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PHILANTHROPIST STEVE MORGAN CBE

‘We must do more to help Ukrainians’

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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.

TRANSPORT

APRIL/MAY 2022

Rail staff preparing a warm welcome

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AIL passengers with mobility and sensory needs are in for a warmer welcome at Manchester Piccadilly station.

Network Rail is investing £800,000 to transform a disused room near platform one into an Assisted Travel Lounge, served by a dedicated team of staff.

Work on the new amenity will start in June and is expected to be complete by the autumn. It’s being designed with the guidance of Manchester Piccadilly’s disability n Work to replace a passenger lift at Piccadilly task and finish group, which includes station, which provides step-free access to disabled people, carers and advocates. platforms 13 and 14, should be completed by May Maisie Hogan, Network Rail sponsor for the 16. In the meantime, this fixed platform stairlift is project, said: “Travelling through a busy helping passengers with mobility issues. railway station can be daunting for those with additional needs but the new Assisted Travel Lounge will provide a friendly space for Rail and local train operators for a number of years on people to wait and get the help they need from a various accessibility and inclusivity initiatives and, dedicated team. It will transform the way passengers although we are pleased to see this valuable facility access rail travel at Manchester Piccadilly.” being installed in Manchester Piccadilly, there is still a Stephen Brookes, rail policy adviser at Disability long way to go to ensure that all stations across our Rights UK, said: “The design and location of this city-region are accessible to all.” important facility, which involved the views and Assisted travel is offered to all passengers who requirements of a group of disabled people, is a need help getting between trains and the station significant move towards future cooperation on such concourse. projects across the rail network.”

Last year, nearly 22,300 people used the service at Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said: Manchester Piccadilly station. Before the coronavirus “We have been working in partnership with Network pandemic, the figure was around 44,500.

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‘100 years to make stations fully accessible’

BILLIONS of pounds need spending to remove the “deeply-rooted barriers” disabled people face across the rail system.

The railways remain substantially inaccessible for many disabled people, says the Government’s independent advisors on accessible transport.

A report by the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committeeestimates it would cost around £6bn to upgrade all stations.

At the current rate of investment in the rail network, it would take about 100 years to achieve this.

Their report also found: n Only one in five stations has step-free access between street and platforms. n Less than 2% have level access between train and platform. n Only 35% have accessible toilets, and just 64% have handrails on both sides of all stairs and ramps.

Tony Jennings, co-chair of a rail accessibility panel and member of the Campaign for Level Boarding, said: “We need cross-party agreement and long-term funding to deliver level boarding and accessible stations in a reasonable timescale, else we’ll be having the same conversation in 20 years’ time.”

A DfT spokesperson said: “More than 75% of passenger journeys are now through stations with step free access compared with less than 50% in 2005.

“This is in conjunction with over £400m of investment to the Access for All programme, delivering step free routes at over 100 more stations with tactile platform edges at every station in Great Britain over the next three years.

“We have also started the first comprehensive access audit of every station in the country.”

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

APRIL/MAY 2022

Fears for Ukraine’s 3m disabled people

OUR hearts go out to all Ukrainians who have fled the country, to those who have chosen to stay and fight, and to the country’s three million disabled people, many of whom have no choice other than to stay put and hope for the best.

Even before the Russian invasion, conditions brought on by Covid-19 were far from ideal for the nation’s disabled people, say researchers from Edinburgh Napier University.

Limited access to healthcare, social services and transport increased their isolation and affected their incomes.

Many could not afford to access the internet for information or online learning.

Now, war is presenting new and even more complex challenges.

Reports claim disabled people are struggling to access safe zones, medical services or reliable information on top of the other challenges faced by a population under attack.

Dr Kiril Sharapov, from Edinburgh Napier’s School of Applied Sciences, said: “Organisations of persons with disabilities remain one of the last remaining systems of support.

“They continue where and when they can to provide support to the most vulnerable individuals and their families. Their knowledge and expertise must inform all current and future relief efforts.”

LET THEM IN!

Visa process must be made easier, says philanthropist

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HE visa process to allow Ukrainians into the UK must be streamlined, says philanthropist Steve Morgan.

He made the call during an interview for the BBC’s North West Tonight news programme.

In March, the founder of housebuilder Redrow pledged to meet the cost of bringing 1,000 Ukrainians to the UK and estimates the gesture will cost millions of pounds.

Mr Morgan said: ”We’ve now secured fully-equipped CALL: Steve Morgan accommodation with wrap-around support for up to 1,000 displaced persons. This support will be a minimum of help with opening bank accounts, DWP for benefits, registering with doctors and getting school places.

“The extra specialist support we are putting together will include counselling, specialist disability advice and support, wellbeing activities and whatever else we identify as needed.

“Volunteers have also gone to Poland to scope out how we can make the process work, including help with visa applications.” .

Summer Ball bounces back FRIENDS REUNITED: Partygoers at the last ball before the pandemic

FRIENDSHIP and dating agency Meet ’N’ Match’s Summer Ball is returning.

Samantha Nott, events manager at the charity for people with learning disabilities and/or autism, said: “Covid-19 stopped lots of events, but we are delighted that our Summer Ball is back.”

The event, at Crewe Alexandra Football Club on Friday May 20, is

Council Approved Contractor & Suppliers Covering The Northwest

themed around The Great Gatsby and 1920s era. There will be a two-course buffet meal, live entertainment, lots of dancing and even a Pop Up Speed dating activity! n Samantha Nott: Tel. 07494 690332 or email: samantha@meet-nmatch.co.uk n Tickets: www.meet-nmatch.co.uk/events

Free Home Demonstrations

SALES, REPAIR & SERVICING OF ALL MOBILITY & DISABILITY PRODUCTS

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Hotel chain takes a Positive step forward CHESHIRE-based Disability Positive charity is to advise hotel chain Travelodge on staff training and making venues more accessible.

The organisation will undertake a review of the full Travelodge experience, which includes locating a hotel, booking a room, checking in and out and bathroom and dining areas.

The charity’s chief executive, Lynne Turnbull, pictured, said: “We are delighted to be working with Travelodge as policy consultant, to move us closer to achieving our vision of a world that is Disability Positive.”

Travelodge operates over 590 hotels across the UK, Ireland and Spain. n Disability Positive: Tel. 01606 331853

Sincere thanks . . .

All Together NOW! sends a special thanks to the trustees of the Anne Duchess of Westminster’s Charity for their generous donation of £5,000 towards our ever-increasing running costs.

Editor Tom Dowling said: “We are so grateful for this grant. Without support like this, our free charity newspaper would simply cease to exist.

“We are facing the most challenging time in our 17-year history and need all the help we can get to keep publishing the paper.

“We are doing everything we can to ensure the paper’s survival, but we need much more support.” n Contact details – Page 2

A very special DAD

THIS year’s Disability Awareness Day (DAD) goes ahead on Sunday July17 at Walton Hall Gardens.

Organisers Warrington Disability Partnership are lining up another action-packed event, which will include expert advice on independent living, mobility solutions, equipment, transport, employment, education, training, and leisure activities. n Contact: Tel. 01925 240064

Call Us On:

01744 602602 Also At:

0151 423 3738

Widnes Mobility Supercentre (Largest in Northwest) 62 Victoria Road, Widnes, Cheshire WA8 7RA

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PLUNGED INTO DEBT BY CARE NEWS

Age, poverty, unhealthy lifestyles . . . and Covid

OLDER people in poverty and with unhealthy lifestyles are at most risk of dying from Covid-19, according to a new study.

A study carried out among 340,000 over-60s found a higher proportion of people with the least healthy lifetsyles either died from the virus, or suffered severe symptoms, compared to those leading healthier lives.

The study found a higher proportion of participants with the least healthy lifestyle scores died from Covid-19 and had severe symptoms compared with those with healthier lifestyles.

Professor Kate O’Donnell, from the University of Glasgow, said: “Our research also demonstrates additional Covid-19 risks for those who also report unhealthy lifestyle factors – such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and low physical activity.

“It’s important policies are optimised for those in the most disadvantaged groups.”

Truly brilliant

I like everything about All Together NOW! That’s without a doubt Every page has something of interest for everyone Nobody is left out!

Every article is great and enjoyable to read For a free paper It’s truly brilliant indeed!

Mrs Gillie Bishop, Southport

Falling foul of the lawn

NOW is the time to get into the garden.

But beware – that’s where more than one third of injuries occur.

Ladders, lawnmowers and hedge trimmers are the three things to be most weary of, say The Compensation Experts However, it’s the kitchen where most household accidents happen (46%) with knives, boiling water, and hot ovens the main dangers.

Boccia stories, please

THE sport of boccia is catching on fast.

Now the people at Boccia England are asking players to turn their hands to writing a story that involves the sport – and stand a chance of winning a £50 Amazon gift card.

All stories must feature boccia in some way and be no longer than 2,000 words.

There are separate categories for children/young people and adults.

Entries, online or by post, must include name, address and age.

Deadline: Friday May 6. n Boccia England, FAO: Cally Keetley, Media House, Padge Road, Beeston, Nottingham NG9 2RS n www.bocciaengland.org.uk/story.

APRIL/MAY 2022

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by JOHN PRING

ENS of thousands of disabled people are being driven into debt every year by care charges.

It is thought more than 100,000 people in England have had debt collection action taken against them after their local authority asked them to pay for social care at home.

Cheshire Disabled People Against Cuts (CDPAC) and Inclusion London have been sent figures showing that thousands of individuals had debt management procedures taken against them in 2020-21 for unpaid care charges for non-residential care, across just six local authorities in the North STRUGGLING: Campaigners want end to care charges under the Freedom of Information Act, Labour-run West.

Wigan council said 4,649 service-users had CDPAC said their research had “uncovered been charged for their non-residential care in a disturbing picture of disabled residents 2020-21, while more than 4,633 “clients” had pushed into care charge debt in high received at least a “first and final notice” letter numbers by their local authority”. for non-payment of care charges since April Both CDPAC and Inclusion London are 2018. among disabled people’s organisations Cheshire East Council said it currently had pushing the Government and opposition “1,623 debtors relating to Adult Social Care”, parties to support an end to all care although this includes those in debt for charges. residential care charges.

A spokeswoman for CDPAC called on Halton council sent out letters or emails the councils to “urgently review their debt relating to non-payment of non-residential recovery codes of practice” and clarify how social care charges to 2,175 “clients” in 2020pursuing disabled people with support needs 21, although it stressed that this included “client for care charge arrears upholds the Care Act’s debt accumulated from previous years”. “wellbeing principle”.

St Helens council said it had sent out 2,473 letters She said: “Thousands of disabled residents are about non-payment of non-residential care charges in struggling to pay their council’s home care bills.

2020-21, but stressed this was the total number of “Ultimately, the scandal of social care charging must letters it had sent out, with many of the service-users end, with provision delivered on NHS terms.” affected likely to have received more than one letter.

Among the local authorities that provided figures

Find YOUR local Carers Centre – p19

Your views needed on special schools

PARENTS and teachers are being urged to take part in a consultation about relocating three special schools across Liverpool.

Views are wanted on the potential for Bank View School on Long Lane to relocate 14 miles away to Parklands in Speke.

Princes School on Selborne Street could be moved to Redbridge School on Long Lane, while Redbridge would move into Bank View as they occupy the same site.

The consultation will also seek to assess the viability of New Heights Key Stage 4 site relocating from Parklands to

the vacant school premises on Naylorsfield Drive. The council is also consulting with Hope School, Woolton High School, Clifford Holroyde School and Ernest Cookson School about a reorganisation of the special educational mental health sector.

A report to the council’s cabinet said more than 4,000 children in Liverpool are on an education health and care plan (EHCP) representing an increase of 46% since 2019.

It said: “There are insufficient places to manage the increased demand and the population is growing.”

It is estimated that for 2021-2022

Liverpool will spend more than an estimated £10m on school places for pupils in the independent sector.

Costs can vary from between £25,000 to £100,000 per placement.

n Comments should be made by 11 May at www.liverpool.gov.uk/consultations or by post: SEND Sufficiency Consultation, School Organisation Team, Children and Young People’s Services, Liverpool City Council, 5th Floor, Cunard Building, Water Street, Liverpool, L3 1DS.

. Connecting with 250,000 people across the region . . .

Over-65s facing doctors shortage

A RAPIDLY ageing population together with a lack of NHS planning means we are sleepwalking into an avoidable crisis of care for older people.

And the situation is especially worrying in the North West, where there is just one full- time geriatrician per 7,504 people over the age of 65, says the Royal College of Physicians.

RCP president Andrew Goddard said: “I have dedicated my career to working in the NHS – a service that I am fiercely proud of – and yet it scares me to wonder what might happen should I need care as I get older. There simply aren’t enough doctors to go round, not least within geriatrics.”

It is estimated by 2040 there will be more than 17 million people over 65 in the UK, meaning 24% of the population may potentially require geriatric care. In addition, many of the doctors providing geriatric care now will soon be requiring that care themselves.

‘Astonishing lack of planning’

And 51% of consultant geriatricians in the North West are set to retire within the next 10 years.

Mr Goddard added: “The workforce crisis we’re facing is largely down to an astonishing lack of planning.”

