All Together NOW! Winter 2025-26

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

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STRUGGLE: Tyrone and Fizz learn some harsh lessons in life

Soap’s powerful spine injury plot S

PINAL cord injury is devastating, often leaving people paralysed, incontinent and open to all kinds of complications.

But, as with so many other life-changing health issues, it’s not just one person’s life that is changed forever – as the current Coronation Street storyline is highlighting.

The Street’s Tyrone, played

by Alan Halsall, sustained a spinal cord injury after a hit and run that threatened to leave him paralysed from the waist down.

On-screen wife, Fiz, played

by Jenny McAlpine, has now become his carer, causing enormous pressure on their relationship.

GETTING IT RIGHT: Alan Halsall and Jenny McAlpine, right, with Alan said: “The show’s brilliant at doing the research.” Martin Hibbert and wife Gabby on the Coronation Street set Helping to make sure they While those with complete “Just because someone recovers get it right are Manchester Arena spinal cord injuries will become motor function in their legs does bomb survivor and Spinal Injuries wheelchair users, Tyrone’s not mean they have full recovery Association’s vice president storyline also represents those of the nerves that control their Martin Hibbert and his wife who often fall off the radar. bladder, bowel and sexual Gabby, who’ve been able to give People who go on to walk again functioning. their perspective as a married with no visible signs of their “This group of individuals may couple. disability often report feeling “not look like they are not disabled but Jenny said: “For Fiz, trying to disabled enough” to receive still experience incontinence as juggle family life and caring for support and understanding from well as sexual dysfunction.

Tyrone is really difficult. It was friends, family, healthcare “Not everyone is aware of how invaluable for us to meet them professionals, or the wider public. spinal cord injury can impact a both and hear Gabby’s side of “The thing with a spinal injury is person physically, their story. they’re different for every single psychologically, in their “For them their lives changed in person,” said Alan. relationships and everyday life. an instant in so many ways and Specialist nurse Carol Adcock, Coronation Street is a unique and that is what Fiz is having to deal from Liverpool, has also been perfect platform to raise muchwith whilst looking after Tyrone.” advising the ITV team. She said: need awareness.”

Connecting with 250,000 people . . .

City shows it cares LIVERPOOL’S adult social care service received a positive report from the Care Quality Commission.

The watchdog rated it as “good” and highlighted that people receiving support in the city “felt listened to, their wishes and feelings respected, and families actively involved in assessments”.

Staff across adult social care said they “felt motivated, supported, and valued”, while the leadership of the Director of Adult Social Care, Anne Marie Lubanski, was described as “visible and approachable, with a clear understanding of social work practice and its challenges”.

The council’s emphasis on staff wellbeing, peer support, and professional development was also recognised as a key strength.

A major contributor to the positive rating is the council’s adult social care transformation programme, which prioritises independence, reablement, and a person-centred approach.

Mag-nificent!

A NEW cancer support centre is the first project to be confirmed for the site of the old Royal Liverpool University Hospital.

The Maggie’s centre will provide free practical, psychological and emotional support for people with cancer, and their friends.

It will be the second branch of the charity on Merseyside — Maggie’s Wirral has been based in Bebington since 2021.

The centre, designed and funded by the Steve Morgan Foundation, is expected to open in 2027. .

Bath time

A NEW study has found that people with eczema can bathe either daily or weekly, without any impact to their symptoms.

Lucy Bradshaw, lead author and based at the Nottingham Clinical Trials Unit, said: “The findings are great news for people living with eczema.

“It means they can choose a frequency of bathing that suits them.”

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WINTER 2025-26

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Thanks for keeping our hopes alive . . .

A

WARM welcome to this info-packed WINTER edition – and special thanks to P.H.Holt Foundation for generously covering the printing and distribution costs.

As regular readers will only be too aware, it’s getting tougher and tougher to keep this vital charity lifeline alive.

The fight for funding is extremely fierce, and we are so grateful for the support we receive from readers and organisations who recognise the importance of this free newspaper for

the huge numbers of disadvantaged people who are digitally excluded.

Our future may be uncertain. But we fight on. Thanks for your support. Here’s wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year!

TOM DOWLING, editor

You can’t travel – you’re drunk!

P.H.HOLT Foundation is named in honour of Philip Henry Holt, who together with his brother, Alfred, founded Ocean Steam Ship Company Ltd in 1865, which rose to the global forefront of maritime trade.

The brothers contributed much to education, culture, and civic life in Liverpool; a legacy that lives on over a century later through the Foundation’s grants improving the lives of people across Merseyside. n www.phholtfoundation.org.uk

Sign language GCSE moves a step closer BRITISH Sign Language is a step closer to being taught to GCSE standards.

After a nationwide consultation, exam body Ofqual says the qualification can now be developed by any GCSE-approved awarding body.

Once accredited, it can then be added to schools’ curriculums.

George Crockford, chief executive of the National Deaf Children’s Society, said: “This is a real landmark for deaf young campaigners like Daniel Jillings who have fought so hard for the right to study a GCSE in BSL. “British Sign Language is a beautiful language with its own culture and history used by tens of thousands of people.

“It’s only fair and right that users should have the opportunity to achieve a GCSE in their own, legally recognised language; as well as affording hearing learners the opportunity to learn BSL and play their part in breaking down barriers.”

He added: “We’re determined the BSL GCSE is available for future generations, so nothing holds deaf children back.”

l See Page 6

ORDEAL: Jim was wrongly accused of being drunk by train station staff

I

MAGINE surviving a life-changing stroke or coping with another hidden disability – and then being refused entry onto a train because it’s wrongly assumed you are drunk.

That’s what happened to my brother, Jim, when after a gruelling 20-minute walk from Everton’s Hill Dickinson stadium, he finally made it to Liverpool’s James Street station.

“My speech and balance aren’t as good they used to be,” said Jim, 73, “and a member of the station's staff said I was drunk and wouldn’t let me go through with my friend to the train.

“I tried to explain that I’d had a stroke, but he wouldn’t listen and told me to leave the station.”

Humiliated and exhausted, Jim then had to make another tiring 10-minute trek to Moorfields station – and hoped he’d be ok this time.

“Thankfully, there was no problem there,” he said. “No one bothered to stop me. I just boarded the train like everyone else. The way it should be. But I had to make the journey alone.”

Jim’s experience isn’t unique. It’s

Bitter pill to swallow

by TOM DOWLING happened to others across Merseyside – and across the country.

Now, after we highlighted Jim’s case to Merseyrail, a new rail card scheme is being trialled to prevent similar situations and give disabled commuters confidence to travel.

Greg Suligowski, Head of Corporate Affairs and Merseyrail said: “Merseyrail is committed to making rail travel accessible for everyone. We strive to learn from the experiences of our disabled customers.

“Our ongoing trial of a pass for those with non-visible disabilities demonstrates our dedication to improving what we do.”

Let’s hope they get it right and avoid any more experiences like this.

NURSING and healthcare magazine Nursing Times has closed its print edition after more than 120 years – and gone totally digital.

First printed in May 1905, the magazine’s circulation had dwindled to just 100.

Heart of the arts TRAIN booking company Trainline have teamed up with Parkinson’s UK to provide free badges for commuters with hidden challenges.

Ben Gee, pictured, lives with Parkinson’s. He said: “I can’t always stand for long and sometimes my tremors or movements draw looks or

questions. The badge takes away that ambiguity, meaning I can travel more confidently – it quietly explains what might be going on without me having to prompt the conversation.“ n The badges are available online at: shop.parkinsons.org.uk n Helpline. 0808 800 0303

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WINTER 2025-26

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Top marks A LIVERPOOL special has been named the UK’s best school for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities and inclusive practice.

Abbot’s Lea Schoo, in Woolton, won the gold award at The Pearson National Teaching Awards.

It has also won the title of Most Inspirational Specialist School in the North West.

Headteacher Ania Hildrey said: “Being

Medical errors cost £3.6bn in 12 months THE annual cost of settling medical negligence claims has more than tripled in two decades, from £1.1 billion in 2006-07 to £3.6 billion last year.

The increase, according to a report from the National Audit Office (NAO), reflects both a higher number of claims and rising settlement values.

Cases worth £1 million or more now account for 68% of total costs, despite making up only 2% of claims.

Contributing factors include advances in medical care and longer life expectancy, which increase the level of support people require after injury.

Legal costs have also risen sharply.

Claimant lawyers’ fees increased from £148 million in 2006-07 to £538 million last year, while NHS legal costs grew more modestly, from £76 million to £159 million over the same period.

In low-value cases – awards of £25,000 or less – legal costs were on average 3.7 times higher than the damages paid.

Hate crime ‘unpunished’ THE number of hate crime prosecutions plunged to under 300 last year – despite more than 10,000 offences being recorded by police in England and Wales.

And figures from the national crime survey put the true number of adult hate crime victims at around 56,000 a year.

A Home Office spokesperson said: “Whilst the police are operationally independent, we expect the police to fully investigate these appalling offences and work with the Crown Prosecution Service to ensure perpetrators of these abhorrent offences are brought to justice.”

A spokesperson for the National Police Chiefs’ Council said: “We are determined to understand the reasons for this gap in reporting and work with key partners to improve confidence in policing and access to our services.”

e-bikes spread fear ELECTRIC bikes and e-scooters are causing fear and anxiety among blind and partially-sighted people.

Most blind people are not confident walking in their own neighbourhood, research from the Royal National Institute of Blind People has found.

Nine out of 10 people quizzed said they have to walk into the road to avoid collisions with bikes and e-scooters.

Blind people say the five biggest barriers to accessing streets are: l Cars or other vehicles parked on pavement. l Poor quality of pavement. l Temporary obstacles (advertising boards, bikes/e-scooters, bin bags, etc). l Space where a path or pavement is shared with cyclists or escooter riders. l Lack of accessible crossings.

acknowledged as a national leader in inclusive practice truly reflects our commitment to academic progress, specialist therapeutic support, and the development of our students’ life skills.

“I am beyond proud of the journey we have taken together, and I would like to thank staff and school community for the incredible support you give to our school every day.”

THE BEST: Headteacher Ania Hildrey and pupils at Abbot’s Lea School

JUSTICE OVER CARERS DEBT

T

HOUSANDS of unpaid carers are set to be reimbursed after being saddled with debts they did not even know about.

Nearly 200,000 people had been forced to repay anything up to £20,000 in Carer’s Allowance.

Government errors were blamed for the scandal that in one case led to a carer being forced to pay back £4,331.60 after exceeding the earnings limit by 1p.

In what is seen as “the righting of a scandal”, the Department of Works and Pensions (DWP) will reassess cases from as far back as 2015.

It comes in wake of an independent review by the former disability rights campaigner Liz Sayce.

People can only receive Carer’s Allowance, currently £83.30 weekly, if they earn below a certain amount, currently £196.

The Sayce Review, launched in October 2024, found unclear guidance prevented carers from understanding what changes to their pay needed reporting to DWP.

This meant tens of thousands of people juggling 35 hours of care with paid work did not realise they had breached the weekly earnings limit.

Liz Sayce said: “My review found that overpayment debt has had major impacts on carers’ health, finances and family well-being, and been a disincentive to work.

“This wasn’t wilful rule-breaking – it simply wasn’t clear what earnings fluctuations carers should report.”

Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said: “Carers are vital to our communities, and when the system lets them down, we have a duty to put it right.

“The Sayce Review has shown us clearly that the guidance on earnings averaging was confusing. We inherited this mess from the previous government, but we’ve listened to carers, commissioned an independent review, and are now making good for those affected.”

Helen Walker, head of Carers UK, said: “It’s a landmark for the carers’ movement. It’s absolutely right that the Government has taken the bold move of owning up to the mistakes of the DWP.2018.”

Find YOUR local Carers Centre – p17

We’re not ready for switch to community care

E

NGLAND is ill-prepared for the big shift from hospital to community care, the health and social care watchdog has warned.

Health and social care continue to be fragmented and under severe strain, says the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in its annual State of Care report.

Community services need significant investment to deliver the transformation called for in the Government’s 10-Year Health Plan for England, says the regulator.

The CQC says without that support, there is real risk of

erosion in care quality, with people struggling to get the care they need and the most vulnerable groups likely to be hit hardest through longer waits, reduced access and poorer outcomes.

The report also highlights longstanding inequalities with some groups – including older people, people with dementia, people with a learning disability, and those with complex mental health needs – more likely to struggle to navigate services, often meaning their families and unpaid carers carry increasing burdens.

CQC interim head Dr Arun Chopra said: “The Government’s

10-year plan is a real chance to improve care by putting people’s needs first. But for the plan to succeed, community health and care services need more support.”

The report says district nursing services are key to shifting care from hospitals into the community – but the number of qualified district nurses per 10,000 people aged 65 and over has dropped by 50% in the last 14 years.

And CQC analysis of NHS data found the annual numbers of new trainees are rarely more than half the number of staff leaving the profession.

Covid-19: Disabled ‘failed

by Tories’ THE TORY government repeatedly failed to take action to protect disabled people in the early months of the pandemic, even though their risk of dying was twice as high.

The second report of the UK Covid-19 Inquiry says the “fact that disabled people would be exposed to a range of different and higher risks should have been obvious”.

The report highlights the failure to include the disability minister in key ministerial meetings, and the decision to sideline the Disability Unit from work on the Government’s initial strategy in the early months of the pandemic.

It also says that Boris Johnson’s government failed to address gaps in data and analysis relating to the impact of the virus on disabled people.

In England and Wales, the risk of death involving Covid-19 in March to July 2020 was twice as high for men who reported being limited a lot by their disability than men who reported no disability, while for women, the risk was 2.4 times higher.

In Scotland, from March 2020 to January 2021, the risk was three times higher for men, and 3.2 times higher for women.

For people with learning difficulties, the risks were even higher.

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

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WINTER 2025-26

All we ask is a place we can call home W

Independence way

All Together NOW! 5 pilot

‘Smartphones are as vital as wheelchairs’

HEELCHAIR users in England face severe difficulties in the search for a l M4(1) Category 1: Visitable dwellings. The current new home, with many at the mercy of mandatory regulatory baseline. Offers some basic accessibility features but fails to guarantee true a postcode lottery.

‘Urgent need’ CAMPAIGNERS with spinal cord injuries called on the Government to pledge 150,000 wheelchair accessible homes, which are currently not part of their promise to build 1.5million homes by 2029.

An SIA spokesperson said: “With 400,000 wheelchair users currently living in unsuitable homes, and long waiting lists, the need for fully adapted housing is urgent.

“visitability” to all and the adaptability many In the North West, one new wheelchair households will need over their lifetimes. user home is being planned for every 2,006 people compared with one for every l M4(2) Category 2: Accessible and adaptable dwellings. Offers enhanced access features and 210 Londoners, new research reveals.

