All Together NOW! Feb-Mar 2020 by All Together Now

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Can YOU help? n All Together NOW! is a registered charity set up to provide a tip top news service for anyone whose life is affected by disability, long-term health condtions or age. n The charity – the only one of its kind in the UK – relies entirely on support from its sponsors, advertisers, subscriptions and donations.

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Editor: Tom Dowling

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TUESDAY 7 April, 2020 All Together NOW! is published by All Together Now! Ltd, The Bradbury Centre, Youens Way, Liverpool L14 2EP Registered Charity No.1106387 Company No. 5096931

NEWS

February/March 2020

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‘He was more than a runner. He was a local legend’

— Grandson Mark

Farewell to marathon man Eddy

ARATHON man Eddy Mountford, who ran his last race five years ago aged 91, has died.

Eddy, from Birkenehad, took up running aged 58 after losing his wife, Joan As a fitting tribute, Hoylakebased BTR Road Runners dedicated a special run – the Medal Muddle 5K – over the Christmas period in memory of the remarkable grandad. Eddy was inspired to take up running while watching the London Marathon on TV. Despite his late start, his achievements included countless 10K races, half marathons and more than 30 marathons – including completing that all-important London Marathon more than 20 times.

It’s that champion feeling as charity wins top award

He clocked up his personal best marathon time aged 60 – an incredible time of 2 hours 59 minutes. Eddy won a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Merseyside Running Community Awards in 2014. His final race was the inaugural Run For The 96 5K in April 2015, which saw Eddy run past his beloved Goodison Park. Grandson Mark Lennon, who regularly ran with his grandad, said: “He was more than a runner, he was a local legend and he would be the proudest man around knowing this fun run was staged in his honour.” BTR Race Director Alan Rothwell added: “Eddy really was a kind, a real gentleman and most definitely an inspiration to everyone who was lucky enough to meet him.”

WINNERS: Esther Rantzen, right, with the Autism Together team

IRRAL-based Autism Together has won a national award for helping regional businesses become more autism friendly.

The charity claimed the Community Engagement Award at the recent Markel 3rd Sector Care Awards. Since 2016, Autism Together has offered training to local businesses on how to be more autism aware and make their workplace or public

amenity more inviting and comfortable for people with autism. Michelle Walklett, manager of the charity’s training and advice service, received the award from TV presenter Esther Rantzen at London’s Marriott Hotel. Michelle said: “We have built a network of Autism Champions and have trained well over 1,000 people across the North West, with interest growing further afield.”

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Lifestyle changes can help elderly

OLDER people who are frail or have an ongoing health issue may feel like there is no point in making changes to their lifestyle. But actions like starting to exercise and quitting smoking can produce immediate results, whatever your age or state of health. That’s the good news in a major new report from the British Geriatrics Society. They say that while the benefits of a healthier lifestyle may be modest in terms of the years of life gained, the impact on quality of life is likely to be significant. While the benefits of prevention in younger people may take many years to bear fruit, prevention measures in older people – even those who are already ill and/or living with frailty – can produce immediate results, according to the BGS Healthier for Longer report.

‘It’s how we age’

Professor Martin Vernon, NHS England’s advisor on healthy ageing, said: “We can’t stop ourselves ageing, it’s a natural process, but we can certainly influence HOW we age, meaning we should do all we can to support people to retain resilience and functional ability for as long as possible.” Professor Tahir Masud, President of the British Geriatrics Society, added: “This report provides practical, highly relevant guidance to help professionals promote healthy ageing to all the older people they care for, including those who are ill and/or living with frailty. “We are urging all healthcare professionals to review the report, and implement the simple steps recommended to help their patients remain healthier for longer.” n www.bgs.org.uk

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ph holt

February/March 2020

The perfect start to 2020!

HAT a a great start to the year it’s been for your FREE and favourite charity newspaper!

As regular readers will be only too well aware, trying to find the funding to keep All Together NOW! alive and kicking is a massive challenge. There’s no doubting how important the information is that we provide to hundreds of thousands of people across the region – and especially to the huge and forgotten army of people who are not connected to the Internet. But funders are under immense pressures and have to make some very tough decisions. So it’s really uplifting to report that P H Holt Foundation have again come to our aid by agreeing to pay the full printing and distribution costs – £6,000 – for this issue. The Foundation also paid the full costs of last summer’s edition.

Anne Edward, administrator of the P H Holt Foundation, said: “It’s essential that the voices of people affected by health conditions in the region have a credible newspaper to access the latest information about opportunities and the resources available, so they can enjoy life to the full and stay engaged with the issues effecting their futures.” On behalf of all of us here at the newspaper, and all our readers, a heartfelt thanks. I hope you like this info-packed issue. We’re back in April – Easter week. Tuesday April 7 to be precise. See you then. – TOM DOWLING, editor

IF YOU are connected with any businesses who might want to help with our printing costs or supporting this FREE charity newsaper in any way, please do contact us – tel 0151 230 0307 or email info@alltogethernow.org.uk

HATS THE WAY TO DO IT … Carolyn Garlick, Business, Finance and Resource Manager at The Brain Charity, leads the way at last year’s Head Matters Tea Party

Get your hats on! I

T’S THAT time of the year when anyone affected by a neurological condition, along with anyone else for that matter, are preparing for the annual ‘Head Matters Tea Party’.

It’s a great chance for people to have fun and find out the kind of help available. This year there’s also guidance for people with mental health issues. Nanette Mellor, CEO at the charity, said: “Over half of all people with a neurological condition experience a mental health issue at some point in their

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lives, so we know this is an important subject for many of our clients and decided to highlight what can be done to help.” Expert speakers, including consultants from The Walton Centre, will give talks on aspects of mental health throughout the day and an exhibition will be packed with ideas on how to get and stay happy and healthy no matter what your condition. And as a fun way to pay tribute to our brains, there’s also the chance to win a special prize for creating and

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wearing the wackiest hat! For anyone not able to get along to the event, The Brain Charity has put together a free tea party pack with lots of ideas, recipes and inspiration to help you organise your own party. Download your free tea party pack at:

www.bit.ly/HMTPpack

n The party takes place on Wednesday 18 March (10:30am-4pm) at: The Brain Charity, Norton Street, Liverpool. Tel, 0151 298 2999

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Thanks, Eileen – we will keep up the fight!

All Together NOW! has lost one its longest and most conscientious supporters, writes TOM DOWLING Eileen Eastwood, my last surviving aunt, spent almost all her adult life caring for people, and helped to set up this charity newspaper way back in 2004. Although she didn’t any of the skills needed to create a newspaper, she did have a wealth of empathy and understanding of what we wanted to do. Eileen was born in 1927 in working class Liverpool, educated at Blackburn House school, and had a successful career in the civil service. She’d lived through the Second World War and witnessed the horrors of the Nazi bombings and the May Blitz, which claimed members of her family. She also saw her 20-year-old brother, my Uncle Frank, return from the war paralysed from the waist with spinal injuries. Caring for others EILEEN EASTWOOD came natural to her – and for John, her husband. Together they looked after their elderly parents, who had to deal with tuberculosis, strokes, and heart problems. Eileen also cared for John, when, in 1984, he was diagnosed with a terminal brain tumour. “Life’s been particularly tough at times,” she told me. “But there is so much love around. It’s important not to dwell too much on what’s gone and what might have been. So much better to have lived and loved, to keep positive, and always to look for the better side in people” Despite being in her late 70s, Eileen thought nothing of putting on her overalls and gloves and helping us to move desks and computers into our offices in the Bradbury Centre. She was one of our original trustees and remained so until her death, aged 92, in December at Christopher Grange Care Home, where she had lived for the past four years or so. Despite frustrated at her own ongoing health issues – and there were many – Eileen was always far more concerned about how others were coping, and, hardly surprising, proud of how All Together NOW! continues to help people across the region. We’ll all miss her deeply.

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NEWS

Knighthood – ‘kick in the teeth for disabled’

ACTIVISTS have criticised the decision to award a knighthood to former work and pensions secretary Iain Duncan Smith, when his policies at the Department for Work and Pensions have been linked to for the deaths of countless benefit claimants. Mr Duncan Smith was responsible for the introduction of both Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment. Paula Peters, a member of the national steering group of Disabled People Against Cuts, said Mr Duncan Smith had been rewarded for “10 years of heinous cruel welfare policies that have condemned a generation of kids to grinding poverty” and have caused the deaths of thousands of disabled people. “Rewarding him with a knighthood while disabled people have died is a huge punch in the guts.” Another DPAC steering group member, Ellen Clifford, said: “The awarding of a knighthood to Iain Duncan Smith is the latest in a long line of insults heaped on those who suffered and lost their lives as a result of the Tories’ war on disabled people.” Disability Labour said it was “appalled and disgusted” by the knighthood, and has IAIN DUNCAN SMITH backed calls for a criminal investigation into Duncan Smith’s actions at DWP. Kathy Bole, a Disability Labour vicechair, said: “Giving him this honour is a kick in the teeth to every disabled person who has not been given the benefits they are entitled to.” A petition set up by NHS psychiatrist Dr Mona Kamal Ahmed, calling for the decision to be reversed, has been signed by nearly a quarter of a million people.

Trains way off track

RAIL operators have been given permission to continue using more than 1,000 inaccessible rail carriages – about 8% of the national fleet – after missing an access deadline set 10 years ago. The original Disability Discrimination Act in 1995 put the industry on notice that it would need to ensure its services were accessible to all disabled people. In 2009, laws were passed to ensure that accessible trains were available for every journey by December 31, 2019. Alan Benson, chair of Transport for All, the user-led charity which campaigns on accessible transport in London, said the extensions were outrageous and convey the message to disabled people that their rights to travel are not a priority. “These standards have not been imposed at the last minute; they were negotiated by industry, Government and disabled people 25 years ago. “Compromises were made to make them reasonable and achievable, yet a lack of effort and focus by the industry is being given a free pass by Government, flying in the face of the Inclusive Transport Strategy.”

February/March 2020

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Driverless buses for blue badge holders?

THE historic city of York is seeking Government funds for a unique £4 million transport scheme that would provide disabled people with “on demand” electric, driverless shuttles into the heart of the city. The trial would allow blue badge holders to request a shuttle service from park and ride facilities on the fringes of York to key amenities and tourist destinations in its pedestrianised city centre. Requests would would be made at kiosks in the carparks or via a mobile phone app, website, or phone. Although the shuttles would be automated and driverless, City of York Council plans for them to be staffed by customer care assistants. n Driverless chairs dodge the crowds: p10

BETTER DAYS AHEAD . . ?

SHUTTLE SERVICE: Driverless buses for York?

HE new Government has begun explaining how it intends to fulfil the disability policy pledges in its election manifesto.

They cover social care, a new national disability strategy, hospital parking charges, funding to move disabled people out of long-term hospital settings, and disability benefits. There are also brief details of plans to reform the Mental Health Act. Critics say the Conservatives’ manifesto still ignores a range of issues of importance to disabled people, with no mention of disability rights or how a Boris Johnson-led government would meet its obligations to implement the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The new national disability strategy will be published later this year, and the Government said it would be “ambitious” and support disabled people “in all aspects and phases of their life” including housing, transport and education. There will also be a green paper looking at how the Department for Work and Pensions and its benefits system “can best help disabled people”. The briefing document commits the Government to a further reduction in the disability employment gap, following the reduction of 5.6 percentage points over the last six years, although it

by JOHN PRING

makes no mention of any target. But it repeats the last Conservative-led Government’s pledge to increase the number of disabled people in work by one million between 2017 and 2027. The briefing document also repeats the manifesto pledge to double the minimum length of a personal independence payment (PIP) award from nine to 18 months – which will cost about £310 million over four years – unless the claimant tells DWP their needs have changed. This measure should reduce the number of repeat assessments claimants are forced to undergo.

Older people

On social care, the Government repeats its pledge to provide an extra £1 billion funding in every year of this parliament, and to consult on a 2% precept that will allow councils to raise another £500 million for adult social care in 2020-21. It also confirms that it has no plans for long-term reform of the social care system in England other than to urgently seek a cross-party consensus. Although the briefing notes focus on the costs of social care for older people, they also point out that more than half of public spending on adult social care is on service-users under 65. They also confirm spending of

£74 million over three years to provide further capacity in community settings for autistic people and people with learning difficulties currently in long-term hospital settings. Meanwhile, Robert Jenrick, the housing, communities and local government secretary, announced local authorities will continue to get the former Independent Living Fund Recipient Grant, which was due to end in March. It will be paid at £160.6 million for 2020-21, the same as 2019-20. The announcement is a significant victory for disabled activists, whose direct action protests had ensured that the plight of former ILF recipients remained a high-profile issue after the fund’s closure in June 2015. The Governmenrt also promised to end hospital car parking charges “for those in greatest need”, including disabled people. Health and social care secretary Matt Hancock said later that, from April, all hospital trusts in England would be expected to provide free parking to groups including blue badges holders, and outpatients who attend regular appointments to manage long-term conditions. On mental health, the Government says it will produce a white paper early this year, which will respond to the review of the Mental Health Act that reported in December 2018, and will be followed by new legislation “when Parliamentary time allows”.

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‘We’ll keep fighting for our rights!’

DISABLED campaigners have warned the new Government that they will regroup and find new ways to fight for their rights. Grassroots groups and user-led organisations are suggesting ways in which disabled people could protect and advance their rights and equality, despite an election result that left many alarmed at the possibility of further cuts and attacks on their rights and support. The groups were responding to questions about the future direction of the disabled people’s movement, following nearly a decade of Toryled governments that have been repeatedly and heavily criticised for serious breaches of their international disability rights obligations. Mel Close, chief executive of Disability Equality North West, said that DPOs like hers would continue trying to get disabled people’s voices heard at every opportunity, using the strength in numbers they have from working with other DPOs across the region. Paula Peters, a member of the national steering group of Disabled People Against Cuts (DPAC), said: Here’s a message to Boris Johnson: We will not bow down to you. We will take the fight to you.” Michelle Maher, from WOWcampaign, said disabled people would need to fight back and “hound” their MPs, and join forces with other groups, including charities, and “make ourselves as visible as possible even if that means direct action.” Activists are also planning a relaunch of the mental health survivor movement group Mad Pride, and a fresh emphasis on Mad Culture.

How we are fighting the war on debt

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NEWS

AR TOO few under 25s are seeking advice when they fall into debt, a new survey from North West water firm United Utilities reveals.

Speaking at the company’s third annual Affordability Summit, customer services and people director Louise Beardmore said: “Our survey shows many young people are starting to build up debts soon after they turn 18 and very few seek expert advice on how to manage debt and borrowing. “We’re currently helping more than 100,000 customers through our financial support schemes. Since the last summit

All Together NOW!

February/March 2020

in January 2019 we have helped 13,000 people get out of debt with their water charges, but we want to continue with IONA BAIN early intervention so we can prevent customers falling behind in the first place. “This includes having the right support for those under-25 building up debt now and worrying about money in their first few years of adult life.” Iona Bain, financial writer and

founder of the award-winning Young Money Blog, said: “I have seen an explosion of financial apps, websites and books aimed at my generation since I started my blog eight years ago. “But as well as creating confusion, these resources do not always have younger people’s interests at heart, nor do they really solve the huge problem of financial inclusion. “Responsible educators need to find a way to cut through the noise and offer balanced, independent and trustworthy advice so we can help those who arefacing a financial crossroads.”

UK among worst for disabled in poverty

Austerity isn’t over!

SPEAKING OUT: Liverpool Mayor Joe Anderson OPENING United Utilities’ Affordability Summit at Liverpool’s St George’s Hall, Liverpool Mayor Joe Anderson told almost 200 representatives from debt advice charities, food banks, credit unions, housing associations and financial services: “I was here 10 years ago when David Cameron announced the Big Society. Well, that didn’t happen. When you now hear that austerity is over . . . it isn’t. “In parts of Liverpool one in three children live in poverty. I know that without the support of our charities, hundreds of people in this city – thousands across the region – would have died. “We have got to try and look at ways of joining up our services, to work together to help more people. It’s tough and it’s going to get tougher. We’ve another five years of this Tory administration.”

THE UK is one of the worstperforming countries in the European Union for protecting disabled people from poverty, new official figures show. Last year’s EU figures show the UK was the 10th worst of the 28 EU member states on disability poverty, with nearly a third of disabled people (32.2%) in poverty or at risk of poverty. This is above the average for the EU, which has 28.7% of disabled people in poverty or at risk of poverty. Other figures – also taken from the EU’s statistical office, Eurostat – show the UK in an even worse position, with disabled people facing a 15% increased risk of poverty and social exclusion, the seventh worst in the EU. The figures were released by the European Disability Forum, an umbrella organisation of disabled people across Europe, in advance of its new human rights report.

