All Together NOW! SUMMER 2024

PLEASE HELP KEEP THIS VITAL ‘LIFELINE’ ALIVE

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TRAILBLAZER

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SUMMER 2024

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WHEELS FOR ALL

Your chance to

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opening doors . . . broadening minds . . .

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OWZAT FOR GRIT

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DISH OF THE DAY

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What’s inside NEWS

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BOWLING ‘EM OVER

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UNITED UTILITIES MOTORZINE

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INDEPENDENT LIVING

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CONTACT BOARD

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THEATREZONE

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PUZZLEZONE

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SPORT

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YOUR CHANCE TO BE A PILOT p14-15 SUMMER HOROSCOPE GARDENING

DISCOVER LIVERPOOL

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HEALTHZONE

EMPLOYMENT: OPINION

NEWS FOCUS: TRANSPORT

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

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Editor: Tom Dowling 0151 230 0307

email: news@alltogethernow.org.uk

Editorial Support: Gerry Corner

Advertising/sponsorship 0151 929 3912

email: helen@alltogethernow.org.uk IT Support: Ken Almond Website: Pharos Design

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NEXT EDITION Monday September 2, 2024

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STEP-FREE: James Lee from Transport for London’s Independent Disability Advisory Group uses a new mini ramp at Tottenham Hale station

Ramping it up

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ISITORS to London are welcoming Mayor Sadik Khna’s commitment to making half of its stations step-free.

Since he became Mayor, the number of step-free access Tube stations has increased from a quarter to a third.

Now, Transport for London has published an ambitious “Equity in Motion” plan to create a fairer, more accessible and inclusive transport network for everyone.

The plan commits to introducing an

innovative bridging device across the London Underground network by the summer for stations which are designated step-free from street to train but where a small gap persists between train and platform.

More than 45 mini ramps are now being introduced across the network.

Mayor Khan said: “London is for everyone and I am committed to making our transport network as fair and accessible as possible.”

Getting around on Merseyside

THE majority of Merseyrail stations are wheelchair-friendly. Here’s your guide to accessible stations:

NORTHERN LINE Hunts Cross; Liverpool South Parkway; Cressington (C); Aigburth (B); St Michaels; Brunswick; Liverpool Central; James Street; Lime Street; Moorfields; Sandhills; Bank Hall (C); Bootle Oriel Road; Bootle New Strand; Seaforth & Litherland; Waterloo; Blundellsands & Crosby; Hall Road (C); Hightown (B); Formby; Freshfield; Ainsdale; Hillside; Birkdale; Southport;

Kirkdale; Fazakerley; Kirkby; Headbolt Lane; Orrell Park; Aintree; Old Roan; Maghull; Maghull North; Town Green; Aughton Park (C); Ormskirk; WIRRAL LINE West Kirby; Hoylake; Manor Road (B); Meols; Moreton; Leasowe; Bidston (C);

New Brighton; Wallasey Grove Road (B); Wallasey Grove Village (C); Birkenhead North; Birkenhead Park; Conway Park; Hamilton Square; Birkenhead Central; Green Lane (C); Rock Ferry (B); Bebington; Port Sunlight (C); Spital (C); Bromborough Rake; Bromborough (C); Eastham Rake (B); Hooton; Little Sutton (B); Overpool; Ellesmere Port (B); Capenhurst (B); Bache (B); Chester (C)

(B) These stations have a degree of step-free access to the platform, which may be in both directions or in one direction

(C) These stations do not have step-free access to any platform.

n You can request passenger assist by calling 0800 0277 347 or 0151 555 1111 (MonFri, 7am-7pm).

Outside of these times, call 0151 702 2704.

Out of order! Too many faulty lifts

RAIL bosses have been told to improve station lifts – and provide up to date information about any faults.

The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) regulator’s report found an average of more than six faults for each passenger lift over a year.

And while there has been progress on real-time information on lift availability, more needs to be done.

Network Rail has acknowledged the findings and said they are already taking steps to address lift performance.

Connecting with 250,000 people . . .

UK rail lagging behind Europe

WHEN it comes to rail access at train stations, the UK has a long way to go to match other European nations, a new study has found.

Almost 40% of our stations are inaccessible, compared with The Netherlands, Norway and Sweden who come out best with almost all stations being barrier-free – and scoring high marks for providing guidance for blind travellers.

The study, by German travel ticket agency Omio, examined factors such as wheelchairaccessible access to platforms, guidance for the visually impaired, and the availability of real-time visual information on platforms in 16 European nations.

Researchers said the UK’s rail transport needs urgent attention.

“Inaccessible systems hinder mobility, independence, and opportunities for employment and travel, contributing to social isolation,” the report said.

“Improvements are also necessary in guidance systems for blind and visually impaired individuals at railway stations.”

On a positive note, digital displays with passenger information are available at 70% of platforms, delivering real-time updates..

Europe’s Most Accessible Railway Stations (Figures relate to: Barrier-free platforms; accessibility for visually impaired; Digital information displays) 1. Netherlands 97%; 99%; 99% 2. Germany 81%; 97%; 98% 3. Sweden 99%; 90%; 90% 4. Norway 99%; 90%; 80% 5. Luxembourg 31%; 90%; 90% 6. Switzerland 49%; 75%; 75% 7. Austria 57%; 55%; 80% 8. France 33%; 90%; 70% 9. UK 61%; 60%; 70% 10. Ireland 40%; 99%; 60% 11. Belgium 24%; 75%; 75% 12. Spain 58%; 70%; 60% 13. Denmark 22%; 22%; 90% 14. Italy 15%; 60%; 70% 15. Poland 60%; 17%; 60% 16. Czech Republic 20%; 50%; 60%

www.omio.co.uk/c/europesmost-accessible-railwaynations

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

SUMMER 2024

Bringing you the news . . . good and bad Hello

GREAT to be back – and great to have so many uplifting stories in this our 19th anniversary issue.

There’s the chance to be a pilot (centre pages), disabled cricketer Kearan Gibbs (p8) who’s bowling ‘em over, and a 12-year-old visually girl who’s providing audio description to theatres (p17) . . .

There’s also the hugely exciting and life-changing development for people with type 1 diabetes (p11-12).

But, despite all our positive stories there’s no denying life is getting significantly tougher for disabled people and carers.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s plans to stop personal independent benefits for people with “certain conditions”

EDITOR’S LETTER

such as ADHD and learning disabilities (p4) is especially worrying, say the charities National Autistic Society and Sense.

Carers are also finding themselves under the cosh with many being forced to repay thousands of pounds of overpayments of Carers Allowance, which restricts earnings to just £151 weekly (p5).

Access to education, housing and transport are becoming more challenging – as is access to specific news and information.

It seems the half a million people across Merseyside and Cheshire who are not connected to the internet are slowly being left behind.

Newspapers have a vital part to play – especially a unique and FREE

publication like All Together NOW! Over the past few months we have received lots of donations from readers fearful for our future. It’s a lifeline, they say.

That’s why we fight on.

However, falling incomes and rising costs are really hitting us hard. To get us through the year, we will now be publishing quarterly.

Thanks for all the support. I hope you enjoy this edition.

Stay positive.

See you again in the autumn.

TOM DOWLING, EDITOR

OFF ROAD: Survey shows support for more accessible walking and cycling routes

Get on the right path!

S

PEND less on new roads and more on helping people walk, wheel, cycle or use public transport.

That’s how most residents in the Liverpool City Region feel, according to a new survey.

The 2023 Liverpool City Region Walking and Cycling Index is part of the largest ever survey of its kind in the UK and Ireland.

Out of nearly 1,200 residents in the city region questioned, 59% supported shifting investment from road building schemes to fund walking, wheeling, cycling (active travel) and public transport, with only 13%

opposed to that idea. The survey includes the views of all adult residents, not just those who walk or cycle.

Mayor Steve Rotheram has pledged to deliver a 600km active travel network across all six boroughs of the Liverpool City Region – with more than £70m committed so far to developing new and upgraded walking and cycling routes.

More than 40km of new walking and cycling infrastructure has been built over the past three years, including flagship routes separate from traffic on the Silver Jubilee Bridge in Runcorn and Lime Street in

Council Approved Contractor & Suppliers Covering The Northwest

Liverpool city centre. Rosslyn Colderley, from charity Sustrans, which produced the index along with the city region, said: “People told us they want to see smoother, wider pavements, more pedestrian crossings and safer cycling routes separate from traffic.”

Simon O’Brien, LCR’s Cycling and Walking Commissioner, said: “We now know that most residents not only want to walk and cycle more, but also that they back our approach to building new routes, reducing car traffic and bringing down carbon emissions.”

Free Home Demonstrations

SALES, REPAIR & SERVICING OF ALL MOBILITY & DISABILITY PRODUCTS

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Top town award for DAD founder, Dave

THE man behind the north west’s annual disability awareness day (DAD) has been made an Honoroury Freeman of Warrington.

Dave Thompson – chief executive of Warrington Disability Partnership, which he also set up – was paralysed in an American football game in 1989.

In 2002 he received an MBE for his work, and in 2006 was commissioned a Deputy Lieutenant of Cheshire.

Warrington Mayor Cllr Steve Wright said: “Dave’s positive influence can be seen throughout many aspects of life in Warrington and beyond.” n This year’s DAD takes place on Sunday July 14 at Walton Hall Gardens, near Warrington.

Roger is back on air

WORD reaches us that former Radio Merseyside presenter Roger Phillips will soon be back on the airwaves.

Roger – a big fan of All Together NOW! – is joining the team at Merseyside Dementia Friendly Radio.

The not-for-profit company started as an internet-based station in 2020.

It is now looking forward to launching as a DAB station in May.

U-turn on minister

PRIME Minister Rishi Sunak has reinstated a dedicated disabilities minister after a backlash.

Charities had accused the PM of downgrading the position.

Mims Davies – now Minister of State for Disabled People, Health and Work – said: “I’m beyond delighted to be continuing in my important role.”

Call Us On:

01744 602602 Also At:

0151 423 3738

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

4

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

Blind miss out on vital benefits

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T least a quarter of people with sight loss – 83,000 – miss-out on the disability benefits they’re entitled to, a study has found.

New PIP plans will hit more disabled people

PLANS to stop personal independence payments (PIP) to large numbers of disabled people has outraged charities.

Joey Nettleton Burrows, policy manager at the National Autistic Society, said: “We are extremely concerned about the suggestion of restricting payments for people with ‘certain conditions’ such as ADHD and learning disabilities – both of which affect a significant number of autistic people.

“Stricter rules won’t help, instead they are likely to take away a key source of income for autistic people who are unable to work or face numerous barriers to finding employment – currently only three in 10 autistic people are in work.

“The Minister also outlined that for many people in receipt of PIP, talking therapies and social care should be the answer, but he fails to acknowledge that social care reform has been promised and yet this Government has consistently failed to deliver.”

Tom Marsland, policy manager at Sense, added: “For most disabled people, disability benefits aren’t covering their costs. Disability benefits are a good thing. They help disabled people to live full, happy lives.”