Habinteg Housing Association’s forecast benefits to all households in the lifetime of the home. l M4(3) Category 3: Wheelchair user dwellings. This for accessible homes also shows wildly varying ambitions for the provision of M4(2) standard specifies accommodation to meet the needs of a household that includes a wheelchair user. homes – the second highest standard of accessible and adaptable homes. In London one such home is planned for disability rights campaigner Kerry Thompson, built by the end of the decade, a rise of 163% every 24 people, compared with just one per said: “A roof over our heads should never be a from 2020 when the forecast stood at 184 people in the North East. privilege, it’s a fundamental human right.

530,504.

Four in 10 of all new homes being planned Every person deserves a place to call home.”

The best-case scenario would also see over over the next 10 years will not be built to the There is some good news. If the country 106,000 new M4(3) wheelchair accessible M4(2) standard or the M4(3) wheelchair user builds all the new homes currently planned, homes built by 2035 compared to 45,000 in standard.

Habinteg calculates 1.39 million more 2020, a 136% increase.

Habinteg’s insight group member and accessible and adaptable homes could be

SMARTPHONES should be considered as vital to the independence of disabled people as wheelchairs.

That’s one of the conclusions of a report from the influential Royal Society, which also warns that digital assistive technology must be affordable if it is to be useful.

And the Royal Society, which represents many of the world’s leading scientists and technologists, says disabled people must be “meaningfully” involved in the development of digital assistive tech if it is to achieve its full potential.

Tech companies, researchers and governments should do more to remove barriers and engage disabled people in the design of tools and services, they say.

Among the recommendations made by their Digital Technology report is that governments should not consider smartphones as any less a form of assistive technology than hearing aids, manual wheelchairs or white canes.

But it also warns that many disabled people globally experience lower levels of income compared with non-disabled people, so digital assistive technology needs to be affordable if it is to be useful.

It calls on governments, technology companies and research funders to explore ways to ensure affordability.

PLEA TO PM: Campaigners outside 10 Downing Street supported by Liberal Democrat MP Steve Darling, left, and Green Party MP Carla Denyer,

Work scheme not working T

HE Government’s Access to Work scheme, aimed at helping disabled people into – and at – work is not working.

Set up in 1994, the programme has been a lifeline for tens of thousands of people, making employment or self-employment possible through the provision of grants for communication interpreters, specialist equipment and more.

But grassroots organisation Access to Work Collective says stealth cuts are being made, leaving people without the support they need to remain in employment.

The group delivered an open letter signed by more than 17,000 people to 10 Downing Street. It calls on Prime Minister Keir Starmer to urgently reform the scheme so that no disabled person, employed or

self-employed, is forced out of work because of preventable barriers by the system.

Dr Shani Dhanda, Access to Work Collective’s co-founder, said: “We’ve delivered this letter because disabled people are being pushed out of work by a system that’s meant to help us stay in it.

“It’s a false economy to spend public money forcing people out of work only to pay more in benefits. Investing in Access to Work keeps disabled people in jobs, supports businesses and strengthens the economy.

“We’re asking the Prime Minister to work with us to fix what’s gone wrong so disabled people can get on with their jobs and lives.”

www.sales@alltogethernow.org.uk

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Sign up: houseofmemories.learnworlds.com

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WINTER 2025-26

SEND costs put councils ‘close to bankruptcy’ ENGLAND’s councils are warning of a “ticking time bomb” in the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system, with new data showing spiralling deficits that could bankrupt local authorities within three years.

A stark report reveals a rapidly worsening financial picture – with high-needs spending continuing to exceed the funding councils receive under the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG), leaving an unsustainable gap between need and resources.

One in three councils say they could be forced to issue a Section 114 notice – effectively declaring bankruptcy.

If left unresolved, the national SEND deficit will exceed total usable reserves by 2026/27. By 2028/29 it will surpass all usable and ring-fenced reserves.

Lorna Baxter, president of the Association of Local Authority Treasurers, said: “We often hear of the black hole in public finances but SEND deficits totalling billions of pounds are being hidden in local authority accounts.

“Without prompt Government intervention, we risk an unprecedented local authority financial crisis.” l The warning comes after a new Commons education committee report called for national standards for disabled pupils in all mainstream schools.

The committee also wants more state-run special schools, so more disabled children can be educated closer to their homes.

Since the 2014 Children and Families Act, the number of children and young people identified with SEND has risen from 1.3 million to 1.7 million.

Last year, more than 1.2 million children and young people were receiving SEND support at school, and nearly half a million had an EHC plan.

Lesson for teachers TEACHERS are being invited to sign up for a free online course aimed at helping vision impaired pupils and students.

“Whether you’ve supported blind or partially sighted students before or not, this self-paced course will help you feel confident, informed, and ready to make your teaching more inclusive,” says the Thomas Pocklington Trust. n www.pocklington.org.uk

Autism body honoured PORTLAND College, which has supported disabled people all over the UK for 75 years, has won a national charity award in recognition of its work to improve support for autistic people.

Based in Mansfield, the college gained the National Autistic Society’s Autism Specialist Award Advanced Status for specialist providers in sectors including education, social care and the justice system.

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KIDS OF 5 LEARN SIGN LANGUAGE T

HOUSANDS of junior school children are to learn how to communicate better with their deaf friends.

Young pupils across the UK will be taught British Sign Language from the age of five in a big step towards bridging the gap between the deaf and hearing communities.

The School of Signs is a free programme of study for primary schools, created by Signature, the UK’s leading awarding body for deaf communication and language qualifications.

It will be the first time schools anywhere in the UK can access a complete programme of BSL study at no cost, designed by experts, taught by deaf teachers, and supported by leading organisations in deaf education and media.

Signature’s executive director Lindsay Foster said: “We want to make it not just possible, but easy and fun for primary school children to learn British

Sign Language. School of Signs is about building an inclusive society, from the ground up, starting in our classrooms.”

With more than 54,000 deaf children in the UK, hundreds of schools have signed up for the programme so far, and Signature aims to have 1,000 on board by the end of the academic year.

Last year, 364,000 primary school children took part in the UK’s largest-ever online British Sign Language lesson as part of Sign Language Week.

As well as 20 free online lessons delivered by deaf BSL teachers, the study programme includes a fun and engaging series of short fictional films made with the help of ITV. The series, designed to bring BSL to life, follows two spies, Max and Evie, who go undercover in a school to solve mysteries, with sign language woven into each storyline. l Sign Up Today – p16

TV Sam: ‘Making an effort

DOES

matter’

T

V STAR Sam Baines is helping drive the UK towards a major milestone in deaf awareness.

More than 40,000 people have already signed up to deaf charity RNID’s “|t DOES matter” campaign by agreeing to TUNING IN: Sam getting ready for the TV cameras receive simple communication tips and “It meant that I was included and I felt like part of the free sign language videos. team. Being deaf aware isn’t just important at work, Now the charity has teamed up with actress, it’s important all the time.” comedian, broadcaster and deaf activist Sam to push The campaign title came about after RNID research that figure past the 50,000 mark. found over half (54%) of people had experienced As a report revealed that over two thirds of deaf being told “it doesn’t matter” when they asked people have experienced negative attitudes, RNID someone to repeat something they missed. ambassador Sam said: “When people are deaf aware, Frankie Garforth, head of inclusion at RNID, said: it makes a huge difference.

“Lack of deaf awareness can have a significant impact “I remember being on a film set and there was on individuals. Yet we know most people genuinely someone with me who just repeated a couple of want to get it right when communicating with someone things that they thought I might have missed. And it who has hearing loss — they’re just not always sure helped so much because it meant I was part of the where to start.” conversation.

“Also, when someone was facing away saying l Learn some easy BSL phrases and something, they turned to me and repeated what communication tips at they’d said so I could see their mouth clearly and lip www.rnid.org.uk/it-does-matter read.

Children’s hearing service blasted URGENT funding is needed to fix children’s hearing services, says an independent review.

The damning Kingston Review reveals over 300 children have been harmed because of repeated errors made in paediatric audiology, with the full number still to be established and likely to be higher.

The review highlights a series of recommendations including redesigning how children’s hearing services are delivered, properly investing to make sure they have the funding needed to be effective, and transforming how service performance is monitored to drive higher-quality outcomes.

George Crockford, chief excutive of the National Deaf Children’s Society, said: “It’s vital that deafness is identified early so that deaf children can be supported right from the start.” n NDCS helpline: 808 800 8880.

Funding for young deaf EVERYTHING from sign language lessons to social activities for deaf children are among projects that could be funded under a new scheme.

The National Deaf Children’s Society’s Community Grants Programme will provide up to £10,000 to a hundred grassroots groups supporting deaf young people and their families.

Money will pay for youngsters to take part in a range of inclusive activities that foster peer support, strengthen deaf identity, develop skills and support emotional wellbeing.

Community Grants officer Angela Calder said: “With our financial support, coupled with our expertise and resources, we’re confident that we can enable and empower local groups to make lasting improvements to the lives of deaf children and their families up and down the UK.” n www.ndcs.org.uk Tel. 020 7490 8656

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WINTER 2025-26

All Together NOW!

Protect your pipes with ease, so they don’t burst and freeze!

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SAVE THIS VITAL LIFELINE MEDICAL NOTES New treatments to help ‘thousands live longer’ MORE than a thousand bladder cancer patients a year are to receive a breakthrough treatment that boosts survival and remission rates.

The treatment – approved for use on the NHS – has been hailed as “one of the most hopeful advances in decades” for people with the disease.

Professor Peter Johnson, NHS England’s national clinical director for cancer, said the treatment will help “thousands to live longer, giving them more precious moments with their loved ones”.

He added: “This new therapy is the first one in years to really help stop the disease in its tracks, and our rollout to NHS patients will make a huge difference to the lives of those affected and their families”.

Bladder cancer is difficult to treat with standard chemotherapy, with life expectancy for people whose cancer has spread at just over a year.

The new approach increased survival to more than two-and-a-half years.

The length of time the treatment kept the cancer at bay also more than doubled – from just over six months to 18 months.

Avoiding animals SCIENTISTS at the University of Glasgow have successfully used the first bioengineered bone marrow model to carry out vital cancer research, offering new insights into potential therapies for the disease.

The breakthrough represents an important step forward in being able to carry out medical research without the use of animals.

Osteoporosis hope A NEW way of detecting signs of bone thinning could help avoid it developing into osteoporosis.

In tests, scientists at the University of Tokyo used artificial intelligence to correctly identify people with thinning bone – known as osteopenia – in the lower back in close to nine out of 10 cases.

Without diagnosis and treatment, osteopenia can develop into the more familiar osteoporosis – leaving people with weakened bones, making them fragile and more likely to break.

In the UK, more than three million people are affected by osteoporosis, and it is one of the main causes of hospital stays for women over 45 – more than diabetes, heart attack and breast cancer.

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Seeing the mind like never before A DEVICE fitted over the head of patients could help the understanding and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.

New drugs intended to slow the progress of the condition target clumps of the protein beta-amyloid which form plaques in the brain — plaques being a sign of Alzheimer’s.

The head coil MRI scanner technology may provide super-fine resolution images which can potentially identify these plaques

and monitor the effectiveness of treatment.

Glasgow-based companies MR CoilTech and Wideblue are collaborating with the University of Glasgow on developing the technology. Dr Euan McBrearty, from Wideblue said: “The advanced MRI coil will aim to provide the best possible tools for Alzheimer’s researchers to fully investigate the safe and effective use of these new drugs.”

ON THE WAY: New MRI scanner

IMPACT: Keeping active physically and mentally will help to keep your brain in good shape

IT’S A NO-BRAINER! S TAYING active – physically and mentally – and eating well have a powerful impact on brain health, a major study has found.

A two-year clinical trial in the U.S. found a combination of physical and mental activity and better nutrition improved cognition in older adults at risk of brain decline.

The trial, the largest ever on whether lifestyle changes can help prevent Alzheimer’s disease, enrolled 2,111 older adults (aged 60-79) at elevated risk for Alzheimer’s (due to medical and family

history) and randomised participants into a coached lifestyle intervention or a health education group for two years.

Research, funded by the Alzheimer’s Association, found the first group improved their cognitive function substantially over the two-year period.

Recommendations include: l Physical exercise: 30-35 minutes of moderate-to-intense aerobic activity four times a week, plus strength and flexibility

exercises twice a week. l Cognitive exercise: Computer-based brain training programme three times a week for 30 minutes, plus regular engagement in other intellectually challenging and social activities. l Nutrition: Dark leafy greens, berries, nuts, whole grains, olive oil and fish. Reduce sugar and unhealthy fats. l Health monitoring: Regular check-ins on blood pressure, weight and lab results.

Try a BrainHQ exercise for free daily at https://www.brainhq.com

NHS plan to roll out dementia test A CHARITY’S online dementia test is to be developed and rolled out across the NHS. The test, available at foodforthebrain.org, has been selected by Innovate UK, the Government’s research and innovation agency, to identify the markers that indicate a person is at risk of developing dementia long before it is too late to take steps to prevent its onset.

Current tests typically confirm the onset of dementia – but don’t always predict who will suffer from it in the future, hence they don’t

help a person to take steps early enough to prevent dementia.

Research shows there is a lot we can do to help prevent dementia, reducing the risk by up to 73%, according to a UK Biobank study.

Foodforthebrain.org’s free online Cognitive Function Test has been taken by over 200,000 people and gives people a clear indication of their risk and how to mitigate it.

The test can differentiate between normal ageing and the patterns of decline associated with an increased future risk of dementia.

The results so far show that average

cognitive function and memory decline quite steadily from the age of 18, and more so in men, with women’s rate of cognitive decline accelerating from around age 50, coinciding with the menopause.

The study will also engage people across diverse ethnic and cultural groups.

Dr Cynthia Bullock, director, Healthy Lives at Innovate UK, said: “Digital cognitive assessments have the potential to transform how we detect and diagnose dementia, making it faster, more accurate, and accessible to more people.

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

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Mersey leads ‘healthcare on the doorstep’

MEDICAL NOTES

SEFTON and St Helens have been chosen to help lead the Government’s plans to deliver healthcare closer to where people live.

Cancer test could help detect other diseases

“Neighbourhood health” is central to Labour’s ambition to shift care from hospitals to the community, analogue to digital and sickness to prevention.

The first phase of its National Neighbourhood Health Implementation Programme (NNHIP) will provide 43 successful applicants – including Sefton and St Helens – with national support to help

provide better care for adults with multiple long-term conditions.

Targeted to begin with at areas of higher deprivation, the NNHIP aims to provide more care at home or closer to home, and improve people’s access, experience and outcomes.

NHS Cheshire and Merseyside chief executive Cathy Elliott said: “This is testament to the strength of the relationships between local health and care providers and our collective commitment to develop models of neighbourhood health which better support the communities we serve.”

Liverpool City Region Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram said: “I’m really proud teams across our region are stepping up to be part of this.

“They know their communities, they care deeply about the people they serve -– and they’ve already shown what’s possible when we work together.”

He added: “This programme is a chance to do more of what works: getting help to people earlier, closer to home and in a way that makes sense to them.”