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£23bn of unpaid care provided by over-80s

ALMOST one million over-80s – one in three – now provide unpaid care for their partners, saving the health and care system £23 billion a year, say Age UK. Seven out of 10 have to deal with their own long-term health conditions, and are unable to leave their home or get sufficient breaks from their caring duties. Almost half also have difficulty with moving about at home, walking, lifting, and carrying or moving objects. And one in four are caring for more than 35 hours a week. Len, 84, full-time carer for his wife said: “I have only one hand, arthritis of the spine, nodules on the nerve canals in my spine and I’ve had two strokes. I don’t have time to think about me! “I didn’t even realise I had had one stroke, let alone two! We’ve each worked for most of our lives, paying our taxes which we still pay on our pensions, which seems grossly unfair.” The number of carers aged 65 and over who are providing informal care for another person has risen from 2.7 million to 3.3 million in the last eight years. Caroline Abrahams, Age UK Charity Director, said: “It’s time these fantastic older people got something back. “Almost all of them willingly provide care for the person they love, typically a sick or disabled husband or wife, son or daughter, but by repeatedly failing to sort out our social care system the state is exploiting their goodwill and often leaving them to manage incredibly difficult situations alone.”

Find YOUR local Carers Centre – p19

Workers ‘forced to lie’

BUSINESSES are failing to support workers who also act as informal carers, new research has revealed. Almost four in five carers say their employers have no policies in place to offer support. Only one in five feel their workplace has a culture that encourages them to discuss their care commitments openly. And almost half believe talking openly about their carer commitments at work will ruin relationships with colleagues. The research by health care company WeMa Care, part of Lavanya Plus, also uncovered that half of informal carers in full-time work have lied about needing a sick day in order to fulfil care commitments – and the same number have already reduced or changed their working hours in order to care for a loved one. Meanwhile, 55% are currently searching for a new role offering greater flexibility and support to meet their needs. Vivek Patni, chief executive of Lavanya Plus, said: “It’s vital HR professionals drive a cultural change within their organisations.”

February/March 2020

BLIND DATE F

ANCY a real blind date? I’m being serious! Many people who don’t see too well – and in my case that’s putting it mildly – like to think they’re quite good looking and worth a second glance.

If you’re going to accept an invitation for a date from someone who has appalling sight like me, don’t be fooled. It’s no good thinking you may as well turn up wearing your old gardening clobber and save yourself a bit of time; that if your date is blind, what the heck will it matter what you look like. Blind people have an advantage. Most sighted people concentrate only on visual appearance when deciding if they are attracted to someone. This is a mistake. They miss what really counts. Conversational skills get forgotten. The sound of a voice, the volume, tone and emphasis on words as well as choice of words, even the way someone breathes or eats are significant. Detecting emotion in a single sentence can be an eye-opener. There’s no hiding, we’ll quickly pick up on the vibe and if we’re on the same wavelength. Then there’s the individual smell of someone, the touch of fabric or skin, finger to finger, the attention to detail, it’s all there. Make an effort, please. Style your hair, brush your teeth, have a shower and add a dab of deodorant…but don’t overdo the eau-de-toilette. Dating a blind person isn’t all that different and first impressions count so, if ya think I’m sexy, I probably am…go for it, dress smart, look good and sound wonderful and you might catch my eye. There is another great advantage when you’re going on this sort of blind date. When you can’t see too well, you are – thankfully – forbidden to drive. If you like to

by DANIELWILLIAMS

be in control and take to the wheel, you can drive your blind friend round the bend, it’s fine. And there will be no arguments about who is going to drive on your next date. Hopefully, if all goes well, there will be lots more dates. If not, maybe agree next time to take the bus. If you have full sight, you may never have met anyone with visual impairment before. This isn’t a reason to go all nervous, dithering about what sort of things you can say and what might offend. There’s no need to tip-toe about on eggshells until they crunch because you’re scared you’ll say something stupid like, “Let’s go and see a good film or play” or “The menu here looks good, see anything you fancy?” Blind people can see, they just see in different ways. They also do something called laughing at themselves. I’m an ace at this. If I didn’t laugh at myself, I’d spend half my day worrying about how foolish I might look. Then comes the date and where do you go? A theatre or cinema visit sounds good but if your blind friend can’t see anything, what’s the point, you may ask. But many venues are equipped nowadays with audio descriptions and there are apps and different tools to help; a sighted person can often just fill in the silent bits. A relationship is a two-way communication process, whether one of you is blind or not. Once you get to know each other better, the awkwardness goes away, hopefully with the crunched-up eggshells. But you might have to accept occasionally getting a kiss on your nose instead of your lips or cheek. We’re only feeling our way. What about helping someone who has

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visual impairment? All too often, people love to jump in to the “caring” role, mistakenly thinking they’re doing what is best. Being helpful to someone who is blind is usually welcome…to a point. But don’t overdo things and take control. But please do let me know if my socks don’t match or I have a piece of carrot stuck between my teeth. And then comes the dog in some cases… This can also be a problem for anyone, but it is – dare I say – magnified – when the dog is a guide dog. There are now THREE of you in the relationship. And none of us guide dog owners, including me, are going to give the dog away. Occasional slobbering – from the dog, hopefully, not by the owner – is part of the deal, as is being covered in dog hair. But there are advantages, too. A guide dog means greater independence. On a date, having a dog can help to break the ice and make you feel more relaxed, warming things up a little; there’s always going to be some humour somewhere when a dog is around. It’s also a great comfort to have a dog when you’ve drunk a little bit too much; walking in a straight line is bad enough with sight loss without a drink but the dog will get you home safely and you’ll save on taxi fares, too. When accepting a date from a blind person, keep your eyes wide open. We’re a great bunch...and we look good! n Daniel was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa at the age of 8 and now helps to improve the lives of others living with sight loss through his business, Visualise Training and Consultancy. www.visualisetrainingandconsultancy. com/news/

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February/March 2020

Making a real difference

HE Steve Morgan Foundation aims to make a real difference by changing the lives of thousands of people across the region.

Our amazing friend, Amy

Founded by Steve Morgan CBE in 2001, the Foundation supports projects that help children and families, people with physical or learning disabilities, the elderly, and the socially disadvantaged across North Wales, Merseyside and Cheshire.

More than £38m has so far been awarded to over 650 charities and organisations, and this number will increase dramatically over the coming years after Steve committed £200m additional funding to the Foundation in 2017. Enable funding for individuals was also introduced to provide grants for adults and children with disabilities in financial hardship, who require specialised equipment. There are three types of funding available for organisations which fit the application criteria: n Major grants and one-off capital funding for large projects; n Regional grant funding; n Enable funding for specialised equipment, which includes the brand new Smiley Buses. If you need help, contact us – details below

FRIENDS FOREVER: Amy and Steve Morgan. Below, Amy with Jane Harris. INSET: Front page news. Amy winning our Against All Odds award

‘She leaves a remarkable legacy’

VERYONE at the Steve Morgan Foundation was deeply saddened when the first day of 2020 brought the passing of the inspirational Amy Hughes.

Amy, from Wallasey, who passed away at the age of 28, had lived with an extremely rare degenerative illness called Cockayne Syndrome, which led to premature ageing and many other symptoms. But she never let her condition define her – in fact the complete opposite – as she set up a charity Amy and Friends Cockayne Syndrome and Trichothiodystrophy Support, with the aim of helping others. “Amy was a courageous and feisty young woman whom, along with her wonderful family, have shone the light on Cockayne Syndrome, providing love and support worldwide,” says Jane Harris, Director of Regional Funding with the Steve Morgan Foundation. “Amy won the Morgan Foundation’s ‘Against All Odds’ award in 2012 and has held a place in our hearts ever since. “Her remarkable legacy will live on and never

be forgotten.” Amy was a regular at the Steve Morgan Foundation’s Christmas parties and a leading light at Amy & Friends’ annual conference which brings together families, guests and medical experts from around the world. After her passing, Amy’s mum, Jayne, shared some words from Amy on Facebook, describing how she had ‘become an angel’ . . . ‘My life has been amazing. A doctor once said that because of my degenerative illness I would have no friends. How wrong you were – I literally have

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thousands and thousands of friends. ‘I have taken my final earthly breath and now I am free to fly to my many friends who are waiting for me. Imagine the joy I am experiencing. ‘To those of you that I leave behind – I know you’ll cry for me. I want you to cry for a little bit and then I want you to stop and live your lives – make sure you live them well. Take joy from the smallest of things and most of all love with all of your heart. Know that I am keeping you in my heart and we will meet again one day.’ n www.amyandfriends.org

Doing the business

BLIND and partially people across Cheshire are to get more help, thanks to a three-year grant of £69,000 from the Steve Morgan Foundation. Chester and District Federation for the Blind are using the funding to appoint a business development manager to maintain and extend their services. “This generous grant will make an enormous amount of difference to us,” says the charity’s manager, Sue Hearfield.

www.stevemorganfoundation.org.uk Tel 01829 782808

“The new role will expand the business side of the charity to bring in greater income to be used to reach more people and provide a greater number of services. “All of these developments will enable the charity to become sustainable for the future, as we continue our aim to improve the quality of life for people who are blind and partially sighted by combating social isolation.” n www.cdfb.co.uk

Steve Morgan Foundation

JAB TIME: Steve and Sally Morgan in the JDRF lab

A welcome £1million injection

THE Steve Morgan Foundation has continued its substantial investment to support research into type 1 diabetes by making a further £1million pledge to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Chairman Steve Morgan and his wife, Sally, who is a trustee of the Foundation, have had their family life impacted by type 1 diabetes since 2017. That was when Sally’s son, Hugo, was diagnosed with the condition at the age of just seven. Two years ago, the Steve Morgan Foundation pledged £3 million to JDRF’s mission to cure the condition. The additional £1 million will help fund JDRF’s research programme, which includes immunotherapy studies and ‘smart’ insulin research, which could one day allow people with type 1 diabetes to have just one injection a week, instead of several a day. Steve said: “Type 1 diabetes is indiscriminate. It can hit anyone and is life changing, not only for the person diagnosed but for the whole family. “Through our Foundation, Sally and I are delighted to be major supporters of JDRF in their research programme to find a cure. We’re determined to beat this thing for Hugo and all the other Hugos in the world.” n www.jdrf.org.uk

@stevemorganfdn

FEATURE

February/March 2020

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Roadside fumes are stunting kids’ lungs

LIVING near a busy road stunts children’s lung growth and increases lung cancer risk by 10%, says a new study. The findings, contained in a report written by King’s College London, shows that living within 50 metres of a major road stunts lung growth in children by approximately 14% in Oxford, 13% in London, 8% in Birmingham, 5% in Bristol, 5% in Liverpool, 3% in Nottingham, and 4% in Southampton. The new research shows an increased risk of cardiac arrest, heart disease, stroke, lung cancer and bronchitis, as well as reduced lung function in children. Alexia Zavros, who lives in Garston, Liverpool, with her one-year-old son and 10-year-old daughter, fears her children’s long-term health is threatened by the air they breathe. The mum-of-two said: “My daughter is 10, and she’s suffered from asthma and eczema all her life. “It’s horrifying to think all the exposure to toxic air may have stunted her lung development and increased her risk of lung cancer too. I can’t believe air pollution still isn’t being treated as a health crisis.” Safyiah Kamarudin, 24, from Toxteth, Liverpool, added: “My boys are two and five and I wasn’t aware air pollution was a problem in Liverpool until I heard about the Clean Air Parents’ Network. “Thankfully, they’re both well, but my cousin moved from London to Liverpool to live in a cleaner environment and her baby has terrible asthma. Even more worrying, is hearing even if they have no symptoms, our being irreversibly damaged.”

Business ‘missing out’

ONLY half of UK businesses actively seek and welcome disabled candidates – despite 73% saying that are currently facing skills shortages. And three out of four businesses’ disabled applicants face barriers when job hunting, with online applications and assessments, face-to-face interviews and telephone interviews causing the biggest challenge. A survey of 392 employers also found that four out of five believe they “could do more” to attract disabled jobseekers. Just two out of five were “very confident” in supporting disabled jobseekers and existing employees. Sara Wright, manager at recruitment agency Intelligent Resource, which carried out the survey, said: “Hiring people with disabilities is often seen as the ‘right thing to do’ – but the business benefits associated with disability inclusion should not be underestimated.” Diane Lightfoot, CEO at Business Disability Forum, added: “External recruitment providers have a vital role to play in promoting disabled talent and supporting employers to remove the barriers that many candidates face when seeking and securing work.”

THE GREATEST SAVE OF MY LIFE

REMIER League footballer Carl Ikeme had the world in his hands – lovely wife and daughter, and a new baby just weeks away.

After years of hard work to overcome many career obstacles, he had become the first choice goalkeeper for Wolverhampton Wanderers, about to embark on one of the most exciting periods in the football club’s recent history. He had also become a regular international, turning out for his beloved Nigeria who were ready to realise the dreams of a nation and make a push for the 2018 World Cup. Ikeme was 31-years-old, and had so much to be thankful for. But all of a sudden, one July afternoon in 2017, all that was taken away. A phone call from Wolves club doctor Matt Perry, which Ikeme answered on the car park of a DIY store, broke the devastating news that he had leukemia. No longer was it a battle to keep his place for Wolves and Nigeria, it was now a fight to save his life and be ready for the gruelling and invasive treatment that would be required to beat blood cancer. “We all have tough times, everyone,” says Carl, “but life is so worth fighting for and I had everything to live for. “That is why I was never going to give up, no matter how bad it all became. “The gratitude I have now is something I will never let myself forget and has put me in a place in life that I really want to be.” Carl’s personal battles are the motivation behind his inspirational book, which he hopes will enlighten people about the impact and effects of cancer. Why Not Me looks at every aspect of the

LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL: Carl and partner Saba in Christie's hospital with daughters Maya and Mila. Top left, Carl with the Championship trophy.

most important “save” Ikeme has ever made and delivers a healthy sense of perspective to our everyday lives. “Time is not guaranteed, I know that now, so I am focused in my life on being a good role model to my children,” he says. “Writing a book is part of that and something I thought long and hard about in hospital. “Growing up, I never thought I would be someone who might one day write a book. “But with everything I have been through, if it just helps a few people who are going through the same, then it will have been worth it. “There was also that motivation about making my kids proud and trying to show them a good example in life.” Carl’s book tells how he dealt with – and tackled – the dreaded diagnosis, how he broke the news to his family, and how his second daughter was born, more than 100 miles away,

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just a week into his treatment. It’s a no-holds-barred account of his painful – often brutal – battle with the physical and psychological demons of leukemia. But it is also littered with stories of hope and courage, and the power of keeping a positive mindset. There is also powerful testimony from Carl’s wife, Saba, and mother, Jackie, on how those closest are also affected when a loved one is diagnosed with cancer. Carl is now swapping his goalkeeper’s gloves for a pair better suited to a mammoth 555-mile bike ride to raise funds and awareness for the Race Against Blood Cancer charity, which aims to increase the number of stem cell donors available. “After my own diagnosis, I discovered that my treatment options would be limited due to the lack of ethnic diversity on the stem cell register. “Race Against Blood Cancer is trying to change all that. I’ve been involved with the team for more than a year now and wanted to take on a challenge to raise funds and awareness. “I’m planning to stop off at all the clubs I represented during my career. “I’ll start at Middlesbrough on Monday, May 4, before winding my way down (and then back up!) the country, finishing at Wolves during half time on Saturday, May 9.” Until then, it’s all about living for the day with his wonderful family. “For me now, life is beautiful. I knew it before and I know it even more now.” n Why Not Me by Carl Ikeme and Paul Berry, the former head of media at Wolves.

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February/March 2020

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NEWS

Loneliness faces all of us – unless we act now

WE ARE living longer than ever before. But a world of loneliness could be staring us in the face unless we act now, says a report from the British Geriatrics Society and the Royal College of Psychiatrists. Urgent action is needed now, the report says, to identify and treat older people with health conditions – such as frailty, incontinence, chronic pain, and dementia – that limit independence and are proven to contribute to and exacerbate loneliness in older people. President of the British Geriatrics Society, Professor Tahir Masud, said: “Feelings of loneliness should not be an inevitable part of growing old. There is much that all of society – from government right through to community groups and individuals – can do to better support older people.” Dr Amanda Thompsell, chair of the Faculty of Old Age Psychiatry at the Royal College of Psychiatrists, said: “Loneliness is fast becoming a public health pandemic. “The Government must increase the number of specialists in health and care working with older people so issues that can contribute to loneliness are identified early and addressed quickly.”

TV quiz opportunity

QUIZ lovers who have a disability wanting to shine on TV – and win thousands of pounds in the process – are being urged to apply for a place on a new BBC show. Producers are looking for people over 18 years-old who “thrive under pressure, and who have a combination of quick-thinking, skill and strategy”. n www.shortaudtion.com

Barriers still remain

THE BOSS of national disability charity Sense has blasted the Government over new official figures highlighting many barriers disabled people face on a daily basis. Richard Kramer said: “Most of the data is shocking. Almost three years ago we highlighted that loneliness and isolation among disabled people is a critical issue, with one in four feeling lonely every day. “Not much has changed – it is still a major issue. “A lack of understanding and awareness of disability is also a significant obstacle; nearly half of non-disabled people feel that they do not have anything in common with disabled people and 26% admit to avoiding engaging in conversation with a disabled person.