Too poor to be sick

NINE out of 10 care workers can’t afford to take time off when they are sick, say the GMB union.

With only 1% of care workers receiving full company sick pay, many said not even Covid would keep them at home.

That’s despite a survey revealing one in three of them had Covid in 2023, and 13% had symptoms but didn’t test.

‘An insult to us all’

SUMMER 2024

DISABLED people’s organisations described the Government’s evidence to a UN disability rights committee as an insult to disabled people.

The Government said it had made progress since being found guilty of “grave and systematic violations” of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2016.

But representatives of the DPOs said the Government avoided all of the substantive issues with which the special inquiry is concerned, and failed to answer any of the committee’s questions.

Kamran Mallick, chief executive of Disability Rights UK, said: “We still feel their refusal to properly engage with this process is an insult to all disabled people.

“The delegation shared all the ways they believe they’ve created progress for disabled people’s rights – but they know that no progress has been made.

We have gone backwards.”

The application process, poor communication from the Department for Work and Pensions and the challenge of getting to face-to-face appointments all create barriers, say researchers.

Juliet Stone, from the Centre for Research in Social Policy at Loughborough University, said: “Blind and partially sighted people face multiple barriers to applying for benefits, including a lack of support in the application process.

“Tens of thousands are missing out on disability benefits to which they are entitled. Improving uptake of benefits is not straightforward, but without

addressing the obstacles to claiming disability benefits, thousands will remain vulnerable to financial hardship.”

Roisin Jacklin, Policy Officer at sight loss charity RNIB, said: “We urgently need a fairer and clearer benefit system. If you think you, a relative or friend with sight loss could be missing out, RNIB can support you.

“Our easy-to-use calculator and factsheets can help you work out the disability benefits you’re entitled to and where to access support to claim them. We’re also here to support you if your application has been refused.”

SUNAK PLANS ‘DEMONISE’ DISABILITY

L

EADING charity Leonard Cheshire has blasted Prime Minister Rishi Sunak for “demonising” disabled people and accusing them of being work-shy.

Announcing plans to overhaul what he calls Britain’s “sick note culture”, Mr Sunak said the country needs to be more ambitious about how to help people, particularly with mental health conditions, back into work.

He said: “We should see it as a sign of progress that people can talk openly about mental health conditions in a way that only a few years ago would’ve been unthinkable, and I will never

n RNIB Helpline, 0303 123 9999. n www.rnib.org.uk

dismiss or downplay the illnesses people have.

“But just as it would be wrong to dismiss this growing trend, so it would be wrong merely to sit back and accept it because it’s too hard.”

However, his radical plans have angered charities.

Amy Little, head of advocacy at Leonard Cheshire, said: “A lack of adequate mental health support, poor access to social care, and long NHS waiting lists are among the key reasons why not enough people are well enough to work.

“Fixing these issues and providing tailored inclusive employment support, as well as

better in-work support, needs to be the priority.

“Instead, disabled people are being demonised, accused of being work-shy and threatened with withdrawal of benefits. This is cynical and hugely damaging.”

Joey Nettleton Burrows, policy and public affairs manager at the National Autistic Society, said: “These announcements are very concerning. Stricter rules on benefit claimants won’t help autistic people, whose needs are already poorly understood.

“The proposed changes will make an already stressful system even more inaccessible.”

GPs lose may power to issue sick note THE Government claims the current “fit note” system allows millions of people to be written off work and into welfare without the right treatment and support.

They say the fit note process is often the first step to someone falling out of work and acts as a gateway towards some ill health and disability benefit assessments.

Data recently shows almost 11 million fit notes were issued last year, with an overwhelming 94% of those signed “not fit for work”.

The Prime Minister said: “We don’t just need to change the sick note, we need to change the sick note culture so the default becomes what work you can do – not what you can’t.

“Building on the pilots we’ve already started,

l OPINION: Evenbreak, p13

we’re going to design a new system where people have easy and rapid access to specialised work and health support to help them back to work from the very first fit note conversation.

“We’re also going to test shifting the responsibility for assessment from GPs and giving it to specialist work and health professionals.”

Latest figures suggest there are currently 2.8 million people who are “economically inactive” due to long-term sickness, a near-record high.

Of those inactive due to long-term sickness at the start of last year, 53% said they had depression, bad nerves or anxiety.

Since the pandemic, spending on working age disability and ill-health benefits has increased by from £42.3bn to £69bn.

Universal rollout ‘will make many poorer’

DISABLED people will be the main losers when Universal Credit (UC) is fully rolled out to seven million families, according to a major think tank.

A single person with a long-term disability that prevents them from working is £2,800 a year worse off when they transfer to UC, the Resolution Foundation said, adding that all single people with long-term disabilities will suffer this loss when the rollout is completed by 2030.

Its report – In Credit? – gives an overview of the huge change to the benefit system championed by the former work and pensions secretary Iain Duncan Smith during the coalition government.

Previous benefits, including income support, housing benefit and tax credits, were merged into a single payment.

Alex Clegg, an economist at the Resolution Foundation, said UC was conceived in an era of high unemployment, and was ill equipped for a postpandemic age when many claimants were suffering from long-term illnesses and disabilities.

Older population

He said: “A lot has changed since Universal Credit was first introduced back in 2013. The workingage benefit system is less generous, with entitlement down by £14 billion.

“The reform was designed to meet the 2010s’ problem of high unemployment, but Britain in the 2020s faces new challenges from an older and sicker population.

“Compared to the old system, Universal Credit offers greater support for renters and stronger incentives to enter work. But its original design did not anticipate there being over two million claimants with poor health or disabilities.

“Alongside efforts from the NHS, education, and labour market policy to address the drivers of ill-health, UC will need to change to tackle Britain’s new challenge of long-term sickness.”

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

‘TIME TO END THIS AWFUL INJUSTICE’ T www.alltogethernow.org.uk

HE Government is being urged to act swiftly to stop carers from being forced to repay thousands of pounds in overpayments.

Carers Allowance – £81.90 weekly – is paid to people over 16 and not in full time education, who spend more than 35 hours looking after someone receiving a disability benefit.

But recipients are not allowed to earn more than £151 a week. If this sum is exceeded – even by £1 – all of their entitlement is lost.

As of February 2023, the DWP said it was seeking to recover 145,567 overpayments.

That includes almost 12,000 cases concerning overpayments of between £5,001 and £20,000.

Emily Holzhausen, director of policy and public affairs at national charity Carers UK, said: “Carers often say they have made the mistake unwittingly.

“They don’t realise a small pay rise has taken them over the limit, a bonus at Christmas time, or they are paid irregularly and it’s hard to work out.

“There’s not a moment to lose for reform.

Carers have been waiting far too long for this.

Their support for older, disabled and ill relatives and friends is worth billions every

SUMMER 2024

Find YOUR local Carers Centre – p17

year. They need and deserve better.”

Carers UK say they have been overwhelmed by support from senior politicians from all parties, including former ministers.

Emily Holzhausen continued: “This has been going on for years and not enough has been done by Government to fundamentally change the situation, despite a National Audit Office report and a Select Committee Inquiry on overpayments and Carers UK raising it consistently.”

The situation was highlighted when BBC News recently revealed some carers have been told to repay thousands of pounds of benefits after accidently earning more than the limit several years ago.

One carer says she will be repaying money for the next decade.

The 50-year-old left her job in 2009 to care for her son, who has a genetic disorder,

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autism, a learning delay, and skeletal and heart problems.

She started working part-time in her family business for about two hours a day, while claiming Carer’s Allowance.

In 2019, she received a letter telling her she owed the DWP just over £14,000 – later reduced to about £12,700 – in overpayments made between May 2013 and December 2017.

The DWP arranged to deduct £80 a month from her Carer’s Allowance to cover the overpayments.

The woman stopped receiving the benefit in 2022, and now pays £50 monthly from her wages.

Another carer has been told she owes the Department of Works and Pensions about £7,600 to cover overpayments for periods over three-and-a-half years to February 2018.

The Department of Works and Pensions has faced criticism for failing to prevent overpayments, despite having the ability to do so, and allowing some recipients to end up in legal trouble.

Benefit staff get automatic alerts from HM Revenue and Customs if a Carer’s Allowance claimant is earning too much. n Carers UK Helpline, 0808 808 7777.

All Together NOW!

Counting butterflies boosts wellbeing

COUNTING butterflies not only reduces anxiety – it could also help protect the planet.

Research shows a reduction in anxious feelings and a boost in the mental wellbeing of people taking part in the Big Butterfly Count.

Volunteers taking part in wildlife charity Butterfly Conservation’s Big Butterfly Count in 2022 were questioned about their experiences.

University of Derby researchers found that briefly tuning into nature to count butterflies reduced anxiety by 9% on average, while also enhancing mental wellbeing.

Dr Carly Butler, from the University of Derby and lead researcher on the study, said: “Simple, small pockets of time connecting with wildlife and nature have a profound and beneficial effect on how we feel.” n This year’s Big Butterfly Count is from Friday, July 12 - Sunday, August 4. For advice on creating a Wild Space for butterflies ready for the Big Butterfly Count, visit www.butterflyconservation.org/wild-spaces

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We know what you are thinking SUMMER 2024

6

Cuts deny children access to education

CHILDREN with vision impairment (VI) continue to be hit by education budget cuts and freezes.

According to sight loss charity RNIB, more than 31,000 children need specialist support to access education.

The charity’s annual Freedom of Information report shows the number is increasing year on year, forcing local authorities to stretch their budget further and further.

Over the past year nearly a quarter of councils have seen their VI service budgets frozen or cut.

And 57% of local authorities reported a decrease or freeze in the number of specialist VI teachers they employ.

Jane Sharp, senior education specialist at RNIB, said: “The research speaks for itself – urgent action needs to be taken by the Secretary of State to ensure budgets increase, and to ensure there are adequate numbers of specialist VI teachers.” n RNIB Helpline, 0303 123 9999

Thanks, Pat, for your precious gift THE printing costs for this edition of All Together NOW! have been paid out of a generous bequest from former head teacher Miss Pat (Audrey) Lowe, She was a great fan of the paper. “This free newspaper is so vital, especially to those not online,” she said. “Without it there would be an enormous void. I just hope it gets the support it deserves.”

NEARLY two out of three young people in their early years at secondary school with special educational needs (SEN) were bullied in the last year.

A third of the 12 and 13-year-olds asked said they had experienced bullying that involved some form of violence Youngsters who are autistic or have social, emotional or mental health difficulties, were more likely to be targeted, researchers found.

The study is part of long-term work by the Government to set up a large-scale survey of children with special educational needs and disabilities.

The fight WILL go on

A £1.5m grant has helped secure the future of the organisation leading the fight for inclusive education in the UK. The Alliance for Inclusive Education (ALLFIE) received the grant, from London’s City Bridge Foundation. n Tel. 020 7737 6030

IS IT possible to hide your political leanings? Not from brain scans according to political expert Professor Matt Qvortrup.

Such scans, undertaken in studies in the US, were found to be able to identify differences between liberals and conservatives, sometimes with better accuracy then surveys.

