PASSING
It was with sadness that we learned of the passing of Ian Harvey husband of Pauline in early November 2016. Sadly, Ian was unable to attend our meetings since we reformed in 2015 but Pauline was our Treasurer before Sandra took over in 2016.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Pauline and her family.
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Mid November saw the passing of Brendan Hill and John Vaughan. Not many of us knew Brendan and John as they did not attend our meetings but those of us who attended the previous group would have known them as they were both played an integral part of the old Eurobodalla Parkinson’s Support Group.
Our condolences and thoughts go out to both Brendan’s and John’s families and friends.
FAREWELL
Judy and Noel Dawson have sold their house in Batehaven and are moving to Wollongong to be closer to family. Please come along on Thursday 9th February to bid them farewell. Judy and Noel have been great fun to know and have been a great help with the group (even donating their house for the Christmas Party last year). They will be missed by all who have had the pleasure of knowing them and we wish them all the best for the future in Wollongong.
EASTER LUNCHEON
A luncheon on Thursday 6th April (to be confirmed) is being organised at the Moruya Golf Club. We would like to invite all members of the Eurobodalla Parkinson’s Support Group, as well as anyone in the area who has or knows someone who has Parkinson’s Disease to come along. We are hoping to encourage new members to come along and join in the fun as well as encouraging others to learn a little about Parkinson’s Disease. The luncheon will be free of charge (you will need to buy your own drinks) but we need to know numbers so please let Cindi or Joy know if you will be coming by the 31st March.
WEBSITE
Our website is now being looked after by our new web manager – Jackie Stallard WebHive.
We can now keep our website up to date with all our contact numbers, newsletters and photos. This is a vital tool for new members who are looking for a group in their area.
If you would like to have a look at our website the address is: epsg.org.au
FUND RAISING
As our group is affiliated with Parkinson’s NSW we have agreed to donate some of the monies that we raise with them. Parkinson’s NSW uses this money for various things such as research and phone support for members.
We use the money in our group to promote and support the Eurobodalla Parkinson’s Support Groups outings, regular meetings and support to our members.
If you have any ideas on ways to raise money, please feel free to suggest your ideas.
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Sandra advised us of an anonymous donation of $200.00 which is gratefully received.
Pauline Harvey handed in a donation of $385.00 being the money donated instead of flowers at Ian’s funeral. Thank you, Pauline.
We also had a donation of $146.00 from Reina Hill being donations from Brendan’s funeral. Thank you, Reina.
GUEST SPEAKERS
We have some guest speakers lined up but dates are still to be confirmed. They include MareeO’Rourke, Area Manager from Integrated Living (to assist those who are confused by A.C.A.T.), Anthony Overs (Joy’s son) to give a power point presentation on birds as well as speaking on being young with Parkinson’s Disease, Neil Mackay from Batehaven Pharmacy, Zoe from Eurobodalla Shire Council about dancing, Sharon Newman – speech therapist, Daniel Boltis about physio.
We have seen some of these speakers before and they were very informative and interesting and all members are sure to enjoy the discussions and learn something new.
CHRISTMAS PARTY
Well, there was a last-minute change of venue from the Eurobodalla Botanical Gardens to the home of Noel and Judy Dawson. What a beautiful house they have and we would all like to say THANK YOU.
The food was gorgeous and way too much. We did try a game but everyone was chatting and having way too much fun to be bothered. We met some new people and some old friends, who all seemed to be enjoying themselves.
MEMBER PROFILE
Robert Leggat
Robert was born in Clydebank in 1938 and lived in Dalmuir during his younger years. He left school at 15 when he then served his apprenticeship as a boilermaker/welder in the John Brown Shipyard until he was 21.
National Service was the next big step in Robert’s life which he served in Malay where he met up with some Australian Troops who told him he should come to Australia.
He was demobbed in 1961 and was fortunate to meet up with Sarah on the ferry to the ice ring in Pasley. Robert and Sarah went out for two years before getting married in March 1963 and making the move to Australia in April 1963.
Robert worked in all sorts of jobs from shipyards to underground gold mining, working on the Gladesville Bridge to Centre Point Tower.
He was also busy at home helping to raise two children – Jean and Robert, who produced 6 grandchildren and 5 ½ great grandchildren.
Robert was blessed with good health and was never sick or in hospital until June 2012 when he was told he had sleep apnoea, MD and Parkinson’s. Everything else would still be good for another 20 years!
CARER PROFILE
Sarah Leggat
Sarah McKay was also born in Clydebank but in 1940.
Sarah, her sister and mother were sent to Airshire because of the Blitz but her father had to stay in Clydebank as he was a marine engineer, building ships for the Navy.
Sarah’s family returned to Clydebank to live with her Gran McKay who was not well. When Gran died the responsibility of the McKay family fell to the eldest son (Sarah’s Dad) which meant that Sarah and her sister were brought up with their 5 aunts and 2 uncles, who were all miners.
When Sarah was 15, she went to work at the Singer Sewing Machine Factory in Clydebank.
Sarah and Robert met on the Erskin Ferry on their way to ice skating in Pasley. Sarah was with her cousin, who lived next door to Robert’s family but had not met Robert until after he came home from Malay.
They went out for two years when Robert proposed with the unique phrase of “If you want to marry me, you will have to come to Australia”. That was 54 years ago, and I am still here. We have seen every state on this island of ours. Lots of Australians don’t know much about this great land they love.
Live Life Spring Calendar
Most of you would have received an email from Joy with the Live Life Spring Calendar from the Eurobodalla Shire Council, but we would like to reinforce the message that exercise of both the body and mind are very important for People with Parkinson’s and there are activities in all the major centres in the Eurobodalla.
Narooma has Aqua Gold, Aqua Fit, Adult Swimming Classes, Power Bar Group Fitness and Get Moving Group Fitness.
Moruya has Beginners Bridge Lessons, Creative Dance Workshop for 50+, and Zumba.
Batemans Bay has Zumba, Stretch and Balance, and Social Badminton.
If you would like to give any of these activities a go, the Live Life Spring Calendar has contact names and numbers as well as the address. If you would like to receive the Live Life Calendar or register with this programme go online at or call Soozie Gillies.
SHAKIN’ GOSSIP
Jackie and Leszek are currently on another cruise and Jackie is meeting up with her American Pen Pal of 47 years (hopefully we can get some photos to share).
Sandra and Philip went on a cruise over Christmas and enjoyed it so much theyare considering their next cruise.
Jenny, Robert, Leonie and Jeff are also thinking of cruising sometime this year.
CARER’S MEETING
Our next Carer’s Meeting is on the 23 February.
We are hoping to hold a first aide course and are inviting someone from the Together Support Group to come as a guest speaker.
Our Carer’s Meetings are held in conjunction with the Support Group so you do not need to make a separate trip or organise care for your partner. Please come along and share your worries and woes and hopefully we can help. This group is run by Carers for Carers.