February/March 2020

Driverless chairs dodge crowds ROBOTIC wheelchairs that move people around like driverless cars are to be offered to disabled passengers at Abu Dhabi airport. Able to zoom around the terminal, dodging and weaving round crowds, the wheelchairs will find their way to the departure gate, and once the passenger has boarded the flight, they will automatically return to the collection point without any staff involvement. Mohammad Al Bulooki, chief operating officer at Etihad Aviation Group, said: “Etihad has innovation at its core, be that on the ground or in flight. “The possibilities this new technology

introduces are truly exciting and the teams are working hard to ensure that the experience of the airline’s guests is as seamless and independent as possible.” Satoshi Sugie, CEO of electric vehicle supplliers WHILL, said: “We want to create a world with smart and fun transportation for everyone including those with reduced mobility.” Etihad is now exploring other technologies to help blind and deaf passengers.

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ROBOTS AT THE READY ETIHARD’s Tristan Thomas and Salem Salah Al Shamsi with the new chair

team of well-drilled robots could steal the show when the curtain goes up in Tokyo for this summer’s Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The Toyota robots will be used to help people with a variety of mobility issues at various locations and venues. Nobuhiko Koga, Toyota’s head of Frontier Research, said they use industrial robot technology “based on our dedication to supporting human life activities and living in harmony with people.” Since 2004, Toyota has developed partner robots focused on support for people unable to move on their own, including for older people. “Now, as we transform into a mobility company, we are expanding our robotics efforts to provide all people with the freedom to move. “Mobility for all is not only the ‘physical’ movement of a person or thing from one location to another, but also includes ‘virtual’ mobility of a person. This provides further opportunities to experience new things, meet and interact with others, or to be ‘moved’ emotionally. “At Tokyo 2020, we want to capture the imagination of spectators by providing support robots as we do our part to make the Games a success.”

Powered suits for essential exercise

ROBOTIC suits could allow people with multiple sclerosis to get the exercise they need – and enjoy the benefits that go with it. UK scientists are set to investigate how powered exoskeletons, or robotic suits, like the one pictured (below left) might improve physical fitness in people with mobility issues caused by MS. MS damages nerves in the body and makes it harder to do everyday things like walk, talk, eat and think. Research suggests people with MS should do moderate exercise for 30 minutes, three times a week. But many find this difficult due to symptoms caused by the condition. The MS Society has committed to raising nearly £40,000 to support Dr Siva Nair and his team at Royal Hallamshire Hospital in Sheffield. Dr Nair said: “We need to find a way to make it easier for people with advanced MS to take part in physical activity. “Robotics is the natural step forward.”

‘Love to’

Sallyanne Kenny, 55, from Swinton in Rotherham, has the primary progressive form of MS. She said: “Research like this is really important because, stuck in the house, you have no quality of life. You end up feeling like a blooming robot anyway! I’d love to feel more energised.” Dr Susan Kohlhaas, Director of Research at MOOD-BOOSTING: Robotic suits, or the MS Society, said: powered exoskeletons, provide vital “Exercise is not a ‘nice to have’– it’s a proven way exercise for people who can’t walk for people with MS to slow the build-up of disability, improve their symptoms and even boost their mood. Health University since 2007. function that can help motivate “If the study is The WW-1000 model was patients to persevere with their successful, it could make previously provided on a rental rehabilitation efforts. basis, but the new version will be it easier for everyone In line with its vision of with MS to exercise, and available to buy at a cost of “freedom of mobility for all”, has the potential to have £168,000. Toyota has been developing a huge impact on our The makers are aiming to sell rehabilitation assist robots in community.” 50 of the devices a year. collaboration with Japan’s Fujita

The gait-way to better walking . . .

A NEW rehabilitation robot is set to help more people with lower limb paralysis as a result of strokes or other causes. Toyota’s new WelWalk WW-200 has additional functions designed to improve a patient’s abnormal gait, and a game

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BBC UNVEILS NEW DISABILITY PLAN www.alltogethernow.org.uk

February/March 2020

NEWS

MAJOR new drama about two people with Parkinson’s is right at the heart of a revolution in the BBC’s approach to disability.

The 90-minute drama is one several new disability-based shows, which include BBC security correspondent Frank Gardner (pictured right) confronting the challenges of suddenly becoming disabled. As well as the benefits to viewers, the Corporation has promised to significantly improve representation of – and opportunies for – disabled people on and off air. Unveiling its new three-part plan, the broadcaster says it will: n Launch BBC Elevate – giving disabled people with some industry experience the chance to work and gain further experience on flagship BBC shows including Line of Duty, The Apprentice, EastEnders, Holby, Call the Midwife, The One Show, Who Do You Think You Are? and Pointless. n Aim to permanently shift the dial on what audiences can expect in terms of authentic and distinctive disabled representation on-screen

with a range of new programmes as well as enhanced portrayal in existing programmes and core brands. n Bring in a “BBC passport” for staff with disabilities, which records their needs and helps ensure they get the right support and can move smoothly between different jobs. Other new shows being lined up include comedian and presenter Alex Brooker exploring what disability means to him; actor Mat Fraser curating a series of ambitious and challenging monologues on the theme of disability; and the return of acclaimed comedy

Welcome boost for women’s groups

GRASSROOTS groups working in Cheshire and Warrington have received grants to help support women and girls facing a range of challenges. Cheshire Community Foundation has awarded six projects between £5,000 - £10,000 from the Tampon Tax Community Fund to help women and girls experiencing issues such as period poverty, domestic and sexual abuse and mental health. Zoe Sheppard, CEO of Cheshire Community Foundation, said: “This funding supports the groups that are making a huge difference to the lives of women and girls. “We know there is huge demand out there for these services and are proud to help small organisations working in our community to access vital public funding which otherwise they may miss out on.” The six projects being funded are: n Warrington Youth Club: £9,433 for their Wondrous Wellbeing, which will help 300 vulnerable young women aged 16-25.

n CVS Cheshire East, Crewe: £5,920 for their Vibrant and Versatile Women in Volunteering programme. n Motherwell Cheshire CIO: £9,652 for their The Bright Stars mentoring programme, which helps combat social isolation. n Passion for Learning, Ellesmere Port: £7,800 for their Empowerment through Enrichment workshops for women. n Chapter (West Cheshire), Ellesmere Port: £6,160 for setting up two six-week mental wellbeing courses to 32 expectant mothers experiencing mental health problems. n Fallen Angels Dance Theatre, Chester: £5,853 for bringing together a group of 12 women in recovery from addiction in a series of dance and wellbeing workshops. Cheshire Community Foundation also provides help and advice to those who want to give at the heart of their communities by matching donors to important local causes. n Contact, tel 01606 330607

Happy Snooze Year! Hope you sleep well

series, Jerk. The one-off BBC One drama But When we Dance focuses on two people with Parkinson’s who share a love of dancing. Beeb spokeswoman Alison Kirkham said: “We want to ensure the BBC leads the way in enabling disabled people in TV to progress. “By working with some of the UK’s biggest shows we are giving applicants a chance to develop their careers and enabling our flagship brands to benefit from their talent. “In the past the industry hasn’t always done enough to offer opportunities for disabled people and so has missed out on their talent.” Other opportunities for participants to work and gain experience across the BBC’s key shows include dramas Casualty, Doctors, and Ridley Road; from factual content, Countryfile, Antiques Roadshow, Gardener’s World, Ready Steady Cook, Glow Up and Ambulance; and from comedies Back to Life, Famalam and Ghosts. B

n www. careerssearch.bbc.co.uk/jobs/job/ BBC-Elevate/46506

Jobs’ gap ‘getting narrower’ NEW figures show the gap in employment between working-age people with and without disabilities is closing. In 2013, 43.4% of working-age disabled people were employed, compared with 77.6% of non-disabled people representing a gap of 34.2%. By 2019, however, the gap fell to 28.6% with 53.2% of working-age disabled people in employment, compared to 81.8% of nondisabled people. The figures from the Office for National Statistics also reveal that unemployment among people with disabilities has almost halved – but it is still double the unemployment rate among people without disabilities.

sales@alltogethernow.org.uk

Growing

WITH more and more wellbeing and mental health organisations focusing on the importance of a good night’s rest, 2020 is set to be the Year of Sleep. Already lined up for the year is the presentation of a Sleep Manifesto to an all-party House of Commons group on March 4. And the theme for Mental Health Awareness Week in May will be the connection between sleep – or lack of it – and mental health. Lisa Artis, chief advisor for The Sleep Council, said: “There is clear and gathering momentum to have sleep pushed up the public health agenda and finally recognised as being as important to good health as diet and exercise. “For too long we’ve seen sleep regarded as virtually an ‘optional extra’ when it comes to good health, but a growing tide of scientific evidence is proving that it is vital to both our physical and mental wellbeing. “Unlike diet and exercise, the subject of sleep is barely mentioned in schools. “Everyone is aware of public health messages around exercise and eating with the ‘Five a Day’ mantra well established. What we want to see is the same public awareness around the need to ‘Sleep for Seven’.”

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NE of the UK’s leading disability charities has described the withdrawal of more than 102,000 Motability cars from disabled motorists as a scandal.

Ken Butler, Disability Rights UK’s Welfare Rights Advice and Policy Officer, said: “The numbers that have lost their Motability vehicles claiming Personal Independence Payments (PIP) is a scandal. “But the true picture of despair caused by PIP is even more shocking given that only a third of Disabled Living Allowance (DLA) claimants used their mobility award to take part in the Motability Scheme. “So, at least a further 204,000 disabled people will have lost vital support, making it harder for many to access work, leisure and other independent living opportunities.” “The key reason for the loss of mobility support has been the introduction of the ‘20 metre rule’ in PIP assessments. Under DLA, someone was awarded the highest mobility rate if they could not walk 50 metres. The distance of 20 metres is an arbitrary figure that lacks an evidence base and is barring many thousands of disabled people who need the benefit the most. PIP needs urgent reform to restore the 50 metre benchmark.”

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Thank you for your time.

Thanks, Douglas DOUGLAS Campbell, who spent more than half a century campaigning for “proper independent mobility” for disabled people, has died aged 71.

Mr Campbell, a chartered accountant, joined The Disabled Drivers’ Association in 1995 as its executive director. After the DDA merged with The Disabled Drivers’ Motor Club in 2005, he spent four years as a trustee of the new organisation, Mobilise – now renamed Disabled Motoring UK – three of them as chair. He was awarded an OBE in 2002 for services to the mobility of disabled people.

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Steve delivers the perfect tonic

EOPLE living across Crewe are to benefit from a major new ‘social prescribing’ programme, which enables GPs, nurses and other health workers to refer individuals to a range of voluntary sector services.

The Positive Steps Social Prescribing Grants Programme is already making a difference to people who are vulnerable and isolated, many who also suffer from mental health issues. Now, thanks to a partnership between Cheshire Community Foundation and the Steve Morgan Foundation, ten projects across Crewe and the surrounding area are to get the funding they need to kick start their activities. The first projects to benefit from the programme are: n Motherwell Cheshire – to support younger girls with their mental health and wellbeing by funding a wellbeing coordinator; n Edge Inclusion Partners – for a range of fun workshops for children with special educational needs and disabilities; n What’s Happening on North Street – to extend health improvement services

NEW PARTNERSHIP: Steve Morgan, chairman of the Steve Morgan Foundation, and Zoe Sheppard, chief executive of Cheshire Community Foundation aimed at people with mild mental and / or physical health conditions; n Family Ties – to help projects aimed at improving emotional health and wellbeing; n Samaritans of South Cheshire – to upgrade its IT and provide a better working environment; n Healthbox – to deliver a 10-week

Yoga4Health programme; n Wishing Well Projects – to deliver more services, develop staff and recruit new volunteers; n Pennysmart – to help deliver a programme aimed at supporting a minimum of 30 families or individuals in dealing with their debt problems;

n Cheshire Neighbours Credit Union – to cover administration costs; n Survive – to support a project aimed at giving abused people an experience of art in a safe environment. Steve Morgan, chairman of the Steve Morgan Foundation, said: “This programme recognises that people’s health is determined primarily by a range of social, economic and environmental factors. “Social prescribing seeks to address people’s needs in a holistic way and supports individuals to take greater control of their own health. “Research by the Mental Health Foundation discovered that 78% of GPs had prescribed an antidepressant in the previous three years. “However, the use of non-medical interventions has been shown to have powerful emotional, cognitive and social benefits.” Zoe Sheppard, CEO of Cheshire Community Foundation, said: “This programme will strengthen the capacity of charitable and voluntary sector organisations to deliver a range of activities in Crewe and the surrounding area.”

An app that improves access

ACCESS RATING FOUNDERS: Jignesh Vaidya, left, Mark Esho and Richard Copson

HREE disabled entrepreneurs have created a new app that gives people the chance to improve access at venues across the UK.

In seconds, users of the Access Rating app can browse more than 100,000 venues and submit their disability access review. It’s quick, it’s simple and you don’t even have to have a disability to use it – anyone can submit reviews on behalf of disabled people. Not only can users review venues, but venues who receive consistent poor ratings and feedback can hire Access Rating auditors to do an audit of the venue and help them to improve access.

The app has been co-founded by Mark Esho, Richard Copson and Jignesh Vaidya. Mark, who contracted polio aged six, said: “As a disabled person, I have grown used to visiting venues and being let down by their accessibility. “I am tired of having days out and plans ruined by the simple inability to adhere to proper accessibility standards. I have visited venues where the disabled toilet was being used as a storeroom – it’s simply unacceptable. “By developing Access Rating, we hope to eliminate “acces anxiety” – that’s the anxiety faced at the thought of leaving the house and running into troubles caused by accessibility.” n www.accessrating.com

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February/March 2020

GOING TO EUROPE THIS YEAR? – centre pages

Flying high

Last April, British Airways became the first and only airline to be awarded the Autism Friendly Award by the National Autistic Society and has now become the first airline to produce a Visual Guide to Flying to help customers prepare for their flight. The guide, which can be found on the airline’s website, explains the sights, sounds, smells and experiences customers may encounter during their journey. Aiming to become the airline of choice for customers with both hidden and visible disabilities, the company has worked with specialists to produce materials for the new Beyond Accessibility Programme. They include a new library of short videos providing information about different types of hidden disabilities and practical advice on how to help customers at each stage of their journey, and a new training video. n www.ba.com

BLACKPOOL’S ACCESS APP – centre pages

Top flight! – airline aims to get it right

BRITISH Airways has set up a dedicated customer care team for travellers who require additional assistance. The team will be able to help: n Make new flight, hotel and car hire bookings n Arrange bespoke assistance for customers n Pre-book seats and inform airport staff and cabin crew about specific requirements; and n Provide information and support to empower more customers to have the confidence to fly. Carolina Martinoli, director of brand and customer experience, said: “I am really excited about the possibilities the new team will open up for the 50,000 customers requiring additional assistance who travel with us each month.”

All Together NOW!

EASY STREET ACCESS FOR ALL: The Old City of Jerusalem has opened up its streets for visitors with disabilities

HE Old City of Jerusalem is sending out some great messages to the world on how to make access better for disabled visitors – and especially how to deal with cobbled streets and alleyways.