The technique is also said to be considerably more accurate than traditional lie detector polygraph tests, with more than 80% accuracy.

Having originally studied neuroscience, Matt Qvortrup, earned a doctorate in political science at Oxford.

The Professor of Political Science at Coventry University’s research Centre for Trust Peace and Social Relations has now returned to his first academic love and has launched his new book,

Against all odds

The Political Brain: The Emergence of Neuropolitics.

He said: “Neuropolitics is the cutting edge of political science. We can say with 85% certainty whether you are conservative or the opposite based on brain scans, it all comes down to the parts of the brain you use.

“Whether you are conservative or you are liberal, it will all show up in your brain.”

And he warns: “Neuropolitics is not just the future, it is already here and people should be interested in it because this is how political campaigns are likely to be shaped in the future. n The Political Brain: The Emergence of Neuropolitics is available from Central European University Press www.ceupress.com/book/political-brain

‘I weighed one pound at birth and doctors gave up on me’ BRAIN SCAN: Matt Qvortrup

I

My story: HARIN ELLIS

was born in Thailand 27 weeks prematurely and weighing just 1lb.

Two in three bullied

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

All the professionals told my parents I would not survive. I wasn’t put on an incubator; I wasn’t given a chance.

Despite the odds, with my fighting spirit and my determination, I have proved everyone wrong by living my life to the fullest.

Now aged 22, I don’t let cerebral palsy stop me from being who I am, and who I want to be.

I am very adventurous and love to attend concerts and shows around the UK. As a result of watching Britain’s Got Talent in 2020, I came across the Sign Along With Us Foundation.

They are made up of many

talented and inspirational individuals who perform songs with sign language, which have powerful messages encouraging others to fight for inclusion, and raise funds for fully accessible and adaptive caravans.

I have enjoyed almost 100 concerts and shows over the years and it doesn’t stop there. I intend to continue booking trips and adventures, as much as possible.

But, as a full-time wheelchair user who needs a profiling bed and a hoist for transfers, finding somewhere to stay overnight is extremely difficult.

The extra price tag that’s added when someone hears the word “disability” is another issue that needs sorting.

Holidays: Give us a break!

I

N March 2022, I launched my fully accessible hotels/ holiday accommodation petition.

Reading messages from families, who also struggle to find suitable accommodation for loved ones and miss out on enjoying holidays, has made me realise that so many things in this world are not as they should be.

Throughout my journey of being an active campaigner for disability and fighting for

inclusion, I have faced negativity from people who said I would never succeed.

But this has only inspired me more and more to continue the fight and be a voice for other people with complex needs.

Last summer, my campaigning led me to be nominated for the Sparkle Awards, which mark the achievements of young people in Liverpool.

I won the most inspiring male category after

INSPIRING: Fight for inclusive accommodation earned Harin an award

being nominated by the Merseyside Youth Association.

I hope my story encourages and inspires others to follow their dreams and not allow negative feedback to stop them from achieving their goals.

Stay positive. Together we will make a change! Together we will fight for inclusion!

Together we will win! n www.chng.it/djH9RpN22z

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

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

SUMMER 2024

All Together NOW!

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 SUREOHPV LJQDQFLDO ZRUULHV RU language barriers.

“By registering for our scheme, we can make sure you receive the right support from us during those times ZKHQ ZH PD\ QHHG WR VZLWFK RDŽ WKH 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 EHQHLJW IURP WKHVH VHUYLFHV VXFK DV D IULHQG SDUHQW RU QHLJKERXU VR SOHDVH 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

Supporting DAD! One of the UK's biggest and best disability events is taking place in Warrington again this summer.

Disability Awareness Day takes place at Walton Hall Gardens in Warrington on Sunday 14th July with a huge tented village attracting thousands of visitors with lots of entertainment for people of all ages.

Steph Smith from the Priority Services team said: “Disability Awareness Day is a fantastic event we’ve supported for many years. We’re proud to be one of the main sponsors again this year, and look forward to meeting lots of customers who visit our information stand.”

The event opens at 10am and entry is FREE. Visit: www.disabilityawarenessday.org.uk for further details.

Scan the QR code to visit our Priority Services webpage, where you FDQ FOLFN RQ ß$FFHVVLELOLW\ +HOSà WR WXUQ RQ WH[W WR VSHHFK RU FKDQJH the language used on our website.

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SUMMER 2024

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

Time to act: BSL drama course up for grabs

CALLING all would-be deaf actors. Here’s your chance to take part in fully-funded acting course.

But you’d better act fast! Applications for the five-day summer course at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama must be made by May 13.

The course, the first of its kind to be offered at Central, will provide deaf artists with bespoke, high-quality actor training led by deaf teachers, artists and practitioners in British Sign Language (BSL).

Places are free and there are a limited number of travel bursaries available for those needing additional support to get to Central’s London campus.

Primarily designed for deaf actors who have some acting experience, a limited number of places on the course will also be made available to hearing actors with experience of deaf culture and BSL Level 3 or equivalent.

Deafinitely Theatre and Graeae Theatre Company are helping to develop future courses.

Paula Garfield, artistic director of Deafinitely Theatre, said: “We look forward to creating a talent pool of deaf and BSLusing actors who will have the opportunity to access a drama school course without barriers.”

The BSL Acting Intensive Course runs from July 15-19. n www.cssd.ac.uk n Tel. 020 7722 8183

Bowel care demand

PARLIAMENT must hold an inquiry into the dangerous state of bowel care for spinal cord injury patients, MPs have been told.

Politicians and NHS chiefs were among those who heard about patients in healthcare settings being left unable to go to the toilet for days or, in extreme cases, left lying in their own excrement due to a lack of dedicated, specialist care.

The issue was discussed at a Parliamentary roundtable meeting, hosted by the Spinal Injuries Association (SIA) and attended by representatives of the NHS, MPs, government officials and the spinal cord injury sector.

The SIA is calling for a Parliamentary Select Committee Inquiry into the matter, highlighting how patients are being left humiliated and terrified when going into hospital, with the situation potentially lifethreatening.

Their ‘This is #SeriousSh1t’ campaign is calling for a commitment to ensure all NHS healthcare providers have a fully implemented bowel care policy in place.

Campaigns manager Dharshana Sridhar said: “We need to ensure there is a consistently good level of care for these patients, a national bowel care policy and adequately trained nursing staff in all hospitals and healthcare settings.”

Cricket ace Kearan has sights on glory

Bowling ’em over!

OWZAT: Kearan is impressing with the ball and the bat. Above left, the young Kearan with Shane

I

T WAS Shane Warne who finally convinced Kearan Gibbs that cricket was the sport for him.

Kearan – who has a rare congenital anomaly that led to him being born without hands – was 11 when he met the legendary spinner at Hampshire’s Ageas Bowl.

The sports-mad youngster tried football, rugby and basketball at school but fell for cricket having first played with his uncle on a beach holiday.

Kearan had developed a bowling action that saw him grip and release the ball from the fold of his elbow – but he was struggling with the technique and becoming disillusioned.

“Shane was brilliant. He convinced me to stick with it,” said Kearan, now aged 23 and a key member of Warwickshire’s cupwinning Disability Access team.

“When I first started playing cricket I was trying to bowl fast but it kept slipping wide.

It was frustrating and I’d started to wonder if I should focus on another sport.

“I had been invited down to the nets at the Ageas by Hampshire and the opportunity arose to meet Shane.

He suggested concentrating on spin instead and was kind enough to spend

time giving me some advice.

“I figured if I was going to take tips from anyone, take them from the greatest!

“Shane stayed in regular contact – it was cool having his number on my phone – and he was always willing to offer help if I needed it. He was a great guy.

“I took on board his advice. Over time it worked and I’ve developed a pretty consistent action now. I manage to take the odd wicket.”

Kearan is too modest – since joining the club’s Disability Access team in 2014, he’s scored 384 runs and taken 64 wickets.

No barriers

And playing for a local club in his home town of Redditch, alongside able-bodied team mates, he’s taken 51 wickets in the last three seasons.

Next season he’ll be part of the Warwickshire side that, for the first time, takes the step up into the national disability D40 hardball league.

“I guess I’m one of the veterans of the side at 23,” joked Kearan.

“That’s one of the beauties of disability cricket, there are no age barriers. I was able to start playing alongside adults when I was at high school.

“Cricket was the first sport that really welcomed me, that let me in.

“I’m looking forward to testing myself in the D40 national league. It’s where the top disability players play. And then maybe onto the DPL (Disability Premier League).

“I’d love to get into the England side, that’s not off the radar for me. I have aspirations of playing for England and have been involved in development squads in the past.”

Kearan added: “There are probably people with disabilities who feel they can’t play cricket, that their disability excludes them. But I would say come along and give it a go.

“I’ve come on a lot since I joined. The social side is great as well, there’s a camaraderie and we all get on well together.”

Rob Eynon, disability participation officer at Warwickshire Cricket Board, said: “Kearan helps bring on the whole squad.

“He’s a perfect illustration of what we’re trying to grow at Warwickshire and underlines our message that whatever the disability, cricket is here for you.” n To find out more and get involved: www.warwickshirecricketboard.co.uk

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

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

All Together NOW!

SUMMER 2024

Switched on

W

ITH the number of disabled drivers set to hit 2.7 million by 2035, the lack of truly accessible EV charge points is a subject of major concern.

But one UK city is setting the standard, with charge points designed specifically for disabled EV drivers.

Dundee’s Clepington Road hub includes: l Sufficient bay size allowing space around the vehicle for wheelchairs. l Unobstructed routes around the charge points and level access across the site. l Colour contrasting wheel stops in the bay to prevent vehicles from encroaching on the charge points and ensuring safe access. l Colour coding of charging cables to improve visibility and reduce trip hazards. *Cables that are weight-assisted and longer to improve usability.

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SUMMER 2024

MEDICAL NOTES

Top tips to help you through hay fever season

IT’S hay fever season – and June and July are the worst months when grass pollen release is at its peak. Airborne allergens expert MAX WISEBERG offers his advice.

n Create your own hay fever first aid kit. Always check with a pharmacist or GP if you are combining products, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding or if it is for a child. However, many can be taken together. My ideal combination is one (and only one) antihistamine, an allergen barrier balm, one (and only one) steroid nasal spray and one or more other natural products. n Use an allergen barrier balm. Apply it around the rim of the nostrils and bones of the eyes to trap pollen before it gets in your eyes or is breathed in – less pollen, less reaction. n Try an antihistamine. It can relieve most hay fever symptoms – sneezing, itchy, runny eyes, skin irritation, itchy nose and throat – but is less effective for nasal congestion. The most common are acrivastine, cetirizine, chlorphenamine, desloratadine, fexofenadine and loratadine. Many are available over the counter but some are prescription only. n Use a steroid nasal spray. They work by fighting inflammation and mucus production, reducing the allergic reaction of your nasal tissues to the inhaled allergen. n Keep pollen out of your body when outdoors. Wear wraparound sunglasses to help stop pollen getting in your eyes and a hat for your hair. Apply an allergen barrier balm before leaving home. n Keep pollen out of your home. Keep doors and windows closed when possible. Remove shoes at the door to prevent pollen being brought indoors.

