October 2026

A special honour from generous building society

Huge thanks to the staff and customers of Skipton Building Society's York Branch for a special gift this month.

Staff members nominated Parkinson's UK York Branch as one of three local voluntary organisations to receive a donation from the building society's Community Giving Scheme.

They put a display about the three charities in the branch in September and asked customers to vote for their favourite. And guess what - our branch came out on top! We will receive a fantastic donation of £1000 towards the work we do in helping people affected by Parkinson's in our area keep active and stay connected.

We'll be using the money to help us get out to local community events next year, to spread the word about the support we can offer.

Skipton BS Customer Consultant Catherine Clark said: 'At Skipton, we asked our members who they believe makes a big impact on our local community, and Parkinson's UK was mentioned repeatedly. We are delighted that your outstanding work is being recognised, and we hope our donation helps you continue supporting those living with Parkinson's.'

Right: the display in the Skipton Building Society branch

Walking rugby success

York Rugby Foundation run walking rugby sessions twice a month on Fridays at the stadium.

The sessions are possible due to a grant from Parkinsons’s UK, and are open to all. York Branch have a number of members that take part.

An inclusion day held in August had a walking rugby event involving two teams from York plus teams from Hull KR, Hull FC,Wakefield and Colostomy UK. It was a very enjoyable event for all concerned. York results were team one: 3 wins,1 draw and 2 losses and team 2: 6 close losses.

It would be great to see new participants to our Friday sessions. For further info contact Geoff Roberts on 07738127598 or email robertshaxby@gmail.com.

Our film project goes into action!

We are delighted to share that, following a formal tendering process, filmmaker Jay Sillence of Inkblot Films has been chosen to lead our new filmmaking project, subject to PUK agreement.

Jay will organise workshops where York branch members can learn filmmaking skills and take an active role in making the film. It’s not only about sharing ideas, stories and experiences, but also helping to shape, create and bring it to life. Together, the film will celebrate the friendship, support and determination at the heart of our group, and we hope it will help us reach more people in York who are affected by Parkinson’s.

•Your contribution is wanted – and you could learn a new skill. We’ll be holding sessions during the autumn and winter. Find out more – please speak to us or email info@yorkparkinsons.co.uk.

Top award for York
Branch chair

We're delighted to announce that our branch chair Tim Bryan was named Volunteer of the Year at a prestigious awards ceremony in September.

The York Press Community Pride Awards recognise the very highest achievers in voluntary organisations around the city. It's all about those making a real difference locally.

Many congratulations to Tim, who modestly accepted the award for our branch. He is pictured with his wife Lynette, family, branch members and supporters.

We're heading into autumn, so it must

be time ...

... to book for our Christmas lunch!

Yes, we have to think in advance here so mark the date: Wednesday 9 December. We're returning to the Novotel where we had a great time last year.

Full details here

 And the menu

Come and join us for a great outing, excellent meal, raffle and good company!

Update 8 Oct: Sorry everyone, looks like we are almost fully booked. Contact Lorna to check first before trying to book.

Members deliver a great day at cricket fest

York Branch members turned out in style for Yorkshire County Cricket Club's visit to the city in July.

Over two days of first class cricket, our volunteers staffed an information stand and ran a fundraising raffle. It's all because York Sports Club generously invited our branch to be its charity partner for the event. A lot of fun was had, and visitors on the day gave generously.

Warm thanks to Yorkshire CCC and YSC.

Wow, did our Parky Paddlers make a splash!

The only team out of 36 boats that actually included people living with the condition they were raising funds for!

Everyone had a fantastic day and so far the Parky Paddlers have raised a magnificent £6,300! Better even than that, they have shown what people with Parkinson's and their supporters can do. Each time our boat took to the water the 16-strong team of rowers included at least seven people with Parkinson's.

There's still time to sponsor our fantastic team. Go to https://yorkrotary.enthuse.com/pf/parky-paddlers 

And they're off!

Our Parky Paddlers team is raising funds for our branch and other local charities. They're off to a flying start - can you help too?
Add your contribution here.

The Paddlers will be taking part in the fabulous Rotary Dragon Boat Race on Sunday 12 July.

The 16-strong team of rowers plus drummer will be skimming down the Ouse along with more than 30 other boats in hot competition.

Ably led by branch committee member Geoff Roberts (pictured below right), the Paddlers aim to make a big splash raising awareness of Parkinson's.
Boat captain will be Prof Sean Sweeney from the University of York (pictured above right), who researches Parkinson's and is a big supporter of our branch.

Go to our Parky Paddlers page for all the latest info

Fantastic turnout for World Parkinson's Day!

Our team at York Station all day on Saturday 11 April did us proud on this special day. Around 60 volunteers and musicians turned out to raise awareness of Parkinson’s and enjoy live music. Huge thanks to all and especially the musicias who brought cheer and entertainment on the station concourse:

Tim and Barbara Kent
Dunnington Singers
Riccall Village Voices
Barberellas.

We reached lots of new people and raised a bumper £1175 too.

 Huge thanks to LNER and station delivery manager Emma Reed who made it all possible.