The Old City is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and subject to strict preservation laws. But, thanks to some shared common sense between authorities and businesses, it is now a far better place for wheelchair-users. The £4.5 million access scheme, which includes the resurfacing of roadways, installing and ramps, and creating a variety of audio apps, means the city is being enjoyed by even more visitors. Among other things, four kilometers of streets in the Muslim, Armenian and Christian quarters have been adapted – with two kilometres of handrails installed alongside staircases. Guides are also available in print and online to help people find their way around the Jewish Quarter, Via Dolorosa, Temple Mount,

Jaffa Gate and Zion Gate. In addition, The Centre for the Blind in Israel has produced an app with audio tours, and there are audio described presentations – delivered via cordless headphones – of the spectacular night shows at the Tower of David Museum. The museum also runs “hands-on” tours for blind visitors. Other sites accessible for people with visual or hearing impairments include Yad Vashem, the memorial to the victims of the Holocaust. Sharon Ehrlich Bershadsky, director at the Israel Tourist Office, said: “We’re delighted that Israel has become more accessible to people with disabilities. “We’ve already received such positive feedback from disabled visitors to the Old City who’ve said that these basic accessibility improvements have been life-changing.” n www.en.citiesbreak.com

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Luxembourg tops Euro access list

LUXEMBOURG is Europe’s most accessible city for disabled travellers, according to research by the comparison website comparethemarket.com London came in 11th place, while Chisinau in Moldova is firmly at the bottom with NO wheelchair accessible tourist attractions. comparethemarket.com looked at 38 of Europe’s capital cities with special attention to accessible accommodation, attractions, airports and whether they have the Access City award and an ongoing accessibility campaign. Luxembourg has 18% accessible accommodation available, 33% accessible attractions, a fully accessible airport, an Access City award and an ongoing council campaign for accessibility. London has 25% accessible attractions but just 8% of accessible accommodation. 1. Luxembourg, Luxembourg 2. Berlin, Germany 3. Stockholm, Sweden 4. Oslo, Norway 5. Bern, Switzerland 6. Paris, France 7. Ljubljana, Slovenia 8. Helsinki, Finland 9. Vienna, Austria 10. Madrid, Spain 11. London, UK 12. Amsterdam, Netherlands 13. Dublin, Ireland 14. Rome, Italy 15. Copenhagen, Denmark 16. Reykjavik, Iceland 17. Vilnius, Lithuania 18. Talinn, Estonia 19. Bratislava, Slovakia 20. Warsaw, Poland 21. Brussels, Belgium 22. Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina 23. Budapest, Hungary 24. Prague, Czech Republic 25. Minsk, Belarus 26. Valletta, Malta 27. Moscow, Russia 28. Bucharest, Romania 29. Lisbon, Portugal 30. Riga, Latvia 31. Zagreb, Croatia 32. Athens, Greece 33. Skopje, Macedonia 34. Tirana, Albania 35. Sofia, Bulgaria 36. Belgrade, Serbia 37. Kiev, Ukraine 38. Chisinau, Moldavia

February/March 2020

Making Hidden help that the going means so much easier

A NEW search and booking website is set to make life easier for disabled travellers, their families and friends. The Travel Planner brings together hundreds of hotels, attractions, activities and restaurants across the UK, as well as special offers and a travel planning service. Tourism for All, the national charity for accessible tourism and travel in the UK, has launched the website in response to a rapidly growing market. Travellers with accessibility needs can search for tourism businesses of all types, based on where they want to go, what they want to do, the type of accommodation they want to stay in or the type of restaurant they want to eat in. Search results can be filtered according to the traveller’s individual accessibility needs. Kenny Boyle, chairman of Tourism for All, said: “The site is already off to a great start, but we need even more businesses to get involved in order to ensure that disabled travellers have the widest possible choice of things to do, places to stay and places to eat.” n www.tourismforall.co.uk

Allergy friendly hotel chain

SCANDINAVIAN hotel chain Scandic is introducing a standard for allergy-friendly rooms at their venues. Guests booking allergyfriendly rooms can now expect features including wooden floors and fragrance-free, hypoallergenic toiletries approved by the Swedish Asthma and Allergy Association. Since 2003, Scandic has been focusing on making its hotels accessible so they can welcome all guests regardless of their needs. They are the only hotel company in the world that provides information on how accessible each hotel is on their particular hotel sites. As well as hotels across Scandinavia, they have hotels in Frankfurt, Berlin and Wroclaw. n www.scandichotels.com

VIRGIN Atlantic has launched a scheme aimed at giving extra assistance for people with hidden disabilities – without them having to ask. A specially designed symbol, worn as a pin badge or tucked into a passenger’s passport as a bookmark, alerts staff that additional help may be needed by an individual, or their family, while travelling. Prior to the flight, the Virgin Atlantic Special Assistance team can also work with individual passengers to ensure their journey is as comfortable as possible. Passengers can be escorted through the airport, have access to priority boarding and reserve seating where necessary. On board, the team can also ensure that in-flight entertainment is provided for blind passengers, with some crew also trained in sign language.

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The app that has it

HE organisation that provides Blackpool’s Access Guides has launched a free app.

AccessAble’s app covers 180 venues in the resort including top attractions like the Pleasure Beach, the Winter Gardens and Blackpool Tower, as well as leisure centres, parks and gardens, restaurants,

shops and transpo The App also pro Guides to tens of across the UK and aren’t personal rev descriptions of wh particular place –f photographs.

Airport film guide

AN ONLINE film has been created to help disabled passengers at UK airports. Your Guide to Flying with a Disability provides information and insights about travelling by air and the support available. Powered wheelchair users can see exactly what’s involved when taking a flight as the film covers everything from the preparation required, through check-in, security, boarding, in-flight and landing, as well as the assistance available.” n View the film at: www.qef.org.uk/accessibleaviation

START YOU H

OW about this for Holidaymakers to can now use spec get around – absolutely

HOT STUFF: Alex trying out one of the new power assisted handbikes available free to travellers to Elba

Paralympic handcycling go collaborated in the design o handbikes, made by the Ital Alex says: “#Elba4All is a which I eagerly got involved this wonderful island, which many things to discover and experience, accessible to p with di disabilities. “This handbike allows cyc take on the challenging hills island’s routes, or to pleasa stroll without limits thanks to great batteries!” Situated a few miles from Tuscany coast, Elba is establishing itself as the “op holidaymakers. Its temperat trails makes the island an id professionals and amateurs shape in spring or continue But with its breathtaking la also a place-to-be for anyon

How you can play a big part in keeping your FREE newspaper alive

February/March 2020

All Together NOW!

t all . . .

ort. ovides Detailed Access thousands of places d Ireland. The guides views, but step-by-step hat accessibility is like at a full of facts, figures and

Every location has been visited by an AccessAble surveyor. n Download from the Apple Store or Google Play Store.

Calling all you caravaners

LIVERPOOL charity Natural Breaks has a fully accessible caravan for hire in North Wales. Diane Hesketh, the charity’s CEO, said they have bought a fully accessible, two bedroom, six-berth caravan in Towyn. “We’ve been able to secure a favourable loan that enabled us to negotiate a great deal. This means we can offer breaks sooner than planned – which is great news!” n Natural Breaks, tel 0151 207 9120

SIGHT and hearing loss charity Deafblind UK also has a new six-berth holiday caravan available for hire in Hopton-on-Sea, Norfolk. The charity’s Clare Watson said: “We have installed a hearing loop in the lounge and dining area and there’s an accessible TV which is set up with subtitles and is easy to use by people with low vision. We’ve included many highly contrasting colours and tactile markers to help people to identify switches and sockets.” The caravan is available to anyone with sight and/or hearing impairments, from £72 a week. The charity also has a caravan in Prestatyn, North Wales. n Contact Deafblind UK Tel: 0800 132230

UR PLANNING

Italian hospitality? the beautiful island of Elba ially adapted handbikes to y FREE!

old medallist Alex Zanardi of the power assisted lian company CGDE a common sense initiative in d with. Their goal is to make has so d eople

lists to s of the antly o the the

pen-air gym” for sports-minded te, dry climate and 400km of deal destination for cycling s who want to get back into training in autumn and winter. andscapes and sea views, it is ne.

e and kicking . . .

. . . back page

Play a big part in this paper’s future — BACK PAGE

Together we can do more

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SHOPMOBILITY

n ALTRINCHAM . Tel 0161 929 1714 n ASHTON-UNDER-LYNE. Tel 0161 339 9500 n BARROW. Tel 01229 434039 n BIRKENHEAD. Tel 0151 647 6162 n BLACKBURN AND DARWEN. Tel 01254 690566 or 07757 502217 n BLACKPOOL. Tel 01253 349427 n BOLTON. Tel 01204 392946 n CARLISLE. Tel 01228 631564 n CHESTER. Tel 01244 312626 n CHORLEY. Tel 01257 260 888 n COLWYN BAY. Tel 01492 533822 n CREWE. Tel 01270 580 031 n ELLESMERE PORT. Tel 0151 355 1420 n KENDAL. Tel 01539 740 933 n LEIGH, Wigan. Tel 01942 777 985 n LIVERPOOL. Tel 0151 707 0877 n MANCHESTER Trafford Centre. Tel 0161 747 2684 n MANCHESTER Arndale Centre. Tel 0161 839 4060 n NELSON. Tel 01282 692 502 n NORTHWICH, Vale Royal Tel 01606 288820 n OSWESTRY. Tel 01691 656882 n PENRITH. Tel 01768 895 438 n PRESTON. Tel 01772 204 667 n RHYL. Tel 01745 350665 n ROCHDALE. Tel 01706 865 986 n RUNCORN, Halton Lea Tel 01928 710144 n SHREWSBURY. Tel 01743 236900 SKELMERSDALE. Tel 01695 550066 n ST HELENS. Tel 01744 613 388 n STOCKPORT. Tel 0161 666 1100 n WARRINGTON. Tel 01925 240064 n WARRINGTON. Birchwood Tel 01925 822 411 WIDNES: 0151 511 8833 n WIGAN. Tel 01942 776 070 n WINSFORD Tel 01606 557550 n WREXHAM. Tel 01978 312390 MIDLANDS n BIRMINGHAM. Snow Hill Railway Station. Tel 0121 236 8980. Level 2, Centre Car Park, Bullring. Tel 0121 616 2942 n STAFFORD. Tel 01785 619456 n STOKE ON TRENT. Tel 01782 233333 n SUTTON COLDFIELD. Tel 0121 355 1112 n TAMWORTH. Tel, 01827

February/March 2020

ts s i s i t r a g Youn

n to 21 ed seve tive g a ts is crea d art up with disable YOUNG urged to come or A BETTER g nd f ME are bein elves a emes o r thems n the th ideas o nd win £600 fo a s WORLD their schools. ze up for grab for . 0 pri n 0 o ,0 ti 2 a £3,000 £ c edu even a special ting There’s cher in a oot Pain 0 F te d s n rt a 2 0 2 s for an a by the Mouth ward ue Art A iq Funded n U e ng, 3D d und, th Trust F ories for painti otography, an h g p , te a rt c a ital has ture, dig art/sculp g arts inate an an nom in perform and colleges c r who goes e Schools r drama teach g o l teachin ic a s u rm o n d art, m n o y. nd bey – 1 0 Ma above a ing date rds.uk s lo C . s a dutie artaw .unique n www

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Keep on gardening

CONGRATULATIONS to the THREE lucky winners of our Christmas gardening competition. Each win a copy of the new RHS Encyclopedia of Plants and Flowers, edited by Chris Brickell and published by Dorling Kindersley. Mrs Christine Welch, Higher Croft Drive, Leighton, Crewe (“I picked up my copy of All Together NOW! at Leighton Hospital”) C. Boston, Mallee Crescent, Southport (The Range, Southport) Bernard Dowdall, Lavender Road, Wigan (Wigan Library) n Turn to Page 27 to see details of our latest competition.

Back? Heck, yes! G

AMING blogger Vivek Gohil is back in action – and it’s all thanks to world computer wizard Ben Heck.

Vivek, 28, has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, and had seen his livelihood as a gaming blogger threatened by the muscle-wasting condition that makes it difficult for him to even press buttons. But thanks to Ben’s ingenious, tailor-made controller, Vivek is now looking forward to another year of entertaining thousands of readers with his games reviews on the blog UncannyVivek. Ben’s “miracle” controller includes a number of bespoke features, including removable joysticks. The properties of Sugru mouldable glue, created by Irish inventor Jane Ni Dhulchaointigh to help people repair and adapt everyday items, proved the ideal solution to the technical challenges at hand. Vivek, from Leicester, said: “Gaming was such a big part of my life, and now Ben has helped me access it again.

I call it my miracle controller. It’s like a dream. “This controller has been adapted especially for my needs. It will help me to play for longer, and stay relaxed, knowing that I can press the buttons. “My advice to any anyone who finds gaming physically difficult is that there are simple things you can start off with to make adaptations, like using Sugru to improve the buttons.” Ben said: “Four different controllers were used to make this! The Sugru meant I didn’t have to worry whether or not it would stick, even on smooth surfaces where traditionally you’d want to rough up the surface. “Weakening the analog sticks and still keeping them functional was a big challenge, but it worked out pretty well. I hope Vivek enjoys this for many years to come.” Ben is best known for his creative engineering work, including the Portable N64 on the Element14 YouTube channel that has over 59 million views. n Watch Vivek and Ben’s video at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=_kr0LKZZlLQ&t=16s

HELP AT THE END OF A PHONE

n ANGLESEY: TARAN Tel 01407 721933 n BLACKPOOL Disability Information and Support. Tel 01253 472 202. Textphone 01253 476 450 n CHESHIRE CIL Tel 01606 331853 n CHESTER Dial House Tel 01244 345655 n DENBIGHSHIRE Tel 01745 354445 n ELLESMERE PORT DICE Tel 0151 355 1420

n HALTON Disability Service Tel 01928 717222 n KNOWSLEY DISABILITY CONCERN. 0151 480 4090 n LANCASTER DISC Tel 01524 34411 n LIVERPOOL Association of Disabled People. 0151 263 8366. Text 0151 260 4076. n ACSIL (Amputees and Carers), Tel, 0151 261 1166 n THE BRAIN CHARITY Tel 0151 298 2999

n MANCHESTER (GTR) Coalition of Disabled People Tel 0161-273 5154 n MOLD Flintshire Disability Tel 01352 755546 n NELSON: Pendle Pakistan Welfare Association. Tel 01282 603 616 n PRESTON DISC: Tel 01772 558 863. Text 01772 204 787 n RHYL Tel 01745 350665 n STOCKPORT: Disability

Stockport. 0161 480 7248 n WARRINGTON Disability Partnership. 01925 240064 n WIRRAL WIRED Tel 0151 670 1500 n WEST LANCS HELPLINE Freefone 0800 220676 n ST HELENS DASH Tel 01744 453053 MIDLANDS n BIRMINGHAM Disability Resource Centre Tel 0121 789 7365

n Disabled People’s Network Solihull Tel 0121 788 1544 n STOKE: Disability Solutions Tel 01782 683800 n WOLVERHAMPTON Elder and Disabled Group Tel 01902 448552 n WEST MIDS Amputee

Group. 07891 794733; 07585 958322; 07557 228154

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All Together NOW!

February/March 2020

Ballet lover Angeline proving her pointe...

RUNNING a dance company isn’t easy – especially if you are mostly housebound and often don’t have the energy just to get out of bed. That’s what Angeline Lucas has been doing for the past four years. It’s winning her lots of admirers – and awards. The latest is the One Dance UK Award for Innovation in Dance. Angeline said: “I wanted to create dance opportunities that could be enjoyed by everyone, including people like myself who can no longer dance but still feel passionate about being involved.” Growing up in a disadvantaged singleparent family, Angeline’s access to dance opportunities was limited, and she was discouraged by her dance teacher who told her that she did not have “a good ballet body”. Despite this, she worked hard and won a place at the Northern Ballet School to train as a professional dancer. After a debilitating injury forced her to quit, she became a dance teacher. Ten years ago she was diagnosed with myalgic encephalomyelitis, also known as M.E. or chronic fatigue syndrome. The North East Dance Co-operative is run by volunteers. Plans for 2020 include a pointe shoe fitting course, CPD for teachers, plus further workshops and behind-thescenes with professionals. n Want to find out more? Contact Angeline at angeline.lucas@live.co.uk. Or text 07743317648 www.facebook.com/ NorthEastDanceCooperative

VISUAL PROBLEMS n ACCRINGTON Tel 01254 233332 n BARROW Tel 01229 820698 n BIRMINGHAM Action for Blind Tel 0121 665 4200 n BLACKBURN Tel 0125 554143 n BLACKPOOL: N-Vision Tel 01253 362696 n BURY Tel 0161 763 7014 n BURNLEY Tel 01282 438507

Desert hero THIS intrepid explorer is fresh back from an epic six-day trek across the world’s largest hot desert. His exertions in Africa’s vast Sahara desert have enabled Mark Wagner to raise more than £1,200 for Hft, the learning disability charity that has supported him for the past 24 years. Mark, 52, said: “It was hard-going, hot and very sandy but I enjoyed the whole experience. “I especially enjoyed the interesting sights and the great people I shared it all with.” And the Saharan adventure is not the only gruelling trip Mark has embarked on – three years ago he trekked across Iceland. Next stop is the Great Wall of China. Watch this space …

HELP AT THE END OF A PHONE

n CARLISLE: Action for Blind People Tel 01228 595121 n CHESHIRE & N WALES: Vision Support. Tel 01244 381515 n CUMBRIA (West) Tel 01946 592474 n CUMBRIA (Sth Lakeland) Tel 01539 726613 n GUIDE DOGS Tel 0118 983 5555 n HENSHAW’S 0161 872 234 or 0151 708 7055

n LIVERPOOL: Bradbury Fields.Tel 0151 221 0888: Action for Bind Tel 0151 298 3222 n MANCHESTER: Action for Blind Tel 0161 787 9252 n PRESTON: Action for Blind People Tel 01772 320550 n OLDHAM Tel 0161 682 8019 n ROSSENDALE Tel 01706 873256 n SIGHTLINE (North West)

Tel 0800 587 2252 n WIGAN Tel 01942 242891 n WIRRAL Tel 0151 652 8877 HEARING ISSUES n BIRMINGHAM Institute for Deaf Tel 0121 246 6101 n CHESHIRE Deaf Society Tel 01606 47831 n CUMBRIA Deaf Society Tel 01228 606434 n LANCASHIRE (EAST) Deaf Society Tel 01282 839180

n MANCHESTER Deaf Centre. Tel 0161 273 3415 Genie Networks. Tel 0161 941 4549. Text 18001 0161 941 4549 n MERSEYSIDE Society for Deaf Tel 0151 228 0888 n SOUTHPORT Centre for the Deaf Tel 01704 537001 n ST HELENS: Deafness Resource Centre Tel 01744 23887 n WOLVERHAMPTON Centre for Deaf Tel 01902

CARERS’ CENTRES

n ACCRINGTON Tel 01254 387 444 n BLACKBURN with DARWEN Tel 01254 688 www.bwdcarers.org n BLACKPOOL Blackpool Borough Council, Tel 01253 477 716 nCUMBRIA Carlisle. Tel 01228 542 156 Penrith. Tel 01768 890 280 Barrow-in-Furness. Tel 01229 822 822 Kendal. Tel 01539 732 927 Whitehaven, Tel 01946 592 223 n CHESHIRE & WARRINGTON Helpline:0300 102 0008 n KNOWSLEY Tel 0151 549 1412 n LANCASTER Tel 01524 66475 nLIVERPOOL Tel 0151 705 2307 n MANCHESTER Tel 0161 835 2995 n MORECAMBE Tel 01524 833456 n PRESTON Tel 01772 200173 n RUNCORN Tel 01928 580182 n WIDNES Tel 0151 257 9673 n SALFORD Tel 0161 833 0217 n SEFTON Tel 0151 288 6060 n ST HELENS Tel 01744 675 615 n STOCKPORT Tel 0161 442 0442 n WARRINGTON (WIRED) Tel 01925 633 492 n WEST LANCS Tel 01695 711243 n WIGAN & LEIGH Tel 01942 705959 / 486923 MIDLANDS n BIRMINGHAM Tel 0121 675 8000 n SOLIHULL Tel 0121 788 1143 n WALSALL Tel 01922 610 810 NORTH WALES n ANGLESEY Tel 01248 722828 n BANGOR Tel 01248 370 797 n CONWY Tel 01492 533714 n DENBIGHSHIRE: NEWCIS, Tel: 0845 603 3187 nDOLGELLAU Tel 01341 421167 n FLINTSHIRE: NEWCIS, Tel: 01352 751436 n WREXHAM CARERS SERVICE

BIRTH OF A BEATLES HIT All Together NOW!