Vacuum and damp dust regularly – damp dusting helps stop pollen dispersing. If you have a pet, keep it well groomed and shampoo regularly. n Eat and drink for your hay fever. Red onions, kale, cherry tomatoes, broccoli, blueberries and apples contain quercetin, a natural antihistamine. Beer, wine, spirits, dairy drinks and chocolate all contain histamine. Ginger and green tea work as natural antihistamines, while peppermint reduces congestion. n Check the pollen count forecast. This can help you judge if your hay fever symptoms will be particularly severe on any given day. www.haymax.biz /hay-fever/

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

Don’t give up on gout treatment

I

F YOU thought gout was an outdated condition affecting portly, red-faced Victorians, think again.

One in 40 have this extremely painful disease, making it the UK’s most common form of inflammatory arthritis.

Cases among people in their 20s and 30s have increased by a third.

Experts are now calling for more to be done to prevent the condition – and to stop it from developing into cardiovascular disease.

Women with gout were found to have an 88% higher relative risk of cardiovascular disease compared to women without gout.

For men with gout, the risk was 49% higher compared to those without.

The results suggest strategies to reduce

cardiovascular risk in people with gout should now be a priority, said the researchers from the Universities of Glasgow, Oxford and KU Leuven in Belgium.

Gout is caused by the accumulation of uric acid in blood and tissues, which forms crystals. If these crystals get into a joint, they can trigger inflammation.

Dr Avinash Hari Narayanan, clinical lead at London Medical Laboratory, says: “Unfortunately, gout is a condition that is very much still with us, despite the fact that simple blood tests can help identify people likely to suffer a flare before it ever happens.

“In some ways, there has been little advance since 2012. NHS Digital statistics

show that 234,000 people were admitted to hospital with gout in 2021-2022.

“The 2023 BMC Primary Care report found cases of gout flares are more likely in people who are male, black, have a higher BMI, suffer from heart failure, chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular disease or who take diuretics.

“One of the chief problems the BMC report identified is that many patients give up their treatment, because achieving target urate levels can be challenging.

“Yet simple finger-prick blood tests can quickly and accurately measure urate levels in the blood to help people meet their targets and avoid subsequent flares.”

DIABETES FUTURE l Go ahead from NHS l No more injections l No more blood tests

T

ENS of thousands of children and adults with type 1 diabetes across England are to receive an “artificial pancreas” in a world-first initiative being rolled out by the NHS.

The groundbreaking device continually monitors a person’s blood glucose, then automatically adjusts the amount of insulin given to them through a pump.

Local NHS bodies have already started identifying eligible people who they believe could benefit from the Hybrid Closed Loop system – sometimes called an artificial pancreas.

The technology will cut out the need for finger-pricking blood tests and insulin injections, and help prevent life-threatening hypoglycaemic (low blood sugar levels) and hyperglycaemia (high blood sugar levels) attacks, which can lead to seizures, coma or even death.

It will also help reduce the annual £10 billion the NHS spends on treating people with diabetes for conditions such as strokes,

WORLD FIRST: Device automatically monitors blood glucose level blindness, kidney disease, and amputations.

The mass rollout of the device builds on a successful pilot, which saw 835 adults and children given devices to improve the management of their condition.

Dr Clare Hambling, National Clinical Director for diabetes, said: “This transformative technology holds the power to redefine the lives of those with type 1 diabetes.”

Professor Partha Kar, NHS national speciality advisor for diabetes, said: “This is great news for everyone with type 1 diabetes.

“This futuristic technology not only improves medical care but also enhances the quality of life for those affected”.

The National Institute of Health Care and Excellence recommends the devices should be rolled out to young people under 18, pregnant women with type 1 diabetes, and adults who have difficulty managing their condition (HbA1c of 58 mmol/mol – 7.5% or higher).

Gemma Lavery, 38, received one of the devices as part of the NHS pilot and calls the technology a “game changer”.

She said: “I no longer have to worry about work related stress affecting my blood glucose levels as the closed loop helps to sort this out before it becomes a problem.

“I can have a full night’s sleep without worrying about regular low glucose levels hindering my morning routine and I have found that my diabetes is more stable.”

Les Watson has been living with the condition for nearly 44 years. He said: “I now spend hardly any time interacting with the system other than at mealtimes or telling it I’m heading out to exercise.”

Colette Marshall, chief executive of Diabetes UK, said: “This really is a landmark moment and we’ll be working with the NHS and others to ensure a fair rollout that reaches people as quickly as possible.”

n There are currently 269,095 people living in England with type 1 diabetes.

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

All Together NOW!

SUMMER 2024

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

Squeeze box helps brain box

IF YOU sing in a choir or play an instrument, this will be music to your ears . . .

continuing with music into older age has played an important role in keeping our brains healthy.”

Scientists working on the PROTECT study say that playing a musical instrument, particularly the piano, is linked to improved memory and the ability to solve complex tasks – known as executive function.

Continuing to play into later life provides even greater benefit.

Singing was also linked to better brain health, although this may also be due to the social factors of being part of a group.

Anne Corbett, professor of dementia research at the University of Exeter, said: “We think that being musical could be a way of harnessing the brain’s agility and

Scientists say making music – whether it’s playing the squeeze box or take part in community singing – sharpens the brain as we grow older.

And they found playing the piano was particularly associated with better brain health in the over-40s.

The findings come from an online study which has been running for 10 years. More than 25,000 people are involved – you can join it if you are over 40.

Stuart Douglas, a 78-year-old accordion player taking part in the project, said: “As older musicians we have no doubt that

resilience, known as cognitive reserve.

“Our findings indicate that promoting musical education would be a valuable part of public health initiatives to promote a protective lifestyle for brain health, as would encouraging older adults to return to music in later life.

“There is considerable evidence for the benefit of music group activities for individuals with dementia, and this approach could be extended as part of a healthy ageing package for older adults.”

Stuart added: “I learnt to play the accordion as a boy. We regularly play at A memory cafes so have seen the effect that our music has on people with memory loss.” n www.protectstudy.org.uk

TRANSFORMED

Tens of thousands to benefit from ‘next best thing to a cure’

D

New artificial organ could help so many with diabetes

by TOM DOWLING, editor

IABETES is something other people get . . . something you never imagine that one day could turn your own life upside down.

Pancreas hope

How we broke the original story 13 years ago . . .

But diabetes can strike at any time, and can lead to amputations, heart problems, strokes, and even death.

Type 1 diabetes is especially worrying. It’s caused when the body’s insulin-producing cells within the pancreas are mysteriously killed off by your own immune system.

Children are especially vulnerable . . .

Thirty years ago, we suddenly found out that our three-year-old son Joe had the condition.

The worst thing was having to give him his injections. It broke our hearts — especially when my wife went into his bedroom to inject him or stick a needle into his small fingers to carry out one of the many daily blood sugar tests.

Before all this happened Joe’s face always

BREAKTHROUGH: Professor Joan Taylor with her new device that could revolutionise people’s lives

A

N ARTIFICIAL organ, developed in the UK, could revolutionise the treatment of diabetes.

Professor Joan Taylor claims her device could put an end to daily injections diabetics have to endure to regulate their glucose levels, and reduce complications like blindness and kidney failure.

Glucose levels are normally controlled by the hormone insulin, released by the p

lit up whenever she entered his room, expecting wonderful bedtime stories. Now, he would cry and hide under the duvet.

School years were traumatic, full of hypoglycemic attacks where his blood-sugar levels drop dangerously low.

So often he missed out on opportunities other kids rightly took for granted.

Like his younger brothers, he loved playing football but just didn’t have the same energy levels.

No energy

“I get tired too easily, Dad,” he’d tell me. “I know I don’t eat enough, but I just can’t face too much food. It makes me sick thinking about it.”

Luckily for us, Joe eventually adapted to his new lifestyle.

“It would be fantastic if a cure came about, but if not I’ll just carry on as I am,” he said all those years ago.

A cure might be still some way off. But the

NHS announcement of a five-year rollout of a wearable “artificial pancreas” is surely the next best thing.

The device – worn on the abdomen – continually monitors blood glucose, and then automatically adjusts the amount of insulin given to them through a pump.

It isn’t for everyone just yet. There are currently 269,095 people living in England with type 1 diabetes. First in line are the under-18s, pregnant women, and adults who have difficulty managing their condition (HbA1c levels of 58 mmol/mol – 7.5% or higher).

Our son has coped reasonably well so far so isn’t yet on the list. But, like us, he’s hoping the wait won’t be too long.

“It’s early days,” he says with optimism.

“It’s great knowing this device is available.

When the day comes, it’s going to make an enormous difference to my life.”

As it will for everyone with type 1 diabetes.

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

MEDICAL NOTES

Vitamin D ‘could help prevent melanoma

TAKING vitamin D supplements could help avoid the most serious type of skin cancer.

In a new study, fewer cases of melanoma occurred among regular users of vitamin D supplements than among non-users.

Vitamin D plays a key role in the normal function of the human body, and it may also play a role in many diseases.

The findings suggest that even occasional use of vitamin D may have a lower risk for melanoma than never taking the supplement.

Professor Ilkka Harvima, at the University of Eastern Finland, said: “The question about the optimal dose of oral vitamin D in order for it to have beneficial effects remains to be answered. Until we know more, national intake recommendations should be followed.”

Robots replace knees

IF YOU have had a knee replacement recently, there’s a decent chance it was carried out with the help of a robot.

Despite all the scare stories about artificial intelligence, robotic assisted surgery – or RAS – seems to be proving a big positive for patients.

New figures reveal RAS is currently being used in 40.6% of knee replacements across the world, with that expected to rise to 52.5% in the next five years.

Meanwhile, robots are used in 30.5% of hip replacements and 24.4% of spinal fusion procedures, according to a review by clinical research firm Alira Health.

Surgeons control the robot while seated at a computer. Fewer complications, less blood loss and quicker recovery are among the advantages.

Coeliac warning

HALF a million people in the UK are unnecessarily suffering with the debilitating symptoms of coeliac disease.

A simple blood test is all that stands between them and getting on the road to recovery from the serious autoimmune condition, says the Coeliac UK charity.

Yet only 36% of those affected are medically diagnosed. If left untreated, it can cause gut damage and serious health complications. The only treatment is a strict gluten-free diet for life.

Coeliac disease is commonly known for gut-related issues, but lesser-known symptoms include extreme fatigue, persistent mouth ulcers, unexplained anaemia, neurological symptoms and unexplained subfertility (male and female) and recurrent miscarriage. n Coeliac UK: Tel. 0333 332 2033

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‘All out attack on disabled people’

All Together NOW!

EMPLOYMENT

HE GOVERNMENT’S unhelpful and abhorrent plans will leave disabled people destitute.

The Work and Health Programme (WHP) is to be scrapped in the autumn, personal independence payment (PIP) is being reviewed and potential cuts to benefits considered.

The Government has declared disabled people will be forced back into work, regardless of medical condition, whilst taking away the only tool they provided to help them achieve that. Billionaire Rishi Sunak describes this as a “moral mission” to help people into work.

