’s a clever, witty and engaging book, that delivers a whistle-stop tour of a traditional education in the classics with a touch that is light but never patronising. The author demystifies classical languages, sagely advising that ‘logorrhoea is a posh word for verbal diarrhoea’, before moving on to take in Ancient Greek and Roman history, myths and legends, classical literature, architecture and art, maths and science, logic and philosophy and more. She ends with ‘The Games’, yes the Olympics themselves, and a final word which puts the films Ben-Hur and Titanic smack bang into the context of the Classical world which the author so adroitly recreates for us. It would be a mistake to think that this book is for those of a certain age feeling nostalgic for their schooldays, when Latin, Greek and Classical Civilisation had a place within the school curriculum. This book is so much more than a pair of rose-tinted spectacles and serves to bring home in an accessible way the huge influence that Ancient Greek and Roman culture has in the modern world. Karen Doku, North London District Oddfellows
Culture club Through the lens – photography competition
Last month’s theme was ‘beautiful buildings’ and the winner was Robert Alston with this image of the John Rylands Library on Deansgate, Manchester. Incidentally, the beautiful Grade-I listed, neo-Gothic building is next to our new home, which we will be moving into later this year. Robert wins £50 of High Street Vouchers, so congratulations to him. We received a bumper amount of entries this month so to see the pick of the best, visit our Facebook album. As we are coming into summer and the Chelsea Flower Show is currently celebrating 100 years, we thought it would be appropriate to make this month’s theme for the photo competition ‘glorious gardens’. Whether it’s your own garden or someone elses, send us your favourite images.
If we choose your photo to appear in the next edition you’ll win £50 of High Street vouchers. You can enter by emailing your photo to ezine@oddfellows.co.uk, posting it on our Facebook wall or sending it in a tweet that mentions @OddfellowsUK. Click on the links to visit our social media sites. Terms and conditions – Friendscene competitions 1) Entries for Through the Lens can be submitted at any time and still be included in this competition. However the cut-off date for each edition will be the first day of each month. This month’s Through the Lens and Food & Drink competitions both close on 1 July 2013. 2) If successful, you will be contacted by the Oddfellows directly to arrange delivery of your prize(s) 3) If your photograph contains an image of a person, building or private location please ensure you get permission from the person/building owner before submitting your entry. Any competition entry, including photos, recipes or articles, must be the work of the entrant and be entirely their own work. 4) By entering an Oddfellows competition you are confirming that you have given permission for the Oddfellows to use and reproduce your entry, either in part or in full, in future publications and marketing material, both online and printed. 5) The Oddfellows will assume your consent has been given once your entry is submitted unless you directly state otherwise at the time of entering the competition.
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Food & drink “I’m always trying to show people that they don’t have to worry about making food that’s perfect. Everything I cook looks deliberately uneven and homemade to show it’s ok to serve food with charm and character.” Nigel Slater, author, broadcaster and cook
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Chocolate – can it really be good for you? Recipe supplied by Green & Blacks The good news is that chocolate can be good for your health. Good quality dark chocolate that is, with over 70% cocoa solids. So we thought we’d celebrate this news by sharing a tasty recipe for you to bake and enjoy at home. Courtesy of Green & Black’s So why is chocolate so good for you? A little bit of chocolate makes you feel emotionally better and so improves the smooth running of your body’s endorphins. There is also evidence to prove it protects against heart disease and strokes, as well as boosting concentration. As with anything, though, moderation is key! This delicious chocolate pudding pie looks stunning topped with summer berries and a light dusting of icing sugar.
Chocolate pudding pie (serves 10–12 ) Ingredients For the base • 80g unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing • 60g Green & Black’s dark (70–85% cocoa solids) chocolate • 225g digestive biscuits For the filling • 180g unsalted butter • 180g Green & Black’s dark (70% cocoa solids) chocolate
Preparation method • Preheat the oven to 180°c/gas mark 4. • For the base, melt the butter and chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a pan of barely simmering water. Stir until completely melted and combined. Crush the biscuits into fine crumbs and add to the mixture. • Butter the bottom and sides of a 23cm loose-based tin. Put the base in the tin, press it down and chill for an hour in the fridge. • Meanwhile, for the filling, melt the butter and dark chocolate in the same way. Put the eggs, sugar and cream in the blender and mix together. Allow the melted chocolate mixture to cool (otherwise you risk the cream curdling). Once cool, add the melted chocolate mixture to the blender and blend together again, making sure that all the sugar is mixed in.