FLASHBACK

February/March 2020

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LOCAL historian KEN PYE looks at the story behind a very famous statue in Liverpool city centre. Ken is the Managing Director of Discover Liverpool, and is a popular author and broadcaster. His latest book, Liverpool Murders and Misdemeanours, tells the tales of some of the city’s grimmest and most unusual crimes and their perpetrators. n www.discover-liverpool.com or from 0151 427 2717 or at ken.pye@discover-liverpool.com

RIGHT: The Eleanor Rigby statue created by singing star Tommy Steele, inset. LEFT: Eleanor’s grave in Woolton

How ‘ordinary’ Eleanor Rigby achieved global fame

W 1966?

HO was Eleanor Rigby, the woman behind one of the Beatles’ best-selling hits in

Actually, she was no one special at all, at least not to history. However, there was a real Eleanor Rigby, who lived and died within a few miles of Liverpool. Both Paul and John knew the village of Woolton well; after all, it was the place near which both boys had grown up. They had spent time playing there as children, and later, as rebellious teenagers, illicitly smoking cigarettes in the graveyard of St Peter’s Church. The name of Eleanor Rigby, who had died in 1939 at the age of only 44, appears on a tombstone at St Peter’s graveyard, and her name simply stuck in the boys’ minds. They later recalled this when they were composing the song,

but none of the incidents in their lyrics were taken from the life of the real Eleanor, which, of course, they knew nothing about. In fact, it was later reported that Paul said he had come up with the name “Eleanor” from actress Eleanor Bron, who had starred with the Beatles in the film Help!. “Rigby” came from the name of a store in Bristol, “Rigby & Evens Ltd, Wine & Spirit Shippers”, which he noticed while seeing his girlfriend of the time, Jane Asher, star in the stage production of The Happiest Days of Your Life. Paul recalled in 1984: “I just liked the name. I was looking for a name that sounded natural. Eleanor Rigby sounded natural.” Whatever the full truth behind the song, Eleanor has certainly left her mark on people all over the world. On December 3, 1982, a sculpture was unveiled in the centre of Liverpool. Now standing in Stanley Street, this is a life-size representation, in bronze, of a park

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bench. At one end of this sits a thin and solitary woman, wearing a drab overcoat and a plain headscarf. This is the lonely Eleanor Rigby from the Beatles’ song, and she is feeding a couple of sparrows on a crumpled sheet of newspaper. People can sit alongside the figure, and indeed, many visitors to the city do so to have their photograph taken alongside the famous character. The sculpture was commissioned by Liverpool City Council, and created by the 1950s rock and roll singer, and later actor, Tommy Steele, and was unveiled by the sculptor himself. Having appeared in Liverpool many times throughout his long career, Tommy said that he had a great affection for the city and its people because they had always welcomed him with great warmth and affection. To reflect his own feelings, and to

represent what he felt were the greatest characteristics of Liverpudlians, Tommy sealed inside the bronze figure: n A page of the Bible, representing spiritual help. n A football sock, representing action. n Copies of the Dandy and the Beano comics, representing entertainment and fun. n Four sonnets for lovers. n A four-leafed clover, representing luck. Londoner Tommy said: “I put them all inside the statue so she would be full of magical properties. I give Eleanor to Liverpool with an open heart and many thanks for my happy times in the city.” Tommy only asked for “half a sixpence” as his fee for the artwork, which was the title of the long-running stage musical he had starred in to great acclaim. The singer’s sculpture of Eleanor Rigby is dedicated to “all the lonely people...”

Ken Pye – 0151 427 2717

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

All Together NOW!

February/March 2020

New op lets Malcolm see his grandkids’ happy faces

SUCCESS: Malcolm with grandson Ellis after the successful surgery. INSET: Prof Kaye

MY MIRACLE EYE M PIONEERING: Malcolm’s new eye is a godsend

ALCOLM Lennard has lived most of his life with limited vision – and undergone more than 40 operations to try restoring his sight.

Now, thanks to revolutionary surgery, Malcolm’s sight is hugely improved and he can at last see the faces of his grandchildren. And it means that 110 people a year will now benefit from the new treatment at Liverpool’s St Paul’s Eye Unit, based at the city’s Royal hospital. Malcolm, 63, was the first to undergo the specialist operation for people who have had two or more failed corneal transplants and poor vision. He was born with congenital glaucoma, a disease that causes high fluid pressure in the eye and damages the optic nerve. “Following this surgery, each day amazes me,” said Malcolm, who previously could only see light and dark and make out shapes, like a car on the road. “Beforehand,

I was really limited on what I could do and my life became very insular. This has made my life so much better. “I couldn’t play the specially designed games with my grandchildren or read with an optical aid – I couldn’t even read the top letter of the letter chart at the opticians standing a meter away. “My vision will never be perfect, but this surgery has made a huge difference. From making out my grandchildren’s faces, which used to be two pink blobs, to the things you take for granted like being able to see where the cup is when making a coffee – I haven’t been able to see that for 10 years,” said Malcolm, from Anfield, Liverpool. A traditional corneal transplant replaces a diseased cornea (the clear window at the front of the eye) with healthy donor tissue to improve a patient’s sight. But long-term success rates are not high. However, the new KPro surgery brings major improvements, as a specialist surgeon

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takes an artificial cornea made form an acrylic material, a titanium back plate and locking ring with human donor cornea and stitches it into place at the front of the eye. Until last June, there was no recognised funding stream for KPro surgery in hospitals in England, denying patients who might benefit from this sight-saving surgery. But after two years of work by a Clinical Reference Working Group, led by Professor Stephen Kaye, a consultant ophthalmologist at Liverpool University Hospitals, NHS England agreed to commission the surgery for corneal blindness. Only centres with specialised ophthalmology services, such as the Royal, were eligible to be selected to deliver the surgery. Professor Kaye, who performed Malcolm’s KPro surgery, said: “It’s been a great success, not only for Malcolm, but for future patients in our hospital. I’m delighted that we’re able to give patients this much needed surgery to improve their quality of life.”

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

MEDICAL NOTES

Diabetes drug could reduce miscarriages

A DRUG designed to tackle diabetes could also be repurposed as the first treatment to prevent miscarriage. The treatment works by increasing the amount of stem cells in the lining of the womb, improving conditions in the womb to support pregnancy. In a pilot clinical trial, 38 women aged between 18 and 42, who had experienced an average of five recurring miscarriages, were given either an oral course of sitagliptin or a placebo for three menstrual cycles. Researchers at the University of Warwick found an average increase in stem cell count of 68% in those women who took the full course of sitagliptin. There were minimal side effects for the participants. The researchers now hope to take the treatment to a full clinical trial and, if successful, it would be the first targeted specifically at the lining of the womb to prevent miscarriage.

Keep moving!

JUST two weeks of reduced physical activity (around 1,500 steps per day) could cause older adults to lose significant amounts of muscle with substantial gains in body fat percentage, especially around the waist, and reduction in bone density. Juliette Norman, one of the authors of the research at the University of Liverpool, said: “The severe impact of short-term inactivity on our health is hugely important to communicate to people.”

New antibiotics fear

MORE than 750,000 people across the world die every year due to resistance to commonly-used antibiotics for treating harmful bacteria related to a variety of stomach conditions. And experts warn that, without urgent action, the number will rise dramatically. New research, which analysed 1,232 patients from 18 countries across Europe, investigated resistance to antibiotics regularly taken for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, a harmful bacterium associated with gastric ulcer, lymphoma and gastric cancer. Mário Dinis-Ribeiro, president of the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, said: “The increasing resistance of H. pylori to a number of commonly-used antibiotics may jeopardise prevention strategies.”

Tel 0151 230 0307

All Together NOW!

MEDICAL NOTES

Top 10 foods to keep brain in tip-top shape

E ALL know that moment when a word, phrase or fact that we know so well just won’t come to mind.

The same brain that is capable of so much – from inspiring great artworks to simply getting us through the day in one piece – can also be a deeply frustrating friend. So it makes sense for us to do all we can to help our mind function at its best. One way to do that is to include brainboosting foods in our diet. Health and fitness specialists Vivotion have come up with a list of 10 foods that will help your brain function efficiently – and hopefully not let you down next time you are searching your memory! 1. SEAWEED A great source of iodine, it has strong links to improving the body’s nervous system as well as thyroid function. 2. ROSEMARY Rosemary contains a chemical called 1,8-cineole that increases a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine which help brain function. 3. CHIA SEEDS These are a great source of Omega-3 and Omega-6, as well as protein, carbohydrates and antioxidants – a wealth of brain boosting properties. 4. SARDINES Full of Vitamin D, they are shown to have a huge impact on the brain. 5. SUNFLOWER SEEDS Sunflower seeds are packed with Vitamin E which improves brain function. 6. EGGS Eggs are known for their high-protein content, already known to keep your brain sharp. But they are also packed with Choline, a neurotransmitter involved in memory and cognition. 7. BILTONG Red meat is packed with iron, essential to transporting oxygen around the body, including to the brain. Biltong is a handy and delicious meat snack with around 15% of your recommended daily iron intake. 8. BEANS Substitute baked beans for the dried variety. Beans restore glucose levels and provide your brain with a steady stream of energy to keep it working all day. 9. TEA It’s one of the best ways of consuming caffeine healthily. Two to three cups a day provide the right amount of caffeine while also hydrating your body. 10. DARK CHOCOLATE Eating dark chocolate with a high percentage of cocoa has been known to relieve stress, improve concentration and even boost your mood.

February/March 2020

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New hope for pancreas patients FRESH hope is being given to pancreatic cancer patients who fear they are too unwell to face potentially lifesaving surgery that was previously denied to them. Teams from across two Liverpool hospital sites are carrying out a programme of “prehabilitation” – preoperative exercise, nutritional and wellbeing intervention – to improve the health of patients who are due to have surgery, or were earlier too sick for it. Declan Dunne, one of the clinicians at Aintree University Hospital who helped develop the pioneering service, said: “Half of our pancreatic cancer patients that are potentially suitable for surgery cannot have it as they are not fit enough. “However by using prehab on these patients, we are increasing the percentage of

those who can go on to be eligible for lifesaving operations. With prehab you are getting better results for those who were initially too sick to have surgery. “Patient benefits are huge – their quality of life improves and there are reduced risks of complications. “The length of stay has been cut two days because of it,” added Mr Dunne, now a consultant pancreatic surgeon at the Royal, which is one of the biggest pancreatic cancer units in the country. Following the merger of Aintree University Hospital and the Royal Liverpool University Hospital, the newly-formed Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is looking at piloting the prehab scheme at the Royal Hospital site and is trialling it with pancreatic cancer patients.

Check it out . . .

PEOPLE with coeliac disease take an average 13 years to be diagnosed. But to make matters worse, coeliac sufferers are commonly misdiagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). National charity Coeliac UK is urging anyone with IBS to ask their GP for a coeliac disease blood test, if they have not already had one. Coeliac disease is an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system damages the lining of the small bowel when gluten, a protein (found in wheat, barley and rye) is eaten. There is no cure and no medication; the only treatment is a strict gluten-free diet for life. Nearly half a million people in the UK have undiagnosed coeliac disease. n Coeliac UK: Tel. 0333 332 2033.

NEW PACEMAKERS Bionic device’s could be ideal for heart failure

ESTS on a new generation of pacemakers provide hope for heart failure patients, scientists say.

Normally, pacemakers don’t listen to signals from our bodies – they simply pace the heart at a monotonous, regular rate. But bionic pacemakers read the body’s natural heart rhythm, which is never constant and varies with every breath, speeding up when you inhale and slowing down when you exhale. Researchers applied the device to a heart in heart failure and found the new form of pacing dramatically increased its efficiency. Heart failure means your heart is not pumping blood around your body as effectively as it should. It doesn’t mean your heart has stopped working, but that your heart needs some support to help it work better. In the UK alone, around 900,000 people are living with heart failure and almost 1.4 million have survived a heart attack. After such an event, pacemakers are often fitted to either speed up the heart or to overcome electrical conduction problems between different chambers of the heart. There is no cure for heart failure, its progression is only slowed by current medication. Professor Julian Paton, who led the study at the Universities of Bath and Bristol, said: “Our findings give hope for heart failure patients and may revolutionise the future design of cardiac pacemakers. “Our next step is to find out if respiratory sinus arrhythmia can reverse heart failure in human patients, as it has done in rats.”

Headsets to ‘help beat depression’

HI-TECH headset used to stimulate the brain of people with depression could one day be prescribed by your GP.

Inventors of the Flow brain stimulation headset say clinical studies have shown it to have a similar impact to antidepressants but with fewer and less severe side effects. Headsets target a region of the brain – the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, which controls cognitive skills and emotional expression – where people who are depressed often experience a lower level of activity to normal. The new devices use what’s known as transcranial direct current stimulation to activate neurons in that area and rebalance activity.

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Makers Flow Neuroscience are starting talks with the NHS, with the hope of having the device, the first of its type medically approved in the UK, made widely available. In the meantime, The Chelsea Psychology Clinic, in London’s renowned medical district of Harley Street, is offering the headsets as an add-on treatment in combination with their traditional therapy and psychiatrist services. Another 10 clinics are trialling the headset with the intention of offering the treatment to their patients. Clinical psychologist and Flow boss Daniel Mansson said: “We’re starting talks with the NHS to have our headset available on prescription.”

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Families suffer too

A DIAGNOSIS of breast cancer is devastating for patients – AND to friends and families. Two out of three friends or family members of those diagnosed say they have been seriously affected by emotional or mental health issues as a result of the diagnosis. Dr Caroline Hoffman, clinical and research director at the Breast Cancer Haven charity, which carried out the national survey, said: “The results of the survey point towards the hidden mental health impact of the disease on friends and family. “Many of those affected do not seek the help they need so it’s vital that those who need help know where to find it, and feel able to ask for it.”

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February/March 2020

Omega-3’s good.. but not for anxiety

THE results of a major new study are a big blow to claims that omega-3 fats can have a beneficial effect on anxiety and depression. Omega-3s are found in foods such as nuts, seeds and oily fish, but are also readily available over the counter as supplements. Increased consumption of omega-3 fats is widely promoted globally because of a common belief that it will protect against, or even reverse, conditions such as anxiety and depression. But UK researchers have concluded that supplements have little or no effect in preventing either condition. Dr Lee Hooper, who led the research team at the University of East Anglia, said: “This large systematic review included information from many thousands of people over long

periods. Despite all this information, we don’t see protective effects. “The most trustworthy studies consistently showed little or no effect of long-chain omega-3 fats on depression or anxiety, and they should not be encouraged as a treatment.” Dr Katherine Deane, from UEA’s School of Health Sciences, said “Oily fish can be a very nutritious food as part of a balanced diet. “But we found that there is no demonstrable value in people taking omega-3 oil supplements for the prevention or treatment of depression and anxiety. “Considering the environmental concerns about industrial fishing and the impact it is having on fish stocks and plastic pollution in the oceans, it seems unhelpful to continue to swallow fish oil tablets that give no benefit.”

SENSORS = SENSE Older people can also benefit from monitors

IVING older with diabetes simple glucose devices to help them or their carers monitor their condition will make life better – and save the NHS money, according to a new study.

