26
All Together NOW!
Berlin is the best BERLIN has been judged Europe’s most accessible city. The German capital was proclaimed the winner of the European Access City Award for “exemplary initiatives to improve accessibility in the urban environment”. Nantes (France) and Stockholm (Sweden) were the other two finalists chosen from 99 cities taking part Europe-wide. There were also special mentions for four cities: n Pamplona (Spain) for its buildings and public spaces. n Gdynia (Poland) for its efforts with transport and other infrastructure. n Bilbao (Spain) for information and communication, including new technology. n Tallaght (Ireland) for public facilities and services.
February/March 2013
It’s ‘no-go’ Britain . . .
A
LMOST nine out of 10 people think the UK travel industry is still not providing enough information about disabled access and facilities.
Research also revealed that 87% of respondents had been prevented from travelling because of their disability. A further 77% consider disabled access to be ‘very important’ when planning where to go on holiday. London was identified as the part of the UK with the best disabled access and facilities but despite improvements made in the run up to the Paralympics, the Underground was singled out for criticism.
The UK’s airports and train stations also fared badly in the survey with respondents claiming more needed to be done to make them accessible for all. However, there was some encouraging news as over 92% of those questioned thought that disabled access had improved overall in the past ten years – 28% thought that access was “significantly better”. Lorraine Farnon, managing director of Adapted Vehicle Hire, the UK’s largest supplier of rental vehicles for disabled drivers, said: “The results of our survey clearly demonstrate that despite gradual progress, more needs to be done to make the travel industry more accessible for disabled people.” Carrie-Ann Lightley, information
officer at the charity Tourism For All UK, said: “We have been campaigning for the past 30 years to improve the range of travel options and facilities for disabled people. We support the Government’s aim of making UK tourism the most accessible in Europe. “Access to some rural and historic sites will always present more of a challenge for disabled visitors, but places like airports have scope for significant improvement to better meet the needs of disabled travellers.” Several venues were praised for their ease of access and suitability for disabled visitors including National Trust properties and the Eden Project in Cornwall.
www.alltogethernow.org.uk
Tell the world about your holiday venues
TAKE ME HOME!
0151 230 0307
sales@alltogethernow.org.uk
IRTON HOUSE FARM
Holiday Breaks in the Lakes near Keswick Self catering apartments for 2-6 people. Specially designed with the wheelchair in mind. No steps. Beautiful views in a superb location. Friendly owners in residence. Open all year.
For a colour brochure
Tel: 01768 776380 www.disabled-holiday.net email: joan@irtonhousefarm.co.uk
Book now!
RUSSELL GRANT looks at what the stars have in store for you ARIES March 21st - April 20th Criticising a colleague in early February will win you a bitter enemy. Love is in the air and you are in for a super Valentine’s Day. Someone new could also be entering your life, but resist the urge to share the news with your best friend. Your ideas gain traction in the days over the first few days of March and a difficult project comes is about to come to a conclusion. Improving your day-to-day environment around the middle of the month will make you far more productive.
TAURUS April 21st - May 21st Romantic misunderstandings abound in early February so don’t hesitate to turn to sympathetic friends for advice. Wait until after Valentine’s Day before thinking seriously about any long distance trips. Dream big, express your artistic side, and be sure to attend any parties that come your way. The Full Moon on March 8th marks an exciting turning point in a romance, but remember to do something special for yourself, too.
GEMINI May 22nd - June 21st You’ll have to choose between family and work during early February and don’t let finance get in the way with romance on Valentine’s Day. A rise, promotion, or high profile job can be yours very soon. March’s Full Moon on the 8th is ideal for concluding a deal. Remember to always trust your instincts with regard to a sexual relationship.
You’ll make friends with an impressive intellectual but don’t let a manipulative person influence your decisions.
CANCER June 22nd - July 23rd
few days of March, but beware of an unreliable lover.
CAPRICORN December 22nd - January 20th
LIBRA September 24th - October 23rd
You need to change your lifestyle in order to save money, but don’t be too harsh with a sensitive relative during the middle of the month. You’ll win plenty of new admirers for a creative project in the closing days of February. The opening days of March are favoured for negotiating a property deal or signing a lease. A romantic relationship heats up, and be prepared to stand up to an overbearing relative.
Avoid controversial subjects like religion and politics. An older relative has good advice regarding a relationship in the days surrounding Valentine’s, and a power struggle may break out between you and a lover or business partner during the middle of the month. March opens with a fantastic career opportunity, and a cherished dream will be granted to you by the middle of the month. Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth.
February finds you trying to find common ground with an unco-operative colleague, and a friendship is also set to become strained. An overbearing relative will try to take advantage of your generosity in midFebruary. Watch out, too, for a bully who saps your energy in the early days of March. Someone will confess a crush on you in mid-March, much to your delight. The final days of the month force you to deal with an unpleasant domestic situation.
LEO July 24th - August 23rd
SCORPIO October 24th - November 22nd
The first two weeks of February warn against buying luxuries you can’t afford. The 13th is the best day of the entire year for signing a contract or forming a serious partnership. Get treatment for a nagging health problem by the middle of the month. A secret admirer will confess their devotion in the days surrounding the 19th. March’s Full Moon on the 8th yields a big surprise, and there’s some exciting news coming your way.
Your head and heart are working in perfect harmony on the 13th - the perfect time for making a dramatic lifestyle change. An admirer gives you a gift that speaks to your heart on Valentine’s Day, and the New Moon on the 21st is perfect for starting something new. March is a great time for improving your diet and exercise routine. Someone in authority can make your dreams come true.
VIRGO August 24th - September 23rd
Home life provides a welcome haven from career pressures. Open your heart to a lover on Valentine’s Day - you won’t be disappointed. It’s an ideal time to let your creativity soar, and the New Moon on the 21st is perfect for taking a chance. Don’t let a friend’s negative experiences prevent you from pursuing your romance in March. There’s more money coming to your pocket.
An unexpected inheritance, refund, or dividend could put a big smile on your face, and there’s more good news on the way when an admirer confesses their crush on Valentine’s Day. The New Moon on the 21st launches a creative partnership. Confide your deepest feelings to a friend in the first
SAGITTARIUS November 23rd - December 21st
AQUARIUS January 21st - February 19th Don’t let your inner critic prevent you from taking a creative risk during the middle of the month. The New Moon on the 21st is perfect for finding a fresh source of income. Stick up for the underdog as February turns to March when there’s suddenly more time for domestic pleasures. The New Moon on the 22nd prompts you to get a refreshing change of scenery. Don’t fall prey to your worst fears as March turns to April.
PISCES February 20th - March 20th Your powers of persuasion will be irresistible on Valentine’s Day. Make your needs known on this magical day and don’t try to impress a friend with an expensive purchase. March is god for developing a new idea - you’ll be very satisfied with the results. Take the initiative with a lover in the middle of the month. Defend your beliefs to a pushy friend as March turns to April.
450,000 people are reading these pages – 0151 230 0307
TAKE ME HOME!