Tech that!

App keeps mum and baby safe T

HOUSANDS of mums-to be with type 1 diabetes are to be given revolutionary technology to keep them and their babies safe.

For the first time, pregnant women with the condition will be offered an artificial pancreas, which allows them to properly manage their blood glucose levels.

Around 2,000 women in England living with type 1 diabetes become pregnant each year and pregnancy hormones can make it harder for them to regulate their blood glucose.

If diabetes is not controlled during pregnancy it can lead to

stillbirth, miscarriage, birth injuries and increased need for neonatal care.

Kate Brintworth, chief midwifery officer for England, said: “This lifechanging technology is great news for women with type 1 diabetes because their chronic condition can make it difficult for them to effectively regulate their blood glucose levels to have a safe pregnancy.”

The technology consists of an insulin pump, a glucose sensor, and an advanced algorithm that runs 24/7 on a mobile phone app, which calculates and delivers the precise insulin dosages a woman requires before and during pregnancy.

Newborns boost BABIES born between eight and 10 weeks early CAN be fed with milk through a tube in their stomach straight after birth rather than being given intravenous feeds.

It means babies should spend less time in intensive care.

Professor Shalini Ojha, from the University of Nottingham, who led the FEED1 trial, said: “They can be cared for in special care where families can be more involved.”

Antidepressant alert

GREAT NEWS: For diabetic mothers-to-be

Lucky 13 ways to tackle muscle disease NEW pioneering research projects aim to improve life for people living with muscle wasting and weakening conditions.

Muscular Dystrophy UK is investing £2 million into 13 projects across England and Northern Ireland.

That means the charity is now supporting a total of 51 projects, each aiming to deepen understanding, explore new treatments, improve care and make a meaningful

A COMMONLY used bowel cancer test could be used to detect other serious diseases in future.

In the UK, people between the age of 60 and 74 are invited to collect a small sample of their poo and send it off to a laboratory to check for blood.

A study by experts at the University of Nottingham has found that most of the people who died after a positive result for the so-called faecal immunochemical test – or FIT – did so from a cause other than bowel cancer.

Dr Francesca Malcolm, who led the research at the university’s school of medicine, said: “There has been a huge increase in the number of FITs being done each year but there are many other reasons why someone might have a ‘positive’ result.

“We hope to use these results to improve how FIT is used in future.

The next step is to look at causes of death after a ‘positive’ FIT as this will help decide whether other diseases should be tested for after a ‘positive’ result.”

difference to people with over 25 different muscle wasting and weakening conditions.

Conditions covered include Duchenne muscular dystrophy, facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy, myofibrillar myopathies, and spinal muscular atrophy.

And for the first time the charity will fund research into VCP multisystem proteinopathy type 1.

Kate Adcock, from Muscular Dystrophy UK,

said: “We’re reaching new areas, exploring more conditions, and supporting a growing community of scientists.

“The work aims to improve lives today and shape the future of care and treatment.

“Doubling the number of PhD students we support, we’re also making a long-term commitment to the next generation of scientists and research into muscle wasting and weakening conditions.”

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

GPs are being warned that prescribing antidepressants in isolation can make things worse for people with bipolar.

Charity Bipolar UK say it is not uncommon for sufferers to experience hypomania or mania after starting antidepressants, which is potentially life-threatening.

Now the charity is warning antidepressants should only ever be prescribed to people with bipolar alongside a mood stabiliser.

More than a million people in the UK live with bipolar.

In a Bipolar UK survey of more than 2,000 people living with the condition, nearly one in five respondents reported that starting antidepressants played a major role in their first manic/mixed-state episode.

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M-way services step up a gear

Used Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles We are where you are!

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ISABLED customers at Britain’s motorway services are in for a better deal.

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Moto, Roadchef, Welcome Break, Extra and Getlink Customs Services have signed a pledge with independent transport watchdog Transport Focus to do more to improve accessibility at all venues.

Promises include consulting and co-designing with disabled users prior to the build of every new motorway service area or site refurbishment, better staff training, and creating a new industry access group.

The initiative comes after a Transport Focus survey found disabled visitors were far from happy with toilet facilities and car park layouts.

Earlier this year Transport Focus brought together motorway service operators, National Highways and the wider roads sector to see how accessibility, toilets, wayfinding, signage and journey planning information could be improved.

Attendees heard from accessibility experts about the barriers disabled customers face when planning their journeys, refuelling and seeking rest and refreshments.

Disability campaigner Helen Dolphin said: “These improvements will make a huge difference in our daily lives, allowing us to travel with greater independence, comfort and dignity.”

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New VAT charge on car scheme is ‘baffling’ S

WEEPING and “unjust” changes to the Motability scheme will add hundreds of pounds to upfront payments to lease cars, say campaigners.

They spoke out after Chancellor Rachel Reeves imposed VAT at 20% on most advance payments for cars leased through the scheme, and removed the current 12% insurance premium tax exemption.

Only vehicles with substantial adaptations for wheelchair and stretcher-users will be exempt from the new taxes, which will take effect from next July.

The taxes on disabled people are expected to bring in £355 million a year by 2030-31, with the budget document saying the previous “generous tax breaks” had been “subsidising provision beyond the scheme’s core objectives, such as the lease of luxury cars”.

by JOHN PRING Only 41 models are now available without an advance payment, a tiny proportion of the 847 cars the scheme offers.

Motability Operations, the company that runs the scheme, said the tax changes would mean the average advance payment was likely to increase by about £400.

No extras The models that will remain available to lease through the scheme without an advance payment are unlikely to come with the extras that ensure the vehicles are accessible to

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ALL CHANGE: Fewer models are now available without an advance payment many disabled people, disabled campaigners warned.

Motability have also removed overseas breakdown cover from the scheme and lowered the mileage limit on its leases.

All premium brands – such as BMW, Jaguar and Mercedes – have also been removed from the scheme.

Disability Rights UK said the changes to the scheme were “baffling” and “unjust”.

It said: “They are yet more Government actions that place the burden and blame on disabled people instead of taking responsibility for inaccessible public transport and workplaces that they have the power to change.”

Motability Operations also announced it planned to ensure that by 2035 half of all vehicles leased through the scheme have been built in the UK, compared with 7% currently.

This would mean an increase from 22,000 to 150,000 vehicles a year, which will include vehicles built abroad but converted into wheelchair-accessible vehicles in the UK.

Hostility Rick Burgess, a spokesperson for Greater Manchester Coalition of Disabled People, said: “Yet another budget of austerity for disabled people.

“The cumulative hostility towards us remains unchanged from the last Government.”

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A disability? It’s made me better!

P

AUL Woods took nearly 50 years to finally accept his disability and celebrate the strengths it has given

him.

Now the North west businessman hopes his journey will inspire others to pursue their own ambitions.

Paul has cerebral palsy after being born two months prematurely as a result of a lack of oxygen at birth.

The 51-year-old did not allow his condition, the bullying it attracted at school, or being turned down for jobs without really understanding why, to stop him getting on in life.

He used the blow of being made redundant as an opportunity to start up his Widnes-based courier business, Proactive Despatch, in 2008, and has grown it to employ 11 staff and a turnover of £1.9m.

Despite his success, he struggled to come to terms with disability. He walked everywhere until

Transport gets a lift

he was 40 before “swallowing my pride” and using a wheelchair. But after winning £50,000 in the Stelios Awards for Disabled Entrepreneurs, he is making peace with cerebral palsy.

“This whole process has really challenged my thinking because, until the last couple of years, I hid my disability because I was embarrassed by it,” he admitted.

“I have now realised it is part of me and has given me skills and a sense of persistence, resilience and will to prove people wrong that I may not have had otherwise “I hope a disabled person will look at my journey and think ‘if he has achieved, what is stopping me?’ “ Now on a mission to tackle the barriers faced by disabled people in starting and running businesses, Paul has contributed to The Lilac Review, an independent inquiry being spearheaded by Small Business Britain.

WINNER: Paul celebrates his award

City backs hidden talent improving life for more of us

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COMMUNITY transport services are set to benefit from grants of up to £1m – allowing more people to live with greater dignity and independence.

Charities and other organisations can apply for grants starting at £50,000 to enhance existing services or launch new initiatives that improve transport access.

The money can be used for staff, vehicles, operational costs and infrastructure.

To widen access, the Motability Foundation has updated its eligibility criteria, welcoming applications from organisations that have been active for least three years and have a turnover of £50,000 or more. n www.motability foundation.org.uk/ organisation-grants/

All profits support our charity work at Warrington Disability Partnership

The Citizen First LCR programme will support “hidden entrepreneurs” from local communities to develop businesses rooted in their own lived experiences of health and care challenges.

The successful entrepreneurs: l Sean Bailey, Runcorn – MySleepHealth: An AI-guided platform l Umar Hayter, Toxteth – offering evidence-based digital sleep EnviroCleanLCR: Eco-cleaning service support for people with conditions like using electric cargo bikes to provide autism, ADHD, insomnia, and shift work affordable, sustainable cleaning and youth disorder. employment, contributing to better mental health and community well-being. l Faye Boswell, south Liverpool – Sensified Spaces: A Tripadvisor-style l Lorcan McGuinness, Childwall – platform to help the neurodivergent Guided Robotics: Flexible and compliant community navigate sensory experiences in robotic systems for healthcare use within public spaces, inspired by her family and hospitals, reducing contagion and travel industry experience. biohazard exposure for staff and patients. l Katie Bowater, Prescot – Young l Frankii Panchoo, Toxteth – Hair: Entrepreneurs Club: Supporting 18–35Anywhere: Fully accessible mobile salon year-olds with business guidance, peer bringing hairdressing to people, especially connection, and well-being support, wheelchair users, who can’t easily reach inspired by her own journey as a young traditional salons. founder. l Mathew Richards, Childwall – Inclusive sports and media enterprise: l Ceara Byrne, Formby – Laurel’s Wood CIC: A 16-acre private woodland providing Creating opportunities for people of all ages nature-based experiences to improve to get active, build confidence, and connect mental health and well-being in her through community events. community.

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Lots to gain with older workers DISABLED older workers suffer double prejudice in the workplace — putting them at greater risk of exclusion and missed opportunities.

Yet bringing them into the labour market would bring numerous benefits including raising billions in tax and national insurance, say campaigners.

The Centre for Ageing Better has revealed that nearly twice as many disabled people aged 50 to 66 had experienced negative treatment when applying for jobs or promotions in the past five years compared to nondisabled people.

Researchers from the charity found 69% of those asked felt being older was a disadvantage in the UK job market, while 75% thought having a disability or a health condition also put applicants at a disadvantage.

Minefield Rebecca Lines from the Centre for Ageing Better said the UK labour market was “failing” older disabled people.

She said: “Disabled older workers told our researchers how they are navigating a constant minefield, weighing up whether to declare health conditions, how to ask for adjustments, and how to present themselves in a labour market that often overlooks them or undervalues them.”

And that all takes a toll on confidence, wellbeing and long-term health, she added.

Closing this gap among older workers would bring around 192,000 more people into the labour market, generating an estimated £13bn in gross domestic product a year and £2.5bn in additional income tax and national insurance, the report found.

INSPIRATION: Above, Vincent the author. Left, earlier days as the newshound

NEXT CHAPTER C

ONGRATULATIONS to Vincent Kelly, former associate editor and sports editor of the Liverpool Echo, who has become an author – at the age of 92.

His self-published novel, Dreadnought, explores how football has been transformed and corrupted by the pursuit of profit.

He said: “At my age you can’t hang around for agents and big-name publishers, so I’ve had it published myself.

“I have been amazed at the reaction to the book so far.

“My doctor has even ordered one and is all for me to get cracking on a second.”

Dreadnought tells the story of terrace legend Andrew Alexander, whose tragic demise mirrors the decline of the game he loved.

Through Alexander’s fate, Vincent exposes how a combination of greed, media

Ex-editor Vincent takes on new assignment – as author, aged 92 manipulation, and backroom deals has changed the beautiful game almost beyond recognition.

Vincent added: “Football has always been more than a sport in this country – it’s a mirror of our communities, our culture, our values.

“With Dreadnought, I wanted to show how easily something beloved can be eroded when money takes precedence over everything else.

“I also wanted to show how journalism plays a critical role in exposing corruption and create a story that shows the tensions at play in a newsroom when a big story breaks.”

The book is available, £12.99, on Amazon in both Kindle and paperback formats.

alone after decades with a beloved spouse or partner is such a cruel thing to happen.

“The prospect of happiness can feel distant, if not impossible. Finding companionship with old friends, or new acquaintances to share mutual interests won’t make the loss go away, but personal connections are fundamental to both our happiness and emotional wellbeing.”

Here are some of Annabel’s tips . . . l Don’t underestimate the value of your social circle

to thousands of people Merseyside and Cheshire who are

DIGITALLY EXCLUDED

l After a career of almost 30 years at the Echo, Vincent went on to become editor of the Birmingham Post before lecturing in media law at the University of Central Lancashire.

Ways to beat loneliness FOR older people who have lost a spouse or partner after decades together, special days like Valentine’s and anniversaries can be yet another marker of time and loss.

ANNABEL JAMES, founder of Age Space and an expert on elderly care, says: “Finding yourself

A lifeline

– your friends and acquaintances could be the best resource you have for doing the things you love. l Many holiday companies provide a whole range of different options from escorted tours to cruises. l Explore lunch clubs and social organisations like the WI and University of the Third Age. l The benefits of singing are well-known, so how about joining a choir or if it’s crafting you love – plenty of local groups provide chat and craft. l Find a course and learn something new with like-minded individuals. l Become a volunteer at charity shops, museums, art galleries or the local hospital. l Join an exercise class – daily exercise is good for the mind and body – and for meeting new people. n www.agespace.org

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AIN’T NO MOUNTA

Two remarkable tales that prove just about anything is poss

SIT SKIS enable wheelchair users to ski. They feature a seat mounted on a single or two skis and has a shock absorber. Skiers control it with their upper body and often use outrigger skis for balance.

To the end of the wo A

DVENTURER Darren Edwards plans to chill out at New Year – in one of the coldest places on earth.

Darren, paralysed from the chest and operating at the absolute limit of what is possible with a high-level spinal cord injury, is skiing 222 kilometres to the South Pole in -30C temperatures, in just 20 days.

Originally planned for last spring, but cancelled due to sponsorship issues, this new adventure will mark a major milestone in polar exploration history.

The furthest currently travelled by a sit-skier to

reach the Pole is 111km.

The 35-year-old exarmy reservist is being supported by British explorer Lucy Shepherd, chief scout Dwayne Fields and award-winning film maker Matthew Biggar.

Antarctica is a dangerous place for anyone, let alone someone with Darren’s physical limitations.

Working together, the team will face the risk of extreme temperatures, altitude sickness, exhaustion, and adverse environmental conditions including high winds, snowstorms, and crevasses.

“There will be new challenges,” said Darren.