The monitors – which have NHS approval – help people with diabetes to monitor their blood sugar levels while reducing the need for inconvenient and sometimes painful finger-prick blood tests. At present the monitors are mostly given to young people but the devices would be particularly beneficial to older people with memory problems. The Freestyle Libre flash glucose monitoring system, used by former Prime Minister Theresa May, allows a sensor to constantly read sugar levels and transmit them wirelessly to a display on a portable reader – a bit like swiping a contactless bank card. Lead researcher Dr Katharina Mattishent said: “Older people with memory problems can find it more difficult to keep an eye on their blood sugars. “It is estimated that up to 20% of older people with dementia also have coexisting diabetes. It’s a big problem because they may be more prone to low blood sugars (hypoglycaemia) from their medication, but not recognising the warning signs – or what

MEDICAL NOTES

Cancer drug could also help burns’ victims

A DRUG to treat cancer could also help people suffering chronic pain due to second degree burns. A new study suggests burns cause changes in the spinal cord – even far from the site of the injury – that can add to chronic pain and long-term complications. Andrew Tan, one of the leaders of the study, said: “This research has exciting potential to provide a new avenue for speeding up the development of new treatments for long-lasting complications that often follow burn injury. “Having a treatment that would not only treat the acute injury, but longlasting complications could have a big impact on clinicians’ treatment of burns, including battlefield injured-veterans.” Siraj Patwa and his colleagues at Yale University and the US Department of Veterans Affairs studied spinal cord neurons in a burn injury mouse animal model and found that the skin injury affected the structural connections between neurons. They also identified an important molecule in this problem called PAK1, which is involved with regulating these changes in the spinal cord. An exciting discovery from this work was the identification of an existing clinical drug targeting PAK1, called Romidepsin, which is already used in cancer treatment. One promising avenue of study is looking at “re-purposing” this drug for targeting chronic pain associated with burn injuries.

Key to blood pressure BLOOD SUGAR MONITORS: They are giving people like former Prime Minister Theresa May, inset, greater independence

to do if it happens. Prof Yoon Loke added: “Our study found that older people and their carers overwhelmingly found the device to be acceptable to use and reassuring to be able to check sugar levels more easily. “It didn’t interfere with their dayto-day activities and they were not aware of the device while sleeping at night. “Carers spoke favourably about the simplicity of the device. And all of the participants were positive about recommending it to others.

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“One of the carers said that it is very stressful to have to regularly stab her husband’s fingers to get blood samples. “He had dementia and diabetes, and couldn’t understand why anyone needed to hurt him with a needle. “So you can see how something as simple as using this device could really benefit this vulnerable group and their carers.” Dr James Pickett, head of research at Alzheimer’s Society, said: “Devices which continuously monitor people with dementia could help keep them out of hospital, preventing unnecessary distress, and saving the NHS money.” The research was carried out by the University of East Anglia in collaboration with Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.

THE KEY to treating blood pressure might lie in people who are “resistant” to developing high blood pressure even when they eat high salt diets, shows new research. While some people’s blood pressure spikes when they eat high-salt diets, others, called salt-resistant, are able to get rid of salt more effectively and thus don’t experience changes in blood pressure. Researchers looked at how cells in the hypothalamus (part of the brain) controlled salt resistance and found a structural change in the cells that allows for them to change their response to salt. Commenting on the study, Jesse Moreira, who led the study at Boston University School of Medicine, said: “Our findings have implications for the development of personalised antihypertensive therapeutics designed to bring about saltresistance in the body.”

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February/March 2020

BOX OFFICE CONTACTS

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Feb 8: The Music of Judy Garland. Lyceum, Crewe. Featuring Denise Nolan. Feb 9: Lipstick on Your Collar. Grand Theatre, Blackpool. Step back BLACKPOOL SALFORD in time to the golden era of music. Feb 9: Count Arthur Strong. Grand Theatre: The Lowry: 0843 208 6000 Liverpool Empire. 01253 290190 NEW BRIGHTON Feb 9: Joe Brown. Venue Cymru. Llandudno. The rock ‘n’ roll legend. BOLTON Floral Pavillion: Feb 10: Everton Legends. Octagon: 01204 520661 Liverpool Empire. Peter Reid, Neville 0151 666 0000 Southall and Joe Royle. CREWE PRESTON: Feb 10-17: Thriller Live. Palace, Manchester. Spectacular concert Lyceum: 01270 368 242 Charter Theatre: celebrating the career of Michael LIVERPOOL THREE powerful stories 0845 344 2012 Jackson. about the violence, Feb 11-15: I Think We Are Alone. Empire: 08444 999 999 RHYL: oppression and Playhouse, Liverpool. Uplifting play ignorance faced by the Everyman & Playhouse: Pavilion: 01745 330 000 about our fragility, resilience and our Deaf community are need for love and forgiveness. 0151 709 4776 RUNCORN told in Extraordinary Feb 11: Beauty & the Beast Wall of Silence at Royal Court: 0870 787 1866 The Brindley: presented by Allegrodance. The Home, Manchester Brindley, Runcorn. Unity 0151 709 4988 0151 907 8360 (Feb 12-22). Feb 12-15. Animal Farm, Helen, Alan, and LLANDUDNO SOUTHPORT: Everyman, Liverpool. There are Graham are told they are problems at Manor Farm. Venue Cymru: Floral Hall: 0844 847 2380 impaired and need fixing. As they begin to question the world Feb 12: Sinderella. Liverpool around them, their stories unfold. 01492 872000 ST HELENS: Empire. This show promise to be full Connected through a shared past, they are transported to a of camp, fabulous and filthy fun! MOLD: Theatre Royal: 01744 crucial moment in 1880 that would impair the way the world Feb 13: The Traveling Wilburys viewed D/deaf people for over a century. Theatr Clwyd: 0845 3303565 756000 Songbook. Lyceum, Crewe. Barry It was the time when The Milan Conference passed eight Steele anda cast of fabulous singers MANCHESTER STOKE: resolutions on Deaf education, and banned the use of sign and musicians. language in schools all over the world. Opera House: Regent Theatre: Feb 13: Bowie Experience. The decision prevailed for over a century – despite decades Liverpool Empire. Spectacular 0870 401 9000 0844 871 7627 of poor results, including the statistic that over 70% of UK Deaf concert featuring all of David Bowie’s children left school with a reading age of seven to eight. Palace: 0870 401 3000 hits. n Home Box Office, 0161 200 1500 Feb 13-15: The Importance of Being Earnest. The Brindley, Runcorn. Feb 14: The Music of Zimmer Vs. Williams. Liverpool Empire. Epic concert celebrating two of the greatest film music composers. Feb 14: Oh What a Night. Grand Theatre, Blackpool. Musical journey through the incredible career of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons.. Feb 15: What’s Love Got to Do With It? Liverpool Empire. Celebrating the music of the Tribute concert to Cher. Theatre Royal Runcorn. Musical Compiled by incredible Tina Turner. St. Helens. Feb 24-29: Band of Gold. Floral Pavilion, Feb 4-8: Curtains - A Musical CHRIS GROVES Mar 1: Through the Decades with Roy New Brighton. Kay Mellor makes a Whodunnit. Venue Cymru, Llandudno. Orbison & Buddy Holly. Theatre Royal, triumphant return with a star-studded cast. Feb 18-22: Bang Bang? Theatr Tony award-winning murder mystery St. Helens. Feb 25: The Russian State Opera Clwyd, Mold. John Cleese makes musical. Mar 3-7: Six. Playhouse, presents Aida. Grand Theatre, Blackpool. his stage writing debut with a Feb 15: A Feast of Gilbert and Sullivan. Liverpool. Uplifting musical. From Feb 25-29: Cabaret. Palace, Manchester. hilarious new adaptation of this Floral Pavilion. New Brighton. Accompanied Tudor queens to pop princesses, This production has enjoyed two smash hit classic comedy – a blend of French Farce by The British Philharmonic Concert the six wives of Henry VIII finally take to the West End runs. and Fawlty Towers. Orchestra. mic to tell their tales. Feb 25-29: Matthew Bourne’s production Feb 20: Rapunzel. Rhyl Pavilion. Let your Feb 15: Madam Butterfly. Rhyl Pavilion. Mar 3-7: By the Waters of Liverpool. Floral of the Red Shoes. Liverpool Empire. hair down and get tangled in a brand-new Welcoming back the fabulous Korean Pavilion, New Brighton. Adapted from the Feb 26: Whitney-Queen of the Night. musical adaptation of the classic fairy tale. soprano Elena Dee. million-selling book.. Theatre Royal St. Helens. Tribute show. Feb 20-May 17. Back to the Future the Feb 16: Midge Ure. Grand Theatre, Mar 4: The Roy Orbison Story, West End Feb 26: The Russian State Opera Musical. Opera House, Manchester. Prior to Blackpool. The 1980 Tour- celebrating Special. Liverpool Empire. Barry Steele and presents Carmen. Grand Theatre, transferring to the West End. ‘Vienna’ and ‘Visage’. a fabulous cast of musicians and singers. Blackpool. Feb 20-22: The Unlikely Candidate. Feb 17-22: On Your Feet. Liverpool Empire. Mar 4-7: The Battle of Boat. The Brindley, Feb 26: Circus of Horrors. Lyceum. Crewe. Royal Court, Liverpool. Dark comedy Direct from London and featuring many of Runcorn. Courageous tale of a group of 25th anniversary tour. with original music written by the original West End cast. children trying to find their place in a world at Feb 27: David Baddiel. Lyceum, Francis Tucker. Feb 18-22: Night of the Living Dead – war in 1916. Crewe. Feb 22: Conversations with Stacey Remix. Playhouse, Liverpool. Seven Mar 5-7: The Kite Runner. Theatr Clwyd, Feb 29: That’ll be the Day. Dooley. Playhouse, Liverpool. BBC strangers take Mold. Haunting tale of friendship set in Venue Cymru, Llandudno. Prepare for a documentary maker talks about her refuge from flesh Kabul, Afghanistan. rock ‘n’ roll nostalgia extravaganza. experiences. eating ‘ghouls’ in an Feb 29: Strong Enough – The Ultimate Feb 22-23: Half A Sixpence. The Brindley, isolated farmhouse.

Breaking down a wall of silence

TAKE YOUR SEAT

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February/March 2020

Tours de farce

IF YOU like farces then there’s a double treat in store – from John Cleese and J M Barrie’s Quality Street

WE MAY never see a new series of the brilliant Fawlty Towers, but at least there may be some joy on the way for John Cleese fans! Bang Bang! is his debut stage farce and comes to Theatr Clwyd (Feb18-22), following its premier in Exeter. Based on ‘Monsieur Chasse’ by French playwrite Georges Feydeau, Bang Bang! stars Tessa Peake-Jones (Only Fools and Horses), Tony Mar 6: Believe – The Cher Songbook. Grand Theatre, Blackpool. Tribute show. Mar 6: Livewire the ACDC Show 2. Theatre Royal, St. Helens. Tribute show. Mar 7: Sasha Velour - Smoke & Mirrors. Liverpool Empire. A blend of drag, visual art, and magic. Mar 7: Bryan Ferry. Palace, Manchester. Mar 7: Magic of Motown. Rhyl Pavilion. Mar 7: Welsh National Opera: Les Vepres Siciliennes. Venue Cymru, Llandudno. Sung in French, with English and Welsh subtitles. Mar 7: Look-a-Like Tribute Festival. Floral Hall Southport. Mar 7: Count Arthur Strong ‘Is There Anybody Out There?’ Grand Theatre, Blackpool. Mar 8: Ben Fogle - Tales From the Wilderness. Grand Theatre, Blackpool. Ben takes us on an inspiring adventure. Mar 9: Sasha Velour – Smoke and Mirrors. Palace, Manchester. A blend of drag, visual art, and magic. Mar 9: Giovanni Pernice - This Is Me. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton. Strictly Come

Gardner (My Parents are Aliens) and Wendi Peters (Coronation Street). When Leontine, a respectable society lady, discovers that she’s been hoodwinked by her husband, Duchotel, who’s always pretending to go hunting but really chasing after other ‘prey’, she vows to take revenge on the philanderer! But while Duchotel’s away, his lifelong friend comes calling – and he’s on the hunt too.

J M BARRIE’s farce, Quality Street – written years before his Peter Pan – was so well known in its day that it gave its name to the popular chocolates, made in Halifax since 1936. Phoebe Throssel lives on Quality Street, the bustling hub of a quaint northern town where she runs a school for unruly children. Ten years since a tearful goodbye, an old flame returns from fighting Napoleon. But the look of disappointment on Captain Valentine’s face when he greets a more mature, less glamorous Phoebe, spurs our determined heroine to action. She becomes the wild and sparkling Miss Lily, a younger alter-ego who soon entraps the clueless Captain. As their romance is rekindled, can she juggle both personas? Or will her deception scandalise the town and wreck any future with the man she loves? n Quality Street, Playhouse, Liverpool, Mar 17-21

Dancing favourite. Mar 9-14: The Woman in Black. Lyceum, Crewe. Susan Hill’s acclaimed ghost story comes dramatically alive. Mar 9-14: We Will Rock You. Venue Cymru, Llandudno. Musical with Queen soundtrack. Mar 10: The Russian State Opera – Aida. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton. Sung in Italian with English subtitles, Mar 10-21: The King and I. Liverpool Empire. The greatest musical from the golden age of musicals. Mar 11: Seven Drunken Nights. Grand Theatre, Blackpool. The Story of The Dubliners. Mar 11: Susan Boyle. Palace, Manchester. Mar 12: Elvis Costello. Palace, Manchester. Mar 12: The Simon And Garfunkel Story. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton. Mar 12: The Vintage Boy. The Brindley, Runcorn. Step back in time to the Golden Age of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Mar 12: Puccini Madama Butterfly. Southport Theatre.

Mar 13-14: Mark Thomas: 50 Things About Us. Playhouse, Liverpool. Mar 13: The Real Thing. The Brindley, Runcorn. The greatest hits tour. Mar 13: An Evening with the Merseybeats and Friends. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton. The annual charity event with music from the golden age of the 60s. Mar 13: I’m Still Standing – The Music of Elton John. Southport Theatre. Mar 13: Derek Ryan Live in Concert. Theatre Royal, St. Helens. Irish country sensation. Mar 14: Hits of Motown. Theatre Royal St. Helens. Starring Roy Hemmings, former member of The Drifters. Mar 14: Mothership - Led Zeppelin Tribute. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton. Tribute show. Mar 16-21: Educating Rita. Grand Theatre, Blackpool. Mar 17-21: J M Barrie’s Quality Street. Playhouse, Liverpool. (See above) Mar 17: The Russian State Opera presents premiere of Aida. Venue Cymru, Llandudno.

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Mar 17-21: By the Waters of Liverpool. Theatre Royal, St. Helens. Adapted from the million-selling book. Mar 18: Ben Fogle. Venue Cymru, Llandudno. Tales from the Wilderness. Mar 18: Herman’s Hermits. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton. An evening of nostalgia, song and laughter. Mar 18: Psychic Sally. Rhyl Pavilion. Mar 19: The Elvis Years. Venue Cymru, Llandudno. The story of the ‘king of rock and roll’. Mar 19: Giovanni Pernice – This is Me. Southport Theatre. Strictly Come Dancing favourite. Mar 20: Paul Carrack. Venue Cymru, Llandudno. Nicknamed ‘The Man with the Golden Voice’ in a BBC documentary. Mar 20: The Carpenters Story – Goodbye to Love Tour. Rhyl Pavilion. Mar 20: Chris Bannister Performs the Music of John Denver. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton. Mar 20: The Elvis Years – The story of the King. The Brindley, Runcorn. Mar 21: That’ll Be The Day. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton. Featuring smash hits from the 50s, 60s, 70s & 80s. Mar 21: Thank ABBA for the Music. Rhyl Pavilion. Spectacular must see show. Mar 21: Bootleg Beatles On the Road. Venue Cymru. Absolute must for Beatlemaniacs. Mar 24-28: Holes. Playhouse, Liverpool. Thrilling and off-beat comedy adventure and is perfect for adults and children. Mar 25-26: RSC Measure For Measure. Grand Theatre, Blackpool. Audio described and captioned Mar 26, 1.30. Mar 26: Michael - The Magic of Michael Jackson. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton. Mar 26: Welsh National Opera - Carmen. Liverpool Empire. Mar 26-May 30. The Phantom of the Opera. Palace, Manchester. Mar 27: Welsh National Opera - The Marriage of Figaro. Liverpool Empire. Mozart’s sublime score. Mar 27-28: By the Waters of Liverpool. Southport Theatre. Mar 28: Welsh National Opera - Carmen. Liverpool Empire. Mar 29-30: The Illegal Eagles. The Brindley, Runcorn. Tribute show. Mar 30-Apr 1: Ian Ashpitel & Jonty Stephens as Eric & Ern. Theatr Clwyd. Brilliant homage to Morecambe and Wise. Mar 30: We Will Rock You. Liverpool Empire. Mar 31-Apr 4: Ghost Stories. Playhouse, Liverpool. Mar 31: By the Waters of Liverpool. Rhyl Pavilion. Featuring a star-studded cast from stage and screen. Apr 1: The Foundations. The Brindley, Runcorn. One of the biggest groups of the Swinging Sixties. Apr 3-4: RSC Taming Of The Shrew. Grand Theatre, Blackpool. Audio described and captioned, Apr 4, 1.30pm. Apr 5: Seven Drunken Nights. Liverpool Empire. The Story of The Dubliners.

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All Together NOW!