Despite these trends, there is currently no publicly available data on the number of staff the NHS needs to train now to meet future demand for care.

The RCP say it is because of this that it, along with over 100 medical organisations, is supporting an amendment to the Health and Care Bill that would require the Government to publish regular, independent assessments of the numbers of staff the NHS and social care system need now and in future.

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

Films and music to raise the spirits!

NEWS

APRIL/MAY 2022

City launches year of events for those hardest hit by the pandemic

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INEMA, theatre, dance, music and mime are among events aimed at lifting the spirits of people badly affected by Covid-19 in Liverpool.

A year-long programme of events, funded by the city council, aims to reduce social isolation and loneliness, and get people more active.

Those who are clinically extremely vulnerable, people who have been shielding during the pandemic, and those who have experienced mental health challenges, bereavements or even financial hardship will be given the chance to get involved.

Activities range from performances in the grounds of care homes, cinema screenings for those who have been shielding, aerial

POWERFUL: When Another Dragon Roars focuses on young people’s mental health issues

productions that explore mental health, and creative workshops for young cancer patients.

The events will be delivered by arts organisations across the city. Highlights include: Altered Scale Theatre will create a fun, magical show that investigates different ways of expressing and dealing with personal anger and anxiety. The show, entitled When Another Dragon Roars, is aimed at young people shielding in Key Stages 1 and 2.

Cinema Nation CIC will be working with local partners in the County District, North Liverpool, to create a series of community screenings both online and in person for residents who have been in isolation

throughout the pandemic.

Theatre company Nwoko Arts will produce a 30-minute multi-sensory show consisting of dance, music and mime. The show will be aimed at care home residents and will take place inside the home or in its grounds..

Liverpool Philharmonic will give CEV residents free access to concerts, in-person and online. They are also setting up drop-in Music Mondays sessions.

Merseyside Dance Initiative will encourage people with Down’s syndrome to take part in accessible dance classes. n Full details at: www.cultureliverpool.co.uk /communityevents

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‘We are not doing enough to stop child sex abuse’ POLICE forces and local authorities must do more to protect disabled children from the risk of sexual exploitation, a major investigation has found.

Children are being exploited by crime networks in all parts of England and Wales, says the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse.

It says that disability featured prominently in more than one third of the children’s cases they looked at.

Out of 33 cases examined across six areas – St Helens, Durham, Swansea, Warwickshire, Tower Hamlets and Bristol – 12 involved disabled youngsters.

Inquiry char Professor Alexis Jay, said: “This is a crime which involves the sexual abuse of children in the most degrading and destructive ways, by multiple perpetrators.

“We found extensive failures by local authorities and police forces in the ways in which they tackled this sexual abuse.

“There appeared to be a flawed assumption that child sexual exploitation was on the wane.

However it has become even more of a hidden problem and increasingly underestimated when only linked to other forms of criminal behaviour such as county lines.”

SUMMERTIME SPECIAL 17th anniversary issue . . . . don’t miss out on our

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helen@alltogethernow.org.uk

0151 929 3912

Mob 07511 839397

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APRIL/MAY 2022

NEWS

www.alltogethernow.org.uk WORLD FIRST: Leo with Mark Williams, mum Claire, dad Jamie and brother Ashley

DWP face legal action over benefit probes BENEFIT chiefs are facing legal action over the method used to decide who they think may be making fraudulent claims.

Campaigners believe the secret process the Department for Work and Pensions uses could be discriminating against disabled people by “over-picking” them for investigation.

Greater Manchester Coalition of Disabled People (GMCDP), supported by the tech justice campaign group Foxglove, has sent a formal letter before action to the department asking for details of how people are being targeted.

Rick Burgess, from GMCDP said algorithms – the set of instructions allowing a computer to reach its conclusion – “tend to reproduce the biases and discriminations in wider society and culture”.

He said GMCDP and Foxglove suspect that DWP’s algorithm is “over-picking disabled people for investigations of fraud”, resulting in extreme distress, particularly if the claimant already experiences paranoia or anxiety.

This paper is for ANYONE!

THE news, information and adverts in All Together NOW! are highly relevant to my life. I would recommend this newspaper to ANYONE! Christina Graham, Upton Park, Chester

I LOVE All Together NOW! because it gives me news I can’t get anywhere else. Patrick Wilson, Duttonfield Close, Leyland

Motability handouts

AS the cost of living crisis worsens, the Motability Scheme has brought in a New Vehicle Payment to help its customers.

Available to both existing and new customers, the payment will total £250 for a new car or Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV), while customers ordering a scooter or powered wheelchair will receive a £100 New Product Payment.

The Motability Scheme – which provides affordable motoring to disabled people and their families in the UK – will send the one-off payment to all customers who take delivery of a new vehicle or product in 2022.

Existing customers who don’t replace their vehicle this year will still be eligible to receive the payment when they next renew their lease and receive a new vehicle, WAV or scooter, beyond 2022.

One payment will be made per customer, shortly after delivery.

The Pokemon kid

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ITTLE Leo White has achieved a world first and has become a hit in the playground.

The five-year-old is the first child to receive a paediatric leg cover for his prosthetic limb and couldn’t be prouder of it.

Leo was born with a left leg 50% shorter than his right leg due to a congenital condition called Proximal Femoral Focal Deficiency and Fibular Hemimelia, which were picked up at his mum’s 20-week antenatal scan.

His family and doctors decided his best option was to have the left leg amputated, which was done when he was 20 months old.

And although mum Claire always encouraged Leo to be proud of his prosthetic leg, the new cover – with a Pokemon design – had her son literally dancing with joy.

Claire said: “As soon as he was fitted with it, he started dancing in it with his three-yearold brother Ashley.

“The leg cover means that now Leo’s whole prosthetic limb looks incredible. It is a great way to express himself, his individuality, and a big confidence booster as he grows up. He loved showing it off to his friends at school.”

It is all the work of former Paralympic

To advertise, contact . . .

Class act Leo’s stylish new leg is a work of art

swimmer and medallist Mark Williams, founder of award-winning Welsh company Limb-art, whose covers give a perfect leg shape under trousers and leggings as well as offering maximum protection for a child’s prosthetic.

Mark said: “I lost my own leg in a cycling accident when I was 10.

“NHS prosthetic legs are really functional but look terrible. When you put one of our covers on, it just alters it phenomenally.

“We have been designing and making adult leg covers for three years and it has always been an ambition of mine to make a version for children.”

Mark added: “It is incredibly moving to see the response from a child like Leo when they

helen@alltogethernow.org.uk

have been fitted with a bright and colourful LIMB-art leg cover. Instead of being embarrassed by their prosthesis, they are always proud to show it off.”

Leo’s family was offered the opportunity by charity Steps, the Warrington-based charity working for all those whose lives have been affected by childhood lower limb conditions.

Claire added: “We feel very honoured as a family that Leo is the first to receive a paediatric limb cover – Steps and Limb-Art have done an amazing job.”

Loredana Guetg-Wyatt, CEO of Steps, said: “The vibrant new Limb-art covers for children are great fun.

“At a time where health professionals are battling with resources, we welcome a product that a family can order online and receive directly at home.

“We are confident that the new covers will boost children’s self-esteem and confidence and allow them to wear their legs with pride in front of their family and friends.”

n LIMB-art, Conwy. Tel. 07771 973982 www.limb-art.com n Steps. Tel. 01925 750271 www.stepsworldwide.org

Tel. 07511 839397

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All Together NOW!

APRIL/MAY 2022

We are changing lives

www.stevemorganfoundation.org.uk Tel 01928 706555

HE Steve Morgan Foundation has been changing people’s lives for more than 20 years, ever since it was founded by entrepreneur Steve Morgan CBE in 2001.

The philanthropist has committed assets of £300m and the Foundation has funded everything from the brand-new purpose-built Maggie’s Wirral, cutting-

stevemorganfoundation

edge research into type 1 diabetes as well as helping charities struggling with the impact of Covid-19.

However, one of the biggest changes the Foundation has consistently made to the lives of individuals and their families

Foundation’s 20th anniversary event a great success, but ...

Steve Morgan Foundation

has been through the Enable Fund.

The Enable Fund supports people of all ages in financial hardship, who are in need of specialised equipment, including mobility aids, wheelchairs, buggies, wheelchairs and trikes.

@stevemorganfdn

It also includes sleep systems, car seats, sensory equipment and communication aids.

Mr Morgan explained: “The Enable Fund was set up to support people to do the things most of us take for granted.

“It helps them to lead more fulfilling lives.”

The best is yet to come!

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HE Steve Morgan Foundation will do even ‘bigger and better’ things in the future.

That was the pledge of philanthropist Steve Morgan CBE at the Steve Morgan Foundation 20th Anniversary Conference and Awards at Carden Park Hotel.

Representatives from charities across Merseyside, North Wales and Cheshire attended the all-day event which looked at some of the challenges facing the charity sector.

The awards saw nearly £200,000 handed out to charities in prize money across 11 categories.

Sandwiched between the conference and the awards was a 30minute interview with the Redrow founder, in which he reflected on the last two decades of the Foundation.

“I never once thought we’d have a conference like this and the Foundation would be anything like the size it is,” he said.

“It’s really exciting to think of some of the things we’re getting INSPIRATIONAL: into and the scale of Georgie and Steve the projects.”

Mr Morgan recalled how one of the inspirations for the Foundation

CELEBRATION TIME: All the award winners at the Steve Morgan Foundation’s 20th anniversary conference

Best Entrepreneurial Charity with turnover below £250k Winner: Brighter Futures (£12,000) Runner-up: Kirkby Amateur Boxing Club Ltd (£4,000) Runner-up: Mersey Youth Support Trust (£4,000) Finalist: Bee Wirral CIC (£1,000) Finalist: Pennysmart CIC Ltd (£1,000) Best Entrepreneurial Charity with turnover above £250k Winner: SAFE Regeneration Ltd (£12,000) Runner-up: The Open Door Centre (£4,000) Runner-up: Positive Futures, North Liverpool (£4,000) Finalist: Crest Co-operative Liverpool (£1,000) Finalist: The Wishing Well Project (£1,000) Greatest Local Impact

20th ANNIVERSARY AWARDS: ROLL OF HONOUR

with turnover below £250k Winner: The Martin Gallier Project (£12,000) Runner-up: Teardrops Supporting Your Community (£4,000) Runner-up: CELLS Project CIO (£4,000) Finalist: Rotunda Inclusive Hub CIC (£1,000) Finalist: Torrington Drive Community Association (£1,000) Greatest Local Impact with turnover above £250k Winner: The Big Help Project Ltd (£12,000) Runner-up: Fun 4 Kidz & L30 Community Centre (£4,000) Runner-up: NEO Community (£4,000) Finalist: Netherley Youth and Community Initiative Ltd (£1,000) Finalist: Tomorrow’s Women Wirral (£1,000)

was a young lad called George Hulme – known as Georgie – who was only four when he lost his battle with acute myeloid leukemia.

Just before he died the youngster had his photo taken with the Redrow founder ahead of the entrepreneur’s trek across the Pyrenees in aid of a new oncology unit at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital.

A photo of a smiling George wearing the

Changing Young Lives with turnover below £250k Winner: Thriving Spaces CIC (£12,000) Runner-up: Active Hope Ltd (£4,000) Runner-up: Cerebral Palsy United FC (£4,000) Finalist: The Inclusion Network CIC (£1,000) Finalist: Walton Youth and Community Project (£1,000) Changing Young Lives with turnover above £250k Winner: Passion for Learning CIO (£12,000) Runner-up: Positive Futures, North Liverpool (£4,000) Runner-up: WEB Merseyside (£4,000) Finalist: In Harmony Liverpool, Liverpool Philharmonic (£1,000) Finalist: Venus Working Together with Young Women (£1,000)

Best Volunteer Team with turnover below £250k Winner: North East Wales Search and Rescue Team (£12,000) Runner-up: Chester Pride (£4,000) Runner-up: Motherwell Cheshire CIO (£4,000) Finalist: Incredible Edible Knowsley CIC (£1,000) Finalist: Paper Cup Project (£1,000) Best Volunteer Team with turnover above £250k Winner: Koala North West (£12,000) Runner-up: Emmaus Merseyside (£4,000) Runner-up: NEO Community (£4,000) Finalist: Passion For Learning CIO (£1,000) Finalist: Tom Harrison House (£1,000) Disability Champion Winner: The Brain Charity

businessman’s builders boots has pride of place in the offices of the Steve Morgan Foundation.

At the end of the interview, George’s mum Jan Hulme made a surprise appearance on stage to thank Mr Morgan for helping keep her son’s memory alive.

She said: “We knew the outcome was not very good for Georgie but that photo has

Enable grants info .... Contact: enable@stevemorganfoundation.org.uk

or

(£5,000) Finalist: Creating Adventures (£1,000) Finalist: Down Syndrome Cheshire (£1,000) Finalist: Happy Times Activities Ltd (£1,000) Finalist: Neuro Therapy Centre Ltd (£1,000) Volunteer of the Year Winner: Andrew Johnston – SAFE Regeneration Ltd (£5,000) Finalist: Carol Haggart – The Port Grocery CIC (£1,000) Finalist: Margaret Guppy – CBI / Bradbury Fields Services (£1,000) Finalist: Ray Evans – Erlas Victorian Walled Garden (£1,000) Outstanding Individual Contribution Winner: Denise Kelly, Supporting Your Community (£5,000)

always had a place in my home.