We describe it as an all-out attack on disabled people.

Nothing sums up the Conservative Party rhetoric like the trite old saying: “Give someone a fish and they will eat for a day. Teach someone to fish and they will eat for a lifetime”.

The notion that we can all better ourselves by pulling ourselves up by the bootstraps.

Of course, if you follow Tory policy, a more accurate quote would be: “Demonise disabled people. Cheer as we take away the fish, snap the rod in half then throw it into the ocean.”

Could you be next? Inclusion is everyone’s business. Disability can happen to any of us overnight. We want to ask voters to think about this: Are you of working age? What’s your current job? Take a minute to think about what happens if you or your loved ones have a stroke, or lose your hearing, or end up with diabetes related sight loss or have an accident.

That fishing rod could very much

come in handy one day. Those who can and want to work face many barriers already, including: l The widespread (and erroneous) belief that disabled people are somehow lazy and work-shy, and not as “good” or “worthy” as non-disabled people – a view promoted by the Government’s “rationale” for trying to starve them into submission with no support. l Inaccessible recruitment processes that automatically put them at a disadvantage l Employers fearing that hiring disabled people is an expensive risk – fuelled by assumptions that we’re unproductive, always off sick, and don’t want to work.

Putting #TalentFirst

Employers too need to stop thinking about disabled people as a burden and start to appreciate the additional extra skills they bring and put their talents first.

SUMMER 2024

OPINION . . . Evenbreak

We know that companies that are more inclusive are more profitable, better represent their customers and have better team morale.

Disabled employees tend to have less time off sick. Evenbreak only employs disabled people. 100% of our team are disabled. Not one of our team has needed a sick note in the past 13 years.

The Work and Health Programme had its flaws but it provided a service and delivered. 300,000 people were helped into work and 31% are still employed after two years.

The programme offers support with confidence building, CV writing, reframing disabilities and helping candidates to find employers who are somewhat more enlightened.

Without this support and without changing the narrative around disability, talented disabled people will either be pushed even further into poverty and destitution, or into

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

completely unsuitable work that is likely to impact negatively on their disability or health condition.

To signpost as many candidates as possible to the programme, Evenbreak set up the Career Hive to provide a single place where disabled candidates could find information about support available to them – and where there was no provision, we offer career coaching to candidates.

This is free to candidates and delivered by qualified career coaches with lived experience of disability.

We also offer resources and tools to help disabled candidates find work.

Initially funded as part of the Nesta Rapid Recovery Challenge, the Career Hive is now funded from any surplus revenue from our primary function, an accessible job board run by and for disabled people and training and consultancy for organisations that want to be more inclusive.

Disabled candidates are premium candidates

We refer to our candidates as premium candidates because of all the other skills they have acquired navigating a world that’s not built for them.

We recently commissioned a social impact study that showed on average a candidate finding work through Evenbreak has a social impact value of over £47,000.

So rather than removing a tool that (although not perfect) helped disabled people to find new or better work the onus is going to be on small organisations like Evenbreak and the hundreds of others out there who get ZERO funding from the government to help disabled people.

Our employers are all looking for talented disabled candidates – but they are a handful of enlightened UK & Global organisations we’re proud to partner with. Until the rest of the UK catches up and the Government stops demonising disabled people to cover up for their own catastrophic failings we will never meet our aim, which is to no longer be needed because the disability employment gap has been closed.

If you are disabled and reading this, we empathise with the challenges you now face and encourage you to have your voices heard in the polling stations.

If you are an employer reading this, then tap into a new talent pool of disabled people. if you are the Government reading this, do better.

Cane that’s a genuine trailblazer

www.alltogethernow.org.uk INDEPENDENT LIVING

‘It’s a real game changer’

A

CANE capable of guiding visually impaired walkers through the testing hiking trails of Arizona is a game-changer, says the Royal National Institute of Blind People.

The All-Terrain Cane (ATC) from AwareWolf Gear is strong but lightweight.

It’s made from titanium alloy and provides support and stability when tackling

On your bike, bro!

All Together NOW!

SUMMER 2024

FEELING THE WAY: The ATC is fine for the Grand Canyon or the local shops

unfamiliar terrain and obstacles. As the name implies, the cane is suitable for all walking conditions, whether crossing the Grand Canyon or walking to your local shops.

It was designed by retired US firefighter and keen hiker Dave Epstein, who has retinitis pigmentosa, a condition causing progressive sight loss.

He said: “One afternoon, I was hiking with my wife and as the sun set below the mountain range, the trail became difficult to navigate.

“I wasn’t willing to give up hiking and I knew I needed a mobility device that could keep me on the trails.

“I visited hiking stores but there wasn’t anything for blind hikers, other than

flashlights and first aid kits. I left the store with a pair of trekking poles and a bunch of ideas. Shortly after, the first prototype of the ATC was created.

“My mission is to get blind and partially sighted people out and on the move.” n The ATC is £118.80 at www.shop.rnib.org.uk n RNIB Helpline: Tel. 0303 123 9999.

M

AX is eight years old and has several disabilities following a rare form of brain tumour.

He was desperate to join his brother cycling around the local bike track instead of being pushed in his buggy.

When he was given a specially adapted trike and trailer by Cyclists Fighting Cancer (CFC) – a charity aiding young people undergoing cancer treatment and rehabilitation – life for Max was transformed.

Within months he was pedalling small distances by himself. Fast forward two years and Max is cycling and steering independently and a member of a cycling club.

Now the work of CFC has been boosted by a £4,000 donation from the Medicash Foundation – the charitable arm of leading Liverpool-based health insurer Medicash.

The donation will help more children and young people like Max battling cancer to access these vital resources.

Max’s mum said: “Our family can go out together for bike rides like any other family can. We will always be thankful to Cyclists Fighting Cancer.”

Sue Weir, chief executive of Medicash and Foundation Trustee, said: “Cyclists Fighting Cancer’s incredible work aligns perfectly with our mission to promote health and wellbeing.” n Medicash: Tel. 0151 702 0265. n Cyclists Fighting Cancer: Tel. 0300 500 4040.

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Lifehouse Liverpool, 0151 709 0121

I CAN DO THAT: Max on his adapted trike

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Your chance to be a pilot – starting at All Together NOW!

SUMMER 2024

www.alltoget

TO THE AIR FRO ALL SET: A trainee pilot

T

HE chance to learn to fly is now available to a whole new community of people who may have believed it an impossible dream.

National charity Aerobility is offering the opportunity to experience the magic of flight from an armchair at home – or even from a hospital bed.

The Virtual Aviation Experience is funded by the Government and available free if you have access to a computer.

While recovering in hospital from major brain surgery, Malky Padwa took lessons thanks to the revolutionary programme that enables flight in an aircraft simulator remotely at the same time as being trained by an instructor.

The 33-year-old has early onset generalised dystonia. But despite being characterised by involuntary contraction of the muscles, tremors, and other uncontrolled movements, the condition has not stopped her desire to fly.

Malky said: “A lot of attention and detail has gone into this programme, making sure everything is explained well and presented in a way that is easy to understand.

“I am extremely grateful to have been given this opportunity.”

Mike Miller-Smith, head of Aerobility, said:

READY FOR TAKE OFF: Malky Padwar prepares for her flight. She began learning t

Live shows global audience

AEROBILITY’S Armchair Airshow is set to return – with a live audience and a new name.

Aerobility Live will bring the skills and thrills of aviation into your own home on Saturday, June 15.

First launched under pandemic restrictions, the Armchair Airshow was a huge hit with aviation fans globally, who got a unique behind-the-scenes insight from their living rooms.

This year’s event will again be live-

“The Virtual Aviation Experience is the merger of flight school and simulator and delivers it to any disabled person throughout the UK through their computer.

“The programme helps us support those disabled people who are unable to make it to our centres at Blackbushe Airport in Hampshire and Tatenhill Airfield, Staffordshire.

“It also provides a realistic introduction to piloting one of Aerobility’s aircraft, so should the bug take hold, VAE flyers will have a head start when coming to fly with us for real.”

streamed online, and there is limited ticket availability for those who want to watch in person from Blackbushe Airport.

The annual Blackbushe Air Day celebrates all things aviation, featuring a static aircraft display, pleasure flights and fun for all the family.

Aerobility will host its own area – the Aerobility Live zone – for the first time. n www.aerobility.com/aerobility-live2024

The courses are led by Aerobility pilots, volunteers and flight instructors and are free for those who get a place. The courses are for adults and children aged 12 and above.

Applicants should be able to control a computer.

Mike added: “I really encourage anyone with a disability who has dreamed of flying a plane to apply for one of the VAE places – it could change your life.” n www.aerobility.com/vae-application n Tel. 0303 303 1230

FREEDOM: Mike Miller-Smith is cha

home or even in a hospital

hernow.org.uk

SUMMER 2024

500,000

OM A CHAIR

o fly in hospital while recovering from surgey.

nging attitudes to disability

All Together NOW!

A

EROBILITY was set up in 1993 with one aim: To change lives by providing anyone – with any disability – access to the magic and wonder of flight.

Mike Miller-Smith, head of Aerobility, says: “We do this because taking the controls of an aircraft drives a focus on capability and encourages our flyers to ask the question ‘If I can fly an aeroplane, what else can I do?’

“This makes everything else in life feel that little bit more achievable, whilst offering the ultimate feeling of freedom and escape from restrictions of disability.”

From humble beginnings, the charity now has a fleet of four aircraft and is regulated by the Civil Aviation Authority to provide flight training for people with disabilities.

“We support nearly 1,000 disabled people a year. For some, just that amazing first flight is enough to change their outlook on disability forever.”

Not only are flights physically accessible they are heavily subsidised to make them financially accessible too.

If you think you would be unable to get into the cockpit, think again! Special hoists are on standby to make that dream flight come true.

Mike says: “We have developed aircraft adaptations, hoisting techniques and other

solutions to make sure flying is fully accessible.

“Not everyone can go on to hold a licence, but everyone can fly as long as they can move something!

“The only qualification for a trial flight is that you must have an impairment, and be considered disabled as per standard government guidelines.”

YOU CAN book the following: 30 minute Experience Flight £78 in one of Tecnam 2002 JF, Piper PA28 Warrior or G109B Able Motor Glider £99 in the iconic RF4/T67C Slingsby Firefly 30 minute Aerobatic Experience Flight, £99, also in the iconic RF4/T67C Slingsby Firefly

n Contact frontdesk@aerobility.com Tel, 0303 303 1230

Aerobility flying centres

n Tatenhill Airfield, Burton-upon-Trent, Staffordshire. n Blackbushe Airport, Camberley, Surrey. n Lydd Airport, Romney Marsh, Kent.

Flights will also be available Cornwall Airport Newquay, St Mawgan (Aug 16-18)

people across Merseyside and Cheshire

DIGITALLY EXCLUDED

Logged out!

Technology simply isn’t for everyone

15

16

All Together NOW!

SUMMER 2024

Mark rethinks rail travel

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 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 n WALSALL. Tel 01922 650781

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

NORTHERN Trains’ new disability chief is already planning to challenge his bosses.