Books

Inspiring story of a life transformed

n The Broken Tree by Anita Venes, Matador,

PEOPLE’S experiences shape them, but sometimes what is shaped is all the more beautiful for the traumatic conditions they’ve survived. As she was growing up, Anita Venes forgot many things about her origins – who she was, where everybody else was, why she had a strange name which people kept changing. She worked hard to forget the past, avoiding questions about her parents and other family members who had vanished. This was often the case for an abandoned child in care in the 1940s. Experiences of fostering can be good – Anita’s were not. This is her story, a story of survival and inspiring courage to overcome the traumas of her abusive childhood. She chose to work with severely disabled children and that developed into her passion for over 40 years, eventually achieving the rewarding role of headteacher of a new school. The memorable stories of those years feature in The Broken Tree, and Anita also goes into detail about her search for her long-lost family members and the impact each made upon her life. This includes the journey of finding her brother, an internationally famous clown and mime artist, known as Potts. His story is still to be told.

Journeys of horror n Disability Hate Crime: Experiences of Everyday Hostility on Public Transport by David Wilkin, Palgrave Macmillan

HORRIFYING levels of disability hate crime that take place every day on public transport across the UK are highighted in this book by the lead coordinator of the Disability Hate Crime Network. David Wilkin writes about how, as an autistic child, he avoided school for almost five years because of the bullying and hostility he faced in getting there via public transport and at school. He describes his journeys to school in the 1970s as “tortuous” and says he was “ridiculed, spat at and beaten up”. He was also attacked at school, writing: “My head had been used as a football in the playground, and a cricket bat swung at it in an experiment to see how much damage could be done to it.” Wilkin worked for over 30 years in public transport, and after retiring he completed an MSc in criminology, began focusing on disability hate crime on public transport, and was appointed as the lead coordinator of the Disability Hate Crime Network.

February/March 2020

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ARIES (March 21st-April 20th) The Full Moon on the 9th will bring news of an engagement, marriage or pregnancy. You might be celebrating this happy event with people from another culture. Valentine’s Day promises to be a happy occasion, whether you are single or attached. You will be rewarded for your hard work on the 21st. Flattery will get you nowhere as March gets off the starting blocks. A stimulating conversation on the 4th marks the beginning of a fruitful friendship. Your leadership ability will be greatly appreciated on the 14th. Joining a social club on the 22nd will pay off handsomely; you’ll make many friends. The New Moon on the 24th prompts you to change your aims and objectives. TAURUS (April 21st-May 21st) Early March marks the satisfying conclusion of an emotional family matter; this is a great time to forgive a relative’s misdeeds. Valentine’s Day will find you making a glamorous entrance at a restaurant, theatre or party. The New Moon on the 23rd is perfect for launching a group project. Beware of blurting out secrets on the 28th. As March arrives don’t make an enemy out of a respected expert; it’s important to stay in this professional’s good books. On the 9th, the Full Moon could prompt you to abandon an unrewarding romance or creative project. You’ll be asked to take on a new role near the 22nd; don’t be surprised if this leads to a change in the way you view your world. The New Moon on the 24th is the perfect time to recharge your batteries.

GEMINI (May 22nd-June 21st) On the 9th, the Full Moon will find you signing a contract or entering a creative partnership. This deal will give you lots of stimulation, as well as rewarding companionship. Valentine’s Day could have an exotic flair. Going to a restaurant that specialises in foreign cuisine will be a real treat. The New Moon on the 23rd presents an exciting opportunity. On March 9th, a challenged Full Moon could bring a secret to light. Be willing to admit the error of your ways and ask for an apology. A stalled official matter will move forward once again on the 10th, much to your relief. The sociable New Moon on the 24th urges you to attend a party. You’re sure to cross paths with some interesting people.

CANCER (June 22nd-July 23rd) Working with an experienced person will turn out to be exciting and energising. Valentine’s Day is best celebrated at a romantic hideaway. Push your best friend or romantic partner to try something new on the 21st; your encouragement will help them realise a cherished dream. Avoid getting into a power struggle with someone you love on the 28th. Don’t let a morose friend or romantic partner steal your sunshine on March 3rd. By maintaining a positive attitude, you’ll attract some lucky opportunities. The Full Moon on the 9th could trigger an argument. Resist the temptation to get drawn into a heated debate; your words could come back to haunt you. Be more selective about the company you keep on the 22nd. LEO (July 24th-August 23rd) Hard work will pay off handsomely. The Full Moon on the 9th finds you reaching a personal goal; this is cause for celebration. Treat yourself to a romantic adventure at this magical time. Valentine’s Day could be a day to remember. Your charisma reaches an all-time high on the 19th, when you

Make the occasion special with flowers, candles and a gourmet meal. Are you single? A heartfelt confession of love could reach your ears on this wonderful day. Beware of getting drawn into a nasty argument on around the 28th. You’ll be prompted to change the way you deal with a stubborn relative as March gets underway; old ways and means simply aren’t working any longer. Love is in the air on the 5th. The Full Moon on the 9th could mark the end of a frustrating situation; you’re ready to sever ties and strike out on your own.

RUSSELL GRANT CALLING . . .

draw admiring glances from every corner. An intriguing opportunity will come your way during early March; you’re the perfect person for this energising new role. On the 20th, you’ll get an opportunity to share your expertise with somelike minded enthusiasts. A casual romance could take a more serious turn on the 22nd. If you’re already in a committed partnership, let your lover relieve you of some responsibilities. VIRGO (August 24th-September 23rd) Let your romantic partner pamper and pet you. A little tender loving care will bring out the best in you. The Full Moon on the 9th allows you to rest, relax and reflect on your accomplishments. Valentine’s Day will be glorious but it will be necessary to change some of your expectations about romance on the 17th; stop clinging to some fairy tale notion. An old health issue could flare up at the start of March; don’t put medical matters on a back burner. Getting a professional opinion will be helpful. The 22nd warns you against burning the candle at both ends; taking better care of your body is critical. Let your romantic partner introduce you to something unfamiliar on the 24th, when the New Moon rewards adventurous behaviour.

LIBRA (September 24th-October 23rd) The Full Moon on the 9th is ideal for throwing a party. Valentine’s Day will be especially romantic as too will be your financial prospects. The New Moon on the 23rd will prompt you to start a health regimen. The results of this programme will be plain for all to see. Don’t let friends or family intimidate your romantic partner. On March 9th, the Full Moon brings some embarrassing secrets to light. Be prepared to take responsibility for some past misdeeds. A confrontation with a relative will erupt on the 20th; don’t let anyone treat you in a discourteous way. The New Moon on the 24th is ideal for entering a business or romantic partnership. SCORPIO (October 24th-November 22nd) A powerful attraction between you and an unusual person will be evident. Valentine’s Day might find you spending a quiet evening with your amour in the comfort of your own home.

SAGITTARIU (November 23rd-December 21st) The Full Moon on the 9th brings the satisfying conclusion to a legal matter; you’ll be able to make some exciting plans because of this decision. A mini break will be a great way to celebrate Valentine’s Day. The New Moon on the 23rd is ideal for relocating. Or you might add a member to your household! Avoid social media like the plague at the start of March; it’s easy to make sarcastic jokes that you will come to regret in times to come. Spending time with family will be deeply satisfying. It will also be good for attending a reunion or meeting with a favourite relative. On the 9th, the Full Moon will prompt you to take responsibility for someone else’s mistakes. Trying to sweep this matter under the rug will only make a difficult situation more complicated. CAPRICORN (December 22nd-January 20th) Your powers of persuasion are very strong. It’s time to make a sales pitch. The Full Moon on the 9th finds you getting closer to a business or romantic partner. It’s a wonderful time to let down your defences. A breath-taking gift could be given to you on Valentine’s Day. Don’t be too hard on a relative at the start of March; just because you don’t agree with their choices doesn’t mean you should criticise them. Ambitious behaviour will pay off nicely on the 20th, when you could be chosen for a special reward, prize or bonus for which lots of other people had had high hopes for. The New Moon on the 24th could find you welcoming someone to your household.

AQUARIUS (January 21st-February 19th) A gift from a generous relative is coming your way. Valentine’s Day gives you a special glow and you’ll have no problems attracting more than a few admiring glances. On the 23rd, the New Moon brings a lovely money-making opportunity. This job might allow you to work from home or set your own hours. The 29th is perfect for having a heart to heart discussion with a relative. Hosting a family reunion could be on the cards in March. You’ll be handed some serious responsibilities involving a member of the family on the 22nd. On the 30th, you’ll be inspired to pursue a personal goal. An offer of help from an accomplished businessperson will arrive. With their assistance, you can move mountains.

PISCES (February 20th-March 20th) An important person will be impressed by your gracious behaviour; be unswervingly polite to everyone you encounter. Give yourself a reward for reaching a health goal on the 9th, when the Full Moon yields admirable results. Take yourself off to a private hideaway with your lover on Valentine’s Day. The New Moon on the 23rd is perfect for changing your appearance. Avoid spending money on status symbols at the start March; they really won’t bring much pleasure. Your personal power will be at an all-time high on the 8th so take this opportunity to ask for favours. An unusual moneymaking opportunity will become available on 24th, thanks to a potential packed New Moon.

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All Together NOW!

February/March 2020

GET IT REDDY TO GO AGAIN! H

COLOURFUL: Frilly flowers of the sweet pea Mayflower 400, left, and two of Mr Fothergill’s new varieties of dahlia, cactus dahlia Nuit d’Ete, and decorative dahlia Mr Optimist FOR anyone with an interest in plants, the seed firms’ new varieties – browsed online or in catalogues – are perfect for lifting the spirits on dull winter days.

CARLET poinsettias are among the most eye-catching floral sights of British homes in winter and, naturally enough, people want a repeat performance next winter. The plants can be revived in all their glory with a little effort.

Wait until the bracts have dropped, then prune the plant to 10cm (4in) from the base and keep it with minimal watering in a bright place around 15C (60F). Repot in April using a proprietary potting compost such as John Innes No 2. After repotting, start to water more generously and feed fortnightly until September. To encourage coloured bracts for Christmas, recreate the plant’s natural daylight pattern by putting it in total darkness – in a cupboard or under a box – for 14 hours a day for two months in autumn. Poinsettia (botanical name Euphorbia pulcherrima) is related to our native spurge or spurrey, often regarded as a weed. In its native Mexico poinsettias grow in the wild into two-metre (6ft 6in) shrubs and I have seen them nearly twice that height in the West Indies. Here, it will

I like Mr Fothergill’s new sweet pea Mayflower 400, which marks the 400th anniversary of the Pilgrim Fathers’ voyage to America.

The plant, pictured, produces frilly flowers with a pink pattern on a cream background and is highly scented. Also look out for Suttons’ colourful

reach a shapely 30cm-40cm (12in-16in) if well grown in a pot. Unlike many houseplants, poinsettia is ideal for centrallyheated homes, where it likes a warm, bright, draught-free situation. Water thoroughly but let the compost almost dry out between waterings. Do not overwater. Sponge the leaves regularly, especially during winter to keep them free from dust so they can breathe and make the most of the low winter light level. Plants are occasionally attacked by mealy bug and red spider mite. Misting regularly discourages red spider mite. Euphorbias are named after Euphorbius, a Greek physician who used the milky sap, known as latex, for medicinal purposes. The term pulcherrima simply means beautiful. When poinsettias were widely introduced in Britain some 50 years ago, the large, scarlet bracts, prominent from November to January, made them immediate favourites. Since then, other colours have been introduced – shades of pink, mauve and cream. The insignificant flowers, yellow or red, grow at the centre of each head of bracts.

begonias, Thompson & Morgan’s range of bedding plants, Dobies’ easy-growing kits and Mr Fothergill’s new dahlia varieties, two of which are pictured.

WIN! WIN! WIN!

We have TEN super herb packs to give away

ERE’S the chance for TEN readers to win their own herb garden seeds from the nursery of Jekka McVicar, Britain’s top herb grower and writer.

Jekka is an expert on the cultivation and use of herbs, based on her family-run farm at Avon, near Bristol, where she has established the UK’s first herbetum containing more than 400 culinary herbs. We have ten prize packages to be won, each containing five packets of Jekka’s herb seeds, one packet each of top-quality seeds of the finest varieties: Sweet basil; Parsley Moss Curled 2; Rocket Salad; Coriander; Dill. The basil, rocket, coriander and dill all germinate readily in pots or borders, from late March under glass or early May. The parsley – the latest moss curled strain – can be encouraged to germinate by pouring very hot water into the seed drills and sowing immediately. Any of the herbs can be grown in large pots on patios. Put them in the sunniest place and don’t overwater. Jekka’s books have sold well over 1m copies. She regularly contributes to the BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine, BBC Good Food and the Guardian. She has also appeared on

sales@alltogethernow.org.uk . . . tel 0151 230 0307

HERB EXPERT: Jekka McVicar

many television programmes, including the Great British Garden Revival and Mary Berry Cooks. To enter the competition, answer this question: How many kinds of herb seed can be won in this competition? n Send your entry with your name and address on a postcard or sealed envelope, stating where you picked up your copy of All Together NOW!, to Jekka’s Herb Competition, All Together NOW!, The Bradbury Centre, Youens Way, Liverpool L14 2EP, to arrive by Friday, March 27, or you can enter online at www.alltogethernow.org.uk. Please insert HERB in the subject line. n For the full range of Jekka’s herbs, go to www.jekkas.com

All Together NOW!

February/March 2020

The Accumulator Quiz

STARSPOT CROSSWORD Can you find the celebrity name hidden in this Starspot Crossword? Complete the crossword in the normal way then make a note of the letters contained in all the squares which are marked with shaded stars. These letters will make an anagram of the name you are looking for. 1

★

★ 17

★

18 19

★

★ 20

★

21 26

★

28 24

★

★ 27

ACROSS

DOWN

1. 5. 7. 9. 10. 11. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 22. 24. 26. 27. 28.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 11. 12. 13. 14. 20. 21. 23. 24. 25.

Unit of weight (8) Strike with foot (4) Edge of pavement (9) Eager (4) Door handle (4) Cutting instrument (5) East African country (5) South African antelope (5) Raising agent (5) River mouth (5) Stiff (5) Pool of money (5) Onion-like vegetable (4) Be aware of (4) Requesting (9) Orient (4) Therapeutic (8)

Each question has four possible answers and is worth from one to 15 points. Circle your chosen answers and keep a record of your points total. Maximum total points 120.

QUESTION 1 – for 1 point: Which of the Wombles of Wimbledon wore a black bowler hat?

★ 7

A B C D

QUESTION 11 – for 11 points: Which Hollywood actor changed his name from Joseph Yule Jnr?

A B C D

Kitchen tool Lettuce Bread loaf Hat style

4 3 5 1 9 8 7 9 2 6 3 7 4 5 8 2 3 6 4 7 2 6 5 3 6 3 4 2 8 1 7 9

Yul Brynner Charles Bronson Mickey Rooney Lee Marvin

QUESTION 3 – for 3 points: Which type of building would have an area called the gods?

QUESTION 12 – for 12 points: Which of the following artists was not born in France?

A B C D

Church Hotel Theatre Courthouse

Tennis player Johanna Konta. See Question 5

A B C D

Crown Prince Emperor Prince Regent Grand Duke

QUESTION 5 – for 5 points: British tennis player Johanna Konta was born in which country? A B C D

New Zealand South Africa Australia Singapore

QUESTION 6 – for 6 points: The Watford Gap service station is on which motorway? A B C D

M1 M4 M11 M40

QUESTION 7 – for 7 points: Which of Elvis Presley’s records was the first to become a UK No 1 hit?

Marc Chagall Henri Matisse Auguste Rodin Georges Braque

QUESTION 13 – for 13 points: Which poet was the first person to use the phrase: “No man is an island.”? A B C D

A B C D

Heartbreak Hotel All Shook Up Hound Dog Blue Suede Shoes

A B C D

Weasel Beaver Bear Dog

A B C D

Queensland Northern Territory Western Australia South Australia

A B C D

John Donne John Milton John Keats John Bunyan

QUESTION 14 – for 14 points: Which religion was based on the ideas of Marcus Garvey?

QUESTION 8 – for 8 points: The wolverine belongs to which family of animals?

Santeria Rastafarianism Black Hebrew Israelites Seventh Day Adventism

QUESTION 15 – for 15 points: The Gordon Bennett Cup is awarded for which activity?

QUESTION 9 – for 9 points: The national landmark of Uluru is in which Australian state?

Walking Rowing Ballooning Curling

KAKURO

There is just one simple rule in Sudoku. Each row and each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9, and so must each 3 x 3 box. This is a logic puzzle, and you should not have to guess.

7 5 8

The Derby The 2,000 Guineas The Oaks The St Leger

QUESTION 2 – for 2 points: Split tin, bloomer and cottage are types of what?

QUESTION 4 – for 4 points: The head of state of Luxembourg has which title?

Scottish church (4) Stove (4) Red-breasted bird (5) Repeated theme (5) Sharp twist (4) Part of a piano (8) Kept in the doghouse (9) Magnifying (9) Eskimo canoe (5) Paint (anag.) (5) Access (5) Delicate, tactful (3-5) Father of Jacob (5) Royal house (5) Garden of England (4) Tangle (4) Spouse (4)

QUESTION 10 – for 10 points: Which is the first classic horse race of the English flat racing season?