“My daughters, who didn’t know Georgie, and I laugh every time we see that picture and say ‘look at the boots’.

“When I read about the effect he has had on the Steve Morgan Foundation, your kindness, your generosity, the gratitude will be in my heart forever.”

hello@stevemorganfoundation.org.uk

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APRIL/MAY 2022

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

Cancer patients face new challenges at work

Minister ignores MP call for benefit deaths probe

MINISTER for Disabled People Chloe Smith has ignored calls for an inquiry into deaths linked to failings in the benefit system.

The Government was urged to investigate as MPs were told that flaws in the assessment system for personal independence payment and employment and support allowance had resulted in “devastating” consequences.

Labour MP Marsha de Cordova said Government figures revealed in 2019 that 5,690 people had died within six months of being found fit for work in the previous decade.

Her call for an inquiry came in a debate she secured on the assessment system and the Government’s green paper on disability benefits.

She told fellow MPs that the “overwhelming body of evidence shows that the assessment frameworks for both ESA and PIP are not fit for purpose”.

In her response, Ms Smith made no mention of Ms De Cordova’s call for an inquiry, but she said: “We think our health assessments are a fair and robust approach to managing the gateway to benefits.”

It makes me feel included!

All Together NOW! really makes an older person feel included. There are so many things to read and see that don’t cost the earth.

Alison Short, Deerbourne Close, Liverpool

All Together NOW! gives us all the vital news that you don’t get anywhere else.

June Fearon, Hallwood Road, Runcorn

Watchdog ‘failing to bite’

ACTIVISTS are demanding to know why the equality watchdog is still failing to act over links between the Department for Work and Pensions and the deaths of disabled benefit claimants.

Reclaiming Our Futures Alliance and Disabled People Against Cuts wrote to the Equality and Human Rights Commission two years ago.

Their letter followed the death of Errol Graham, who starved to death after his employment and support allowance was wrongly stopped.

The watchdog promised to investigate, but senior commission executives “deprioritised” the inquiry in June 2020 due to the pandemic.

The EHRC’s disability advisory committee later said it had secured a promise from the Commission that the inquiry was still a priority.

But last year the EHRC announced plans to address “systemic barriers” facing disabled claimants.

A song of hope and inspiration UPLIFTING: Paul Hitchmough, left, and Tommy Dunne in the recording studio

L

ONG-TIME friends Paul Hitchmough and Tommy Dunne – who both live with dementia – have written an uplifting song to help support others.

‘Dementia is NOT the end of the world’

The song, Brave New World, encourages those diagnosed with the condition to “keep on doing all the things you do”.

Self-taught seasoned songwriter and recording artist Paul, from Liverpool, came to the attention of IDEAL, a pioneering dementia research programme based at the University of Exeter.

They commissioned him to compose a song with a message that reflected the aims of IDEAL – which stands for Improving the experience of Dementia and Enhancing Active Life.

And IDEAL’s Dr Catherine Charlwood was delighted with the result. She said: “Paul and Tommy are great ambassadors for living with dementia, for embracing life.

“We want to change the narrative around dementia to one of hope. Listening to their music you cannot ignore their creativity and talent, and the lyrics of Brave New World carry the message we’d like society to hear.”

Paul, who worked with his long-time collaborator and friend Tommy to create the music and lyrics, said: “I want to give people living with dementia hope, a hope that was not present at the point of diagnosis, but still lurks within a person underneath the surface.

To advertise, contact . . .

“That is why the melody needed a strong lyrical content to get that message across. We do metaphorically leave our old world behind, and enter a new one in which we must adapt to survive.

“That was when we came together to write the song, to show our peers and anyone who has a diagnosis of dementia to get out into this brave new world of hope.”

Brave New World will be hosted on the Living with Dementia Toolkit IDEAL created, a free resource for people with dementia and carers.

This takes the research findings from the project and turns them into practical resources for people affected by dementia to use.

Tommy added: “Our song is about facing life following a diagnosis of dementia. It’s about realising that you can live a full, different life, in a world that has hope rather than despair.

“It’s about us standing beside you no matter what, so that you can live life to the full. Your life may be different, but it should not be less full.”

To hear Brave New World, to go www.youtu.be/vH9dKe4-_J0

n Paul and Tommy are two of the Co-Directors of Thred CIC, an organisation which aims to be the agents of change with and for people living with dementia to reduce social isolation.

To hear more of their music, visit: www.thred.org.uk; www.gotohitchmough.com

helen@alltogethernow.org.uk

A SHOCK survey shows rather than sympathy and support, too many cancer patients returning to work face a lack of support and even bullying.

The research reveals most working age cancer patients feel the mental health consequences of their treatment is greater than the physical impact.

Most feel guilty about taking time off for vital treatment and worry that they are a burden to their colleagues.

And while most had received positive support from their colleagues and line managers, a significant minority said they experienced bullying.

Over half said their medical teams or occupational health professionals did not discuss their return to work, and only 22% of HR departments told patients about their right to ask for reasonable adjustments and a phased return to work.

Equality Act

The survey of more than 1,200 working age people living with cancer was carried out by Stephen Bevan of the Institute for Employment Studies and Barbara Wilson of Working With Cancer, who both live with the disease..

Mr Bevan said: “It is especially concerning that so few GPs and specialist cancer nurses are having conversations with patients about work.”

Only 57% of cancer patients returning to work said they knew they were legally disabled under the 2010 Equality Act. Dr Liz O’Riordan, consultant breast surgeon and breast cancer patient, said: “Sadly, I am not surprised by the results of this survey. I had no idea the Equality Act applied to every patient I operated on.

“It was only when a desperate internet search led me to Working with Cancer that I realised I had rights.”

n Working with Cancer: Tel.07919 147784

Tel. 07511 839397

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

APRIL/MAY 2022

All Together NOW!

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BLIND car racer Mike Newman is allowing disabled people to prove the doubters wrong and enjoy the thrill of driving.

With co-founder John Galloway, Mike runs the Speed of Sight charity, which for 10 years has been enabling disabled people of all ages to get behind the wheel at venues nationwide.

Mike, the fastest blind person on the planet, said: “It really is such a fun thing to do, especially when you’re told you can’t do something as ordinary as driving!”

Now the theory test revision materials provider, Driving Test Success, has nominated Speed of Sight as its new charity partner.

Mia Branston, from Driving Test Success, said: “We’ve known of the Speed Of Sight charity for a few years and are thrilled we are able to assist with the incredible work they do.” n Tel. 0161 714 4567 Find out about our safety-first home demos alliedmobility.com/safetyfirst

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This vintage trike’s truly a pioneer

MY LECCY DAY: The 1951 Argson Electric power trike with Derek Mathewsons, auctioneer of TV’s Bangers & Cash, and Andrew Oakes, right, co-ower of Recare

T

HERE’S nothing Richard Holland-Oakes loves better than seeing and restoring old vehicles.

So when he saw a 70-year-old Argson Electric power trike featured on TV’s Bangers & Cash series, he just knew he had to have it.

“When you have a combined passion for engineering and mobility, the opportunity to acquire a historic disability vehicle cannot be missed,” said Richard, who runs this family healthcare business, Recare.

Richard’s brother, Andrew, added: “It was truly a memorable day for Richard and I when we travelled to Pickering to meet Derek Mathewsons, auctioneer owner and star of Bangers & Cash.

“Our new pride and joy will be appearing very soon – it will definitely be a head turner.”

The Argson Electric was produced by the Stanley Engineering Company – a market-leading maker of hand, motor and electric transport for users with disabilities.

Between 1924 and 1954 the Argson Electric was a pioneering vehicle with around 1,500-2,000 manufactured on a specialist production line in Surrey.

The model now owned by the Recare family was the 799th produced and is one of only around 30 remaining worldwide.

Green light for Motability’s motor shows

MOTABILITY’s One Big Day events are back after an enforced two-year break due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

And if you can’t get to the first show at the NEC, Birmingham, in May, you can view it online.

The events are a great way for

Manual & Powered Wheelchairs Power Trikes & Hand Bikes Spare and replacement parts

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disabled motorists and their families to see the latest range of vehicles and products available.

There will also be an Electric Vehicle Hub with expert guidance on the pros and cons of “going electric”. n Fri-Sat 21 May: The Big Event, NEC,

Birmingham n Sat 23 July: One Big Day, Westpoint, Exeter n Sat 13 Aug: One Big Day, Yorkshire Event Centre, Harrogate n Sat 17 Sep: One Big Day, Royal Highland Centre, Edinburgh

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DaVinci Mobility Ltd. 6 Carraway Road, Liverpool L11 0EE. Tel: 0151 548 1999 Email: sales@davincimobility.co.uk

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All Together NOW!

APRIL/MAY 2022

These ‘disabled’ loos are useless for many

YOU would think that ‘disabled toilets” would be accessible to disabled people, wouldn’t you? But, as reported by online magazine Independent Living, the reality is even when builders follow the Building Regulations, significant numbers of disabled people cannot actually use them . . .

I

HAVE been confined to a power wheelchair for just over two years.

Multiple sclerosis affects people in different ways. In my case it has gone to my legs and I cannot walk or lift my feet.

I can stand if I am able to pull myself upright out of my chair and hang onto something. While I cannot lift my feet, I can drag them into position.

By AMY SILVERSTON

Public disabled toilets conform to the design specified in Document M of the Building Regulations. The British Standards Institute is custodian of this design, supplying it to architects etc. If a building includes a disabled toilet to this design the vital boxes are ticked.

However, the BSI did not come up with this design and no one wants to claim responsibility for it

Lifehouse Liverpool, 0151 709 0121

or alter it. Many people find it impossible to use.

Some months ago, I made my first excursion away from home to the Design Museum, assuming that they would have a disabled toilet par excellence.

I was very wrong. My friend, who was helping me, and I found it impossible.

We pulled the red cord, summoning a member of staff who was also unable to help. Nor did the next person she called for assistance. In the end there were six people and me in the disabled toilet trying to help me. They all gave up in the end and called a

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

security guard who lifted plonked me back in my chair.

We had to go to the nearest hospital where at least they did have a disabled toilet, though it was very, very difficult to use – I never could have managed it on my own.

Since then I have not dared leave the house for more than three hours.

All I want is a toilet I can use on my own, just like everyone else.

Much ringing around and emails led me to Michael Gove’s levelling up ministry as being responsible for building regulations.

By the time I reached them they

Access just gets worse

ALMOST 60% of disabled people believe the Covid-19 pandemic has made disabled access worse, says a new survey.

Disabled people’s biggest concerns when visiting venues are: n People not respecting social distancing (75%). n People not wearing masks (68%). n Toilets being closed (68%).

Information also remains key with nine out of 10 respondents saying they try to find access details before visiting somewhere new.

More than half avoided visiting a venue if no access information is shared.

Over 2,400 disabled people and their friends, families and carers took part in the survey carried out by the disabled access charity, Euan’s Guide. nwww.euansguide.com /AccessSurvey

had begun the process of looking into how Document M could or should be changed.

The revised building regulations are due to be finalised this year and will come into use in 2023.

Had a similarly frustrating time using supposedly accessible loos?

n Does a lack of adequate facilities make you afraid to go out? Tell us about your experiences. E-mail us at news@alltogethernow.org.uk or write to: All Together NOW! The Bradbury Centre, Youens Way, Liverpool L14 2EP

Family adventure online

CHILDREN of all abilities – and their families – can now sail across the world without stepping outside their homes, thanks to a new and exciting online project.

Sea Girl is an interactive, choose-your-own-adventure experience that takes the whole family across the high seas.

Children are encouraged to help Ellen, Naomi and Tarzoon the cat, decide whether to meet turtles, explore the Caribbean or follow dolphins. The show is fully captioned.

The project was inspired by the extraordinary achievements of Laura Dekker, the youngest person to have solo travelled across the world in a sailing boat.

New Zealand-born Laura was just 14 when she set off and 16 when she completed her trip. n Book your free tickets at: /ww.tickettailor.com/events/carbontheatre/669198

2 50, 000

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

READERS . . . BRINGING PEOPLE TOGETHER APRIL/MAY 2022

All Together NOW!

“WE’VE advertised in All Together NOW! for the past 14 years – and haven't missed a single issue. It's a fantastic publication that does a brilliant job of presenting disability interests and issues in a positive and inclusive manner. We get a great respons to our advertising – and the team is always great to deal with.”

– Donald Pow, MD, Allied Mobility

“WE HAD a brilliant response to your article about our Atrial Fibrillation Ambassador programme – and lots of people phoned us to find out how they could become an AF Ambassador. Thanks to All Together NOW! many more people with an irregular heart rhythm will now be detected, get the right medication and this will prevent them from having strokes.”

— NHS Innovation Agency

“WE HAVE proudly advertised in All Together NOW! for over 12 years. It is an excellent newspaper, with endless, interesting and helpful facts for all readers.

We have always received great responses to our advertisements.

The newspaper is freely available to so many people throughout the North West and is appreciated by so many.

