THE Salisbury and District Branch of Parkinson's UK has celebrated its 40th anniversary.

A special dinner was held at Salisbury and South Wilts Golf Club on Thursday (October 18), which was attended by MP John Glen and Steve Ford the chief executive of Parkinson's UK.

The branch was formed in 1978 by Kay Ridgeway, a health visitor whose sister had Parkinson's.

She put a notice in the Salisbury Journal for others wanting to know more about the disease to come forward to form a group.

After starting with a handful of members the group has now swelled to about 178 members.

It holds monthly social meetings with guest speakers, coffee mornings as well as activities like tai chi, dance and short mat bowls. The branch has recently started voice therapy.

Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological condition.

"It is a very social branch," says committee member Pauline Hardisty. "The social side is as important as the therapies."

Pauline joined the group after her husband was diagnosed with the disease said: "I found it amazingly helpful to have the support as did my husband. We were made so welcome."

The branch offers those with Parkinson's and their carers the chance to come together and take part in a variety of different activities and social events.

Patricia Hendy, who was the group's treasurer for about 16 years, added: "People make friends within the group. We welcome everybody."

The branch is holding a fundraising coffee morning at St Thomas's Church on November 3, 9.30am-12pm.

According to Parkinson's UK, the number of people diagnosed with the disease in the UK is about 145,000 - about one adult in every 350.

To find out more about the group and support available call 07901 687 943 or email info.parkinsons.salisbury@gmail.com