• 180g Fairtrade dark muscovado sugar
• Remove the base from the fridge and pour the filling over the top. Put in the oven and cook for 45 minutes until firm. It will rise up as it cooks but, once removed, will shrink again slightly.
• 180ml double cream
• Allow to cool and serve with crème fraîche.
• Crème fraîche, to serve
• This is delicious made the day before and means you can avoid last minute panics.
• 4 medium eggs
Win a Green & Black’s Baking Hamper! Packed full of chocolate, cocoa, an apron and their brand new recipe book, ‘Ultimate: chocolate recipes, the new collection’. For your chance to win, send in your favourite chocolate recipe to ezine@oddfellows.co.uk (along with a photo of the finished product) before the end of June. See previous page for terms and conditions. Green & Black’s Organic chocolate hampers can be purchased on their website or over the telephone on 0870 2422 597.
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Latest news “It is the everyday examples of charity that make the
Society work today as it has done since 1810, through its founding principles; friendship, love and truth.” Charles Vaughan, Chairman of the Board (2011-13)
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Introducing George Lickess The new Chairman of the Society Congratulations go to our new Chairman – George James Lickess. He took over the role from Charles Vaughan in May after members elected him to the position during this year’s conference in Llandudno. The formal title for this role is Grand Master, which is a reference to the historical origins of the Society. The role is the highest office that a member of the Oddfellows can aspire to. The chairman is the guardian of the Society’s wellbeing and public image, as well as being the Chairman of the Board. Many of you will know George already. He has been an active member since he joined in 1975 and has served in many senior positions for his local Branch, District and regional group conference. As well as his Board responsibilities he continues to be involved in the management of his local Branch and District, acting as trustee for both. He has been on the Board of Directors since 2009 and is no stranger to the duties and responsibilities of acting as chairman as his wife, Margaret was chairman in 2006.
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I hope to be able to rise to the challenge of inspiring Branches to recruit as many new members as possible to help us take the Society forward. I have a great team behind me. It will be an exciting year.
George, 63, feels privileged to have the opportunity to represent the Society: “I hope to be able to rise to the challenge of inspiring Branches to recruit as many new members as possible to help us take the Society forward. I have a great team behind me. It will be an exciting year – I’m looking forward to meeting as many members as possible.” Until retiring four years ago he worked as a Textile Technologist. He also served as Hon Treasurer for the Yorkshire Section of the Textile Institute (the Industry's Professional Body).
Originally from Barrow-in-Furness, George has lived in Yorkshire for over 40 years. George and Margaret have been married for 38 years and have two children and two grandchildren. All are members of the Oddfellows. The couple enjoy travelling and regularly visit their daughter in Australia. Best wishes for the year ahead go to George from everyone in the Society.
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Around Britain “These days we take ‘staycations’ in the UK to keep costs down. But wherever we go there are always Oddfellows events to entertain us.” Lesley - South Yorkshire
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Profile: Perranzabuloe museum, Cornwall News reached the Friendscene team recently of a unique Oddfellows museum exhibition tucked away on the north Cornwall coast. Chairman, (Prov GM) of the Plymouth and Truro District, Peter English, took a trip to the seaside town with his wife to find out more over an ice cream. The Perranzabuloe Museum – pronounced Perran-zab-ula is situated in the centre of the surfer’s paradise Perranporth. It’s home to a collection of documents and memorabilia chronicling the history of the small, unpronounceable Cornish Village that’s situated down the road. Here, like so many other places, the Oddfellows has played an important part in local history – a fact that’s been recognised by this dedicated space in the museum reserved just for the Society. With a deeds board listing former Chairmen and cabinets of old regalia, the exhibition is a window into local history. The museum itself is actually a former Oddfellows meeting hall. It was built in 1871 in the style of a Victorian chapel and served local members until a local community group purchased it in the 1970’s after two nearby Branches merged. The new owners were determined to keep the village’s local history alive for generations to come, so they converted the building into a library and museum that tells the story of Perranzabuloe. Entry is free and there are plenty of interesting things in there to learn about, like surfing, shipwrecks and the origins of the village. When I paid the museum a visit earlier this month, Perranporth was teeming with tourists enjoying the sunshine. The beach was packed – filled with sunseekers, dog-walkers and surfers chasing the next wave. You’d struggle to find a more picturesque spot to come and visit. Despite no longer being part Some of the regalia form the museum
The Perranzabuloe Museum of the Oddfellows, this museum will make sure that future generations of members will be able to enjoy learning about the Society’s glorious past whenever they’re in Cornwall.