Heather Maddox, A-Line Mobility

“All Together NOW! is a valuable link to hundreds of thousands of disabled people. We have used this free charity newspaper to promote the services of our mobility shops and the annual Disability Awareness Day and know that it is reaching huge numbers of people who otherwise would go uniformed.”

— Dave Thompson Warrington Disability Partnership

COST-EFFECTIVE ADVERTISING More than a newspaper – the key to independence

All Together NOW! has been a real help to us. We’ve been involved with the paper since its launch in 2004 and always get a great response to our adverts. Here’s wishing the paper every success — Steve Curran, co-director, DaVinci Mobility “OF ALL the marketing that United Utilities puts into the community, nothing generates as much feedback and response as All Together NOW! It is a great platform that’s helping us to get our messages to our vulnerable customers.”

— Louise Beardmore, Customer Services Director United Utilities

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“WE HAVE supported All Together NOW! for the past 14 years and are proud to be one of the charity’s main sponsors – recognition for the way in which the newspaper helps bring together so many people and organisations. There is no doubting the importance of this excellent publication. All Together NOW! makes a unique contribution to improving the quality of life of disabled people and their families. We are delighted with the huge progress the paper has made, and we know from the number of telephone calls we receive from people who have read the paper that distribution is on the increase and is reaching the right audience.”

— Steve Morgan CBE, chairman Steve Morgan

www.alltogethernow.org.uk Registered Charity: 1106387

All Together NOW!

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APRIL/MAY 2022

The world’s most accessible cities

D

UBLIN has been named as the world’s most accessible city.

second, scoring highly across the board for accessibility. Many of the city’s attractions, including boat tours of the canals, can be accessed by wheelchair users, with Amsterdam Schiphol also being one of the most accessible airports in the world.

New York joined the Dutch capital in second place. As well as JFK being a very disabled-friendly airport, New York also has the highest percentage of hotels that are wheelchair accessible, with 36%.

The study also found:

n All three of the cities with the highest percentage of wheelchairfriendly restaurants are located in Italy (Florence, Rome and Milan). n Berlin has the greatest number of wheelchair friendly attractions (43% of the city’s attractions). n The city centre with by far the highest percentage of car parks with accessible spaces is Los Angeles, where 96% of parking lots in the city centre have reserved spaces. n You can view the full research at: www.money.co.uk/mortgages/ accessible-cities

www.alltogether

Top twenty

1. Dublin 2. Amsterdam /New York 4. Los Angeles 5. Frankfurt/Milan 7. Paris/London 9. Rom e 10. Madrid 11. Dubai 12. Berlin 13. Vienna/Bar celona/Munich 16. Zurich 17. Florence 18. Istanbul 19. Lisbon 20. Prague

Peace of mind fo

Twenty of the world’s most visited cities were ranked on factors such as wheelchair accessibility, disabled parking spaces, and airport accessibility facilities.

A new study found Dublin has one of the most accessible airports and has a very high number of disabled parking spaces, with 74% of city centre car parks having reserved spaces.

Amsterdam was ranked joint

ACCESS ALL AREAS: Dublin leads the wa

HAPPY HOLS: Proposed regulations could take some of the stress out of taking trips abroad, giving stronger rights to passengers whose wheelchairs or other mobility equipment is lossed or damaged when using airlines

New rights on the way at airports

N

EW Government proposals could finally make it easier for disabled air passengers to secure compensation for lost and damaged wheelchairs.

Several measures to improve the accessibility of air travel are included in the plans, which are presently out for consultation.

Surveys show that three out of five disabled passengers find it difficult to access and use airports and air travel.

Disabled groups have been campaigning for at least 20 years for stronger rights for passengers whose wheelchairs and other mobility equipment is lost or damaged when carried by airlines.

But they have also highlighted other failures by airports and airlines in the provision of assistance to disabled passengers.

Wheelchairs and scooters are usually carried in the hold, but the compensation for damage is limited by the 1999 Montreal Convention because they are treated as “baggage”.

These limits do not apply if the passenger has made a “special declaration of interest” as to the value of the baggage, but this often requires payment of a fee, while airlines may still set their own limits on compensation.

The consultation also highlights concerns that not all airlines and UK airports have joined an

alternative dispute resolution (ADR) scheme, which provides a way to escalate complaints – including those from disabled passengers – and avoid costly and time-consuming court action.

One of the Government’s new proposals is that airlines would have to provide passengers with the full amount of compensation for any damage caused to their wheelchair or other mobility aid during a domestic UK flight.

Another is to scrap the need for disabled passengers with mobility equipment to make payments for special declarations of interest on domestic UK flights.

The consultation also asks whether all airlines

flying forced And air tra Car Trans acces Gove She lost o damp indep “Mu again

opening doors . . . broade

APRIL/MAY 2022

rnow.org.uk

or travellers

ay and has a very high number of disabled parking

to and from the UK, and airports, should be d to sign up to an approved ADR scheme. d it suggests strengthening the powers of the avel regulator, the Civil Aviation Authority. oline Stickland, chief operating officer at sport for All – which campaigns for an ssible transport system – welcomed the rnment’s proposals. e said: “Having your wheelchair or mobility aid r damaged by an airline doesn’t just put a per on a holiday. It can mean a total loss of pendence and mobility. ch more needs to be done to safeguard nst this, including fair recourse to

ening minds

compensation for disabled passengers.

“We welcome these proposals and hope they mark the start of further positive changes in this area so that disabled people, whatever their access requirements, can travel with security and confidence when using airlines.”

The consumer rights charity Which? described the consultation, in the Government press release, as “a welcome first step that must improve and strengthen consumer rights and protections so that complaints are dealt with fairly and promptly, and that passengers receive the money they are due quickly and without unnecessary hassle”.

A spokesperson for the Equality and Human

Rights Commission, which has previously spoken out on disabled people’s access to air travel, said: “Disabled people often feel daunted about flying due to a fear of loss, damage or destruction of their mobility equipment.

“We have previously called for British air carriers to cover the full cost of damage caused to wheelchairs and other mobility devices and welcome the Government’s move to make air travel more accessible. We look forward to hearing more about the consultation.” n EHRC’s website includes advice on disabled people’s rights when travelling by air. www.equalityhumanrights.com

All Together NOW!

We reach people who are DIGITALLY EXCLUDED

For details of cost-effective advertising and sponsorship opportunities, call Helen McLoughlin 0151 929 3912 or 07511 839397

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APRIL/MAY 2022

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Blue badge prosecutions halved during pandemic

THE numbers of badge parking prosecutions have been halved.

Department for Transport figures show prosecutions for fraud and misuse of the permits has fallen by 49%.

Only 698 prosecutions took place between April 1, 2020 and March 31, 2021, compared with 1,429 in 20019-20.

The number of Blue Badge holders has also decreased by 92,000, with a total of 2.35m badge holders in England on March 31, 2021.

Between 1 April 2020 and March 31, 2021, 824,000 Blue Badges were issued

by local authorities – 142,000 fewer than the previous year and a fall of 14.7%.

A DfT spokesperson said: “The drop in

prosecuted badges may relate to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic on citizen behaviour, local authority enforcement practices, and availability of resources.”

Heidi Turner, at the Disabled Motoring UK charity, said: “We appreciate the pandemic caused problems with prosecutions.

“However, we hope the numbers will rise again and that local authorities will make a renewed commitment to policing the scheme so it remains fit for purpose.”

HELPLINES

n Personal Budgets Helpline Tel. 0330 995 0404 Opening hours: 9.30am-1.30pm, Tues and Thurs personalbudgets@disabilityright suk.org n Disabled Students Helpline Tel. 0330 995 0414 Opening hours: 11am-1pm on Tues and Thurs students@disabilityrightsuk.org n Scope’s Disabilty Information and Advice Line (DIAL) Freephone 0808 800 3333

Karen’s floating – on air

IN CONTROL: Karen Bucknall preparing for the 2022 Commonwealth Games

I

T’S AMAZING how dealing with some of life’s toughest challenges can suddenly lead to new opportunities.

Last year, sociology student Karen Bucknall was battling bowel cancer – even completing her studies while having chemotherapy.

Now, she is preparing to report on the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham as she trains to become a sports journalist.

Karen said: “The support I had at

Coventry University was absolutely brilliant. “ I was determined to complete my degree in memory of the friends and family who I’ve sadly lost to cancer, and to make my university and lecturers proud.”

However, despite enjoying her sociology course, Karen’s career path and professional passion turned towards media after she joined her university’s radio station – Phoenix Radio.

She had her own show and won a top newcomers award with ITV Central.

“Student radio was absolutely amazing. I loved every minute and it actually helped take my mind off the cancer and the treatment I was undergoing.

“It helped to shape who I am today and it kickstarted what is now a passion and a really exciting career for me.”

Alongside her passion for media and journalism, Karen is also determined to help others who are battling with cancer.

“I want to use my experiences to help others,” she said.

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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www.alltogethernow.org.uk

Rave reviews for TV drama

CARERS’ CENTRES

THE BBC’s ground-breaking drama on the disability campaigning and love story between Barbara Lisicki and Alan Holdsworth received almost universal praise.

The Telegraph, The Times, The Independent, and The Guardian all published glowing reviews of When Barbara Met Alan.

The hour-long drama tells the story through the eyes of Barbara Lisicki (Ruth Madeley) and Alan Holdsworth (Arthur Hughes), two disabled cabaret performers who met at a gig in 1989 and would go on to become the driving force behind DAN - the Direct Action Network.

The drama is one of a series of powerful BBC programmes featuring inspirational disabled people, which included Mat Fraser’s Crip Tales, Being Frank – The Frank Gardner Story, Katie Price’s Harvey and Me, Cerrie Burnell’s Silenced: The Hidden Story of Disabled Britain and Paddy and Christine McGuinness: Our Family and Autism n You can watch the film on BBC iPlayer.

Sarah’s star role

A

CTOR and campaigner Sarah Gordy – star of BBC TV’s The A Word – has landed another major role.

The 45-year-old has appeared in everything from Upstairs Downstairs to Call the Midwife, and has now become the latest patron of the Down’s Syndrome Association.

A fierce campaigner, she has been hailed as a role model for challenging attitudes towards people with learning disabilities in her performances – something she hopes to bring to her role as patron.

Sarah, who is also a model and dancer, said of her appointment: “I like to think I make parents more optimistic about the future of their children and we know that the Down’s Syndrome Association is always there for them.

“I love my ‘mini me’s’ and want my darling little ones to be all they can be.”

Sarah’s role as Sally Harper in the BBC’s Call the Midwife sparked controversy, as

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

she played a woman with Down’s syndrome who became pregnant by a man with cerebral palsy while they were kept in an institution.

Her performance at the National Theatre in Jellyfish saw her character Kelly confront dating, sex, marriage and pregnancy – all themes rarely explored by disabled characters in mainstream theatre.

More recently, Sarah has played Katie in hit BBC drama The A-Word. The show’s success has resulted in a spin-off, Ralph and Katie, currently in production and following the two characters who have Down’s syndrome as they navigate married life.

In 2018, the ground-breaking star became the first woman with Down’s syndrome to be

honoured with an MBE, for services to the arts and people with disabilities, and the first to receive an honorary degree from a UK university.

Sarah joins the likes of film star Dame Judi Dench, former motor racing champion Damon Hill, Emma Barton, Peter Davison and fitness guru Derrick Evans as patrons of the charity.

DSA chief executive Carol Boys said: “We are absolutely delighted to have Sarah on board as a patron. What she has done to highlight the abilities of people who have Down’s syndrome in the arts is absolutely amazing!

“Sarah is a strong, independent and passionate woman who is a champion not only for the rights of people who have learning disabilities but also for those of all women.”

The DSA’s aim is to enable people who have Down’s syndrome to live full and rewarding lives.

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

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

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APRIL/MAY 2022

MEDICAL NOTES

Exercising the brain keeps us on our toes BRAIN training exercises could literally be a life-saver.

Research has shown the risk of falling as we get older not only depends on our physical condition – but our mental abilities too.

More than one out of four older adults fall each year, making falls the leading cause of both fatal and non-fatal injuries among people over 65.

But older people taking part in two studies found that using brain exercises significantly improved their balance and manner of walking, irrespective of their ethnicity or economic circumstances.

“Many people are surprised to learn that doing visual training exercises on a computer can improve balance and gait,” said Dr. Henry Mahncke, head of Posit Science, the makers of the BrainHQ brain training app.

“However, it’s not that surprising when you understand falls among the elderly are not generally caused by physical issues, but rather the slowing— with age — of reaction times of the brain’s visual systems.”

Now a new study by Posit Science – paid for by the US’s medical research agency – will look at preventing falls based on the new understanding of our brain’s importance in keeping us on our feet.

... and supplements could help obese

BEING overweight doesn’t just slow your body down – it can have the same effect on your brain.

A link between obesity and a reduced flow of blood to the brain has been found in studies.

Now new research has found that ketone supplements improved blood flow in adults with obesity.

Ketones are a type of chemical produced by the liver. It has previously been shown that ketone supplements are beneficial for older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia.

This new study shows ketone supplements may help to protect and improve brain health in people with obesity.

Dr Jeremy Walsh, who is heading the study at the University of British Columbia in Canada, said once they had been tried on a larger number of people “we expect that these supplements can be used to protect and improve brain health in people with obesity.”

