Meet the Committee

Branch Chairman. Mike Vosper.

I was born In Salisbury, Wiltshire, but grew up and was educated in Paignton Devon. At 18, I joined the Royal Marines where I served for nine years. Upon leaving the Royal Marines I joined the Metropolitan police and spent six years working in Lewisham, SE London before transferring to Dorset in 1988. I finally retired in 2019 after 37 years service with the police and shortly after became a volunteer with Parkinson's UK.

My wife Vanessa and I have been together for over 20 years.

I have been the Branch Chairman since March 2022, a volunteering role that I thoroughly enjoy.

Branch Secretary. Jim Bayliss.

After leaving School in Cheshire I went to sea as an apprentice with The New Zealand Shipping Company, eventually becoming Chief Officer.

I later trained as an electronics engineer before leaving the sea. I then spent several years in the building industry where I was able to put my electronics knowledge to good use,. My last 25 working years were spent in non-contact measurement systems,   This job brought me to Dorset.

  I now run the Broadmayne Art Club, helping others who want to learn to paint.  I Have also had two novels published since retirement.

A year after joining the Committee of the Weymouth and Dorchester Branch, ironically I was diagnosed with Parkinson's.

Branch Treasurer. Pam Glover.

I have lived in the Weymouth area for over 58 years. Except for a very short spell in New Zealand. I started my working life at Dorset County Council where I completed my exams in accounting and finance. I also worked at the Halifax for 13 years and finished working for Dorset Police as a Dispatcher and 999 call taker. I retired in 2021after 20 years.

I have lived with my husband Pete for over 36 years.

Newsletter Editor. John Heath.

I was born and educated in London, and spent most of my working career there. We moved to Dorset in 2004 and spent 15 years living in the Blackmore Vale, owning and running self-catering holiday accommodation for disabled use. In 2019 we moved to Dorchester, and live on Brewery Square.

Fundraising. Dave Kendling.

Most of my working life was spent in the shipping and transport industry and since retiring I volunteered for five tears with the RSPB. I'm now in my third year of volunteering with Parkinson's.

Fundraising. Karen Baylis.

I am 56, married with 2 grown up daughters and am a semi-retired Registered Nurse.

I have worked for the NHS since qualifying in 1990 working up to Junior Sisters on an Elderly Care Ward.

As well as volunteering for the group I also volunteer at a Walking for Health group, am a member of Dorset Sole Sisters (a woman’s running group), enjoy Parkrun, sea swimming and reading.

I joined the Parkinson's group last year after losing both my Mum and Dad and suddenly having too much time on my hands.

My Dad had Parkinson’s and attended the group with my Mum and I wanted to give something back for the support they received.

Events and Outings. Jo Galley.

I've been involved with Parkinson's for over 15 years. My role on the committee is helping with organising Outings and Events. I look forward to welcoming you to our meetings, you will find me on the desk at the entrance to the meeting hall.

Events and Outings. Mandy Parker.

I retired last year after more than 20 years purchasing within the manufacturing sector and before that 15 years on the support desk for a fashion retailer. 

I have lived with my partner Mick for 29 years and have two daughters, between us we have seven grandchildren.

My dad suffers from Parkinson’s and both my parents are active members of the Weymouth and Dorchester group, this was the main reason I joined the committee last year. I wanted to learn more about the condition and use any spare time to volunteer, helping in any way I can. Meeting and listening to the group members has been both inspiring and emotional, there are so many wonderful people who have to manage the symptoms of Parkinson’s every day.

If you are interested in joining our committee and helping with the organisation and running of the Weymouth and Dorchester Branch Parkinson's UK, then please go too our 'Contact Us' page and send us a message.