“I won’t know if my legs or feet are getting frostbite. There is no textbook to explain how your body will respond. So, we won’t know until we get into the ice.”

In addition to changing perceptions of disability, the purpose behind Darren’s South Pole challenge is to raise £100,000 for the charity Wings for Life, which seeks to find a cure for spinal cord injury, and funds research and clinical trials globally.

Determination Nine years ago, Darren was rock climbing in Snowdonia when his future was changed forever.

He fell 40ft, leaving him instantly paralysed..

What followed was an arduous five-month journey through intensive care, surgery and rehabilitation, a determination to not be beaten, and the start of a series of daring and gruelling challenges. To date,

his record-breaking ad the first person with a from Land’s End to Jo and – less than a year English Channel.

In October 2022, he to complete the World iconic test of running s days on seven differen The following spring all-disabled team to cr the mighty Vatnajokull Darren said: “I am ex possible.

“In my opinion, it is v boundaries, both phys regardless of the chall

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AIN HIGH ENOUGH

ible . . .

rld

dventures include becoming spinal cord injury to kayak hn O’ Groats, in June 2021, r later – the first to row the

was the first disabled person Marathon Challenge – the seven marathons in seven nt continents. he was part of the first ross Europe’s largest ice cap, in Iceland. xcited to show that anything is

vital that we all push our own sically and mentally, enges we all face in life.”

HIGH LIFE: Left, Ed and his guide tackle tricky terrain in Kyrgyzstan – picture TOBY RONEY

Right, Ed with the Millimetres 2 Mountains flag on the summit – picture JAKE HOLLAND

The perfect try C

LIMBER Ed Jackson has marked a new milestone in what can be achieved with a disability.

The former professional rugby player is believed to be the first person with a disability to make the first recorded ascent of a high-altitude mountain.

Ed, who suffered a spinal injury in an accident in 2017 – and who is partially paralysed in all limbs – successfully conquered the unclimbed 4,720m peak in the Tien Shan mountains of Kyrgyzstan in Central Asia.

The mountain will now be named by disabled children supported by a charity in Kyrgyzstan, which the climb raised money for.

After the accident in which he fractured multiple vertebrae in his spine, doctors had warned Ed, an ex-England youth

international, that he might never walk again. He has since confounded the experts and found a way to return to the mountains.

Ed and his small team established a remote base camp in Kyrgyzstan with the support of nomadic shepherds, before tackling the ascent across glacial terrain, steep ice and a rocky section to the summit.

Demanding The 35-year-old, from Bath, who has taken on climbing challenges around the world and hopes to become the first incomplete quadriplegic to scale Everest, said: “The climb was far more technical and demanding than I could ever have imagined.

“It took absolutely everything to reach

p this newspaper alive – back page

the top. There were moments when I doubted whether my body could do it but I wasn’t climbing alone.

I felt the strength of everyone who has carried me to this point.

This summit isn’t just mine; it belongs to all of them too.”

Ed works closely with outdoor brand Berghaus, which modifies kit to help him climb. Funds raised by the expedition were donated to the Millimetres to Mountains Foundation (M2M), which Ed founded to support people facing adversity through outdoor challenges, and the Kyrgyz children’s organisation CDI Children at Risk.

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SHOPMOBILITY n ALTRINCHAM . Tel 0161 929 1714 n ASHTON-UNDER-LYNE. Tel 0161 339 9500 n BARROW. Tel 01229 434039 n BIRKENHEAD. Tel 0151 647 6162 n BLACKBURN AND DARWEN. Tel 01254 690566 or 07757 502217 n BLACKPOOL. Tel 01253 349427 n BOLTON. Tel 01204 392946 n CARLISLE. Tel 01228 631564 n CHESTER. Tel 01244 312626 n CHORLEY. Tel 01257 260 888 n COLWYN BAY. Tel 01492 533822 n ELLESMERE PORT. Tel 01244 312626 n KENDAL. Tel 01539 740 933 n LEIGH, Wigan.

Tel 01942 777 985 n LIVERPOOL. Tel 0151 707 0877 n MANCHESTER Trafford Centre. Tel 0161 747 2684 n MANCHESTER Arndale Centre. Tel 0161 839 4060 n NELSON. Tel 01282 692 502 n NORTHWICH, Vale Royal Tel 01244 312626 n OSWESTRY. Tel 01691 656882 n PENRITH. Tel 01768 895 438 n PRESTON. Tel 01772 204 667 n RHYL. Tel 01745 350665 n ROCHDALE. Tel 01706 865 986 n RUNCORN, Halton Lea Tel 01928 710144 n SHREWSBURY. Tel 01743 236900 SKELMERSDALE. Tel 01695 550066 n STOCKPORT. Tel 0161 666 1100 n WARRINGTON. Tel 01925 240064 n WARRINGTON. Birchwood Tel 01925 822 411 WIDNES: 0151 511 8833 n WIGAN. Tel 01942 776 070 n WINSFORD Tel 01244 312626 n WIRRAL. 0151 647 6162 n WREXHAM. Tel 01978 312390 MIDLANDS n BIRMINGHAM. Snow Hill Railway Station. Tel 0121 236 8980. Level 2, Centre Car Park, Bullring. Tel 0121 616 2942 n STAFFORD. Tel 01785 619456 n STOKE ON TRENT. Tel 01782 233333 n SUTTON COLDFIELD. Tel 0121 355 1112 n TAMWORTH. Tel, 01827 709392

WINTER 2025-26

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

Join in the fun – and stay active

Equipped for life NEED advice finding the right equipment to help you live more independently?

If so, give the friendly people at Adapt & Live a call.

The service is the new name for the helpline run by the Disabled Living charity, which has been operating in Manchester for 125 years.

The team also provides occupational therapy assessments, access audits and accredited training programmes. n Tel. 0161 214 4590

DEAR READERS: Please let me tell you about our thriving social group for people with multiple sclerosis in the Vale Royal and West Cheshire area.

We’ve just celebrated our 40th anniversary and are keen to encourage more new faces to be part of the group.

Many of our members deal with a wide range of symptoms such as fatigue, vision problems and issues with balance and walking.

But we are a determined and fun-loving crowd – and we even have our own accessible minibus and a volunteer driver to get us out and about.

Regular trips include the Neurotherapy Centre at Saltney, which offers a wide range of physical therapy for anyone with a neurological disorder and much more.

They also have a gym and a café.

We also arrange coffee mornings at garden centres, pub lunches, tea-time meals and quiz nights. Future plans include a hog roast and lots of events to keep you active and stay involved with people. n Want to give us a try? Call me on 07522 384240.

– Trish Richards, Vale Royal and West Cheshire MS Group.

Leg-up at Lego

H E L

L O

SIGN UP NOW!

M

AKE learning sign language one of your New Year resolutions, says RNID, the national hearing loss charity.

Teri Devine, director of Inclusion at RNID, said: “Learning a new language can be daunting but by having a few phrases up your sleeve can make all the difference to someone who uses BSL.” A survey by the charity highlights the serious barriers faced by BSL users. Less than a quarter of respondents said they

could confidently sign simple everyday phrases, including: “Hello, my name is [name]” (23%) “How are you?” (23%) “What is your name?” (22%) Fingerspelling the alphabet (23%) Mr Devine added: “These findings are a stark reminder of the persistent stigma and barriers faced by deaf people and BSL users.

“Sadly, deaf BSL users are faced with communication challenges and negative

LEGOLAND Windsor has become the first UK theme park to achieve the National Autistic Society’s Autism Friendly Award.

The honour recognises the measures LEGOLAND Windsor has in place to support autistic people and their families.

As well as autism training for the park’s staff, they have introduced access passes for those unable to queue for long periods, sensory spaces, ear defenders, flashcards and communication cards, and accessible information. attitudes and behaviours every single day, whether it’s taking public transport, at the doctor’s or visiting shops.

“People who are deaf or who use BSL to communicate deserve all the same opportunities as everyone else, but it’s clear that there’s is still a long way to go before we can say we are a fully inclusive society.”

RNID’s It does matter campaign includes communication tips and help learning simple BSL phrases. n www.rnid.org.uk

HELP AT THE END OF A PHONE n BLACKPOOL Disability Information and Support.

Tel 01253 472 202.

Text 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

Partnership Tel 01928 717222 n KNOWSLEY DISABILITY CONCERN. Tel 0151 480 4090 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 636 7534

n MOLD Flintshire Disability Tel 01352 755546 n STOCKPORT: Disability Stockport.

Tel 0161 480 7248 n WARRINGTON Disability Partnership.

Tel 01925 240064 n WIRRAL WIRED Tel 0151 522 7990 n WEST LANCS Tel 01695 51819

n Personal Budgets Helpline Tel. 0330 995 0404 Opening hours: 9.30am-1.30pm, Tues and Thurs personalbudgets@ disabilityrightsuk.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

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WINTER 2025-26

All Together NOW!

Top attraction unveils new audio tour

Anglers offer a reel chance to unwind ANGLERS are being invited to Take a Friend Fishing free for a day over the Christmas period (Dec 20-Jan 4).

Physical and mental health are more important than ever, say the Angling Trades Association, which has teamed up with the Environment Agency to offer the opportunity.

“It’s a great way to unwind, recharge your battery and stay active,” they say. n Find out more at ROD COUPLE: Take a friend fishing for free www.takeafriendfishing.co.uk

LONDON’S Tower Bridge has developed a new audio descriptive tour.

Dirk Bennett, Tower Bridge exhibition development manager, said: “We’re excited to bring expanded audio tour options to develop a richer experience for those with visual impairments and for our visitors from across Europe and beyond.

“It’s an area we’re keen to develop further too, and we’re already planning for the next phase of additions.”

The audio described tour will enable visitors to understand more about the materials and surfaces, while highlighting the temperatures, the changing light levels and different spatial experiences.

STU’S EPIC CLIMB IS ALL BOXED OFF

S

TU Skinner achieved a 15-peak challenge carrying a 26kg Royal Mail postbox – to deliver a message about loneliness.

His Postcards from the Peaks trek saw him, and more than 250 others who joined him along the way, scale the highest point in every UK National Park.

Each summit marked a moment to pause, connect and post a handwritten card to someone who might need it.

Stu said he had not planned to lug the postbox with him until he found himself in a dark place in life. “In a moment of loneliness, with eviction looming and no clear plan, it felt like exactly what I needed to carry – physically and emotionally,” he said.

The postbox had been an “absurd and questionable” purchase during a boozy night at a charity auction. “I had a

few too many drinks and woke up in a hotel room with a cast iron Royal Mail postbox,” he said.

Stu initially thought the £700 purchase could be a feature piece before coming up with his Postcards from the Peaks plan.

“I was chronically lonely, and the postbox is a symbol of community and connection.

“I thought I could go on these hikes and invite people from the community to join me, and post postcards from the peaks.”

Stu has lost several friends to suicide and addiction. “This is how I honour them – by walking, connecting and reminding people they’re not alone.”

His message remains clear: loneliness is everywhere, but so is the potential for connection.

“Loneliness can feel like climbing a mountain alone.

But connection makes it DELIVERING: Stu with postbox. Inset, a easier.” young supporter posts cards to a friend.

Wembley way better WEMBLEY Stadium is collaborating with social enterprise Nimbus Disability to streamline ticketing for fans.

The venue has introduced a new Access Registration Scheme — a free Wembley Stadium Digital Access Pass, or DAP, built on the nationally used Access Card system.

More details at: www.nimbus. disability.com

HELP AT THE END OF A PHONE VISUAL PROBLEMS n CARLISLE: Action for Blind People Tel 01228 595121 n CHESHIRE & N WALES: Vision Support. Tel 01244 381515 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 Society of the Blind and Partially Sighted. 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 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 N WALES Deaf Association, Tel 01492 542235

CARERS’ CENTRES n ACCRINGTON Tel 01254 387 444 n BLACKBURN with DARWEN Tel 01254 688 www.bwdcarers.org n BLACKPOOL Blackpool Borough Council, Tel 01253 477 716 n CUMBRIA 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 LANCASHIRE 0345 688 7113 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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All Together NOW!

WINTER 2025-26

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

Help when you need it most United Utilities is calling on its customers to take advantage of FREE support with their water services.

Since launching in 2015, more than 400,000 people across the North West have now registered for United Utilities’ Priority Services scheme.

Steph Smith from the Priority Services team said: “Our Priority Services scheme is free to all our customers who may need a bit of extra support in life. This could be due to age, ill health, disability, mental health problems, 昀nancial worries or language barriers.

“By registering for our scheme, we can make sure you receive the right support from us during those times when we may need to switch o昀 the water to repair a leak, or if we need to visit you in your own home.

“Even if you don’t need this support, we all know someone who would bene昀t from these services - such as a friend, family member or neighbour - so please encourage them to get in touch to register.”

Services include: • A dedicated team on hand to listen and help • Braille, large print, ‘talking’ bills and text relay service • Knock and wait service. If you tell us you have mobility needs and we have to visit your home, we will wait allowing enough time for you to answer the door • Nominate a carer, family member or friend to check your bills and speak to us on your behalf • Additional support if you have a medical need for water.

• Protection from bogus callers with a password protection scheme • Notice of interruptions to your water supply • Translation services • Every two years we’ll check that your details are still correct

Our scheme is designed to support people who: • are blind or partially sighted; • have a chronic (long-term) or serious illness; • have a condition that a昀ects their development; • have dementia; • rely on dialysis, feeding pumps or automated medication; • are having 昀nancial di culties; • are deaf or hard of hearing, or have speech di culties; • have a mental health condition; • have children aged 5 or under; • are experiencing temporary life changes (including divorce or bereavement); • are recovering after leaving hospital; • have restricted movement making it di cult to answer the door; or • may struggle to communicate because their 昀rst language isn’t English.

Scan the QR code to visit our Priority Services webpage, where you can click on ‘Accessibility Help’ to turn on text-to-speech or change the language used on our website.

To register for Priority Services apply online at: unitedutilities.com/priorityservices or call 0345 672 2888

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

WINTER 2025-26

All Together NOW!

19

Your guide to some of winter’s best treats Until Jan 3: Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein – The Musical.

Playhouse, Liverpool. Grandson of the infamous Victor Frankenstein, Frederick inherits his family’s estate in Transylvania.

Until Jan 4: Beauty and the Beast.

Storyhouse, Chester. Magical adventure bursting with pop favourites, laughter, and unforgettable moments. Audio described, Dec 21; relaxed, Dec 28; signed, Jan 3.

Until Jan 4: Beauty and the Beast.

Grand, Blackpool. Leading the allstar cast is Marc Baylis, best known as Coronation Street’s notorious bad boy. Audio described/signed, Dec 14/28; relaxed, Dec 28.

Until Jan 4: Sleeping Beauty. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton. With dazzling sets, chart-topping musical hits, fabulous costumes, and jaw-dropping special effects, this year’s Sleeping Beauty promises to be the most spellbinding pantomime ever to hit the Floral Pavilion stage – a spectacular treat for all ages! Signed, Dec 13; relaxed, Jan 4.