The rail company has appointed accessibility campaigner Mark Cutter, left, as the new chair of its independent user group, which focuses on empowering people to use public transport whatever their circumstances.

Mark, from Lancaster, has been a member of Northern’s Accessibility User Group (NAUG) since its inception, and has advised Avanti West Coast and TransPennine Trains on accessibility.

You’re not alone anymore

ALLISON WHITEHORN IS PROVIDING A VOICE FOR VICTIMS OF LITTLE KNOWN CONDITION

M spine.

Y life changed overnight as a result of a disc compressing the nerves at the bottom of my

It was 2014 and I was diagnosed with cauda equina syndrome (CES).

I lost my mobility, as well as control of my bladder and bowel. I lost my career, I had to move house, and the impact on my relationships was huge.

After having CES for a few years I noticed there was no real understanding of how the condition impacts someone and as a result there was no support.

So, in 2020, my husband and I cofounded CESCI (Cauda Equina Spinal Cord Injury), a not-for-profit support group.

We reached out to see how many other

He said: “I have lived experience of physical disability, mental ill-health and neurodiversity and we will take a pandisability approach to accessibility and inclusion.

“However, I believe accessible travel is about much more than disability. As a critical friend, I will work collaboratively to challenge Northern, and the wider industry, to think differently about the way we travel.”

NAUG represents a wide range of disabilities on a personal basis and from the perspective of disability groups reflecting the communities served by Northern.

CES people were lost out there and were blown away with how quickly the group grew.

As an organisation, we think it is really important to show others that they are not alone. My husband and I regularly travel to hold meet-ups for members around the UK. We also hold ladies’ and men’s online evenings – and an online wide-awake club for non-sleepers like me. Being awake and in pain in the middle of the night can be incredibly lonely.

One of the most challenging aspects of CES is the lack of awareness, even among medical professionals.

A survey we did with law firm Bolt Burdon Kemp makes for disappointing reading,

with 65% saying their GP does not understand and is not supportive; 60% feel they don’t have enough support to manage any CES-related bladder incontinence, and 47% don’t have enough support to manage bowel-related incontinence.

A staggering 85% say they do not have enough support to manage their mental health.

Even though a new pathway from GIRFT (Getting It Right First Time) – an NHS programme to improve treatment and care – was implemented, we are not seeing much change.

This group has made me more confident.

I will continue to advocate for others with CES for as long as I am able. n www.cesci.org

HELP AT THE END OF A PHONE

n BLACKPOOL Disability Information and Support.

Tel 01253 472 202.

Textphone 01253 476 450 n CHESHIRE CIL Tel 01606 331853 n CHESTER Dial House Tel 01244 345655 n DENBIGHSHIRE Tel 01745 354445 n ELLESMERE PORT DICE Tel 0151 355 1420

n HALTON Disability Service Tel 01928 717222 n KNOWSLEY DISABILITY CONCERN. 0151 480 4090 n LANCASTER DISC Tel 01524 34411 n ACSIL (Amputees and Carers), Tel, 0151 261 1166 n THE BRAIN CHARITY Tel 0151 298 2999 n MANCHESTER (GTR) Coalition of Disabled People Tel 0161-273 5154

n MOLD Flintshire Disability Tel 01352 755546 n RHYL Tel 01745 350665 n STOCKPORT: Disability Stockport. 0161 480 7248 n WARRINGTON Disability Partnership. 01925 240064 n WIRRAL WIRED Tel 0151 670 1500 n WEST LANCS HELPLINE Freefone 0800 220676 n ST HELENS DASH Tel 01744 453053

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

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

All Together NOW!

SUMMER 2024

Alison has ill health on run

CARERS’ CENTRES

ALISON Beveridge shows she’s taking great strides a year on from sharing her personal battle with anorexia.

Her novel, Me, Myself and Ed, shed light on the mental and physical impacts GREAT STRIDES: Alison with fellow members of women’s running group of the life-threatening condition.

In the book, the protagonist’s struggle with an eating disorder is personified through the character of “Ed” (Eating Disorder).

Since then, Alison has turned her life around and now coleads a thriving EET Eleanor Stollery – women’s running Britain’s youngest group to promote visually impaired fitness and wellperson to provide an audio being. description in a UK theatre.

She said: “I’ve And the 12-year-old didn’t carry qualified as a running off her duties at just any venue – coach for 261 Club she worked with the National Newcastle, a Theatre during a performance of women’s social Roald Dahl’s The Witches for 850 running group. children from nearly 30 schools.

Additionally, I’ve Eleanor said: “I was so glad I earned a promotion at work, now working could help children experience and enjoy the show together with for a travel company their classmates.” in the product and The audience of primary and operations secondary school students department, allowing STAR ROLE: Eleanor at work during Roald Dahl’s The Witches included 76 who were visually me to explore the impaired. experience audio description from Eleanor to operate the audio world and embrace Eleanor delivered audio a young person like themselves. description console and new experiences.” description using a braille script A teacher who attended the microphone using a foot pedal so Her book has just and cued by professional performance said: “The children she could read her script with both been re-printed and audio-describer and mentor Roz have not stopped talking about hands. is available at good Chalmers. their experience.

This collaboration not only bookstores and The National Theatre’s sound “It certainly has enriched their showcased Eleanor’s skill and Amazon. department developed an lives and given them a love for all talent, but also created a platform www.alisonbeveridge. innovative system that enabled things theatrical.” for visually impaired children to co.uk

UK theatre first for Eleanor, 12 M

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

HELP AT THE END OF A PHONE

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

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

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

n MANCHESTER Deaf Centre. Tel 0161 273 3415 Genie Networks.

Tel 0161 941 4549.

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

n ACCRINGTON Tel 01254 387 444 n BLACKBURN with DARWEN Tel 01254 688 www.bwdcarers.org n BLACKPOOL Blackpool Borough Council, Tel 01253 477 716 nCUMBRIA Carlisle.

Tel 01228 542 156 Penrith.

Tel 01768 890 280 Barrow-in-Furness.

Tel 01229 822 822 Kendal.

Tel 01539 732 927 Whitehaven, Tel 01946 592 223 n CHESHIRE & WARRINGTON Helpline:0300 102 0008 n KNOWSLEY Tel 0151 549 1412 n 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

17

18 All Together NOW!

SUMMER 2024

ARIES (Mar 21-Apr 20)

Your intellectual powers are on top form. A relative will have some good news that will make you breathe a sigh of relief. Fun family pastimes will be a great outlet for your energy on the 30th. As June begins, get back in touch with someone who is waiting to hear from you. They will be delighted to receive your message. The Full Moon on the 22nd will bring the full consequences of decisions and actions made earlier in the month. July’s New Moon on the 5th will bring an unexpected and unusual offer your way. It will be necessary to discuss some options with your family before you go any further.

Your love life will receive a welcome boost in August when the New Moon brings pleasant developments that will put a close relationship onto a new footing.

TAURUS (Apr 21-May 21)

You should be able to achieve short-term goals quite easily. Don’t hesitate to showcase your ability. If you’ve been considering getting started on a creative idea, put it in motion now. Keep telling yourself you can do this. June’s New Moon on the 6th makes this a good time for going over finances and expense sheets and catching up on paperwork. Getting involved in neighbourhood issues will make you a local celebrity. You will see some dramatic changes in your social world in July. New bonds are about to be formed. The Full Moon can create havoc with travel plans.

Money from a gift, bonus or an activity you love makes it a good August. You might also use this extra cash to finance a cherished dream. Booking a holiday, buying a vehicle or a holiday home are among the possibilities.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21)

Getting out in nature will uplift your mind, body and spirit. This will help you to handle a difficult situation that’s about to surface.

Keep conversations light. It will be hard to find common ground on the 23rd when the Full Moon magnifies misunderstandings.

June brings fresh opportunities – but also some important decision to make. Your captivating personality will impress people.

Don’t hesitate to promote your past achievements. A show of enterprise and initiative will have impressive financial implications in July. If life lacks excitement and you want a challenge, the Full Moon on the 21st will remind you that there are better possibilities you need to explore. August’s New Moon on the 4th will fill you with determination. All of a sudden you will feel more optimistic about your ability to make these work.

CANCER (June 22-July 23)

Don’t dwel on negatives, start counting your blessings. You’re aware of your powerful sixth sense so try and keep things in balance. You will need to contact someone about a long-term project you are working on. Keep an open mind throughout June.

The more eccentric and unlikely a scheme sounds, the more likely it is to succeed. The Full Moon warns that being in a bad

social pleasures will be unnecessarily high in June. Set a spending limit. If you have been hoping to launch a special project, July’s the time to do it. But don’t go wild. Occasionally, it does you good to stop and smell the flowers. August’s New Moon encourages you to make choices based on your own interests and desires. Spending time with offbeat, creative friends will be refreshing.

Keep believing in yourself and you will overcome a difficult situation. Finding outlets for your creativity will lessen any disappointment.

RUSSELL GRANT CALLING . . .

What’s in store for you this summer

mood drains your energy. July brings a more relaxed frame of mind. You will come up with ways to improve your home or workplace, and there is a chance to team up with an old friend or partner. Someone will pay back some money you had forgotten they’d borrowed from you in August. Look on this as a gift from the universe as the New Moon will be encouraging you to buy something special for yourself.

LEO (July 24-August 23)

It’s a good time to get ideas off the ground.

You need to calm your mind and thoughts to make an important choice. Once you make this decision, you will feel more in control and a more distinctive path will lie ahead.

June’s New Moon on the 6th will bring some happy news that gives you and your family something special to celebrate. Do your best to avoid head on confrontations. Life could get a bit bumpy as the summer progresses so try and keep a cool head. Instead of preying on negatives, consider the positive possibilities of all situations. Be sure to snap up an unusual offer in August. You won’t want to miss out on a great opportunity. A change in arrangements will be unsettling but eventually this will put you in a better position. Invest in your own happiness.

VIRGO (August 24-September 23)

Try to broaden your horizons. Dealing with the mundane things in life can be tiring. Your thoughts will keep wandering on the 23rd when the Full Moon makes concentration difficult. Wait until the 30th before considering a proposal that could change your life. June’s a time when won’t stop until you get results and this is how you will make significant headway with an ambitious project. The Full Moon on the 22nd warns that friendships will suffer if you aren’t willing to nurture them. If it’s a while since you had some fun, July’s New Moon on the 5th will bring some great opportunities. Trust your intuition. August is a great time to go after a cherished dream. Arguments over money will weigh heavily on your mind. Stand your ground. Don’t be intimidated by someone with a powerful personality.

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

CAPRICORN (December 22-January 20)

LIBRA (September 24-October 23)

Don’t let every day tasks drain your energy.

You expect things to go wrong even though they won’t. Your confidence has taken a knock. Discussing these with a trusted friend is better than to suffer in silence. Your mood picks up in June. Meeting up with an adventurous friend will make you look into travel possibilities. Instead of waiting for others to make decisions, the Full Moon on the 22nd pushes you to take the initiative.

