Committee - Parkinsons UK Cirencester & Stroud Branch

Information about your Committee and their work on your behalf, and minutes of committee meetings plus other information updated monthly.

Branch Chairman – Kevin Young

Hello, I’m Kevin Young. I worked in many different industries across the world, in London and Cirencester just before I retired in Dec 2019. I enjoy golf, Captain of Cirencester Golf Club in 2024. I gave up badminton due to injuries but I’m still club Treasurer, I play walking football with Cirencester Phoenix FC.

I want to guide the Committee to help every branch member by utilising all my years of business / industry experience solving problems and improving various businesses to raise funds, grow the membership, increase participation and provide activities to live well with Parkinson’s. I can be contacted on 07880 255 927 or cirenstroudpuk@yahoo.com

Treasurer - Jenny Hoffmann

Hi, I am Jenny Hoffmann. I started my working life as a chartered accountant and have been escaping from that box ever since. After 20 years working in South Africa, mainly leading organizations in the financial services sector I became a freelance consultant being paid for by organizations like the World Bank and the Gates Foundation, to advise banks and regulators in Africa and Asia on strategies they could use to provide appropriate products and service for small businesses and poorer members of their society. Since COVID I have given up traveling and re-invented myself again. I am still in the financial sector (my employer is Tesco Bank), but I now work on the actual design of services for the bank’s customer. My only travel now is to their offices in Edinburgh and Glasgow.

This gives me time to do the other things that I love such as running with friends, swimming and going to chamber music concerts. It also means that I can spend time with my partner, Steven who has Parkinson’s so I can be around to give him all the support that he needs. It is through him that I have become involved in the Cirencester and Stroud Parkinson’s group and I hope that I will be able to contribute practically to the effective running of the branch as Treasurer and a member of the committee. Contact me here –treasurer.cirenstroudpuk@gmail.com

Branch Secretary - Karen Young

Hi I’m Karen Young. I was a Quality professional working on Infrastructure projects in London until I retired in Oct 2020.

I enjoy swimming and I’m Chair of a badminton club in Swindon. We have 4 grandchildren, Max our dog and several friends who all keep me occupied, love to shop for shoes!

I wanted to give something back to the local community so joined this branch Oct 2021 to help with communication and organisation. I can be contacted on 07586 532 635 or cirenstroudpuk@yahoo.com

Committee Volunteer - Angie Fenton

I’m Angie Fenton, my lovely Dad had Parkinson’s for 20 years before he died in 2018. I joined as a volunteer to try and make sure that everyone knows what help and support is available. We didn’t know about this group when Dad was alive, and I don’t want anyone else to miss out on what it has to offer. Email me if you need any of our RESOURCE information leaflets and booklets – cirenstroudpuk@yahoo.com.

Vice Chair- Kath Clements

My name is Kath and I’ve recently semi-retired from secondary education where I worked mainly with students with special educational needs and their families for over 26 years.

I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in March 2022 and have been discovering more about the disease, its spectrum of symptoms and unique effects on the individual ever since.

I’ve always been actively involved in my community and joined the Parkinson’s committee as this has now become a focus within my life.

I can be contacted on kathryn.clements@hotmail.co.uk

Vice Chair - Steven Goldblatt

Steven Goldblatt (born 1957) diagnosed with Parkinsonism in 1989. Worked as an advocate (barrister) for 25 years- mainly in what is now known as “human rights law”. Retired in 2008 due to ill health and have lived in Cirencester since then where I am involved in various social organisations and initiatives. Have been on the Cirencester & Stroud PUK branch Committee since 2016. For exercise, fun and the challenge am riding across the US on a stationary bike for an hour a day. Am pretty reliant on Jenny who is my wife and carer. Can be contacted on steven.goldblatt@gmail.com and/ or 07525 145167

Committee Volunteer - Diane Shelley

I’m Diane, I coordinate the Parkinson’s UK Coffee mornings at Cam.

I’ve been living with Parkinson’s for 18 years I really enjoy meeting others with Parkinson’s and their carers to offer support and friendship.

I can be contacted at dianeshelley@btinternet.com

Committee Volunteer - Barry Thornicroft

Diagnosed with Parkinson’s in March 2020. Served a five year electrical apprenticeship in Rugby eventually working on Hydro Electric machines for North Wales and Scotland. Moved to Bristol in 1967 to work on Concorde in Filton. Employed as Development Engineer at Critchleys in Brimscombe then technical sales for high tech security audio and access control systems. One time President of Gloucestershire Chamber of Commerce and Chairman Stroud Business Club. Lived in Amberley for 50+ years, married to Susan, wife and carer, for 60 years.