Speaker Meeting, 6.15 for 6.30pm

Former member, Peter Hinton, now a Friend of Rotary, made a very welcome return at this meeting.  He came as its guest speaker to relate his personal experience on living with Parkinson's Disease.

Supported and helped by his wife Ann, Peter's talk was a unique perspective and insight on resilience and hope.  Together they meet the various challenges they encounter every day.

The picture of Peter (above) was taken in 2020 when he was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation by Highworth Lions Club for driving one of their mini-buses for 15 years. He "retired" only because the year before he'd been diagnosed with Parkinson's.

Ann told us that Parkinson's has as many as 40 different symptoms. No-one has them all and that's why people with Parkinson's are affected differently.  For Peter, the most obvious consequence is the weakening of his voice.  On the other hand he doesn't have the tremors which is perhaps the most common of all the symptoms.  Interestingly, a consultant told Peter and Ann that he is yet to see a patient with both loss of voice and tremors.  Never the two together, it's one or the other.

Peter is finding it more difficult to maintain his balance and as a result had a bad fall a few weeks ago.  He injured his back and is still in pain from it.  Another example of the difficulty living with Parkinson's.

As Peter doesn't drive any more going away on holiday is a challenge.  They did have a foreign holiday last year but coping with airports and planes was not easy.  This year, they've had two by train, one to Cornwall and the other to North Wales.  Ann couldn't speak highly enough of the special assistance they received on those journeys.  It was exceptional she said.

They joined the local Parkinson's group, Parky's Pals, and that has been a great benefit.  Apparently the usefulness of local groups across the Country differs considerably.  As it happens, the Swindon Group is one of the two recognised as being the best.  The other is in Derby.  Ann also had high praise for the Swindon Parky's Singers group which was started by our Past President, Kathy Hobson, very soon after she heard of Peter's diagnosis. 

Peter's talk had a significant impact on members and his and Ann's strength and courage was an inspiration to all.  What perhaps struck those of us listening the most was that clearly both Peter and Ann are a strong, resilient and courageous couple with an abundance of patience.  

Peter and Ann came from the Reading area to settle in Highworth just over 50 years ago.  Peter was working for Dunster and Morton and they asked him to open an office in Swindon.  Later Peter started his own surveyor and commercial valuations business in partnership with his colleague David Newport.  Hinton Newport continues today in Commercial Road, Swindon, now run by David Newport with his son.

Since settling in Highworth, Peter has been a valuable member of the community.  He joined Rotary in 1985 after his membership of Highworth and Cricklade Round Table came to an end on age grounds.  His contribution to Rotary and to Highworth is sorely missed.  In Highworth, it was not just driving the Lion's minibus, it was also his dedication to the Parish Church.  As church warden he project managed the recent million pound update to make the building suitable for 21st Century requirements.

Peter and Ann left the meeting with the very best wishes for their future from all present.  "May their good days be better than expected and may their bad days not only be few and far between but also better than expected."

FOOTNOTE

Parky’s Singers meet on the First and Third Monday of the Month 2pm – 3pm
Des Moffatt Western Community Centre, Somerset Rd, Swindon SN2 1NF
They sing songs everyone knows, and everyone is welcome.
Refreshments are served after the singing session.
For more information, please contact Kathy Hobson at hobsonkathy3@gmail.com, or call 07923 473261