Vital Statistics • Oddfellows members have been meeting in Cornwall since 1850 • The local branch at Perranzabuloe was called Tywarhale Lodge • Today, Plymouth & Truro District has around 700 members
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Travel “There’s something for everyone – whether you want to try something new, enjoy the onboard attractions or just relax in peace and tranquillity.” Wendy, Ipswich (Organiser for Fred Olsen Cruises)
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Holiday Home Swap Holidays for 2013/2014
The Oddfellows Home Swap scheme is being re-launched this summer to make it even bigger, better and more attractive to members. The scheme offers the opportunity to spend time in new places without the need to pay accommodation costs by enabling members to literally ‘swap’ houses. As such it offers an affordable and unique type of holiday of which many people were previously unaware. The Home Swap scheme is part of a wider programme of travel services available to members under the Active Travel Club (ATC). Activities include group tours, themed breaks and cruises. In addition the ATC also includes a Holiday Homes scheme with listings of properties on the Oddfellows website. According to Claire Rimmer, Social Development Officer, the ATC offers a unique programme of activities unlike the services offered by a traditional travel agent.
She said: “ATC gives members the opportunity to explore new places with like-minded friends. It’s a chance to meet new friends and reunite with old ones.” Home swap schemes have been around for a number of years but because this scheme is dedicated to Oddfellow members, there are no annual costs and you can feel secure that you are not opening up your home to a total stranger. Claire will soon be embarking on a consultation to gather members’ views about how they would like to see the ATC develop. We are always looking for new ideas for trips to inspire members to move out of their comfort zone and try something new.
If you have a suggestion or would like to find out more about the ATC and Home Swap scheme, please contact Claire on 0161 832 9361 or by email at claire.rimmer@oddfellows.co.uk
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Home & garden “Sorting out the garden is how I like to relax. An expert gave a talk at my local Oddfellows Branch – it helped me no end.” Christine - Derbyshire
Ask George
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George Hill was a professional gardener by trade. After completing a seven year apprenticeship at Leighton Hall near Shrewsbury he became Head Gardener at Burwarton House. The 22,500 acre estate near Bridgenorth is owned by Lord Boyne, cousin and Lord in Waiting to HM The Queen. He worked there for nearly 40 years and still lives nearby in retirement where he gives expert talks and appears on gardeners’ question panels. Send your gardening questions to George – email ezine@oddfellows.co.uk. If we publish it we’ll send you a brand new pair of dazzling gardening gloves absolutely free, thanks to Joe’s Garden. Q: “I have a magnolia bush in a pot that I want to transfer to the garden. The last two times I’ve tried this the plants have died – how can I make sure this one takes?” Phil, Lancashire A: It sounds like your soil contains too much lime, which is almost always the killer for magnolia bushes. To solve this, incorporate some manure into the soil or water the ground through some old tea bags. Q: “How do you encourage hedgehogs to nest in your garden?” Martin, Manchester A: If you know hedgehogs live in your garden, put out a box with some straw inside to give them some shelter, and try to limit your use of slug pellets too. They don’t like dogs either, so bear that in mind!
What to sow right now… • Spring onions • Lettuce • Late beetroot Plants at their best in June: • Strawberries – keep them watered and add blood, bone and fish fertiliser for nice juicy fruits in July. • Roses – at their best in June. Spray to prevent greenfly and aphids as they come into flower.
Members with green fingers Oddfellows members are eligible to receive a special 10% discount on anything at www.suttons.co.uk, from seeds and bulbs to gardening equipment and greenhouses. To take advantage of this exclusive offer, click here*. *You will need to be signed in as a member to access the Members' Benefits page.
Remember! If we publish your question we’ll send you a brand new pair of dazzling gardening gloves absolutely free.