PREVIEW

FAIRYTALE ENDINGS? CINDERELLA, Shakespeare North Playhouse, Prescot (until Jan 10) BELOW: It’s a Wonderful Life, Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool (Dec 21/24)

T

TIMELESS

CRACKERS

Until Jan 10: Cincerella.

Shakespeare North Playhouse.

Prescot. Tia Larsen takes the title role in the fairytale favourite with a very special Prescot twist. Also starring Emma Grace Arends, Emma Bispham, Thomas Cotran, Elliott Kingsley and Charlie Mae McKevitt.

Until Jan 10: A Christmas Carol.

Octagon, Bolton. Tight-fisted Ebenezer Scrooge goes to bed on Christmas Eve with no compassion or love in his heart. However, that night he is visited by the ghost of his old business partner Jacob Marley. Relaxed, Jan 2.

Until Jan 11: The Lion The Witch and the Wardrobe. The Lowry, Salford. Step through the wardrobe into the magic kingdom of Narnia where a world of wonder awaits. Audio described, Dec 10/Jan 11; signed, Dec 13/Jan 7; touch tour, Dec 10/Dec 18/Jan 11; captioned, Dec 20.

Until Jan 11: Unfortunate – The Untold Story of Ursula the Sea Witch. The Lowry, Salford. The story of Disney Diva, Ursula, as she gives her take on what really happened all those years ago under the sea. Audio described, Dec 18; signed, Dec 27; touch tour, Jan 3.

Dec 9-21: There’s a Monster in Your Christmas Show. Theatr Clwyd, Mold. Expect plenty of playful fun for your littlest ones.

Dec 10-Jan 4: The Enormous Crocodile – The Musical. The Lowry, Salford. Roald Dahl’s wickedly funny musical adventure, perfect for the whole family! Signed, Dec 17; audio described, Dec 18; captioned, Dec 21; relaxed, Dec 28; touch tour, Jan 3.

Dec 10-13:

Where Do the Noses Grow? Shakespeare North Playhouse, Prescot. Puppetry show.

Dec 10: Kate Rusby – Christmas is Merry Tour. Venue Cymru.

Dec 11-Jan 11: Cinderella. The Brindley, Runcorn. Signed, Dec 29; relaxed, Dec 30.

Dec 12-Jan 4: Jack and the Beanstalk. Lyceum, Crewe. Starring Jenniufer Ellison, Malcolm Lord and Ste Johnson. Signed, Dec 29; relaxed, Dec 30.

Dec 11: Rob Bryden & His Fabulous Band: A Festive Night of Songs & Laughter.

Philharmonic, Liverpool.

Dec 11: The Albion Christmas Show.

Philharmonic, Liverpool.

Dec 12-Jan 4: Cinderella. Regent, Stoke. Touch tour, Dec 29; relaxed, Jan 2.

Dec 12-Jan 3: Cinderella. Venue Cymru. TV favourites and Dancing Duo AJ and Curtis Pritchard and John Evans return by popular demand.

Signed/audio described, Dec 21; relaxed, Dec 30.

To advertise, contact . . .

Dec 12-16: Santa’s Christmas Party. The Brindley, Runcorn.

Dec 12: Sleeping Beauty – Adult Night. Rhyl Pavilion.

Dec 12: LIPA Christmas Concert.

Philharmonic, Liverpool.

Dec 12: The Spare Rib: X-Rated Xmas Xtravaganza. Everyman, Liverpool.

Dec 12: Murder Under the Spotlight! A Christmas Murder Mystery. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton.

Dec 23: Cilla’s Christmas Cracker.

Shakespeare North Playhouse, Prescot.

Step back in time and celebrate the season with nostalgic Sixties’ hits and yuletide joy.

Dec 13: Storytime with Santa. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton.

Dec 13: A Christmas Gaiety: A Queer Festive Extravaganza. Philharmonic, Liverpool.

Dec 17: Live at Christmas: Simon Astell, Lucy Beaumont, Phil Wang, Sarah Keyworth. Philharmonic, Liverpool.

Dec 18-24: Little ~Bear and the Christmas Lights.

Dec 18: Horrible Histories: Horrible Christmas. Philharmonic, Liverpool.

Dec 19-20: Spirit of Christmas. Philharmonic, Liverpool.

Dec 19-20: Murder Mystery: The Talent Search – You Decide. Everyman, Liverpool.

Dec 19-20: A Christmas Carol. The Brindley, Runcorn. Craig Cowdroy’s one man show.

Dec 20: Murder Mystery: The Talent Afternoon Show. Everyman, Liverpool.

Afternoon tea.

Dec 20: Family Concert: Santa’s Christmas Party. Philharmonic, Liverpool.

Dec 20: Sleeping Beauty – Adult Prank Night. Rhyl Pavilion.

Dec 21: It’s a Wonderful Life. Philharmonic, Liverpool. Film.

Dec 22-23: Spirit of Christmas. Philharmonic, Liverpool.

Dec 22: Christmas Organ Recital with Ian Tracey. Philharmonic, Liverpool.

Dec 24: It’s a Wonderful Life. Philharmonic, Liverpool. Film.

Dec 24: The Muppet Christmas Carol.

Philharmonic, Liverpool. Film.

Dec 27: Wee Film Club: The Legend of Ochi. Shakespeare North Playhouse, Prescot.

In a remote village on the island of Carpathia, a shy farm girl named Yuri is raised to fear an elusive animal species known as Ochi.

Dec 28-Jan 4: Little Bear and the Christmas Lights. The Lowry, Salford. It’s almost Christmas and Little Bear and her friends are getting ready for the most magical day of year.

Dec 28-29: Jurassic Park in Concert.

Philharmonic, Liverpool. Film.

Dec 29: Film: The End. Shakespeare North Playhouse, Prescot. The golden age of Hollywood musicals is given a postapocalyptic twist in this dazzling epic from Joshua Oppenheimer.

Dec 31: New Year’s Eve: Boogie Wonderland. Philharmonic, Liverpool.

Jan 1: New Year’s Day Proms. Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool.

Jan 6-10: Miss Saigon. Venue Cymru, Llandudno.

Jan 8-11: Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton.

Jan 8-9: Varna International Ballet – Swan Lake. Empire, Liverpool. From the impressive splendour of the Palace ballroom to the moonlit lake where swans glide in perfect formation, this compelling tale of tragic romance has it all.

Jan 9: Queen by Candlelight. Opera House, Manchester.

Jan 10: Bowie Experience. Opera House, Manchester.

Jan 10: Varna International Ballet – The Nutcracker. Empire, Liverpool. Be prepared to be swept away to a fairy-tale world where nothing is quite as it seems. Toy dolls spring to life, the mouse-king and his mouse-army battle with the Nutcracker Prince and we travel through the Land of Snow to an enchanted place where the magic really begins...

Jan 10: Messiah. Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool.

Jan 11: Glenn Miller Orchestra. Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool. A night of swing, nostalgia and timeless classics.

Jan 11: The Magic of Motown. Opera House, Manchester.

Jan 13-24: To Kill a Mockingbird. The Lowry, Salford.

Jan 13-17: Inspector Morse: House of Ghosts. Playhouse, Liverpool. A chilling mystery unfolds when a young actress suddenly dies on stage. Tom Chambers stars as Morse.

Jan 13-17: SIX. Palace, Manchester. From Tudor Queens to Pop Princesses, the six wives of Henry VIII take to the mic to tell their tales. Signed, Jan 14; audio described, Jan 15.

l continued next pages

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All Together NOW!

WINTER 2025-26

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

Your guide to some of the best treats

T

l Continued from p19 Jan 14-21. Mary Poppins. Empire, Liverpool. Australian stars Stefanie Jones and Jack Chambers reprise their roles as Mary and Bert.

Jan 14: The Simon & Garfunkel Story. Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool.

Using huge projection photos and original film footage, the international hit show tells the story of their origins and meteoric rise.

Jan 14: The Royal Opera: La Traviata. Storyhouse, Chester. Film.

At one of her lavish parties, celebrated Parisan courtesan Violetta is introduced to Alfredo Germont. The two fall madly in love, and though hesitant to leave behind her life of luxury and freedom, Violetta follows her heart. But the young couple’s happiness is short-lived, as the harsh realities of life soon come knocking.

Jan 14: Justin Hawkins Rodes Again … Again. Storyhouse, Chester.

Jan 14: An Evening wit Harry Redknapp. Theatre Royal, St Helens.

Jan 15-17: Faulty Towers – The Dining Experience. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton. Basil, Manuel and Sybil are in town—and they’re bringing a healthy dose of mayhem.

Jan 15: Man in the Mirror. Theatre Royal, St Helens. Michael Jackson tribute show.

Jan 15: Peter Pan. Atkinson, Southport.

Jan 16-17: The Classic Rock Show.

Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool.

Jan 16: Sadiq Ali: Tell Me. The Lowry, Salford.

Jan 17-25: Peter Pan. Atkinson, Southport.

Jan 17: Alistair Griffin & Tom Speight.

Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool.

Jan 17: Paradise Found: A Dedication to the Legend of Meat Loaf. Storyhouse, Chester.

Jan 19-31: The Bodyguard. Palace, Manchester. Former Secret Service agent turned bodyguard Frank Farmer is hired to protect superstar Rachel Marron from an unknown stalker. Each expects to be in charge – what they don’t expect is to fall in love.

Jan 19: Strange But True. Theatre Royal, St Helens.

Jan 19: Murder at Midnight. The Lowry, Salford. Starring Jason Durr, Susan Blake and Katie McGlynn. It’s New Year’s Eve in a quiet corner of Kent and a killer is in the house… We meet Jonny ‘The Cyclops’ - the notorious gangster, his glamorous wife, his trigger-happy sidekick, his mum—who’s seeing things, her very jittery carer, plus a vicar who’s hiding something and a nervous burglar dressed as a clown. Throw in a suitcase full of cash, a stash of deadly weapons, and one infamous unsolved murder…What could possibly go wrong?

Jan 20: Strange but True Crimes. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton.

Jan 22-25: NT Live – Hamlet. Storyhouse, Chester. Olivier Award-winner Hiran Abeysekera (Life of Pi) is Hamlet in this fearless, contemporary take on Shakespeare’s famous tragedy.

Jan 22: Rachmaninov Symphony No.3.

Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool.

BOX OFFICE CONTACTS BOLTON Octagon: 01204 520661 CHESTER Storyhouse: 01244 409 113 CREWE Lyceum: 01270 368 242

MANCHESTER Opera House: 0870 401 9000 Palace: 0870 401 3000 MOLD: Theatr Clwyd: 0845 3303565 NEW BRIGHTON Floral Pavilion: 0151 666 0000

LIVERPOOL Empire: 08444 999 999 Everyman & Playhouse: 0151 709 4776 Philharmonic Hall: 0151 709 3789 Royal Court: 0870 787 1866 Shakespeare North Playhouse: 0151 433 7156 Unity: 0151 709 4988

RHYL: Pavilion: 01745 330 000 RUNCORN The Brindley: 0151 907 8360 SALFORD The Lowry: 0843 208 6000 Access line: 0333 320 2838 SOUTHPORT Atkinson:

LLANDUDNO Venue Cymru: 01492 872000

ST HELENS: Theatre Royal: 01744 756000

Jan 23-25: Peppa Pig Live: Peppa Pig Big Family Show! Venue Cymru, Llandudno.

Jan 23: Daniel O’Reilly – Let’s Have It. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton.

Jan 23: The Chicago Blues Brothers. Theatre Royal, St Helens.

Jan 24-25: Carlos Acosta’s Nutcracker in Havana. Storyhouse, Chester. A Cuban take on the favourite festive classic.

Jan 24: The Take That Experience. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton. Tribute show.

Jan 24: Beyond the Console: The Music of Video Games. Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool.

Jan 25: The Rolling Stones Story. The Lowry, Salford.

Jan 25: The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britian. Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool.

Jan 25: The Adult Panto – Snow White and the Magnificent Seven.

Floral Pavilion, New Brighton.

Jan 27: The Classic Rock Show.

Venue Cymru, Llandudno..

Jan 28: An Evening of Damon Hill in Conversation with Tom Clarkson. The Lowry, Salford.

Jan 29: The Very Best of Frankie Valli – Starring Peter Andre. Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool.

Jan 30: Dead Ringers. Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool. BBC Radio 4’s legendary satire show.

Jan 29: Chris McCausland. Pavilion, Rhyl.

Jan 30: Arrival: The Hits of Abba.

Atkinson, Southport. Tribute show.

Jan 30: Chris McCausland.

Lyceum, Crewe.

Jan 30: Daniel O’Reilly: Let’s

There’s something about Mary MARY POPPINS, Empire, Liverpool (Jan 14-21)

Have It. The Lowry, Salford.

Jan 30: Motionhouse – Hidden. The Lowry, Salford. Jaw-dropping dance circus.

Jan 30: One Night with Billy Joel. Theatre Royal, St Helens. Tribute show.

Jan 30: Film: The Ballad of Wallis Island.

Shakespeare North Playhouse, Prescot. Funny, melancholy yarn of a folk duo reunited by oddball superfan.

Jan 31: Wee Film Club: The Kid. Shakespeare North Playhouse, Prescot.

Chaplin’s first full-length feature is a silent masterpiece about a little tramp who discovers a little orphan and brings him up but is left desolate when the orphanage reclaims him.

Jan 31: Sweet & Sour – Sabrina Carpenter & Olivia Rodrigo Tribute. Theatre Royal, St Helens.

Jan 31: The Classic Rock Show. The Lowry, Salford.

Jan 31: Glenn Moore: Please Sir, Glenn I Have Some More? The Lowry, Salford.

Feb 1: Wrestling Show. Theatre Royal, St Helens.

Feb 1: Rob Newman: Where the Wild Things Were. The Lowry, Salford.

Feb 1: Grace Petrie: This is no Time to Panic. The Lowry, Salford.

Feb 1: Something About George – The George Harrison Story. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton.

Feb 1: Serena Terry: Therapy. Opera House, Manchester.

Feb 2: The Nutracker. Opera House, Manchester.

Feb 3-7: SIX. Empire, Liverpool. From Tudor

To advertise, contact . . .

Liverpool bound THE SIMON & GARFUNKEL STORY, Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool (Jan 14)

Queens to Pop Princesses, the six wives of Henry VIII take to the mic to tell their tales.

Feb 3-7: The Signalman. Storyhouse, Chester.

Set in 1880, the unnerving tale of a tormented signalman who is haunted by visions of impending disaster on his isolated stretch of line. Can a well-meaning traveller, who chances upon the lonely signal box while out walking, calm the man’s fears before he spirals into selfdestruction?

Feb 3-7: Our Town. Venue Cymru, Llandudno.