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

Blood test to save lives A

NEW cancer test with the potential to save hundreds of lives is to be rolled out across Cheshire and Merseyside.

Using artificial intelligence to analyse a blood sample, the PinPoint test will allow medics to identify patients both at high risk and at very low risk of developing cancer.

It uses a type of AI, known as machine learning, to measure 33 biomarkers in the blood sample.

Using the PinPoint Test in the earliest stages of investigations means doctors will be able to determine within 72 hours how likely it is a patient has cancer and either prioritise them for hospital testing or rule them out of the cancer pathway entirely.

Mike Kenny, at the Innovation Agency, said: “The test promises to have a significant impact on cancer care in our area: it takes the pressure off health services at a time when the pandemic is causing backlogs, and it helps reduce anxiety among patients by shortening the wait to a diagnosis.

“Our role at the Innovation Agency is to make sure healthcare innovations have a tangible impact on patient care so we’re delighted the funding was made available.”

The diagnostic test was developed using data taken from hundreds of thousands of patients investigated for cancer between 2011 and 2019.

The Innovation Agency will work with the Lancashire and South Cumbria Cancer Alliance and the Cheshire and Merseyside Cancer Alliance to spread the test in the region.

Jon Hayes, Managing Director of Cheshire and Merseyside Cancer Alliance, said that while GPs around the country refer thousands of patients for urgent cancer tests every day, only around 7% turn out to have cancer.

“This new tool for intelligent triage will allow us to safely remove patients from those urgent referral pathways, reducing backlogs and allowing high-risk patients to access the specialists and facilities they need sooner,” he said.

TOO BIG A SNOOZE

SLEEPING longer than 6.5 hours a night is associated with a decline in such things as memory and thinking skills, a new study claims.

Sleep expert Dr GREG ELDER looks at why this might be and how the way we sleep can be linked to conditions like dementia.

A

GOOD night’s sleep is vital for many reasons. It helps our body repair itself and function as it should, and is linked to better mental health and lower risk of conditions like heart disease and diabetes.

It’s also been shown that not getting enough sleep is linked to cognitive decline and conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease.

But more isn’t always better, according to a recent study. Researchers say just like getting too little sleep, sleeping too much may also be linked with cognitive decline.

They looked at 100 adults in their mid-to-late-70s and tracked them for up to five years. Each was asked to complete cognitive and neuropsychological tests and their sleep was measured using an EEG device.

The researchers from the Washington University School of Medicine in the US

n DATA specialists PinPoint Data Science developed the test and the Innovation Agency, the NHS organisation that supports the spread of health and care innovations, will oversee its rollout in Lancashire and south Cumbria, as well as Cheshire and Merseyside.

But the occasional weekend lie-in won’t do any harm

also considered other factors that can affect cognitive decline – including age, genetics and whether a person had signs of the proteins beta-amyloid or tau, which are both linked to dementia.

Overall, the researchers found that sleeping less than 4.5 hours and more than 6.5 hours a night – alongside poor-quality sleep – was associated with cognitive decline over time.

We know from previous research that lack of sleep is linked to cognitive decline but we don’t know for certain why. One theory is that sleep helps our brain flush out harmful proteins – like beta-amyloid or tau – that build up during the day. So interfering with sleep might interfere with our brain’s ability to get rid of these.

But it’s less clear why long sleep is linked with cognitive decline. Previous studies

found a link between over-sleep and cognitive performance, but most relied on participants self-reporting how long they sleep – which means the data is less accurate than using an EEG. This new study therefore adds weight to such findings.

What’s surprising about this study is that sleeping longer than 6.5 hours was associated with cognitive decline over time – this is low when we consider that older adults are recommended to get between seven and eight hours of sleep every night.

It could be that it isn’t the length of the sleep that matters, but the quality when it comes to risk of dementia. For instance, this study also showed having less restorative “slow-wave” sleep particularly affected cognitive impairment.

. . . reaching people who are digitally excluded . . .

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

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‘Don’t forget us . . .’

H

EALTH bosses are being urged not to overlook people living with muscle-wasting conditions in any future plans.

The call comes after a new study reveals there are 40,000 more people living with such conditions than previously thought.

Research by the Muscular Dystrophy UK charity found 110,000 people living with one of these conditions, compared with the previous estimate of 70,000 in 2010.

The findings come at a crucial time as decisions are being made about the future of health service commissioning and delivery across the UK, with the introduction of Integrated Care Systems across England and the UK-wide development of action plans for the implementation of the Government’s Rare Diseases Framework.

Catherine Woodhead, CEO of Muscular Dystrophy UK, said: “No wonder neuromuscular specialist services are so stretched. They already work tirelessly to meet the complex

needs of people with muscle-wasting conditions, and this research shows clearly that they need further resources.

This growing population needs support, and they cannot be left behind.”

Bryan Gould, 62, lives with the muscle-wasting condition oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy.

He said: “So many people living with muscle-wasting conditions face years of uncertainty and misdiagnosis. It is vital that treatment commissioners take neuromuscular conditions as seriously as other, more well-known diseases.”

The study, led by Dr Iain Carey at St George’s University of London, used millions of healthcare records collected from GPs UK-wide, between 2000 and 2019.

Dr Carey said: “A rise in prevalence among older age groups suggests that some of these conditions are now much more common within an ageing population. It is therefore important that multidisciplinary health and social teams are made aware of this new estimate as soon as possible.”

COULD BE BAD NEWS PLEA: Bryan Gould lives with a rare form of muscular dystrophy

DREAMLAND: New research suggests more than 6.5 hours sleep a night can lead to conditions like dementia

We also can’t rule out that participants who slept longer than 6.5 hours every night might have had pre-existing cognitive problems not picked up on the tests. Longer sleepers may also have had other pre-existing conditions that weren’t taken into account, like poor health, socioeconomic status or physical activity levels.

contact . . .

Many factors can impact on both our sleep quality, and whether we experience cognitive decline. While some aren’t preventable (such as genetic predisposition), there are many things we can do alongside a good night’s sleep to help reduce our likelihood of developing dementia – such as exercising and eating a healthy diet.

But while the researchers of this study seem to suggest there’s an optimal sleep duration – between 4.5 and 6.5 hours every night – the occasional weekend lie-in is unlikely to do your brain any harm. n Dr Greg Elder is a senior lecturer in psychology and associate director of Northumbria Sleep Research.

helen@alltogethernow.org.uk

MEDICAL NOTES

It’s time to show your liver a little more love

PEOPLE across the North West are being warned they need to take better care of their liver.

It comes as figures show four adults a day died of liver disease in the region in 2020 – a total of 1,622 compared with 1,377 the year before.

Worryingly, the British Liver Trust says 90% of deaths could have been avoided as they are linked to alcohol, being overweight or viral hepatitis, which are all preventable causes.

Across the UK, 10,883 adults died of liver disease in 2020 -– 30 people every day – compared to 9,470 deaths in 2019.

The Trust is calling for every adult to have a break from alcohol, take on a fitness challenge, reduce sugar intake, and ditch processed foods.

Trust chief Pamela Healy said: “One in three of us are at risk of liver disease and the numbers of people being diagnosed have been increasing at an alarming rate during the pandemic.

“Liver damage develops silently with no signs or symptoms and people often don’t realise they have a problem until it is too late.

“Although the liver is remarkably resilient, if left until symptoms appear, the damage is often irreversible.”

n BLT Helpline: 0800 652 7330 n For a snapshot of your liver health, take the Love Your Liver screener at: www.britishlivertrust.org.uk/screener

Help for blind babies

WHILE most babies rely on their hearing rather than their touch to react to the world around them – for visually impaired babies it is the other way around.

This breakthrough in understanding was made by UK researchers who hope it will lead to new ways of supporting very young children with sight problems at a crucial stage in their development.

Professor Andrew Bremner at the University of Birmingham, says: “We know a lot about how visually impaired adults and children perceive the world because we can ask them, and there are plenty of resources that can help them develop and improve that understanding.

“It’s much harder to understand how visually impaired infants develop their awareness of – and response to – the world around them, but also really important to support them effectively during this early, crucial, developmental stage.

“These insights can be used to improve the tools and resources being designed for this purpose.”

Tel. 07511 839937

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Until Apr 9: Mamma Mia! Empire, Liverpool. The smash-hit musical Until Apr 18: Peter Pan. Theatre Royal, St Helens. Easter panto.

Until Apr 22: Milky Peaks. Theatr Clwyd, Mold. Musical comedy. Milky Peaks: the warmest welcome in the cold bosom of Snowdonia.

However, under the gleaming pebbledash, strange forces are rising: both political and supernatural. Audio described, Apr 8/Apr 16; Relaxed, Apr 9; Signed, Apr 19; Captioned, Apr 21.

Until Apr 23: Les Miserables. The Lowry, Salford. Storm the barricades for a ticket!

Until Jun 4: Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. Palace Theatre, Manchester. This beloved tale will be brought to life on stage like never before.

Apr 5-9: Sheila’s Island. Playhouse, Liverpool. Comedy about four women’s outward bound team-building trip to the Lakes.

Apr 6-9: Priscilla Queen of the Desert. Lyceum, Crewe. Musical.

Tick, Bernadette, and Adam are heading west across the desert to Alice Springs in their battered old bus (named Priscilla).

Apr 8: Pebble on the Beach. Octagon, Bolton. Stand by for an unforgettable day at the seaside.

Apr 9: The Roy Orbison Story with Barry Steele and Friends. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton.

Apr 9: Bootleg Beatles. Venue Cymru, Llandudno.

Apr 9: Ellen Kent’s Madama Butterfly.

Opera House, Manchester.

Apr 10: Seven Drunken Nights – The Story of the Dubliners.Empire, Liverpool.

Apr 11-13: The Wizard of Oz. The Brindley, Runcorn. Magical panto with former Coronation Street’s Bruce Jones and Amy Thompson from Channel Five’s Milkshakes.

Apr 12-16: As You Like It. Theatr Clwyd, Mold.

Apr 12-16: Six. Empire, Liverpool. From Tudor Queens to Pop Princesses, the six wives of Henry VIII take to the mic to tell their tales, remixing 500 years of historical heartbreak into an 80-minute celebration of 21st century girl power.

Apr 12-16: The Tiger Who Came to Tea. Playhouse, Liverpool. Musical play based on the book by Judith Kerr.

Apr 13: George Ezra. Opera House, Manchester.

Apr 13-14: Funeral Flowers. Everyman, Liverpool. Emma Dennis-Edward’s multi award-winning play tells the story 17-yearold Angelique, who’s forced to navigate the care system after her mum’s imprisonment.

Signed performance, Apr 13.

Apr 14: Ghostly Goings On. Everyman, Liverpool.

Apr 14: Chris McCausland: Speaky Blinder. The Lowry, Salford.

Apr 16: The Wizard of Oz. Rhyl Pavilion. Atomic Kitten’s Kerry Katona as the Wicked Witch.

Apr 17: The Official

BOX OFFICE CONTACTS

BLACKPOOL Grand Theatre: 01253 290190 BOLTON Octagon: 01204 520661 CHESTER Storyhouse: 01244 409 113 CREWE Lyceum: 01270 368 242 LIVERPOOL Empire: 08444 999 999 Everyman & Playhouse: 0151 709 4776 Royal Court: 0870 787 1866 Unity 0151 709 4988 LLANDUDNO Venue Cymru: 01492 872000 MOLD: Theatr Clwyd: 0845 3303565 MANCHESTER Opera House:

0870 401 9000 Palace: 0870 401 3000 SALFORD The Lowry: 0843 208 6000 Access line: 0333 320 2838 NEW BRIGHTON Floral Pavilion: 0151 666 0000 PRESTON: Charter Theatre: 0845 344 2012 RHYL: Pavilion: 01745 330 000 RUNCORN The Brindley: 0151 907 8360 SOUTHPORT: Floral Hall: 0844 847 2380 ST HELENS: Theatre Royal: 01744 756000 STOKE: Regent Theatre: 0844 871 7627

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COMEDY

HE’S blind. He’s a dad. He’s a husband.

He’s third in command. He’ll speaky about all of that, and loads more.

Apr 14: Chris McCausland: Speaky Blinder.

The Lowry, Salford.

BOOK YOUR SEAT RuPaul’s Drag Race UK - Series Two Tour. Opera House, Manchester.

Apr 18-23: The Rise and Fall of Little Voice. Theatr Clwyd. Starring Shobna Gulati (Coronation Street, Dinnerladies, Loose Women), British soap royalty Ian Kelsey (Emmerdale, Casualty) and two-time Drama Desk Award Nominee Christina Bianco, as Little Voice.

Apr 19-21: Lord of the Dance: 25 Years of Standing Ovations. Venue Cymru, Llandudno.

Apr 19-23: Animal Farm. The Grand, Blackpool. Audio described, Apr 23.

Apr 19-23: The Addams Family. Opera House, Manchester. Everyone’s favourite kooky family are back in this spectacular musical comedy. Starring Joanne Clifton (Strictly Come Dancing and The Rocky Horror Show) as Morticia.

Apr 20-23: Bull. Playhouse Studio, Liverpool. How far would you go to protect your career? Razor-sharp play about the fine line between office politics and playground bullying.