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Sport & leisure “I’ve never really been ‘sporty’, but I try to keep fit. My local Oddfellows Branch now hosts a walking club. It’s great to get some fresh air, and we always have a good time.” Diana – Essex
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The Great Vinyl Revival
We thought this would be the ideal time to look at the resurgence of vinyl records and its impact on both younger and older generations. A good proportion of our members are what can be classed as ‘vinyl lovers’, from Northern Soul fans to lovers of music in general. Plymouth & Truro District Secretary, Peter English, was a DJ for 10 years and has over 600 records in total, both albums and singles. Derek Elmer of North London District is a Dusty Springfield fanatic and has an extensive record collection featuring female singers from the 1960s.
There's now even Record Store Day, held once a year on April 19. Six years after it was launched,shops saw an 87% jump in vinyl sales on this day alone – double the amount sold in 2012.
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This month, Music Therapy Week hosts its campaign to highlight the importance of music in vulnerable people’s lives. Music can help people with disabilities or those suffering from emotional distress to communicate when otherwise they wouldn’t be able to.
“With vinyl the sound quality is far superior and it’s undoubtedly a different experience than listening digitally or from a CD.
As this success shows, people of all ages still have a desire to listen to music 'the traditional way'. Fans would agree that great music was made to be heard this way.
A member from Deeside, Ray Lyons hosts a show on Vintage Radio, based on the Wirral. His weekly show is broadcast over the internet and is listened to by people all around the world, including his sister-in-law who tunes in regularly from Canada, which helps her feel connected to Ray. She and his other listeners enjoy the mix of music with hits from the ‘50s right through the decades. DJ Ray admits the sound quality is much better than digital: “With vinyl the sound quality is far superior and it’s undoubtedly a different experience than listening digitally or from a CD. You also get the bonus of handling the records and taking in the smell. Then of course, there’s the artwork.”
If you have a great vinyl collection, why not tell us about it? Share the story of your favourite single with us, and tell us the memories that are stored up in your record collection. Email ezine@oddfellows.co.uk.
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Health & wellbeing “The Oddfellows give so much. I wish more people knew about the great services they have to offer.” Paul - London
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Over 200 years and still caring for members 10-16 June 2013
National Carers Week reminds us each June of the enormous amount of work undertaken by unpaid carers. There are nearly seven million carers in the UK – that’s one in ten of us – saving the Government billions of pounds a year. Less than half of those eligible are receiving Carers Allowance and fewer than 1 in 10 are able to get a break away from home. Over 200 years after we started, the Oddfellows is still finding new ways of helping members with the issues they face today, including supporting carers. Are you caring for someone, or know a member who is? No matter how much you care for the person you are looking after, being a carer can be extremely demanding. Many people don’t know what support is available, or struggle to access it. For some a respite break can make all the difference.
Dorothy Emerson, Stockport
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I really wish I’d known about the Oddfellows 20 years ago when I was going through such a difficult time caring for my husband on my own. I had no idea where to turn. I’m now volunteering as a Welfare Visitor as I think I have experience which can help others in the same position. What the Oddfellows offers to support members is so important.
How we can help In addition to support through a local Welfare Visitor, as part of the Oddfellows’ Convalescence Benefit, carers are able to apply for a funded break with either one of our designated homes or another provider in the UK. Or, if you prefer, we could pay for the person you care for to have alternative support either at home or in an appropriate facility. For more information about all the options and how to apply for the benefit*, see our website. If you just need some advice, you can get help and support through the Care and Welfare Service. The team can help you find local carers groups and put you in touch with the friendly ear of a Welfare Visitor in your area. Many carers are not aware of the state benefits they or those they care for are entitled to. They may also be worried about current changes such as the replacement of Disability Living Allowance by the Personal Independence Payment. For further information or advice, get in touch with the Oddfellows CAB Advice Line. Contact details for both the Care and Welfare Service and the CAB Advice Line can we found on our website: www.oddfellows.co.uk/care You will need to log in to the website to access the information. If you are not currently signed up to the website, you can do see here. *Terms and conditions apply; available after two years of membership.