Grover’s Corners is a quiet little town, full of ordinary folk, living everyday lives. But within those moments of ordinary, everyday life, there are truths that reach out to us all. Michael Sheen sees Thomas Wilder’s masterpiece through a Welsh lens.

Feb 3-4: Uncanny: Fear of the Dark. Theatr Clwyd, Mold. Chilling, intriguing and sometimes moving, prepare to investigate a collection of real-life potentially paranormal mysteries, as Danny Robbins tries to get to the heart of why we, as humans, continue to have a fear of the dark. Is it superstition?

Feb 3-4: MAM. The Lowry, Salford. Dance theatre taking you on a journey across West Kerry, Ireland.

Feb 3: Vincent Simone – Tango Passions.

Theatre Royal, St Helens.

Feb 3: Swan Lake. Opera House, Manchester.

Feb 4-7: A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Shakespeare North Playhouse, Prescot. To escape a society ruled by tyrannical law, four young lovers flee to the forest beyond the city walls. But the world of the woods has been turned upside down by a fierce battle between the Fairy King and Queen, Oberon and Titania, over a stolen child.

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WINTER 2025-26

in store at theatres across the region

A genuine Rock star

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AN EVENING WITH CRISSY ROCK: FROM BEDLAM TO BENIDORM, Epstein, Liverpool (Feb 7) and Floral Pavilion, New Brighton (Mar 6)

CLASSIC: Faulty Towers Experience, Floral Pavilion, New Brighton (Jan 15-17)

Feb 5: Bridget Christie. Theatr Clwyd, Mold. A kidney stone. A stray cat. An eye-themed fetish.

Bridget hits the road again with a brand new show.

Feb 5: Bruckner Symphony No.6.

Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool.

Feb 5: Nashville Live. Pavilion, Rhyl. Tribute show.

Feb 5: Keelan’s Kitchen Live – On Tour.

Theatre Royal, St Helens.

Feb 5: Mercury. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton.

Freddie Mercury tribute show.

Feb 5: Uncanny – Fear of the Dark. The Lowry, Salford. Prepare to investigate a collection of real-life potentially paranormal mysteries with Danny Robbins.

Feb 5: Collaborator. The Lowry, Salford.

Feb 6-8: Peppa Pig’s Big Family Show. The Lowry, Salford.

Feb 6: Mark Watson: Before It Overtakes Us. Theatr Clwyd, Mold.

Feb 6: Bridget Christie: Jacket Potato Pizza. The Lowry, Salford.

Feb 6: Ben Portsmouth: This is Elvis. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton. Trubute show.

Feb 6: Paradise Found: A Dedication to the Legend of Meat Loaf. Atkinson, Southport.

Tribute show.

Feb 6: Horrible Histories – The Concert.

Opera House, Manchester.

Feb 6-Mar 7: The Peaceful Hour 2.

Royal Court, Liverpool. Gerry Linford is back with an epic sequel to last spring’s exploration of the impact of scouse culture on a wet behind the ears social anthropology student called Tim. Feb 7: An Evening with Crissy Rock – From Bedlam to Benidorm.

Epstein, Liverpool.

LEGEND: Something About George, Floral Pavilion, New Brighton (Feb 1)

Feb 7: Walk Like a Man. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton. Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons tribute show.

Feb 7: ELO Again. Theatre Royal, St Helens.

Tribute show.

Feb 7: The Eternal Shame of Sue Perkins.

The Lowry, Salford.

Feb 8: Connor Burns: Gallus. The Lowry, Salford.

Feb 8: Classic FM Hall of Fame.

Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool.

Feb 9: Twilight in Concert. Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool. Experience the film with a 12-piece ensemble of outstanding musicians.

Feb 9: Woolf Works: The Royal Ballet.

Storyhouse, Chester.

Feb 9: Tales of Acron Wood. Theatre Royal, St Helens.

Feb 9: Dickson MBI: Tellus. The Lowry, Salford.

Feb 9: Ellen Kent Opera: La Traviata featuring the Opera International Kyiv, Ukraine. Venue Cymru, Llandudno.

Feb 10-14: Barnum. Palace, Manchester.

Spectacular new staging with a cast of over 20 actor-musicians playing 150 instruments, acrobats and amazing circus acts.

Feb 10: Single White Female. Opera House, Manchester. Starring Kim Marsh. Full of dark humour and suspense.

Feb 10: Ellen Kent Opera: Carmen featuring Opera International Kyiv, Ukraine. Venue Cymru, Llandudno.

Feb 10: Queenz – Drag Me to the Disco.

Floral Pavilion, New Brighton.

Feb 11-21: Our Town. Theatr Clwyd, Mold.

Grover’s Corners is a quiet little town, full of ordinary folk, living everyday lives. But within those moments of ordinary, everyday life, there

COMEDY: Chris McCausland, Pavilion, Rhyl (Jan 29) and Lyceum Crewe (Jan 31)

are truths that reach out to us all. Michael Sheen sees Thomas Wilder’s masterpiece through a Welsh lens.

Feb 11: Uptown Girl: The Billy Joel Collection. Atkinson, Southport. Tribute show.

Feb 11: Ross Noble. Lyceum, Crewe.

Feb 11: Jack Rhodes. The Lowry, Salford. Magic and comedy.

Feb 12: Omid Djalili: Namaste.

Playhouse, Liverpool.

Feb 12: Tchaikovsky Symphony No.6 Pathetique. Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool.

Feb 13-14: Horrible Histories – The Concert.

Empire, Liverpool.

Feb 13: Circus Spectacular. Epstein, Liverpool.

Feb 13: Magic of the Bee Gees. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton. Tribute show.

Feb 14-15: Under the Mersey Moon. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton. Inspired by his ailing grandfather, Danny Rogers, a struggling country musician from Liverpool, embarks on a make-or-break pilgrimage to Nashville, hoping to be discovered.

Feb 14-15: Shen Yun. Venue Cymru, Llandudno.

Feb 14: The Eternal Shame of Sue Perkins.

Storyhouse, Chester.

Feb 14: Tchaikovsky Romeo & Juliet.

Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool.

Feb 14: Fleetwood Mac: The Classic Double Band. Shakespeare North Playhouse, Prescot.

Tribute show.

Feb 17: Queenz: Drag Me to the Disco!

Storyhouse, Chester.

Feb 18-19: Chevalier: Hobbyhorse Circus.

The Lowry, Salford.

Feb 18: Ukranian National Opera – Madama Butterfly. Storyhouse, Chester.

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Feb 18: Ellen Kent: The Farewell Tour – Madama Butterfly. Empire, Liverpool. The award-winning opera returns with exquisite sets including a spectacular Japanese garden and fabulous costumes.

Feb 19-28: Priscilla Queen of the Desert. Palace, Manchester. Three friends hit the road across the Outback to put on the show of a lifetime.

Captioned, Feb 24.

Feb 19: Talking Sopranos. Empire, Liverpool.

Featuring two of the hit TV show Soprano’s iconic cast – Steve Schirripa (Bobby Bacala), and Michael Imperioli (Christopher Moltisanti).

Feb 19: Lost in Music. Venue Cymru, Llandudno.

Feb 19: Ravel Mother Goose. Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool. Carolyn Sampson unites with Domingo Hindoyan.

Feb 19: Kendal Mountain Tour. Storyhouse, Chester. Experience the best of the world’s stunning landscapes through a selection of short films and great storytelling.

Feb 19: Geoff Norcott: Basic Bloke 2. The Lowry, Salford.

Feb 20: Film: The Complete Unknown.

Shakespeare North Playhouse, Prescot. The story of Bob Dylan.

Feb 20: Scott Bennett: Stuff (Quays).

The Lowry, Salford.

20: Hal Cruttenden: Can Dish It Out But Can’t Take it. Storyhouse, Chester.

Feb 20: Fisherman’s Friends. Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool.

Feb 20: MANIA: The Abba Tribute. Pavilion, Rhyl.

Feb 20: Pop Princesses: World Tour.

Atkinson, Southport. Afternoon show.

Feb 20: Mark Watson. Atkinson, Southport.

Feb 20: From Gold to Rio. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton. Tribute to Spandau Ballet and Duran Duran.

Feb 21: Showaddywaddy. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton.

Feb 21: The Magic of the Beatles. Empire, Liverpool. Tribute show.

Feb 21: Robin Morgan: Let’s Overshare.

Storyhouse, Chester. Stand-up show from the star of Mock The Week and Radio 4’s The News Quiz.

Feb 21: The Christians. Atkinson, Southport.

The are back on the road with hits from the 80s and 90s – and more.

Feb 21: Nathan Carter. Venue Cymru, Llandudno. Country night.

Feb 21: Hal Cruttenden: Can Dish it out but Can’t Take It. The Lowry, Salford.

Feb 22: Chloe Petts: Big Naturals. The Lowry, Salford.

Feb 22: Shalk Bezuidenhout: Hey Hey Divorce. The Lowry, Salford.

Feb 22: The ELO Show. Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool.

Feb 22: Sweet & Sour. Tribute to Sabrina Carpenter and Olivia Rodrigo. Pavilion, Rhyl.

Feb 22: West End Tenors. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton.

Feb 23-Mar 7: Mean Girls. Opera House, Manchester.

Feb 23-Mar 1: Welsh Open Snooker. Venue Cymru, Llandudno.

Feb 24-29: The Woman in Black. Playhouse, Liverpool. Arthur Kipps engages a sceptical young actor to help him tell his terrifying story and exorcise the fear that grips his soul.

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WINTER 2025-26

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Your guide to some of winter’s best treats l Continued from p21 Feb 24-28: Matthew Bourne’s Production of The Red Shoes. Empire, Liverpool. Victoria Page lives to dance but her ambitions become a fierce struggle between the two men who inspire her passion.

Feb 24-28: Murder at Midnight. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton. It’s New Year’s Eve in a quiet corner of Kent and a killer is in the house…

Feb 25: Our Little Hour. Atkinson, Southport.

Musical play about the inspirational life of the late, great Walter Tull.

Feb 25-28: Imitating the Dog: War of the Worlds. The Lowry, Salford.

Feb 25: An Evening with Jeff Stelling.

Octagon, Bolton.

Feb 25: Gordon Buchanan – Lions and Tigers and Bears. Theatre Royal, St Helens.

Feb 26: That’ll Be The Day. Theatre Royal, St Helens.

Feb 26: The Rocket Man – A Tribute to Sir Elton John. Octagon, Bolton.

Feb 26: Live Forever: The Rise of Britain’s Greatest Rock ‘n’ Roll Band. Venue Cymru, Llandudno.

Feb 27: Mark Simmons: Jest to Impress. Atkinson, Southport.

Feb 27: Reflections – The Musical Legacy of Diana Ross. Octagon, Bolton.

Feb 27: The Earth Wind and Fire Experience

by Al McKay. Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool.

Feb 27: ELO Again. Pavilion, Rhyl. Tribute show.

Feb 27: Luther. Theatre Royal, St Helens.

Harry Cambridge’s tribute to the legendary Luther Vandross Feb 28: Roy Chubby Brown. Theatre Royal, St Helens.

Feb 28: Paul Merton & Suki Webster’s Improv Show. Atkinson, Southport.

Feb 28: Desiree Burch: The Golden Wrath.

The Lowry, Salford. American comic.

Mar 1: Mark Simmons – Jest to Impress. Octagon, Bolton.

Mar 3-7: Dear England. Empire, Liverpool. The inspiring, heart-breaking and ultimately uplifting story of Gareth Southgate’s revolutionary tenure as England manager.

Mar 1: Stars for Tonight. Palace, Manchester.

Mar 1: Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra 75th Birthday Weekend.

Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool.

Mar 1: Paul Merton and Suzi Webster’s Improv Show. The Lowry, Salford.

Mar 1: Taylormania. Theatre Royal, St Helens. Tribute show.

Mar 1: Ross Noble: Cranium of Curiosities. The Lowry, Salford.

Mar 3-21: Mamma Mia! Palace, Manchester. Sophie’s quest to discover the father she’s never known brings her mother face to face with three men from her distant romantic past on the eve of a wedding they’ll never forget. Audio described, Mar 10; captioned, Mar 12; signed, Mar 17.

Mar 3: Royal Ballet: Giselle. Storyhouse, Chester. Film.

Mar 3: Royal Ballet: Giselle. Theatr Clwyd, Mold. Film.

Mar 4-28: Macbeth. Octagon, Bolton.

Shakespeare’s iconic tragedy. Audio described, Mar 21; signed/captioned, Mar 25.

Mar 4-7: War of the Worlds.

Playhouse, Liverpool. A thrilling, audacious and

PREVIEW

SEQUEL: The Peaceful Hour 2, Royal Court, Liverpool (Feb 6-Mar 7 )

NATURAL: Ben Fogle – WILD, Theatre Royal, St Helens (Mar 5) and Floral Pavilion, New Brighton (Mar 18)

timely retelling of H.G. Wells’s classic novel.

Captioned, Mar 5/7.

Mar 4: UK Pink Floyd Experience. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton.

Mar 5: Birmingham Royal Ballet: Don Quixote. The Lowry, Salford.

Mar 5: Geoff Norcott: Basic Bloke 2.

Atkinson, Southport.

Mar 5: Ben Fogle – WILD. Theatre Royal, St Helens. Uplifting and wildly entertaining show telling the extraordinary true stories of Ben’s amazing encounters with people and animals, and how they changed his life.

Mar 5: Beethoven Symphony No.6 Pastoral.

Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool.

Mar 6-21: Macbeth. Storyhouse, Chester.

Shakespeare’s iconic tragedy.

All performances captioned; audio described from Mar 12; touch tour, Mar 13; signed, Mar 19.

Mar 6: An Evening with Crissy Rock – From Bedlam to Benidorm. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton.

Mar 6: The Irish House Party.

Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool.

Mar 6: Clinton Baptiste – Spectral Intercourse.. Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool.

Mar 6: Go Your Own Way – Fleetwood Mac Legacy. Theatre Royal, St Helens.

Mar 7: The Barry Manilow Tribute Show.

Theatre Royal, St Helens. lifetime.

Mar 7: The 80s Show. Venue Cymru, Llandudno.

Mar 7: 10cc. Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool.

Fronted by co-founder Graham Gouldman.

Mar 7: Alfie Moore: Acopalypse Now. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton.

Mar 7: Geoff Norcott – Basic Bloke 2. Lyceum, Crewe.

JOKER: The Eternal Shame of Sue Perkins, Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool (Mar 11) and Venue Cymru (Mar 12)

Mar 8: Clinton Baptiste – Spectral Intercourse. Lyceum, Crewe.

Mar 8: Abba Forever. Theatre Royal, St Helens. Tribute show.

Mar 9-14: Priscilla Queen of the Desert The Musical. Empire, Liverpool. The Broadway and West End hit musical takes you on a hilarious, heart-warming ride as three friends hit the road across the Outback to put on the show of a Mar 9: Jason Donovan Doin’ Fine Encore.