Apr 20-30: Making It. Royal Court,

HILARIOUS mishaps and DIY disasters.

Joe Pasquale as Frank Spencer in adaptation of the hit TV series.

May 10: Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em. The Grand, Blackpool. Audio described, May 14.

Liverpool. Catherine Rice and Andrew Schofield star in this new comedy that lifts the lid on the world of show business, shines a spotlight on fame, and asks what “making it” really means.

Apr 20: Doris Day Story. Theatre Royal, St Helens.

Apr 21-May 7: Habibti Driver. Octagon, Bolton. An “East meets Wigan” comedy.

Socially distanced performance, Apr 21; audio described, Apr 30; captioned, May 3; signed. May 5.

Apr 21: White Sun. Unity, Liverpool.

Conjuring the ghosts of the men who have dominated the stage before him, Will takes us on a journey, navigating the tensions of inheritance, privilege and addiction. Signed performance.

Apr 21: Frankie – The Concert. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton. The songs of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons.

Apr 21: Andy Fairweather Low and The Low Riders. The Brindley, Runcorn.

Apr 22: Julian Clary: Born to Mince. The Lowry, Salford.

Apr 23; Touch. Unity, Liverpool. A look at the ways we find love, create intimacy, experience loneliness, and ultimately find our home. Captioned performance.

Apr 24: Ed Byrne: If I’m Honest. The Grand, Blackpool.

Apr 25: An Evening with Chrissy Rock.

The Brindley, Runcorn.

Apr 26-30: The Play That Goes Wrong.

Theatr Clwyd. The Cornley Drama Society are putting on a 1920s murder mystery, but as the title suggests, everything that can go wrong… does! As the accident prone thesps battle on against all the odds to reach their final curtain call, hilarious results ensue!

Apr 26-30: Animal Farm. Playhouse, Liverpool.

Apr 26: Madam Butterfly: Puccini. Venue Cymru, Llandudno.

Apr 26-30: Bat out of Hell. Regent Theatre, Stoke. Dedicated to the memory of Jim Steinman and Meat Loaf.

Apr 27-28: Don Giovanni: Mozart. Venue Cymru, Llandudno.

Apr 27: ELO Again. The Grand, Blackpool.

. . . reaching people who are digitally excluded . . .

Melissa hits back

THREE year ago, disabled actor Melissa Johns iCloud account was hacked and explicit photos of her were released online.

Suddenly, a young disabled woman with a history of body dysmorphia comes to terms with her body becoming public property.

Humorous, fastpaced, uplifting one woman show accompanied by a live 90’s/00’s soundtrack.

May 13-14: Snatched.

The Lowry, Salford.

SHAKESPEARE’S joyful comedy comes to life in this bold new show.

When the daughter of a Duke is exiled to the forest alongside her romantic interest, she becomes entangled in a game where no one is quite who they seem.

Will love conquer all in this witty play where all the world’s a stage?

Apr 12-16: As You Like It. Theatr Clwyd, Mold – and May 24-28: Playhouse, Liverpool.

Apr 28-29: Little Wimmin’. Unity, Liverpool.

Feminist adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel Little Women. Signed performance.

Apr 29-May 28: Macca & Beth. Royal Court, Liverpool. Gerry Linford’s new comedy about a couple who have been summoned North for the reading of Macca’s uncle’s will.

They’re not expecting much so it’s probably worth the trip. What could possibly go wrong?

Apr 30: The Magic of Motown. Opera House, Manchester.

Apr 30: Eric & Ern. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton. Packed with Morecambe and Wise’s most loved routines, songs and sketches and, of course, a musical guest.

May 1: That’ll Be The Day. Venue Cymru, Llandudno. Rock ‘n’ roll musical.

May 1: Seven Drunken Nights – The Story of the Dubliners. Opera House, Manchester.

May 1: Steve Backshall’s Oceans. The Lowry, Salford.

May 2-7: Private Peaceful. The Grand, Blackpool. Set against the epic backdrop of WW1, we join 18 year-old Private Tommo

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GEORGE Orwell’s famous fable tells the story of a revolution and its aftermath. The animals of Manor Farm drive out the farmer and run the farm themselves. A revolution. And then what?

Then freedom. Every animal will be free. Or will they?

Apr 19-23: Animal Farm. The Grand, Blackpool.

Audio described, Apr 23.

Apr 26-30: Playhouse, Liverpool.

Peaceful in the trenches as he takes us on a journey through his most cherished memories and tells his story of courage, devotion, family and friendship. Audio described, May 7.

May 3-4: Lava. Theatr Clwyd, Mold. Funny, tender and moving story about friendship and reconnection in the aftermath of catastrophe.

May 3-7: Wuthering Heights. The Lowry, Salford. Music, dance, passion and hope.

The Yorkshire moors tell an epic story of love, revenge and redemption. Audio described, May 4; captioned, May 5; signed, May 6.

May 3-7: Blood Brothers. Theatr Clwyd, Mold. Moving tale of twins who, separated at birth, grow up on opposite sides of the tracks, only to meet again with fateful consequences. Audio described, May 4.

May 6: Sleeping with Beauty. Theatre Royal, St Helens. Adult panto.

May 6: The Ultimate Eagles. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton. Tribute show.

May 8: Gary Murphy’s Original Guitar Legends. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton.

May 9-14: Singin’ In The Rain. Opera House, Manchester. Journey back to the glamour of Hollywood during the roaring 20’s.

To advertise, contact . . .

May 10: Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em. The Grand, Audio described, May 14.

May 10-14: The Meaning of Zong.

Playhouse, Liverpool. Two hundred years ago, Olaudah Equiano changed the world.

Reading reports of a massacre aboard the slave ship Zong, he joins forces with antislavery campaigner Granville Sharp to publicly condemn these abhorrent actions.

May 10: Sir Ranulph Fiennes – Living Dangerously. Lyceum, Crewe.

May 12: Jasper Carrott – Stand Up and Rock. Venue Cymru, Llandudno.

Joining Jasper are The Bev Bevan Band and Andy Bennett.

May 13-14: Snatched. The Lowry, Salford.

May 13: Beatle Mania! The Brindley, Runcorn.

May 14: The Lost Voice Guy – Cerebral LOLsy. The Lowry, Salford.

May 15: The Upbeat Beatles. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton.

May 15: The Barricade Boys – Bring Him Home Tour. Opera House, Manchester.

May 16-21: The Rise and Fall of Little

Voice. Playhouse, Liverpool. Olivier award-winning comedy-drama from Jim Cartwright about the highs and lows of small-town dreams, family rivalry and finding your voice in a noisy world.

May 17: The Grand Old Lady. The Brindley, Runcorn. Everton FC play.

May 17-21: Dead Lies. The Grand, Blackpool. Roller-coaster ride of a play packed with twists and turns until the very last scene. Audio described, May 21.

May 17-21: Sweet Charity. The Lowry, Salford. Light-hearted musical loaded to the brim with sensational dance numbers, that follows the trials and tribulation of unlucky-in-love Charity Hope Valentine.

May 17-Jun 4: Corrina, Corrina. Everyman, Liverpool. New play by Liverpool-based playwright Chloe Moss. Gripping thriller set at sea explores the power dynamics and exploitation on board a cargo ship travelling from the UK to Singapore.

May 18-21: Northern Ballet – Casanova.

The Lowry, Salford.

May 18: The Simon and Garfunkel Story: 50th Anniversary Tour. Venue Cymru, Llandudno.

May 20-Jun 4: Celebrated Virgins: A Story of the Ladies of Llangollen. Theatr Clwyd, Mold. Signed, May 27; Captioned, May 31.

May 19: The Diana Ross Story. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton.

May 20: An Evening with Liverpool Legends. Venue Cymru, Llandudno. John Aldridge, Ronnie Whelan and Steve McMahon recall their Anfield experiences.

May 22: Just Gilbert: Gilbert O’Sullivan in Concert. Lyceum, Crewe.

May 22: Marty Wilde Dreamboats and Petticoats 2022. The Grand, Blackpool.

May 23-May 28: Footloose. Venue Cymru, Llandudno. Great singing, great dancing.

Prepare to be transpoirted back to the 80s.

May 23-28: Chicago. Opera House, Manchester. The raunchy musical is back, starring Coronation Street’s Faye Brookes.

May 23: Rumours of Fleetwood Mac. Lyceum, Crewe.

May 24-28: As You Like It. Playhouse, May 24-28: Boeing Boeing. Theatr Clwyd, Mold. Marc Camoletti’s award-winning, jet-setting farce.

May 26: Psychic Sally – 10 Years and Counting. Theatre Royal, St Helens.

May 26-Jun 25: One Man, Two Guvnors.

Octagon, Bolton. Comedy.

May 17-21: Mamma Mia! Regent Theatre, Stoke.

May 27: The Hollies: 60th Anniversary Tour. Regent Theatre, Stoke.

May 27: Walk Right Back – The Everly Brothers Story. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton..

May 30-Jun 4: The Rise and Fall of Little Voice, Lyceum, Crewe.

May 30-Jun 4: The Play That Goes Wrong.

Opera House, Manchester. The Cornley Drama Society are putting on a 1920s murder mystery, but as the title suggests, everything that can go wrong… does!

May 31-Jun 4: Jersey Boys.

Venue Cymru, Llandudno.

helen@alltogethernow.org.uk

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BOOKS

Life with Gazza and Venables The Limping Physio: A Life in Football by John Sheridan, Amazon, £15

EVER wondered what goes on behind the scenes at a top football club?

Veteran physiotherapist John Sheridan has seen just about everything since he entered the professional game with manager David Pleat’s exciting Luton Town team 43 years ago.

When Pleat moved to Tottenham, Sheridan moved with him, later retaining his role under Pleat’s successor, the former England manager Terry Venables.

In 1991, Sheridan was reluctantly thrust into the spotlight when he nursed Paul Gascoigne back to fitness after a horror tackle in the FA Cup Final left Gazza’s career hanging in the balance.

Despite playing an integral part in the rehabilitation of one of England’s greatest players, Sheridan has remained silent – until now. For the first time he describes what really happened during this traumatic period and how it left him fighting for his sanity.

As a teenager, Sheridan fractured his femur in three places and caught osteomyelitis – an infection of the bone – in hospital. It left him with a limp for the rest of his life.

In his book, Sheridan speaks candidly about his time in the sport and reveals how he battled anxiety to enter the harsh world of professional football with a disability.

Beating the bottle Finding Your Sober Bubble by Darren Taylor, Amazon, £7.99

FATHER-of-two Darren Taylor tells how he pulled himself back from the brink before alcohol ruined his life.

Part memoir, part selfhelp guide, his book chronicles his upbringing where heavy drinking was normalised.

The business development manager had his first taste of alcohol in his early teens, and quickly learned one was never enough.

In 2006, Darren’s drinking worsened. He said: “My mum died from cancer, I got married, my wife was pregnant and I had final exams for my Open University degree.

“It was just too much and I seriously upped the ante on my drinking”.

Continuing to binge drink, and despite marrying childhood sweetheart Emma, Darren’s work and home life suffered.

In 2014, he left his high pressure job in Germany, which his wife believed was fuelling his drinking, for fear she would leave him.

But Darren started to suffer from anxiety and his drinking got worse.

He tried counselling and AA meetings, but only when working with an NLP practitioner did he begin to kick the habit.

ARIES (March 21-April 20)

APRIL/MAY 2022

This is the perfect moment to begin aiming for the long-term goal. A relationship can be a surprise and can behave in ways that you wouldn’t have imagined of them. It might be difficult to be together. It can be stressful and challenging for you; however, you may need some stability in relationships. You shouldn’t be too concerned when the passion-driven part of your love life has diminished slightly.

It is possible to fix this soon.

MAY: Be patient. You’ll never be able to master all aspects of your life. The best way to deal with what isn’t possible is to change while trying to make the most of the areas in your life that are comfortable and comfortable with. Patience will yield good results.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21)

Essential decisions you need to make. The good thing is that any doubt about whether you’re making the correct decision will soon vanish and you’ll begin to feel more at ease with your emotions and life. There isn’t an ideal time to express your emotions in close friendships and relationships. Your partner will encourage you to discover your creative talents.

MAY: You will need to collect additional information prior to making a decision on what you want to accomplish. You’ve taken a detour off the path you’ve chosen but it could be needed to acquire experience in different areas. Changes are likely to occur for you in the near future and it will be worth celebrating.

CANCER (June 22-July 23)

The new moves you make will provide future advantages. Be sure to keep everyone whose life could impact the decisions informed about any changes. This is the perfect opportunity to pay attention to your partner’s requirements and others who are significant and dear to you. The goal is to keep your own healthy boundaries and be respectful of other people’s boundaries.

MAY: The changes that are taking place right today aren’t just random events. These are all part of an overall plan which will get you to where you’re supposed to be. You’ve fallen out of touch with your personal thoughts and feelings when you put the needs of others before your own.

LEO (July 24-August 23)

You’re a unique person with unique ideas and you shouldn’t allow a person to denigrate you. You can sing to your own music, dress how you like to dress and love and live your life the way you want to. You deserve to be loved just for your own uniqueness and not based on what others want to see in you. People change.