Set goals and you will achieve something special in July. A lot of energy will be invested in family and domestic concerns. A friend will provide the inspiration for some unusual plans. There’s a happy and harmonious feel to August, and there’s a good chance you will meet someone special.

However, don’t get carried away with making too many plans that inlcude others – they may have their own commitments.

SCORPIO (October 24-November 22)

Are you letting someone’s petty criticism undermine your enjoyment of life? Spending some time alone in quiet contemplation will give you a stronger sense of self. You will feel more confident about getting plans for the future underway in June. Your days can be as glorious as you want them to be.

Whatever your circumstances, you will find something to be happy about. With this positive attitude, your blessings will multiply and grow. July’s New Moon on the 5th will be a perfect time to bring old plans back out into the open. You will soon get over any disappointments caused by the Full Moon on the 21st. August makes you hopeful and cautious optimism is advised. A new task can also be used as an excuse to escape a tense situation.

SAGITTARIUS (November 23-December 21)

Look into improving your health – a few simple changes will pay off enormously.

Don’t be surprised if the Full Moon on the 23rd brings a repeat performance of a past situation. You will find it easier to get on the same wavelength as others who are involved in important discussions, negotiations and transactions. Spending on

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Family outings will be delightful. The Full Moon on the 23rd will make you nostalgic when some happy and some not so happy memories come flooding back. A family feud will be resolved.

Changes and upheavals will knock your schedule for six in June causing some chaos and confusion. Before getting angry, consider whether old routines may have needed a shake-up.

Someone close has a proposal in July that will be like a dream come true. A problem that crops up will have a simple solution.

Channel any frustrations into physical activity in August. Steer away from people who will try to put you in the path of temptation. The Full Moon on the 19th highlights the importance of getting financial matters agreed. A legal matter will be decided in your favour on the 27th. This means one less thing for you to have to worry about.

AQUARIUS (January 21-February 19)

You will feel inspired to create something unique and wonderful. Whatever might concern you at this time, you need to get straight to the heart of the matter. Leave nothing unspoken when it comes to money issues involving family and friends. June’s New Moon on the 6th reminds you that being kind to yourself does not make you selfish. Start doing things that make you feel happy too. Inside information gives you an unfair advantage – be careful how you use it. As well as the joy you get from a group situation in July you have it within you to make a friend’s day. Emotions will be up and down like a see-saw at the end of the month.

August brings you much joy and laughter.

PISCES (February 20-March 20)

It might be worth taking a chance on a glamorous scheme. You will be extremely perceptive on the 14th and you will intuitively know what lies behind confusing smokescreens. June brings a strong desire to transform your home in some way. A trip and a change of scenery will have an invigorating effect. But some tough decisions need to be made. Your family and loved ones are more understanding than ever. This will give you the courage to share your more adventurous hopes and dreams with them.

Events mid-July will be amusing and bordering on the comical. Keep a special eye on a youngster in the family in August.

Take them to one side for a quiet conversation. Even if they don’t show it, they will appreciate your advice. Life is about to bring an unusual amount of variety.

. . . see back page

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

SUMMER 2024

Until May 11: Boys from the Blackstuff.

Royal Court, Liverpool. This is 80s’ Liverpool. Chrissie, Loggo, George, Dixie and Yosser are used to hard work and providing for their families. But there is no work and there is no money. What are they supposed to do? Work harder, work longer, buy cheaper, spend less? They just need a chance.

May 7-11: The Kite Runner. The Lowry, Salford. Afghanistan is a country on the verge of war and best friends are about to be torn apart. It’s a beautiful afternoon in Kabul, the skies are full of colour and the streets are full of the excitement of a kite flying tournament, but no one can foresee the terrible incident that will shatter their lives forever. Audio described and touch tour, May 8; signed, May 11.

May 7: Bonnie and Clyde. Palace Theatre, Manchester. New musical. Two small-town kids became the biggest folk heroes in all America. They craved crime, adventure— and each other.

May 7: Julian Clary. Opera House, Manchester.

May 8: Jacqui Dankworth & Charlie Wood. Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool.

May 8: Sherlock’s Excellent Adventure.

Storyhouse, Chester.

May 8: Paul Smith: Pablo.

Pavilion, Rhyl.

May 8: Ed Byrne: Tragdy Plus Time. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton.

May 9: Mugenkyo Taiko Drummers. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton.

May 9-11: Showstopper. Playhouse, Whether you fancy Hamilton in a hospital or Sondheim in the Sahara, you suggest it and The Showstoppers will sing it!

May 9-11: Rumours of Fleetwood Mac. Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool.

May 9-11: The Sound of Music – Presented by BOST. Empire, Liverpool.

Musical. Timeless story of growth and hope amidst the horrors of World War II. A highspirited, young governess brings music and joy back to a broken family, facing danger and conspiracy as the Nazis gain power in an uncertain Austria.

May 9: Michael starring Ben. The Brindley, Runcorn. Tribute show.

May 9: The Searchers: Thank You Tour.

Pavilion, Rhyl.

May 9: An Evening of Burlesque. Theatre Royal, St Helens.

May 9: Ed Byrne – Tragedy Plus Time. Lyceum, Crewe.

May 9: Johannes Radebe: House of JoJo. Opera House, Manchester.

May 9: Most Haunted with Yvette Fielding. Venue Cymru, Llandudno.

May 10-12: Dante or Die: Kiss Marry Kill.

The Lowry, Salford.

May 10: The Searchers – Thank You Tour. Lyceum, Crewe.

May 10: Ultimate Eagles. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton.

May 10: The Story of Soul. Theatre Royal, St Helens.

May 10: Whitney – Queen of the Night.

Opera House, Manchester.

May 10: Ben Portsmouth –

ALBERT Lee is one of the most respected and renowned guitarists in music history.

“Great musicians make you want to dance, make you cry and make you fall in love,” says Jools Holand, “and Albert does that with his playing.”

Albert has worked with The Everly Brothers, Eric Clapton, Emmylou

Harris and The Crickets over his long and illustrious career.

The country-rock artist started his career during the emerging rock ‘n’ roll scene in London. Just turned 80, he’s touring again. Catch him at: n Jun 11: Floral Pavilion, New Brighton. n Jun 12: The Lowry, Salford. n June 14: Lowther Pavilion, St Annes.

ALBERT, 80, BACK ON ROAD AGAIN

This Is Elvis. Venue Cymru, Llandudno..

May 11: Fast Love. Venue Cymru, Llandudno. George Michael tribute show.

May 11: Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox. Opera House, Manchester. New York City’s pop-jazz sensation.

May 11: Cinderella and the Two Ugly Sisters: The Adult Patomime. Theatre Royal, St Helens.

May 11: Totally Tina. Lyceum, Crewe.

May 11: Showaddywaddy. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton.

May 12: Video Games in Concert. Empire, Liverpool.

May 12: Rat Pack Live. Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool.

May 12: This is Elvis. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton. Ben Portsmouth in the King’s shoes.

May 12: Count Arthur Strong … And It’s Goodnight From Him. Lyceum, Crewe.

May 12: Dionne Warwick – Don’t Make Me Over. The Lowry, Salford.

May 12: Luther Live. Regent Theatre, Stoke. Tribute show.

May 13: Punt and Dennis. The Lowry, Salford.

May 13-16: The Syndicate. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton. Based on the BBC TV series, a new play following five supermarket workers whose lottery numbers come in.

To advertise, contact . . .

May 14-18: Drop the Dead Donkey. Everyman, Liverpool.

BREAKING NEWS: 30 years since the launch of the trailblazing, smash-hit TV series, the Globelink News team are back, and now live on stage for the very first time.

Starring the original cast members Susannah Doyle, Robert Duncan, Ingrid Lacey, Neil Pearson, Jeff Rawle, Stephen Tompkinson and Victoria Wicks.

May 14-18: The Phantom of the Opera.

The Brindley, Runcorn. The dark love story of Christine, who becomes the obsession of a masked musical genius living beneath the Paris Opera House.

May 14-18: What the Butler Saw. Grand Theatre, Blackpool. Joe Orton’s final manic farce.

May 14-15: Strictly – The Professionals.

The Lowry, Salford.

May 15-18: Mind Mangler: Member of the Tragic Circle. Palace Theatre, Manchester.

May 15: Cloudbusting: The Music of Kate Bush. Lyceum, Crewe.

May 15: London Symphonic Rock Orchestra. Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool.May 17: Sensational 60s Experience. Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool.

May 15: Bill Shankly’s FA Cup Farewell.

Empire, Liverpool. Kevin Keegan, Ian Callaghan and Alan Kennedy recall the good times.

All Together NOW!

May 16: Strictly Come Dancing: The Professionals. Empire, Liverpool.

May 16: Jools Hollland & his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra. Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool.

May 16-19: Awful Auntie. Venue Cymru, Llandudno.

May 16-19: Madagascar The Musical.

Regent Theatre, Stoke. Relaxed performance, May 19.

May 16: Frank Skinner – 30 Years of Dirt. The Lowry, Salford.

May 16: Genesis Connected.

Theatre Royal, St Helens. Tribute show.

May 16: Mugenkyo Taiko Drummers.

Lyceum, Crewe.

May 17-19 The Syndicate. The Lowry, Salford. New stage play based on the TV series that follows five supermarket employees whose lottery syndicate numbers come in, just as their jobs and livelihoods are under threat. Will a share of the £18m jackpot make their dreams come true? Audio described/touch tour, May 17; signed May 18.

May 17-18: Rhod Gilbert & The Giant Grapefruit. Empire, Liverpool.

May 17: The Bootleg Rock Show.

Theatre Royal, St Helens.

May 17: Sensational 60s Experience.

Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool.

May 17: Gordon Giltrap & John Etheridge. Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool.

The top guitarists join forces.

May 17: So True. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton. Spandau Ballet tribute show.

May 17: Mama Africa. Storyhouse, Chester.

May 18: Richard Marx. Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool.

May 18: Paul Smith – Pablo.

Lyceum, Crewe.

May 18: Rush – A Joyous Jamaican Journey. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton. Musical telling the story of the Windrush Generation and how reggae music took the world by storm.

May 19: The Drifters. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton.

May 19: Beyond the Barricade. Grand Theatre, Blackpool.

May 19: Simon Munnery’s Jerusalem.

The Lowry, Salford.

May 21-25: SIX. Empire, Liverpool. From Tudor Queens to Pop Princesses, the six wives of Henry VIII take to the mic to tell their tales.

May 21-25: Jesus Christ Superstar. The Lowry, Salford. Signed, May 22; audio described, May 23.

May 21: Unfortunate: The Untold Story of Ursula the Sea Witch. Grand Theatre, Blackpool.

May 22-Jul 7: Disney’s Aladdin. Palace Theatre, Manchester. Musical following the adventurous Aladdin as he embarks on a journey to win the heart of Princess Jasmine and defeat the wicked Jafar. With the help of his genie, Aladdin navigates the streets of Agrabah and discovers there’s more to life than just material wealth.

Relaxed performance, Jul 4.

May 22-25: Operation Julie: A Rock Musical. Lyceum, Crewe. Over four decades ago, rural West Wales was at the centre of the greatest drug bust in history.