Great Uncle Bulgaria Orinoco Tomsk Tobermory

SUDOKU

EASY

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DIFFICULT

9 2 4 7 7 1 8 4 6

5 1 2 3 9

3 8 6 2 9 1 3 8

Fill in the blank squares in the grid with numbers so that each horizontal or vertical line adds up to the total given in the box either to the left or above it. Horizontal totals are given in the top right corners of the shaded boxes; vertical totals in the bottom left corners. You can use the numbers 1 to 9, but may not use the same number more than once in any run. The number may be used again, however, in the same row or column but as part of another run.

MEDIUM 37

7 11

9 6

9 17

22 12

35 7

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MISSING LINK Each pair of words has a missing word between them that acts as a link to both (e.g. FRONT â&#x20AC;&#x201C; DOOR â&#x20AC;&#x201C; MAT). The initial letters of the six answers (reading downwards) will spell out the surname of a rock star.

LOCK

â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;

BONE

RIGHT

â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;

CHAIR

OWN

â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;

POST

LOSE

â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;

RENT

ROMAN

â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;

GOWN

HOME

â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;

DOWN

1 []â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;

2 ABC

3 DEF

4 GHI

5 JKL

6 MNO

7 PQRS

8 TUV

9 WXYZ

Spaces and any punctuation marks are represented by 1.

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ Each number in our Cross Code grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. You have three letters in the control grid to start you off. Enter them in the appropriate squares in the main grid, then use your knowledge of words to work out which letters should go in the missing squares. As you get the letters, fill in other squares with the same number in the main grid and control grid. Check off the alphabetical list of letters as you identify them.

things you might put

Telephone dialling pads combine several letters on one key. Here we have encoded several sets of words or items by using numbers rather than letters. Then we have divided them into groups of three characters and run all the names one after another to make your task a little more difficult. Can you crack the codes?

DIALLING CODES

CROSS CODE

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February/March 2020

2. films starring Tom Hanks 968 183 146 816 245 122 824 163 143 196 812 261 843 147 336 164 531 728 464 167 112 265 712 441 367 737 814 867 175 337 537 714 617 328 853

3. The Simpsons 627 431 466 371 728 891 227 816 331 743 374 691 262 122 763 916 454 687 316 244 431 735 621 244 331 944 486 157 878 915 472 122 751 472 672

4. things seen in the sky 237 675 263 172 462 691 256 831 247 314 681 247 122 556 661 867 623 615 444 864 641 786 166 661 752 638 132 547 731 454 337 178 271 638 367

5. famous perfumes 742 546 271 232 884 385 156 915 123 673 125 436 196 884 133 916 748 612 665 192 837 151 247 138 183 677 125 277 478 312 643 513 569 372 662

6. clouds 646 267 872 887 172 668 712 477 678 728 871 774 772 887 122 783 552 687 125 862 868 587 124 778 716 764 727 442 173 758 243 871 266 437 887

PATHWORDS

SPOT CHECK

Starting from the central shaded letter, move one letter at a time (up, down, right or left, but not diagonally) to find nine TV cooking shows past and present.

Can you place the six dominoes (right) into the grid below in such a way that the number of spots in all four rows across and all four rows down totals 00?

characters from

1. on a wall 647 767 176 783 717 246 846 416 684 232 627 317 746 816 271 743 531 827 378 791 225 363 271 256 251 752 831 845 371 287 262 731 925 572 737

WORD WIZARD Here is an unusual word with three definitions, only one of which is correct. Can you identify the right definition?

O O C

H M E

K W T

O M E

O O N

O C

W O

In which year did all three of these significant historical events take place?

O C

H C N C T L TRANSFORMER

1. The Battle of Britain ends in victory for the RAF, whose total loss of 915 planes compares with 1,733 losses by the Luftwaffe.

W E

words associated with

A C B E D

NUGGAR

1) An Australian term meaning worthless or insignificant;

T MAKE A DATE

2) An Asian sweetmeat whose chief ingredients are honey, nutmeg, cloves and fine oatmeal;

2. Japanese troops enter Indo-China.

3) A large boat used to carry cargo on the Nile.

3. King Carol II of Romania abdicates in favour of his son Michael.

Add the given letter to the first word to make a new word.

Clue: Clue: The way into a European country.

WAS IT? a) 1939; b) 1940; c) 1941; d) 1942; e) 1943.

______ +UG=____UG__

ALL THE ANSWERS Pathwords - MasterChef; The Great British Bake OďŹ&#x20AC;; Ready Steady Cook; Hellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Kitchen; Sunday Brunch; The F Word; Canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Cook, Wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Cook; The Naked Chef; Come Dine With Me.

7 5 8 2 3 4 9 6 1

2 6 1 7 5 9 4 8 3

9 4 3 8 1 6 7 5 2

6 8 5 9 4 1 2 3 7

SUDOKU EASY

4 2 7 3 8 5 6 1 9

3 1 9 6 7 2 8 4 5

1 3 2 4 9 8 5 7 6

8 7 6 5 2 3 1 9 4

5 9 4 1 6 7 3 2 8

3 9 4 2 7 5 8 6 1

5 2 7 6 1 8 3 4 9

1 8 6 9 3 4 5 2 7

4 3 9 5 8 6 7 1 2

2 ;

& * : '

1 + 8

(

% 0 < 4

)

CROSS CODE

8 7 5 1 4 2 6 9 3

2 6 1 7 9 3 4 5 8

SUDOKU DIFFICULT

6 1 8 3 5 9 2 7 4

7 4 2 8 6 1 9 3 5

9 5 3 4 2 7 1 8 6

7 35 17 11 4 11

8 7 3

4 7

KAKURO MEDIUM

6 7

8 5

1 6

3 38

1 4

Accumulator Quiz 1 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; D; 2 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; C; 3 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; C; 4 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; D; 5 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; C; 6 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; A; 7 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; B; 8 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; A; 9 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; B; 10 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; B; 11 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; C; 12 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; A; 13 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; A; 14 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; B; 15 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; C. Starspot Crossword Across â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 1 Kilogram; 5 Kick; 7 Kerbstone; 9 Keen; 10 Knob; 11 Knife; 14 Kenya; 15 Nyala; 16 Yeast; 17 Delta; 18 Rigid; 19 Kitty; 22 Leek; 24 Know; 26 Demanding; 27 East; 28 Curative. Down â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 1 Kirk; 2 Oven; 3 Robin; 4 Motif; 5 Kink; 6 Keyboard; 7 Kennelled; 8 Enlarging; 11 Kayak; 12 Inapt; 13 Entry; 14 Kid-glove; 20 Isaac; 21 Tudor; 23 Kent; 24 Knot; 25 Wife. Star Name: BRUNO TONIOLI

Word Wizard No 3 is correct. A nuggar is a boat. Dialling Codes 1. mirror; poster; painting; noticeboard; print; map; shelf; tapestry; calendar; clock; plate; tiles; cupboard; wallpaper. 2. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve Got Mail; Catch Me If You Can; The Green Mile; Saving Mr. Banks; Big; Forrest Gump; Sleepless In Seattle. 3. Marge; Homer; Patty; Bart; Ned; Sideshow Bob; Barney; Milhouse; Maggie; Selma; Chief Wiggum; Krusty; Lisa; Carl; Grampa. 4. aeroplane; rainbow; cloud; bird; hot air balloon; tornado; lightning; Sun; Moon; planet; eclipse; glider; star; meteor.

5. Shalimar; Beautiful; Joy; Jâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;adore; Alien; Youth Dew; Opium; Cool Water; Lâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Air Du Temps; Classique; Angel; Flowerbomb. 6. nimbostratus; pannus; cirrostratus; spissatus; castellanus; altocumulus; cirrus; orographic; perlucidus; congestus. Spot Check A = 3; B = 6; C = 4; D = 2; E = 5; F = 1. Missing Link jaw; arm; goal; ground; empire; run. Rock star: Jagger. Make a Date The year was 1940. Transformer Portal + UG = Portugal.

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February/March 2020

Snooker champs pocket the glory at Stockport THERE were record-breaking performances at the World Disability Snooker and Billiards’ opening event of the new calendar year at Stockport’s Hazel Grove Snooker Club. In the bumper Group 2+4 competition, which included cueists with ambulant impairments and wheelchair users, William Thomson returned to the winners’ podium to claim his fourth-career WDBS main event title. Nigel Coton made it consecutive Group 3 titles after a flawless performance throughout the tournament. Serial winner Mickey Chambers (Preston) remains undefeated in clubbased WDBS events after racking up a fifth title in the Group 5 category.

Please send this coupon and a cheque payable to All Together NOW! to: Subscriptions Dept., All Together NOW! The Bradbury Centre, Youens Way, Liverpool L14 2EP — THANKS!

Chambers – whose only loss on the circuit was during the Tour Championship at the Crucible Theatre last summer – won all three of his group games to top Group B. He did fall behind to 2019 Humber Classic finalist Ivor Halnosky in the semifinals but turned it around to a emerge 3-1 winner. Gareth Ward put up a good fight in the final but Chambers held firm to get across the line 4-2. Faisal Butt and Leroy Williams maintained their recent dominance of Groups 6A and 6B respectively – with both players ending their round robin phases with 100% match records. Londoner Butt beat Michael Busst 3-0 in the final to record his fifth WDBS title inside

the past 12 months. Meawhile, Williams made it five from five Group 6B victories with his 4-0 victory over Christopher Goldsworthy. David Moore bounced back from his disappointment of not qualifying for the knockout phase by clinching the Challenge Cup. Moore took the gold medal back to the south English coast after victories over Liam Crook, Phil Woodwiss, Nigel Brasier and then last year’s Group 3 winner at this venue, John Teasdale, 2-0 in the final. n The next stop on the WDBS circuit is the Belgian Open from 7-8 March. Enter online now: www.wdbs.info/tournamententry/belgian-open-2020

HEAD TO HEAD Ex-players urged to sign up for new dementia study

ESEARCHERS are to start testing former professional football players for early signs of dementia.

ADDRESS

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

Recent studies from the University of Glasgow have shown that retired male players are around five times more likely to suffer from Alzheimer’s disease compared with the average person. But little is known about exactly when players start to show signs of the disease and even less about the effects in women as the majority of research has focussed on men. Now a team at University of East Anglia will use cutting-edge technology to test for early signs of dementia in men and women, that are identifiable long before any memory problems or other noticeable symptoms become apparent. The university has launched a £1 million fundraising goal for this research, at least 10% of which they hope will be crowdfunded.

news@alltogethernow.org.uk

Lead researcher Dr Michael Grey, from UEA’s School of Health Sciences, said: “We now know that there is much higher risk of dementia in former professional footballers, and we think this is related to repetitive heading of the ball. We do not know if this extends to the amateur level. “So there will be many footballers out there who are understandably very worried about their futures. “We will be working with former professional players to investigate and track their brain health over time. We hope to follow these footballers for the rest of their lives,” he added. Former players in the eastern part of the country will be the first to take part in the SCORES project (Screening Cognitive Outcomes after Repetitive head impact Exposure in Sport) – before the study is rolled out nationally later this year. Former Norwich City Football Club striker Iwan Roberts, who played more than 600 games for club and country,

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said: “I played football for 20 years professionally, and headed many balls over that period. I want to see whether there is anything I should be concerned about in the foreseeable future. “It’s always important to improve and make things better. The game has improved, balls are lighter, but the modern-day player will still be at risk of this type of illness. “The research they are doing here will help everybody,” he added.

Want to take part?

n The research team are looking for former professional football players, both men and women, who are aged over 50 to take part in the study. Active nonfootballers aged over 50 can also take part. n The research will see a small group of participants coming into the lab, but the majority of the testing will be done online at home. n www.scoresproject.org

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February/March 2020

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Parents’ chance to make sport more fun for all PARENTS of disabled children are being asked for their opinions on how to make sport more fun – and more accessible – for young people. National disability charity Sense and the ukactive Research Institute have announced a three-year research project which seeks to better understand the needs of parents and families of disabled children. Parents’ feedback on the challenges they face when it comes to accessing sport and physical activity are being asked for in an online survey. The project looks at the barriers and motivations of the families, and also asks about access to provision, the challenges of families being active together, the impact on

Following the initial research, Sense will establish a national activity programme for disabled children and evaluate the impact of it on the child and the wider family. In 2015, Sense launched a public inquiry into the provision of play opportunities for children with complex disabilities. It found that 92% of parents felt their child did not have the same opportunities to play as their non-disabled peers, while 81% of parents reported difficulties in accessing local play opportunities. A study by ukactive in 2016 found that primary school children lose up to 74% of their fitness over the summer holiday period. The survey closes on Sunday 15 March www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/Sensesurvey

WHAT A TEAM! siblings with no disability, and if there are differences between community and education provision.

On your marks for city’s sport spectaculars

TOP TEAM: Liverpool Mayor Joe Anderson (centre) with Denise Barrett-Baxendale and Brian Barwick

WO of Liverpool’s leading sporting executives are to oversee the city’s major international sports events – next year’s Special Olympics GB 2021 Summer Games and the 2022 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships.

Brian Barwick, the former controller of ITV Sport, chair of the Rugby Football League and chief executive of the Football Association, will chair a new Sports Event Delivery Group. Professor Denise Barrett-Baxendale, director and chief executive of Everton Football Club, will chair the board for the Special Olympics GB National Summer Games 2021. The Special Olympics is the UK’s biggest disability sports event and will be held in Liverpool in August 2021 at venues including ACC Liverpool, Greenbank Sports Academy and Wavertree Athletics Village. A spectacular opening and closing ceremony, a legacy festival and a dedicated volunteer programme will complement the multi-sport event. Up to 3,000 athletes will be involved in a wide range of sports including athletics, boccia, football, gymnastics and swimming. Denise Barrett-Baxendale said: “I am delighted that the Special Olympics will be coming to my home city. I had the pleasure of leading a dedicated and hardworking panel for our successful application. “These Games are a chance to make a huge difference to the lives of many inspiring athletes and their families. “Liverpool 2021 will represent a highlysignificant opportunity to showcase the talents and abilities of children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

Throwing cold water on ice baths . . .

OP athletes like Andy Murray and Jessica Ennis-Hill are known for using ice baths after exercise – but new research has thrown cold water on this strategy.

A study by a team at Maastricht University suggests that ice baths aren’t helpful for repairing and building muscle over time, because they decrease the generation of protein in muscles. Ice baths, also known as coldwater immersion, are still touted as a popular strategy for both acute recovery, on a timescale of hours and days, as well as adaptation to training over weeks and months. But the Dutch research team found that ice baths are particularly ineffective for the latter. The idea behind ice baths is that by reducing body temperature, this in turn reduces blood flow, swelling and inflammation in tissues of the muscles. It’s the same concept as icing a sprained ankle. While research has confirmed that ice baths can be helpful for reducing muscle soreness, its effects on the formation of new proteins in the body, important for repairing and building muscle, are more controversial. Cas Fuchs, one of the authors on the study, said: “Everyone exercising, whether they be weekend warriors or elite athletes, wants to get the most out of their workouts. “Our research doesn’t discount cold-water immersion altogether but does suggest that if the athlete aims to repair and/or build their muscle, perhaps they should reconsider using ice baths.” n The research was published in The Journal of Physiology.

Blind gala

“The Special Olympics are no stranger to Liverpool – the city region successfully hosted the first-ever Games in 1982 and I am determined the athletes, their families, and visitors enjoy a warm scouse welcome as the Games return home in 2021.” The 2022 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships will see an estimated 600 gymnasts from 90 countries taking part in 10 days of competition at ACC Liverpool, generating a local economic impact of £5.1 million and the event will also be a qualifying event for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

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Brian Barwick said: Liverpool is a city that knows how to put on a show, knows its sport and welcomes visitors from across the globe. “I am a son of Liverpool and have a huge respect and regard for it, which is why I was honoured to chair the city’s bid for the 2022 Commonwealth Games. “It brought home to me the tremendous passion and commitment to sport that exists in the city, so I am delighted to be now given the opportunity to use my experience to deliver world-class sporting events and showcase Liverpool to the world.”

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ENTRIES are open for young swimmers aged 8-17 for British Blind Sport’s National Youth Swimming Gala, taking place on Saturday 7 March at Tudor Grange Leisure Centre, Blossomfield Road, Solihull. There will also be beginners swimming lessons for anyone aged 3 – 17 who wants to build their confidence in the water, and instructions to anyone who wants to improve their diving! n Contact Alex Pitts 07929 356428 email Alex@britishblind sport.org.uk.

Tel 0151 230 0307

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February/March 2020

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Here how YOU can play your part – and even make some money for yourself! All Together NOW! has been selected as one of the Co-op’s good causes in its annual Local Community Fund programme. Sign up to be a member of the Co-op, select All Together NOW! (36854) as your cause, and we will get 1% of what you spend on certain products and services from now until October! What’s more, you will get an additional 5% to spend at any Co-op food store, or towards any Co-op legal costs or Co-op Funeralcare bills. It’s a win-win situation, and all it will cost you is the £1 membership fee. Last year, £17m was handed out to over 4,000 local causes across the UK.

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FIRST CLASS: Delivery driver Alan Evans on his travels

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