MAY: You’re at the edge of making a breakthrough. Keep your eyes on the prize and don’t lose the possibility of success.

prevent you from being with your family members.

MAY: There will be a reason when the month gets underway to reflect on the many benefits of the friendships and relationships you’ve got throughout your day. This will motivate you to think of ways to let others know that you cherish and value them. A partnership can bring you happiness, provided it’s given the love and attention to allow it to grow and flourish.

SAGITTARIUS (November 23-December 21)

TAURUS (April 21-May 21)

The private part of your life will be where you’ll be spending the most of your efforts.

Anything that agitates you, like people, places, or a specific project, is going to require more time and effort. Some may believe that love is more in line with words than actions. A partner’s sensitivity in handling a challenging situation on the 10th will give you a feeling of security.

MAY: You will feel as if you’re growing spiritually, daily and in many different ways.

It’s time to accept the person who you know inside your heart that you are supposed to be. It’s time to accept yourself for who you truly are. This is the right time to make a plan for your relationships and life. If you’ve been doing things to please people it’s time to rethink whether this is the right thing for you.

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RUSSELL GRANT CALLING . . .

Believe in yourself and you will be able to attract positive opportunities. Friends trust you to give them good guidance and you’ll be able to offer any person a listening ear if they need one.

VIRGO (August 24-September 23)

You’re more enthusiastic and less passive in relationships or romance, which can cause others to take you, who are familiar with you, to be taken by surprise. One advantage is that you’ll have the confidence to speak about what’s you’re thinking about. Trust and honesty are the foundation of relationships.

A true partner will leave their competitive nature to one side for the sake of co-operation.

MAY: Herbal remedies are sure to be an attraction for you right now. You’re not just conscious of the importance of maintaining close relationships, but you’re also keen to improve how you relate to yourself. It requires perseverance, patience and understanding to create an effective relationship. Be sure to give your friendships the time they require to develop.

LIBRA (September 24-October 23)

You’re full of energy and drive to make things work to your advantage. Your colleagues will be inspired by your creative flair. Your appreciation for their ideas should make it simple for everyone to agree and then get to work. A friend who’s not been a good money manager will try to convince you to go to an extravagant event. If the concept doesn’t appeal to you, don’t feel you’re obliged to agree.

MAY: What you’re experiencing will teach you how looking within yourself to find happiness can result in more happiness rather than relying on others or the world as a whole. An optimistic state of mind will allow you to maintain good health, and household projects will be successful.

SCORPIO (October 24-November 22)

If you’re looking to improve your appearance, now is the best time to make an effort. The most essential things in your life are work and health. It’s not going to stop your thoughts from being enticed by romance and love. However, you’re aware of your obligations to others and you will not let them down. Financial and legal issues will

Your dreams are possible and they can come true. What actions and plans are you taking to realise your goals and goals? The process of planning will assist you in achieving your goals. Make sure and stay focussed on the practical aspect of things.

Making time for activities, hobbies and social sports will boost your self-confidence and renew your passion for living.

MAY: Your keen instincts will help you identify opportunities that are heading in your direction. There are lots of exciting things happening right this moment that will draw your attention. Be who you are and don’t attempt to be someone that you’re not just to please other people.

CAPRICORN (December 22-January 20)

The family will be top of the list of priorities for you now. You might have the opportunity to enhance your life by taking advantage of exciting new possibilities and opportunities.

This can have a pleasant impact on your relationships with your loved ones. If you accept an unexpected offer, it could be that you need to negotiate a compromise with a spouse.

MAY: After having to face several annoyances, you’ll begin adopting a calmer approach to life. This is the time when you discover that things aren’t quite so bad as you thought. Changes that occur around 14th will provide a sense of positive outlook for the coming days.

AQUARIUS (January 21-February 19)

Unexpected twists and turbulences will cause a bit of a bump for a while, but after that, all is going to be fine. You may feel like you’re riding a rollercoaster. Making a move to a different career or lifestyle could be challenging. A lengthy discussion around the 18th can help overcome any unresolved misunderstandings while striving to create the best possible future for you.

MAY: You shouldn’t let anything go to chance. There’s a temptation to immerse your mind in fun activities, however, despite the relaxed mood your eyes are at the future. The flames of love could be fading when May starts, however a surprising change about the 7th day of the month will shift the scales in the other direction.

PISCES (February 20-March 20)

A chance to take advantage of an offer causes you to hesitate. Put aside any doubts. Be confident that you can and will accomplish whatever goals have significance to your life right now. You’re more than you think and your family and friends will readily affirm this. Moving in a different direction can be thrilling. Pay attention to your finances.

MAY: A love for friendships and a romantic relationship will boost your confidence and strength. This is the perfect time to explore your heart’s desires. If you are in a calm state of mind, the month of May is the perfect time to let out your most intimate thoughts. Offer compliments whenever you feel you are due. Family and friends will be able to sense your sincerity.

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

APRIL/MAY 2022

HOW PLANTS GOT THEIR NAMES . . .

PLANT hunting was not merely a search for pretty flowers, though it resulted in many beautiful introductions.

The pursuit of plants was highly commercial and often dangerous.

Robert Fortune landed in Hong Kong in 1843, just after the Opium Wars had ended and the island had been ceded to Britain, to travel into the Chinese interior – the first Western plant-hunter to do so.

He was also the first to carry Wardian cases, like mini-greenhouses, which meant he could send back living plants.

Surviving attacks by pirate junks, he collected many plants new to Britain, and discovered the wonders of growing chrysanthemums.

His next trip was tougher still – to learn the closely-guarded secret of how the Chinese grew tea then smuggle plants to India.

Disguised as a Chinese traveller, he endured several ordeals to fulfil the mission, enabling the tea industry to be founded in India and Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) He made other expeditions including one to Japan before retiring to his native Scotland where he died in 1880, aged 68.

Among the garden plants he introduced were winter jasmine, weigela, Japanese anemone, pompom chrysanthemum and a shrub which bears his name, Rhododendron fortunei.

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RHODODENDRON FORTUNE

IT’S TULIP TIME!

I

SPECTACULAR: Tulip display in Keukenhof Gardens. Inset, Queen of Night and Pink Diamond tulips

F there’s a more cheerful flower than the tulip in bloom at this time of year, I would love to see it.

Tulips are unbeatable for diversity and magnificence.

There are more than 100 species and thousands of varieties in elegant shapes and virtually every colour except pure blue. Many have contrasting streaks and blotches which make them even more striking.

The world’s most magnificent displays are staged every spring in the Keukenhof Gardens – nearly 500,000 acres containing no fewer than seven million tulips, hyacinths, brilliant blue grapehyacinths and other eye-catching blooms at Lisse in the Netherlands.

Tulips are easy to grow in British gardens, in the ground or large, deep containers. They look great whether in a single-colour group or mixed in complementary shades like those of Queen of Night and Pink Diamond.

To advertise, contact . . .

Most kinds are grown in blocks of the same colour for impact, either alone or mixed with spring bedding plants such as wallflowers or forget-menots, lifted after flowering and replanted each autumn.

The bulbs are best planted in late October or November, ideally in full sun, sheltered from wind and in fertile, well-drained soil. Most kinds are trouble-free though bulbs can rot in poorly-drained ground.

Top-class varieties include: World’s Favourite, which has huge flowers of brilliant tangerine with golden edging; Carnaval de Nice, with double, peony-like blooms, white flecked with crimson;

helen@alltogethernow.org.uk

Spring Green, ivory white with green feathering; Gavota, with pointed, outward-inclined petals of rich maroon, edged in cream; Blue Parrot, frilly petals of mauve with hints of blue.

Tulips were probably cultivated in Turkey from around the year 1000, although they did not originate there but came from the steppes of western and central Asia.

However, it was the Ottoman Turks who gave the flower its name, tulbend, meaning turban, which was Latinised to tulipa, the tulip’s botanical name.

In the Netherlands, the 17th-century financial hysteria called tulipomania reached its peak when bulbs changed hands for thousands of pounds each.

One record shows the payment for a single bulb as two loads of wheat, four loads of rye, four fat oxen, eight fat swine, 12 equally plump sheep, two hogshead of wine, four barrels of beer, two barrels of butter, 1,000 pounds of cheese, a complete bed – and a wagon worth 500 guilders to cart it all away.

Tel. 07511 839397

CHECKLIST

23

FLOWERS: When the flowers of daffodils and other spring bulbs fade, spray or water them with a liquid feed once a fortnight until the leaves start to die down. In a warm spell in April, plant perennial flowers such as lupins and dahlias.

PATIOS: Plant up tubs and hanging baskets in May or in April if under glass. Protect them at night until the risk of frost has passed.

SHRUBS AND TREES: Prune shrubs that have finished flowering. Cut out dead wood, weak growth and crossing branches then trim to keep the shape balanced. Do not prune shrubs and trees which have still to flower this year.

LAWNS: Spike lawns, especially if they are damp or mossy, then apply a spring lawn feed, mosskiller or lawn weedkiller as appropriate.

Combined formulations are available. For maximum effect, let the grass grow for a week before applying. When moss turns black, generally after a fortnight, rake it out of the lawn.

PONDS: Water lilies and other pond species need feeding just like any other plant: use special pond fertiliser pellets pushed down into the roots. April is ideal for pump and filter maintenance so fish and wildlife get the benefit of clear water throughout the summer.

FRUIT: Where apples or pears have been infested with grubs, spray with an insecticide when the blossoms are in bud and again when the petals have fallen.

VEGETABLES: Most vegetables can be sown outdoors In April but leave French and runner beans until mid or late May. HOUSEPLANTS: Water more freely, feed regularly and do not leave plants in full sun all day except for types really suited to hot conditions.

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24

APRIL/MAY 2022

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.

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Exercising weight (3-4) Information (4) Always (4) Daydream (7) Exhaust (4) Counterfoil (4) Squeeze (5) Charm (6) Butcher-bird (6) Bury (6) Leased (6) Enchantress (5) Concludes (4) Jab (4) Aerial (7) Nosegay (4) Sleigh (4) Makes flat (7)

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Wise men (4) Denuded (4) Worship (6) Going out (6) Sediment (4) Bill of fare (4) Circus swing (7) Connected (7) Dishonest person (7) Mixed together (7) Summer concerts (abbrev.)

(5) Lustre (5) Small restaurant (6) Milk curdling substance (6) Midday (4) Utters (4) Elapse (4) Ended (4)

The Accumulator Quiz 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: What does the letter M stand for in the famous cricket club name abbreviated to MCC? A Melbourne B Marylebone C Mysore D Mablethorpe

QUESTION 10 – for 10 points: Which of these instruments is used to measure the degrees in an angle?

A B C D

QUESTION 3 – for 3 points: What is an abacus used for?

A Counting B Measuring rainfall C Keeping time for musicians D Engraving metal

QUESTION 5 – for 5 points: Which letter represents 50 in Roman numerals?

A M B D C C D L QUESTION 6 – for 6 points: On which Sunday is Father’s Day celebrated?

A Last in May B First in June C Third in June D Second in September

Forth Clyde Tay Dee

QUESTION 12 – for 12 points: Which unit of measurement applies to the power of lenses?

A B C D

QUESTION 7 – for 7 points: Former Dragons’ Den ‘dragon’ Theo Paphitis made his fortune in which area of business?

A Mobile phones B Leisure and travel C Distribution D Retail QUESTION 8 – for 8 points: Which native English tree has the longest lifespan?

A Yew B Elm C Oak D Elder

Coulomb Siemens Lumen Dioptre

QUESTION 13 – for 13 points: To a 6ft person standing on the shore approximately how far is the visible horizon at sea?

A B C D

1.5 miles 2 miles 2.5 miles 3 miles

QUESTION 14 – for 14 points: Which is the only one of these islands to lie south of the Equator?

A B C D

QUESTION 9 – for 9 points: According to Tennyson’s poem, how many men took part in the Charge of the Light Brigade?

A 100 B 200 C 400 D 600

Sri Lanka Tonga Hawaii Jamaica

QUESTION 15 – for 15 points: What was Geri Halliwell’s first UK No 1 hit as a solo artist?

A B C D

Mi Chico Latino Lift Me Up Bag It Up It’s Raining Men

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.

EASY

5

A B C D

Entrepreneur Theo Paphitis. See Question 7

QUESTION 4 – for 4 points: In the annual British Comedy Awards who was named Best TV Comedy Actress three times between 2010 and 2013?

A Rebecca Front B Victoria Wood C Catherine Tate D Miranda Hart

Dividers Protractor Slide rule Compass

QUESTION 11 – for 11 points: Which is the longest river in Scotland?

QUESTION 2 – for 2 points: Who or what is a marquee?

A The wife of a marquess B A member of the French resistance in World War II C A large tent D A shape of gemstone cutting

SUDOKU

8

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DIFFICULT

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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.

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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?

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DIALLING CODES

CROSS CODE 4

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APRIL/MAY 2022

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

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2 ABC

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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.