Floral Pavilion, New Brighton.

Mar 10-15: Exhibition on Screen: Turner & Constable. Theatr Clwyd, Mold. Film.

Mar 10-14: The Constant Wife.

Playhouse, Liverpool. 1927.

Constance is the perfect wife and mother. Her husband is as devoted to her as he is to his mistress, who just happens to be her best friend. Based on the comedy by Somerset Maugham.

Mar 10-14: Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story.

Floral Pavilion, New Brighton.

Mar 10: Celtic Illusion. Venue Cymru, Llandudno.

Mar 10: Michael Portillo – A Life of Two Halves. The Lowry, Salford.

Mar 10: Humanhood: Vortex. The Lowry, Salford.

Mar 11: The Eternal Shame of Sue Perkins. Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool.

Mar 12: Beethoven with Paul Lewis.

Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool.

Mar 12: The Eternal Sue Perkins.

Venue Cymru, Llandudno.

Mar 12: Magic of Motown. Theatre Royal, St Helens.

Mar 12: Al Murray: All You Need is Giv.

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Opera House, Manchester.

Mar 12: Opera North: The Marriage of Figaro. The Lowry, Salford.

Mar 12: Phil Ellis: Bath Mat. The Lowry, Salford.

Mar 13: Opera North: Peter Grimes. The Lowry, Salford.

Mar 13: Chris Ramsey. Opera House, Manchester.

Mar 13: The Dodge Brothers.

Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool.

Mar 13: Paradise Found – A Dedication to the Legend of Meat Loaf. Theatre Royal, St Helens.

Mar 14: The Dubliners Encore. Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool.

Mar 14: Drag me to the 80s. Theatre Royal, St Helens.

Mar 15: Mozart with Paul Lewis. Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool.

Mar 15: Carmen. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton. Performed by the Dnipro Opera, Ukraine. Feel the thrill of fiery passion, jealousy, and violence of 19th century Seville Bizet’s most popular opera.

Mar 15: Seven Drunken Nights – The Story of The Dubliners. Opera House, Manchester.

Mar 15: Tom Lucy: Golden Boy. The Lowry, Salford.

Mar 16-17: Diversity – Soul 2026.

Empire, Liverpool.

Mar 16: London Symphonic Rock Orchestra.

Venue Cymru, Llandudno.

Mar 17-Apr 4: Waiting for Godot. Everyman, Liverpool. Matthew Kelly and George Costigan star in a new staging of Samuel Beckett’s classic play.

Mar 17-21: The Constant Wife. The Lowry, Salford. Based on the comedy

by Somerset Maugham.

Mar 17-21: The Battle. Opera House, Manchester. Wickedly funny dive into one of the greatest rivalries in rock history – Blue vs Oasis.

Mar 17: The Shoop Shoop Show – The Cher Collection. Venue Cymru, Llandudno.

Mar 17: The Atkinson Wellbeing Choir.

Atkinson, Southport.

Mar 17: The Fureys – Final Farewell Tour.

Floral Pavilion, New Brighton.

Mar 18: Ben Fogle – WILD. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton.

Mar 18: Gareth Marenghi: This Busted Earth Book Tour. Atkinson, Southport.Mar 21: Mar 19-21: Puck A Fair’s Tale. Shakespeare North Playhouse, Prescot. Have you ever wondered what happened before A Midsummer Night’s Dream?

Mar 19: Chris Ramsey. Empire, Liverpool.

Mar 19: The Dubliners Encore.

Pavilion, Rhyl.

Mar 20: Rob Auton: CAN. Storyhouse, Chester.

Mar 21: Queenz – Drag Me to the Disco. Venue Cymru, Llandudno.

Mar 21: The Forbidden Realm of Conspiracies: Uncovered. Epstein, Liverpool.

What if everything you?ve been told is a lie?

Mar 21: Pete Firman: Tricks & Giggles.

Atkinson, Southport.

Mar 21: Go Your Own Way. Pavilion, Rhyl.

Fleetwood Mac tribute show.

Mar 22: Ray Bradshaw: CODA. Storyhouse, Chester. One in six adults in the UK will lose their hearing in their lifetime; two of those are Ray Bradshaw’s parents.

Mar 22: Justin Live – Just in Time to Rock with Justin Fletcher. Venue Cymru, Llandudno. 11am and 2.30pm shows.

Mar 22: Jessica Fosterkew: Iconic Breath.

The Lowry, Salford.

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WINTER 2025-26

HOW PLANTS GOT THEIR NAMES:

HOLLY – Ilex

All Together NOW!

TIP OF THE SEASON HOUSEPLANTS need special care over winter. l Water only when the compost is almost dry.

Remove dead leaves and flowers. l To remove any dust so leaves receive maximum light, use a moist soft cloth to wipe the foliage of shiny-leaved and smoothleaved plants such as cyclamen (pictured) and gently brush off hairyleaved plants. l Make sure plants receive enough light in daytime – but do not leave close to cold windows overnight.

TRACING the botanical name for holly, “ilex”, is somewhat mazy.

The word is Latin for holly, borrowed from the Roman name for the holm oak, Quercus ilex, presumably because that oak species is evergreen.

In Britain, “holm” was also an ancient name for holly.

The plant breeder who gave his name to the first commercially available self-fertile holly, Jan van Tol, was a nurseryman in Boskoop, the Netherlands.

He introduced his innovative variety, J.C. van Tol, about 120 years ago.

CHRISTMAS KISSES H

OLLY, ivy and mistletoe evoke the spirit of Yuletide more than any other plants.

until recently, was considered too dull for gardens.

Ivy had a better press thousands of years ago. The Egyptians and the Romans used it for decorations and celebrations.

In medieval Britain a clump of ivy on a stake signified an inn. These “alestakes” sometimes stuck out so far that they knocked passing riders off their horses. As a result, an Act of Parliament was passed in 1375 restricting the length of alestakes to seven feet.

The popularity of ivy reached a peak in Victorian times when it was used in the home as well as the garden. With the introduction of so many kinds with shapely and colourful foliage, it is now making a comeback.

The first two were immortalised in a Christmas carol while mistletoe…well, everyone knows what mistletoe is for.

All have traditions pre-dating the Christian era – and all can be grown in a reasonablesized garden.

Holly and ivy were once seen as fertility symbols, ivy the female element and holly the male. As for that carol, “The Holly and the Ivy,” it started life as an 18th-century pop song.

HOLLY has long been credited with the power to ward off evil and a superstition still persists that bad luck will strike anyone who takes an axe to a holly tree.

Another superstition – that a holly tree laden with berries augurs a hard winter – is nonsense. The appearance of prolific berries simply means that weather conditions were just right for pollination when the trees were in flower seven months earlier.

Hollies grow in virtually any soil or conditions, tolerate pollution, make impenetrable hedges and look good in frost or snow. Most bear male and female flowers on separate plants. That means that male plants cannot produce berries – and neither can the females, unless there is a male within 30m (100ft) to ensure pollination by insects.

But there are varieties that produce berries without outside help, including Alaska, J.C. van Tol, which has green leaves with few prickles, and Golden van Tol, with yellow edges to the leaves.

The leaves of some hollies are so beautiful that berries hardly seem

JOLLY HOLLY: Self-fertile variety J.C. van Tol smothers itself in berries Newly planted hollies will sometimes shed their leaves. This is nothing more than a defence mechanism, triggered by insufficient water at the roots, especially in exposed site where the wind dries out the leaves quickly. necessary. Silver King, which weirdly is female, has shimmering green leaves edged with silver, and Golden Queen – a male, equally oddly – has gold-edged leaves.

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IVY gave rise to another ditty, a music hall song in praise of fidelity – “Just like the ivy on the old garden wall, clinging so tightly whatever may befall...”

It was a rare compliment to a plant which,

MISTLETOE was never respectable in the eyes of the Church though it had been sacred as a sex symbol to Druids and Vikings.

Today, people kiss under the mistletoe but they didn’t stop at kissing in historic times.

Mistletoe grows only on particular kinds of tree including apple, lime, willow, white poplar and hawthorn and can be propagated by pressing the berries into crevices in the bark. Ideally, the berries should have grown on the same type of tree.

Of course, the appropriate type is not known when the sprigs are sold so there is little chance that the berries will root. In any case, the berries of purchased mistletoe are usually too immature for the seeds to be viable.

So the mistletoe hung in the hall is only good for kissing under.

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All Together NOW!

WINTER 2025-26

STARSPOT CROSSWORD

The Accumulator Quiz

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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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 was the name of Robin Hood’s girlfriend?

QUESTION 10 – for 10 points: In which country is the Interlagos Formula One motor racing track?

A B C D

A B C D

ACROSS

DOWN

1. Clearly defined (8) 8. Mystical (6) 9. Mimicked (4) 10. Tear (3) 11. Column (6) 12. Cogitate (8) 15. In repose (2,4) 16. Worthless person (6) 20. Bring into the country (6) 24. Hazy patch of light (6) 27. Man appointed by testator (8) 28. Filter (6) 29. Kernel (3) 30. Endanger (4) 31. Cold symptom (6) 32. Reviving (8)

2. Endearingly sweet child (6) 3. Golfer’s assistant (6) 4. Layout (6) 5. Metallic element (6) 6. Carve (6) 7. Split (6) 12. Wise men (4) 13. Let fall (4) 14. Russian emperor (4) 17. Petroleum organisation (4) 18. Tense (4) 19. Back (4) 21. Insurrection (6) 22. Orange (anag.) (6) 23. Monetary note (inf.) (6) 24. Famous physicist (6) 25. Dig underground (6) 26. Relax (6)

Mistress Quickly Maid Marion The Wife of Bath Lady Godiva

QUESTION 11 – for 11 points: How many imperial gallons does an American oil barrel hold?

A B C D

A B C D

The Green Room The Pentagon The Oval Office The Hexagon

Bargain Hunt Cash in the Attic Flog It! Antiques Roadshow

QUESTION 4 – for 4 points: What are measured in hands?

QUESTION 13 – for 13 points: What was the first film in which Lauren Bacall co-starred with her future husband Humphrey Bogart?

A B C D

A B C D

A B C D

Bananas Packs of cards Horses Blankets

QUESTION 8 – for 8 points: Which Gilbert and Sullivan operetta has the alternative title The Lass that Loved a Sailor?

QUESTION 5 – for 5 points: Which story featured the Lost Boys?

A B C D

Euchre Pinochle Blackjack Jamaican Rummy

The Lord of the Flies Peter Pan Robinson Crusoe Treasure Island

A B C D

The Pirates of Penzance The Gondoliers Ruddigore HMS Pinafore

QUESTION 6 – for 6 points: Which ship was found abandoned in the North Atlantic in 1872 without any crew?

QUESTION 9 – for 9 points: In which country is Queen Margrethe II the head of state?

A B C D

A B C D

The Flying Dutchman The Mary Rose The Mary Celeste The Bounty

DIFFICULT

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8 4 5 2 1 7 2 3

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To Have and Have Not The Big Sleep Dark Passage Key Largo

QUESTION 14 – for 14 points: Who wrote the novel The Unbearable Lightness of Being?

A B C D

William Golding Ernest Hemingway Vladimir Nabokov Milan Kundera

QUESTION 15 – for 15 points: What is classed as MM106?

A B C D

Norway Denmark Finland Sweden

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.

1

Concordia Ceres Mellona Providentia

QUESTION 7 – for 7 points: What do Americans call the British card game pontoon?

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.

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

A B C D

TV presenter Fiona Bruce. See Question 3

KAKURO

3

Thirty-five Thirty-six Forty-two Forty-eight

QUESTION 12 – for 12 points: Who was the Roman goddess of agriculture?

QUESTION 3 – for 3 points: TV journalist and presenter Fiona Bruce replaced Michael Aspel on which BBC show?

SUDOKU

EASY

Brazil Spain Portugal Mexico

QUESTION 2 – for 2 points: What is the name of the office in which the president of the USA works?

A B C D

★

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An apple rootstock The Horsehead Nebula New Scotland Yard The Mars rover

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www.alltogethernow.org.uk

WINTER 2025-26

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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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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.

2

14

15

N

3

4

5

6

7

16

17

18

19

20

U

8

9

10

11

12

13

21

22

23

24

25

26

S

3 DEF

4 GHI

5 JKL

6 MNO

7 PQRS

8 TUV

9 WXYZ

2. spices 446 437 172 774 521 688 634 188 763 742 142 726 162 725 212 273 266 617 233 766 125 225 173 773 712 466 266 616 223 126 742 633 712 272 929

4. Queen songs 931 945 517 625 196 818 633 717 737 787 315 455 371 783 361 264 364 261 742 776 391 426 637 186 132 551 663 184 746 612 154 631 631 624 42

5. a seaside resort 786 428 134 741 263 124 477 128 253 812 631 772 331 784 251 631 762 519 463 273 251 435 837 175 358 371 268 736 368 127 223 317 263 227 853

SPOT CHECK

Starting from the central shaded letter, move one letter at a time (up, down, right or left, but not diagonally) to find ten ballets.

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 6?

I

U Q N O D

E

R

N

I

C

X

D

R

E

A M

L

E

D

K

E

A

O

S

B

A

L

A

L

I

N

A

L

B

T

T

A

J

D

N

A

P

G

A

N

E

H

Y

U M E

O

E

B W S

3

4

5

6

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

GREMIAL

D

1) An ornately carved footstool, popular during the Victorian period;

F

O E E A Y C N R D I R A P L S U T MAKE A DATE L

O

M E

E

E

T

I

P

H

E

A

R

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

M E

R

A

L

L

E

T

R

C

C

1. The fifth Olympic Games of the modern era open in Stockholm, Sweden.

A M S

P

H

E

T

E

K

T

I

D

H

E

N

U

–––––

STAND

––

CHERRY

–––

LEAD

S D I Y L TRANSFORMER

WATER

––––––

TRAIL

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

U

NUT

BASIN

WORD WIZARD

2

A

TREASURE

–––––

1

G

––––

ROYAL

6. films featuring animals 267 613 733 137 136 548 853 126 462 513 276 123 384 683 613 733 194 559 146 639 273 126 863 122 231 843 146 273 342 531 568 763 913 547 737

E

FULL

MARKET

3. geometric shapes 736 424 725 318 727 394 861 439 246 617 782 731 727 255 356 472 617 823 745 283 725 173 682 466 135 547 731 874 264 531 746 628 716 282 466

things found at

PATHWORDS

I

WATCH

2 ABC

1. types of wood 624 642 691 233 271 436 562 517 673 966 319 256 881 243 786 881 767 527 134 714 425 679 162 519 455 691 726 461 247 241 356 123 324 162 753

C

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 disease.

1 []’–

Spaces and any punctuation marks are represented by 1.

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ

1

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DIALLING CODES

CROSS CODE 3

All Together NOW!