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Money “When I had money worries the Oddfellows put me in touch with the right people who could help. They were with me every step of the way.” Pam - Cambridgeshire
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A thank you from Jane Asher and Parkinson's UK Parkinson’s UK was recently chosen as the recipient of the Oddfellows H A Andrews Memorial Fund – a pool of donations from members across the UK that gets donated annually to medical research projects. Here the charity's President, the actress turned author and businesswoman Jane Asher, explains why the charity means so much to her – and how this money will help. “My brother-in-law Gordon was diagnosed with Parkinson’s about eleven years ago. When someone close to you becomes ill all you want to do is help, even though there’s often nothing practical you can do.” As one of the nation’s most well-known women, Jane Asher has long been used to living her life in the public’s gaze. So when Parkinson’s disease struck at the heart of her family, the 67-year-old star of Alfie, Brideshead Revisited and countless theatre productions set about using her public profile to raise awareness of this debilitating condition. She got in touch with the charity Parkinson’s UK and offered to help in any way she could, thinking that the charity would just want some help with fundraising. She ended up becoming its President. Asher is now the face of the organisation that provides support to 125,000 sufferers and their families living in the UK. It’s a role that she is immensely proud of – both for the difference the charity makes to peoples’ lives and the deeply personal connection she has with it. “Being asked to do something to help all those people living with this devastating condition was such an honour – when they offered me the role I didn’t hesitate for a second.”
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Few people realise that Parkinson’s can drastically affect the mind as well as the body, from causing slight memory problems and depression to full blown ‘Parkinson’s dementia’.
It was chosen in memory of Derek Winbush, a former Chairman of the Society who suffered from Parkinson’s and died two years ago. More than £126,000 will be donated over three years to a research project called ‘Learning and Consolidation in People with Parkinson’s’ that’s being supported by the charity.
Researchers at the University of Oxford’s Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences are investigating how the disease affects sufferers’ mental health and wellbeing – a subject that Asher is keen to bring more attention to. “Few people realise that Parkinson’s can drastically affect the mind as well as the body, from causing slight memory problems and depression to full blown ‘Parkinson’s dementia’. “But if the mental problems linked with Parkinson’s can be evaluated and targeted for effective intervention it could improve many people’s lives immeasurably.” (Continued on the next page...)
Money
The money from the Oddfellows will enable the charity to continue supporting the vital research being done by this project and others. This support isn’t just financial though. As well as funding research projects, the charity seeks to raise the profile of Parkinson’s disease by drawing attention to research developments and highlighting the social issues affecting sufferers every day.
“If everyone could stop and think twice before judging someone they see moving or speaking in an odd way, the world would seem just that little bit kinder to those living with Parkinson’s, and would give them a far easier and less hurtful time.” A future where Parkinson’s sufferers everywhere get the understanding and respect they deserve is undoubtedly worth striving for. But it’s in the research labs where the real long term difference will hopefully be made, through the discovery of more effective treatments and, one day perhaps, a cure. But cutting edge research requires cutting edge resources – be it laboratories, equipment or people. Such resources don’t come cheap, which is why this three-year donation is so greatly needed. “I’m so thankful to the Oddfellows for choosing to support Parkinson’s UK and this incredibly important area of research,” says Asher.
Deeside Branch attending a spring lunch with representatives from the charity Issues such as challenging the public’s perception of the disease, or preventing discrimination, rank highly on Asher’s list of priorities. “The biggest challenge we face is to put across the seriousness of this condition. Parkinson’s tends to be seen by most people as a condition that just causes older people to get shaky hands. “In reality it causes a dreadful set of symptoms that are far more debilitating and devastating than that simple view suggests. “Perhaps more disturbingly though,” adds Asher, “a recent survey carried out by Parkinson’s UK revealed just how much abuse and misunderstanding sufferers have to put up with; from muttered comments to all out name-calling and even violence.
“The disease is never an easy cause to attract funds for, and research generally is the last thing that most people are prepared to donate money to, yet it’s vital to help us move forward and improve the lives of sufferers. “The money you give us for research will help us to better understand Parkinson’s and bring us closer to our ultimate aim of finding a cure for this wretched and complex condition that affects so many people. I want to say thank you to Oddfellows members everywhere, from me personally, from Gordon and from everyone involved with the charity.”
To find out more about Parkinson’s UK research projects, fundraising events or ways to offer your support visit www.parkinsons.org.uk.
DISCLAIMER: Links to third-party sites do not constitute an endorsement by the Oddfellows and use of the advertised products and services is entirely at your risk. The Oddfellows does not accept any liability or responsibility for any third-party material on other websites.