1 []’–

817 729 466 632 437

3. Nat King Cole songs 866 196 864 194 361 413 255 146 156 831 538 184 373 123 156 831 782 738 781 666 215 472 186 367 438 822 531 773 836 317 645 315 874 154 33

4. Wedding anniversaries 745 837 152 231 279 782 517 277 447 312 677 371 745 514 867 913 426 663 173 275 136 372 531 244 621 465 317 833 517 829 126 725 175 284 686

5. James Bond novels 227 466 176 925 313 426 663 712 731 367 383 715 483 126 315 381 343 162 867 877 913 766 178 774 219 484 156 831 848 633 722 551 666 672 537

6. Passerine birds 973 617 624 617 433 192 482 451 766 418 478 741 252 252 473 173 343 192 725 371 244 332 423 317 339 464 178 275 464 128 553 462 417 595 275

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 12 tropical aquarium fish.

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 10?

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1

MISSING LINK Each pair of words has a missing word between them that acts as a link to both (e.g. FRONT – DOOR – MAT). The initial letters of the six answers (reading downwards) will spell out a tree.

1. Sculptors 436 791 666 731 522 621 377 834 613 284 316 274 128 487 831 763 461 268 669 146 765 391 734 128 853 712 686 646 122 668 216 424 352 643 56

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G

E M T R

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B

A

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Y

P

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E

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F

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I

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C

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GIN

L

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RAGE

L

TURN

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START

WEDDING

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WALK

DEAF

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6

CHLAMYS 1) A form of

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commonly occurring in

MAKE A DATE

B

SALMON

4

E

A

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E D

E

STERLING

3

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

C

G

C

WORD WIZARD

2

S

the hand;

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

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

Clue: African antelope is the greater part of the subject.

____ +C=____C

2) A species of

1. The London and North Eastern Railway’s streamlined Class A4 4468 Mallard reaches a speed of 125.88 mph, the highest certified speed for a steam locomotive.

lily that has

2. The Beano comic first goes on sale, featuring the character Lord Snooty.

flowers;

creamy-white star-shaped

3) A short cloak

3. Ballet dancer Rudolf Nureyev is born in Irkutsk, Russia.

worn by men

WAS IT? a) 1926; b) 1929; c) 1932; d) 1935; e) 1938.

Greece.

in ancient

ALL THE ANSWERS Pathwords guppy; neon tetra; black molly; angelfish; discus; tiger barb; green swordtail; southern platy; giant gourami; clown loach; Siamese fighting fish; oscar.

8 6 5 4 7 1 9 3 2

9 1 3 8 2 5 4 6 7

2 7 4 3 9 6 1 8 5

1 8 7 2 6 3 5 4 9

SUDOKU EASY

3 4 2 7 5 9 6 1 8

6 5 9 1 4 8 7 2 3

5 3 1 9 8 4 2 7 6

4 2 6 5 3 7 8 9 1

7 9 8 6 1 2 3 5 4

9 7 5 4 1 2 6 3 8

2 6 8 9 7 3 1 5 4

1 3 4 5 6 8 9 7 2

7 1 3 2 9 6 4 8 5

M G C O P 15

14

2

1

H K

16 3

S

17 4

F

18 5

U

D W J

19 6

T

20 7

X

21

E

Z

8

V

22

A

9

L

23

24

R B

10

11

N Q

25 12

I

26

Y

13

CROSS CODE

4 8 9 3 5 7 2 6 1

6 5 2 8 4 1 7 9 3

SUDOKU DIFFICULT

3 4 6 7 2 5 8 1 9

5 9 7 1 8 4 3 2 6

8 2 1 6 3 9 5 4 7

3

4 23 20 20

8

3

2

1

10

4

12 22 17 9

2

1

9

8

11

7 9 8 5 3 32 23

1

5

2

8

4

20

9 8 29

KAKURO MEDIUM

7

7 15

7 5

9 9

7 9 16

8 1 4 6 35

9 7 8 24

Accumulator Quiz 1 – B; 2 – C; 3 – A; 4 – D; 5 – D; 6 – C; 7 – D; 8 – A; 9 – D; 10 – B; 11 – C; 12 – D; 13 – D; 14 – B; 15 – A. Starspot Crossword Across – 2 Bar-bell; 7 Data; 8 Ever; 9 Reverie; 10 Tire; 12 Stub; 15 Press; 17 Allure; 18 Shrike; 19 Entomb; 21 Rented; 22 Siren; 23 Ends; 26 Prod; 28 Antenna; 29 Posy; 30 Sled; 31 Smooths.

Down – 1 Magi; 2 Bare; 3 Revere; 4 Egress; 5 Lees; 6 Menu; 10 Trapeze; 11 Related; 13 Twister; 14 Blended; 15 Proms; 16 Sheen; 20 Bistro; 21 Rennet; 24 Noon; 25 Says; 26 Pass; 27 Over.

Star Name: MADONNA

Word Wizard No 3 is correct. A chlamys was a cloak worn in ancient Greece.

Dialling Codes 1. Henry Moore; Jacob Epstein; David Nash; Auguste Rodin; Antony Gormley; Reg Butler; Antonio Canova; Michelangelo.

2. Lambrusco; Merlot; Pinot Grigio; Shiraz; Cabernet; Sauvignon; chardonnay; Zinfandel; Sémillon; Riesling; Sylvaner.

3. Too Young; When I Fall In Love; Let There Be Love; Stardust; Mona Lisa; Unforgettable; Pretend; Smile; Lush Life.

4. silver; lace; crystal; sapphire; copper; silk; ivory; diamond; pearl; emerald; china; gold; steel; ruby;

coral; platinum.

5. Casino Royale; Diamonds Are Forever; Live And Let Die; Octopussy; From Russia With Love; Thunderball; Moonraker.

6. wren; robin; pied wagtail; song thrush; blackbird; sedge warbler; chiffchaff; redwing; starling; bullfinch; skylark.

Spot Check A = 6; B = 1; C = 4; D = 5; E = 2; F = 3.

Missing Link silver; pink; road; up; cake; ear.

Tree: spruce.

Make a Date The year was 1938.

Transformer Topi + C = Topic.

Portraits Weddings Commercial Print sales Tuitian Picture Framing Photo Restoration Studio Hire.

255 Seabank Road, New Brighton, Wallasey, Merseyside, CH45 1HE. Tel: 0151 638 0412 Email: ken@42multimedia.co.uk

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KEN PYE is managing director of Discover Liverpool. His latest book, Liverpool Murders and Misdemeanours, features some of the city’s grimmest and

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most unusual crimes and their perpetrators. It is available in all good bookshops or from Ken directly – as are all of his books, DVDs, and audio CDs.

Tel. 0151 427 2717 email – ken@discoverliverpool.com www.discover-liverpool.com

ON THE ROCKS: SS Politician

REMEMBER the classic Ealing comedy Whisky Galore!, the true tale of Scottish islanders relieving a wrecked ship of its alcoholic cargo?

Well, did you also know that the story really began in Liverpool?

Wartime spirit of the dram busters RENOWNED: Writer Sir Compton Mackenzie

O

VERLOOKING the churchyard of Our Lady and St Nicholas Church in Liverpool city centre, stands the grand office building named Mersey Chambers.

This is renowned for the white Liver Bird that stands on its pediment, and for once being the headquarters of the Harrison Shipping Line.

Perhaps the most famous vessel in the company’s fleet was SS Politician. This was an 8,000-ton cargo ship, which sailed from Liverpool on February 3, 1941, at the height of the Second World War. She was bound for Kingston, Jamaica, and New Orleans, and was carrying a cargo that included 28,000 cases of malt whisky.

However, two days later, the large cargo vessel encountered gale force winds off the coast of the Outer Hebrides in Scotland.

Unable to maintain control, the ship was driven on to the rocks and shoals of the Island of Eriskay, where she ran aground.

The Politician was at risk of sinking and so her crew abandoned her, but they all managed to make it safely to the island unharmed, where they were looked after by the local community.

Despite the storm, which soon abated,

SCOTCHED: Boozy shipment dispatched from Liverpool’s Harrison Line HQ the Politician did not sink and, when the locals discovered what was on board, they hatched a plan.

Their own supplies of whisky had all been used up due to wartime rationing, so they were determined to recover as many cases of spirits as they could, before these were swallowed up by the waves rather than by them.

It was obvious to the islanders that Customs and Excise officials would soon arrive to

To advertise, contact . . .

attempt to remove the ship’s valuable and tempting cargo, so the men organised a series of rapid, completely illegal, night-time raids on the stranded vessel.

Word of the alcoholic treasure trove had spread very quickly by this time, to the other Hebridean islands, and soon boats were coming from as far away as Lewis to join in the unofficial salvage operation.

The highly-motivated Scotsmen executed their mission with superb organisation and

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stealthy efficiency. In all, they relieved the Politician of something like 24,000 bottles of whisky before the Customs Officers eventually arrived.

Nevertheless, the resident customs officer on Eriskay, Charles McColl, was enraged by what the local people had done and he pressured somewhat reluctant island police officers into searching for the stolen whisky.

Communities were raided and cottages and crofts ransacked in the searches, but almost none of the bottles were found.

The ingenuity of the islanders meant that the whisky had been skilfully hidden or disguised, or simply quickly drunk rather than lose it to the authorities.

Soon, official attempts were indeed carried out to salvage the Politician’s cargo, but these were not at all successful. Before long, permission was given for the ship, and its remaining contents, to be blown up.

To the great dismay of the islanders, what they regarded as a wanton act of criminal insanity was carried out by the Royal Navy, and the Hebridean people grieved long and bitterly over the waste of such a vast quantity of “liquid gold”.

In 1947, the renowned author, Sir Compton MacKenzie, published an entertaining novel based on this incident, entitled Whisky Galore!, followed in 1949 by the film.

A remake, starring Eddie Izzard, came out in 2016.

Tel. 07511 839397

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All Together NOW!

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On your marks for something special

SPECIAL Olympics GB is set to return to full-scale competition this summer with the biggest celebration of intellectual disability sport in Great Britain.

More than 1,500 athletes will be lining up in the new Special Olympics GB Summer Series of Sport.

Running between June and September, it will be the first event many of the athletes will have competed in since February 2020, due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Paul Richardson, chair of Special Olympics GB, said: “It will be a celebration like no other!

“When the National Summer Games, which were due to be held in Liverpool, were cancelled, we made a commitment to our athletes and volunteers that we would look to offer an alternative and here it is, and I cannot wait to see our athletes back competing on the field of play – exactly where they should be!” n Event dates and venues will be released shortly.

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A simple ‘hello’ works wonders

LEVELLING UP: Blindfolds for all on the goalball court

M

AKING sports centres more accessible to visually impaired people can be as simple as just saying “hello”.

That’s the message of a new toolkit aimed at helping sports and leisure facilities become more welcoming spaces for people with sight issues.

Giving people the confidence to take part is key and Kelly Rodrigues from UK Coaching said: “Small adjustments can make a huge difference for people to become more active.

“These are as simple as a member of staff approaching a visually impaired person and introducing themselves.”

The toolkit has been created by blind charity Thomas Pocklington Trust, together with UK Coaching.

The Trust’s Martin Symcox said: “Knowing that a leisure or sport provider understands their needs, helps increase confidence and makes visually impaired people more likely to choose that place to do exercise.”

Lucy Barrett, assistant manager at Energise Leisure Centre, said: “Often people are unsure about what to say and nervous about saying the wrong thing.

“This training gives staff confidence in communicating with visually impaired people and provides tips on how to create an accessible environment.”

Martin added: “The changes to the environment and procedures are often simple and inexpensive to implement.” n www.ukcoaching.org/supporting-peoplewith-a-visual-impairment

Tennis star Shuker smashes it

WHEELCHAIR tennis star Lucy Grand Slam champion Lapthorne Shuker claimed three titles in 10 and 19-year-old Greg Slade in the days in back-to-back tournaments ITF 2 quad doubles final after the at the Bolton Indoor Tournament – Brits battled back to beat the far equalling her career-best world more experienced partnership of ranking.

Bryan Barten and Wagner 26 75 With the Lancashire venue hosting [10-6], thereby ending the the LTA’s first two wheelchair tennis American duo’s hopes of leaving world ranking events of the year for Bolton with successive doubles the first time, Shuker won seven titles. singles matches across the ITF 3 The victory gave Slade the first and ITF 2 events, claiming her first ITF 2 title of his career. singles titles in seven attempts at the While Shuker and Wagner annual tournament. completed the ITF 3 and ITF 2 tournaments with successive Having beaten USA second seed women’s and quad singles titles, Dana Mathewson 64-60 to win the Ruben Spaargaren, of the ITF 3 title, adding the women’s Netherlands, sealed the men’s doubles title partnering the singles titles at both tournaments, American, Shuker and Mathewson having started the ITF 3 again reached the women’s singles tournament as top seed, but final at the ITF 2 tournament before upstaging higher ranked Mathewson had to withdraw due to opponents to win the ITF 2 title injury.

TRIPLE CROWN: Lucy at the Bolton Indoor tournament having started his challenge as Shuker, whose performance seventh seed. moved her to No.5 in the world quad singles final before finishing runner-up rankings, was one of three Brits to achieve to American second seed David Wagner, the n To find out more about getting involved with disability tennis, head to success across the two tournaments. player Lapthorne partnered to win lthe www.lta.org.uk/play or Two-time Bolton Indoor champion Andy Australian Open quad doubles title. email disabilitytennis@lta.org.uk Lapthorne booked his place in the ITF 2 There was further success for 15-time

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