2) A cloth laid on a bishop’s knees to keep his vestments clean from oil at ordinations;

2. China becomes a republic under Sun Yatsen and adopts the Gregorian calendar.

3. British polar explorer Captain Robert Falcon Scott and a team of four become the second expeditionary group to reach the South Pole.

Clue: There’s an attraction in slow speech.

3) Undyed cloth of a coarse, rough texture.

WAS IT? a) 1900; b) 1904; c) 1908; d) 1912; e) 1916.

____ +L=____L

ALL THE ANSWERS D B

Pathwords Coppélia; Romeo And Juliet; La Sylphide; The Nutcracker; The Sleeping Beauty; Swan Lake; Cinderella; La Bayadère; A Midsummer Night’s Dream; Don Quixote.

9 7 2 4 8 6 5 1 3

4 6 1 3 7 5 9 8 2

3 5 8 2 1 9 4 6 7

5 1 9 8 2 7 6 3 4

SUDOKU EASY

8 2 3 6 5 4 1 7 9

7 4 6 1 9 3 2 5 8

1 8 4 7 6 2 3 9 5

6 3 5 9 4 8 7 2 1

2 9 7 5 3 1 8 4 6

7 5 6 2 9 4 3 1 8

8 9 1 6 3 5 4 2 7

4 2 3 7 1 8 5 6 9

2 3 5 8 7 6 1 9 4

Q

L

Y

O N A

14 1

15 2

16 3

17 4

T W

18 5

19

I

6

20

J

C U 7

M V

21

22

F

8

P

Z

23

24

H G S

9

10

11

R E

25

X

12

26

K

13

CROSS CODE

1 6 7 9 4 2 8 3 5

9 4 8 1 5 3 2 7 6

SUDOKU DIFFICULT

3 1 4 5 6 9 7 8 2

5 8 9 3 2 7 6 4 1

6 7 2 4 8 1 9 5 3

9 24

8

1

9

2

17

3

10 4 34 9 8

4 1

5 9

6

7

7

5

1

2

16

9

3

4

3 11

13

1

6

1

20

5

6

2 6 11

3

8

6 39 15

KAKURO MEDIUM

4 7

3 9

2

2 1 15

1 3

Accumulator Quiz 1 – B; 2 – C; 3 – D; 4 – C; 5 – B; 6 – C; 7 – C; 8 – D; 9 – B; 10 – A; 11 – A; 12 – B; 13 – A; 14 – D; 15 – A. Starspot Crossword Across – 1 Specific; 8 Occult; 9 Aped; 10 Rip; 11 Pillar; 12 Meditate; 15 At rest; 16 Rotter; 20 Import; 24 Nebula; 27 Executor; 28 Strain; 29 Nut; 30 Risk; 31 Sneeze; 32 Renewing.

Down – 2 Poppet; 3 Caddie; 4 Format; 5 Copper; 6 Sculpt; 7 Cleave; 12 Magi; 13 Drop; 14 Tsar; 17 OPEC; 18 Taut; 19 Rear; 21 Mutiny; 22 Onager; 23 Tenner; 24 Newton; 25 Burrow; 26 Loosen.

Star Name: MEG RYAN

Word Wizard No 2 is correct. A gremial is a protective cloth.

Dialling Codes 1. mahogany; cedar; hemlock; rosewood; walnut; chestnut; poplar; fir; hickory; oak; willow; ramin; birch; elm; beech; maple.

2. ginger; paprika; nutmeg; turmeric; garam masala; cardamom; saffron; black pepper; cinnamon; mace; coriander; caraway.

3. semicircle; trapezium; hexagon; square; parallelogram; quadrilateral; pentagon; ellipse; triangle; rhombus; octagon.

4. We Will Rock You; Under Pressure; Killer Queen; Bohemian Rhapsody; Hammer To Fall; One

Vision; A Kind Of Magic.

5. sunhat; fish and chips; bucket and spade; stick of rock; windbreak; helter skelter; amusement arcade; sandcastle.

6. Born Free; Dr Dolittle; Animal Farm; Beethoven; Free Willy; Homeward Bound; Babe; The Incredible Journey; Flipper.

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

Missing Link stop; chest; up; red; vapour; yacht.

Disease: scurvy.

Make a Date The year was 1912.

Transformer Draw + L = Drawl.

Studio 42 Photography 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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SUBSCRIBE!

All Together NOW! is helping and inspiring tens of thousands of people.

But the charity needs to find ways to balance the books.

You can help in a big way by becoming one of our loyal subscribers. For a suggested £20 donation (more, if you can afford it!) we will send you the next SIX editions.

NAME

TOO MUCH FUN: The Medieval origins of Christmas Carols. Right, Puritans ban Christmas

KEN PYE’s latest book, Liverpool: A Potted History, is now available with Quirky Wirral to follow. All his books are available in all good bookshops or from Ken directly. l Tel. 0151 427 2717 lken@discover-liverpool.com

LOST CHRISTMAS I

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MAGINE if Christmas was banned – for many of us those bleak midwinter days would feel even bleaker!

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

If you had been around 400 years ago, you wouldn’t have had to imagine it…the festive season WAS outlawed.

And there were punishments dished out for anybody even mentioning the word.

Under the rule of Oliver Cromwell, the Puritans – a Christian movement not known for its sense of fun – banned all celebration of Christmas. That included feasting, dancing, decorations and carol singing.

The word “carol” actually means “ring-dance” because people once used to dance in church as well as sing, which was yet another reason for

www.discover-liverpool.com

the Puritans to ban them as that was far too much enjoyment!

Cromwell also particularly banned “shred” or mince pies because people were eating Jesus!! This ban really upset ordinary people, because their “shred pies” were very popular.

Originally, they were made in the rectangular shape of Christ’s crib and baked with an open top to show a tiny, edible baby Jesus inside.

Sometimes they were made like swaddling clothes, showing the baby tucked inside.

If those miserable Puritans had taken away everything else from Christmas, they were not going to take these.

So to disguise the pies from the Puritans, people began making them

round instead of rectangular, and put a pastry lid on top. This way they looked like any old pie.

They have been round ever since, although the edible Jesus disappeared from the recipe a good while ago.

Once the monarchy was restored and King Charles II came to the throne in 1660, Christmas was revived again and people could once again freely sing, dance, feast and celebrate – especially after all those miserable years of Puritanism.

By the Victorian and Edwardian eras, going carolling around the neighbourhoods had become an established part of the Christmas traditions and celebrations.

Ken Pye – 0151 427 2717

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ARIES (21 Mar – 20 Apr) You’ve got a lot on your plate but don’t ignore your body’s signals. Rest early on is vital – pushing through tiredness won’t do you any favours. Prioritise good sleep and grounding meals mid-month. The New Moon on the 20th is ideal for a style refresh or setting health goals.

January kicks off with a spark for you, igniting ambition and career hopes like never before.

Expect delightful social encounters that may turn into romantic sparks, so don’t miss an opportunity to charm! Your confidence soars mid-month, especially in group settings where your ideas shine.

February brings a fresh wave of creativity. As friendships deepen and new connections bloom, your social calendar might fill up faster than you’d expect. Embrace it! However, keep an eye on communications, as misunderstandings may pop up, particularly with loved ones.

TAURUS (21 Apr – 21 May) This month calls for steady rhythms and small comforts.

Around the 13th, emotions could lead you to reach for quick fixes. The New Moon brings a chance to gently shift habits that no longer serve you. Quiet time in nature will help recharge your batteries before the year closes.

January sees you longing for adventure, igniting passions that fuel your soul.

Relationships take centre stage, whether it’s rekindling romance or deepening friendships; your social circle could lead to unexpected opportunities. However, be mindful of misunderstandings.

February: You’ll be tempted to take bold strides – trust your instincts! Mid-month, as the focus shifts to home and relationships, a little tender care will work wonders. Watch for emotional stirrings; they could lead to insightful conversations. As you wrap up the month, be mindful of balancing work and play.

GEMINI (22 May – 21 Jun) You’re full of energy but don’t overdo it.

Christmas temptations might hit your tummy hard, so be mindful of what you eat and drink.

Find the joy in moderation – you’ll enjoy the season more if you pace yourself. Rest is every bit as important as activity now.

January: Take time to nurture your inner self, especially as feelings around love and intimacy simmer just below the surface.

Confidence blooms, but be wary of distractions at work. Keep your eyes on the prize. A pivotal moment may arrive towards the month’s end, embrace it.

February promises of delightful adventures and heartfelt connections. Early on, your curiosity is sparked, nudging you to explore new interests. Love may surprise you with unexpected gestures, so keep that heart open!

Midway through, you might feel a tinge of introspection, but don’t let it hold you back; embrace this moment for reflection.

CANCER (22 Jun – 23 Jul) You’re feeling the festive pressure and keen to make things just right but perfection can wait.

Take some slow breaths and ease off the expectations. A quieter moment mid-month helps you notice what’s sapping your energy. A restful close to the year will do you the world of good.

January unfolds and emotions ebb and flow like the tide. Relationships take centre stage,

What do the stars have in store for you this winter . . . RUSSELL GRANT with connection and laughter guiding you through the early days. A couple of minor misunderstandings may arise, but don’t let that ripple disturb your peace.

February: You’ll feel a creative surge; embrace projects that ignite your passions.

However, don’t ignore the niggling doubts that surface. Address them head-on, and you’ll discover newfound confidence. As the month ends, your instincts will guide you well. Trust them in matters of the heart and career.

LEO (24 Jul – 23 Aug) You’re keen to balance festive cheer with everything else on your to-do list. If some traditions no longer spark joy, don’t be afraid to mix things up. Mid-December may bring a bit of burnout, so carve out space to rest, eat well and share some laughs. You’ll shine brighter for it.

January is brimming with opportunity and connection. Be cautious of overthinking; trust your instincts. Mid-month brings a delightful turnaround, sparking fresh ideas. As the month winds down, a deep reflection on relationships leads to realisations. Embrace them, they’re truly illuminating!

February: Romance is in the air. However, as the days roll on, you might find yourself weighing relationships against personal aspirations. Mid-month brings clarity, allowing you to communicate desires more openly, great for rekindling and strengthening bonds.

VIRGO (24 Aug – 23 Sept) Slow down and let go of anything that’s outdated – whether it’s habits or social obligations. Choose simple pleasures and healthy routines that feel supportive. When you’re grounded, you’ll enjoy Christmas more and find strength in small moments of joy.

January brings a delightful sense of playfulness. As the new year kicks off, you’ll find joy in creative pursuits and romantic escapades. Mid-month, however, prepares you for some introspective moments; don’t shy away from vulnerability with loved ones.

February: Love blossoms, sparking connections that may surprise you! Mid-month, your confidence swells, allowing you to tackle tasks you’ve felt hesitant about. As the month wraps up, don’t shy away from introspection; it’s your time to reflect and set intentions for the future.

LIBRA (24 Sept – 23 Oct) Take things one step at a time. Around midmonth, emotions may ripple through your appetite and energy levels. Create little havens of calm – a tidy space, a warm bath, a quiet walk. Later in the month, build in one useful new habit. Think simple and sustainable.

January: Expect emotional revelations that spark conversations about love and life. Your innate charm is on full display, drawing admirers closer. Just watch for a few bumps along the way – clarity might elude you at times. Let this month be about nurturing both heart and ambition.

February rekindles passions or exploring new hobbies. But watch out – some emotional twists might arise mid-month, testing your balance in relationships. Lean on your friends for support as they’ll offer valuable insights.

Clarity will emerge, helping you realign with your goals while nurturing those vital connections.

SCORPIO (24 Oct – 22 Nov) Pay attention to what your body’s trying to tell you. By mid-month, things will settle and you’ll feel more confident about where you’re heading. With clarity comes commitment, and you’re ready to stick with the choices that matter most.

January kicks off with your mind whirling with fresh ideas, while a full moon invites you to dive into deeper emotional waters. As the month wraps up, a newfound clarity will guide your path forward. Embrace the changes with that fierce Scorpio spirit!

February: Home becomes a sanctuary where warmth and familiarity thrive. You may experience a rekindling of passion in your relationships – allow your wild side to shine!

Beware of overthinking; clarity will emerge if you give yourself time to breathe. Embrace change, it’s a sign of growth!

SAGITTARIUS (23 Nov – 21 Dec) Pace yourself. The New Moon in your sign on the 20th is your cue for a fresh start – ideal for setting bold but balanced goals. Try gentle exercise and light, nourishing meals to support your system. Make time for fun, but don’t forget to relax.

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January: As you carefully balance your finances, don’t let the pressure overshadow the joys of companionship. Romantic sparks may fly early in the month, leading to some delightful surprises. However, keep an eye on communication – what you say may not be received as intended.

February: A whirlwind awaits, serving up a mix of surprises and heartfelt connections. Midmonth brings a need for introspection, prompting you to reassess your priorities.

Watch for potential challenges, stay grounded and don’t rush decisions. Remember, life’s adventures aren’t just scripted – they’re often improvised. Embrace spontaneity!

CAPRICORN (22 Dec – 20 Jan) You’re craving quiet before the celebrations begin. Sleep may be disrupted by festive pressures, so aim for slow mornings and early nights. The New Moon brings a personal reset – trust your intuition. As the Sun enters your sign, your energy picks up and you’re ready to head into the new year with purpose.

January: Confidence is your superpower.

However, watch out for a few tricky days when communication could go awry. Balance your ambition with self-care, find time for a pampering session. As the month wraps up, embrace connections that nourish your soul.

February: Romance takes a heartfelt turn – connection sparks, but tread cautiously around mix-ups in communication. Mid-month, a surge of confidence propels you forward, making your voice heard. The end of the month shines a light on partnerships, nurture them, and you’ll reap the rewards.

AQUARIUS (21 Jan – 19 Feb) You’ve been tuned into everyone else’s needs, but what about your own? Mindful walks and digital breaks will do wonders. As the year draws to a close, it’s time to lay the groundwork for habits that last. Rest, calm, and connection are your best allies now.

January signifies a period of transformation, self-expression, and alignment with your authentic self, supported by powerful cosmic energy.

February: Communication in relationships may spark both joy and tension, so choose your words wisely. Your creative instincts shine so don’t shy away from sharing your ideas. As the month unfolds, allow yourself moments of introspection; they’ll lead to clarity and understanding. Embrace love’s surprises and enjoy the journey!

PISCES (20 Feb – 20 Mar) Emotions might bubble up early in the month, especially in close relationships. Try not to overreact – space and silence can be healing.

Festive events will lift your spirits, but take care not to overdo it. Mid-month brings insight into how you handle pressure.

January: Reflect on your goals. Use this quieter time to recharge and consider what truly matters. An exciting opportunity might be just around the corner. Tread carefully through any difficult situations with tact. Your creative side will guide you through.

February: A full moon at the start of the month invites you to assess your health and work-life balance. Mid-month, newfound confidence elevates your career prospects, while staying mindful of tricky dynamics at work. The month wraps up with clarity and purpose, urging you to dream big and forge ahead!

. . . see back page

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