Continued Pages 20, 21, 22

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19

20

All Together NOW!

l Contunued from Page 19

SUMMER 2024

May 23: ELO Again. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton. Tribute show.

May 23: Sing The Musicals.

Theatre Royal, St Helens.

May 23: Emilio Santoro as ELVIS. Pavilion, Rhyl.

May 23: The ELO Experience.

Opera House, Manchester. Tribute show.

May 24-Jun 22: The Netherley Hillbillies.

Royal Court, Liverpool.

Jed, Lisa, Elly May and motherin-law Renie aren’t used to being rich. They were always rich in spirit and all that but now they’re proper rich. Like big house in Formby rich.

May 24: All Killa No Filla – Live.

Opera House, Manchester.

Comedy. A night of serial killer discussion, overdressing, and possible slander.

May 24: Tom Allen. Pavilion, Rhyl.

May 24: The Choir with No Name: The Big Gig. Everyman, Liverpool. Uplifting night of singalong rock and pop classics at this unique, feel-good event for all the family.

May 25: Rosie Holt: That’s Politeainment. Playhouse, Liverpool. Following a hugely successful Edinburgh Fringe season, Rosie takes this brandnew show on the road, to tightroping the thin line between politics and entertainment.

May 25: The Diana Ross Story.

Floral Pavilion, New Brighton.

May 25: Rhod Gilbert & The Giant Grapefruit. Opera House, Manchester.

May 25: Johannes Radebe – House of Jojo. Venue Cymru.

Dance.

May 26: Dinosaur Adventure Live – Trouble on Volcano Island. Venue Cymru, Llandudno.

May 26: Bowie Experience. Opera House, Manchester. Tribute show.

May 26: YES. Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool.

The progressive legends are back.

May 26: The Searchers – Thank You Tour.

Grand Theatre, Blackpool.

May 26: Johannes Radebe – House of JoJo. Regent Theatre, Stoke.

May 26: The Importance of Being Ernest.

Theatre Royal, St Helens.

May 27-Jun 1: Grease. Empire, Liverpool.

Musical. The much-loved musical is back and grittier and more glamorous than ever before.

May 27: Woman Like Me – The Little Mix Show. Theatre Royal, St Helens.

May 28-Jun 1: There’s a Monster in Your Show. Playhouse, Liverpool. A group of performers are preparing to start their show, but quickly discover they are not alone on stage.

May 29: The Sound

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BOX OFFICE CONTACTS

BLACKPOOL Grand Theatre: 01253 290190 BOLTON Octagon: 01204 520661 CHESTER Storyhouse: 01244 409 113 CREWE Lyceum: 01270 368 242 LIVERPOOL Empire: 08444 999 999 Everyman & Playhouse: 0151 709 4776 Philharmonic Hall: 0151 709 3789 Royal Court: 0870 787 1866 Unity 0151 709 4988 LLANDUDNO Venue Cymru: 01492 872000

MOLD: Theatr Clwyd: 0845 3303565 MANCHESTER Opera House: 0870 401 9000 Palace: 0870 401 3000 SALFORD The Lowry: 0843 208 6000 Access line: 0333 320 2838 NEW BRIGHTON Floral Pavilion: 0151 666 0000 RHYL: Pavilion: 01745 330 000 RUNCORN The Brindley: 0151 907 8360 ST HELENS: Theatre Royal: 01744 756000 STOKE: Regent Theatre: 0844 871 7627

JUDY and Liza are heading to Merseyside to take you on an emotional rollercoaster journey. This turbulent tale of Hollywood stars Judy Garland and daughter Liza Minnelli is set against the backdrop of their infamous 1964 London Palladium concert. n Jun 13: Judy & Liza. The Brindley, Runcorn. n Jun 28: Floral Pavilion, New Brighton.

Jolly good Fallows SHAUN Fallows is a poet born with cerebral palsy. Real and raw, expect potholes, speed-dating and Amsterdam in this exploration of disability, relationships and travel. n Jun 6: A Lovely Word featuring Shaun Fallows.

Everyman, Liverpool.

HOT SUMMER of Springsteen. Grand Theatre, Blackpool.

Tribute show.

May 29: Ed Gamble: Hot Diggity Dog. Opera House, Manchester.

May 30: Jurassic Live. Grand Theatre, Blackpool.

May 30: ROH Live – Message in a Bottle.

Storyhouse, Chester.

May 30: Strictly Come Dancing: The Professionals. Venue Cymru, Llandudno.

May 31-Jun 2: Strawberry Jack: A Tale from Paradise. Grand Theatre, Blackpool.

May 31: Supreme Queen. Theatre Royal, St Helens. Tribute show.

May 31: Love Hurts: Power Ballads and Anthems. Venue Cymru, Llandudno.

May 31: UK Pink Floyd Experience.

Pavilion, Rhyl. Tribute show.

May 31: Sir Bradley Wiggins. Lyceum, Crewe.

May 31: Kevin Quantum: Momentum.

Floral Pavilion, New Brighton. Where science and magic mix.

Jun 1: Let’s Hear it for the Girls. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton. The music of Abba, Chaka Khan, Beyoncé and many more!

Jun 1: Jools Holland and his Rhythm &

Blues Orchestra. Venue Cymru, Llandudno.

Jun 1: Chicago Blues Brothers. Theatre Royal, St Helens.

Jun 1: An Evening with Alfie Boe. Regent Theatre, Stoke.

Jun 1: Dear Billy. The Lowry, Salford.

Hilarious stories about the Big Yin – Billy Connolly. Signed.

Jun 2: Johannes Radebe: House of JoJo. Empire, Liverpool. Roof-raising music, dazzling costumes and, of course, world class dance.

Jun 2: Northern Chamber Orchestra – Peter and the Wolf. Storyhouse, Chester.

Jun 2: Count Arthur Strong …And It’s Goodnight From Him. Grand Theatre, Blackpool.

Jun 2: Alfie Boe. The Lowry, Salford.

Jun 4-15: 2:22 A Ghost Story. The Lowry, Salford.

Jun 4-5: Moby Dick. Grand Theatre, Blackpool.

Jun 4-5: Desperate Scousewives.

The Brindley, Runcorn. Laughs all the wayin the days leading up to a wedding in Walton jail.

Jun 5: The Carpenters Story. Empire, Liverpool.

Jun 5: Barely Visible. The Lowry, Salford.

What it’s like to be lesbian.

Jun 5: Walk Right Back. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton. Everly Brothers’ story.

Jun 5: The Scummy Mummies: Greatest Hits. Playhouse, Liverpool. They’re back! Ellie and Helen are guaranteed to make you feel normal about your parenting skills, or very smug about being child-free.

Jun 6-7: Sweeney Todd – A Victorian Melodrama. The Lowry, Salford.

Jun 6: Go Your Own Way – The Fleetwood Mac Legacy. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton.

Tribute show.

Jun 6: Mind Mangler: Member of the Tragic Circle. Empire, Liverpool. Comedy.

Jun 6: Jarlath Regan: Yer Man. Playhouse, Liverpool.

Jun 6: A Lovely Word featuring Shaun Fallows. Everyman, Liverpool.

Jun 6: A Beautiful Noise. Lyceum, Crewe.

Neil Diamond tribute show.

Jun 6: Dreamboys. Regent Theatre, Stoke.

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www.alltogethernow.org.uk

SUMMER 2024

Rhythm ’n’ blue T

OP tribute band The Bootleg Beatles and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra are coming together again for a very special summer show.

This time they’re celebrating the Beatles’ famous “blue” album – Greatest Hits 1967-70.

So get ready to sing along to Strawberry Fields Forever, Penny Lane, St Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, A Day in the Life, All You Need is Love, Magical Mystery Tour, Hey Jude . . . and many more classics. n Jul 5: For You Blue: Celebrating The Beatles Greatest Hits 1967-1970. M&S Bank Arena, Liverpool.

SENSATIONS! n Aug 21-27: Liverpool International Beatleweek Festival. www.internationalbeatle week.com

Jun 7-9: Zog and The Flying Doctors.

Storyhouse, Chester. Magical adventure.

Jun 7: Clinton Baptiste: Roller Ghoster! Lyceum, Crewe.

Jun 7: Crissy Rock - Stand up to Suicide. The Brindley, Runcorn. Chrissy’s stand up show that will make you laugh but pull at the heart.

Jun 7: Rhod Gilbert & The Giant Grapefruit. Regent Theatre, Stoke.

Jun 7: The Best of Queen: The Break Free Tour. Grand Theatre, Blackpool.

Tribute show.

Jun 8: Oh What a Night. Venue Cymru, Llandudno. Musical journey through the incredible career of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons.

Jun 8: Liberation Squares. Octagon, Bolton.

Jun 8: Red Hot Chilli Peppers. Grand Theatre, Blackpool.

Jun 8: Calling Planet Earth. The Brindley, Runcorn. Music from the 80s.

Jun 8: The American Revue. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton. Country rock show.

Jun 9-10: Shrek the Musical. The Brindley, Runcorn.

Jun 9: Luke Combs UK Tribute. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton.

Jun 9: And Finally … Phil Collins. Lyceum, Crewe. Tribute show.

Jun 9: Four Seasons of Buenos Aires.

Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool.

Jun 9: The Carpenters Story. Grand Theatre, Blackpool.

Jun 10: Disney in Concert: The Sound of Magic. Empire, Liverpool.

Jun 11-29: Dracula: The Bloody Truth.

Octagon, Bolton. Madcap comedy retelling of the iconic gothic classic. Grab a sharpened stake and a clove of garlic and join Professor Van Helsing in this new show. Audio described, Jun 22; signed/captioned Jun 25.

Jun 11: ROH Live – Andrea Chenier.

Storyhouse, Chester.

Jun 11: Bowie Live. Grand Theatre, Blackpool. Tribute show.

Jun 11: Albert Lee 80th Birthday Tour. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton. The very best in guitar playing.

Jun 12-22: Tell Me How It Ends. Everyman, Liverpool. It’s Liverpool, 1987. The AIDS epidemic strikes and across the world, groups of lesbian women hold out their hands to help.

In this city, Aster sits by Marc’s hospital bed… watching, wondering and reading.

Jun 12-14: Macbeth. The Brindley, Runcorn.

Jun 12: The Glen Miller and Big Band

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Spectacular. Grand Theatre, Blackpool.

Jun 12: The Simon & Garfunkel Story. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton.

Jun 12: Whitney – Queen of the Night.

Lyceum, Crewe. Tribute show.

Jun 12: Albert Lee 80th Birthday Tour. The Lowry, Salford.

Jun 13-16: Awful Auntie. Empire, Liverpool.

David Walliams’ adventure story, featuring a very large owl, a very small ghost and a very awful Auntie!

Jun 13-14: Uncanny: I Know What I Saw. Playhouse, Liverpool. Danny Robbins with chilling real-life stories of the supernatural.

Jun 13: Jusy & Liza. The Brindley, Runcorn.

Musical about Hollywood’s biggest stars against the backdrop of their infamous 1964 London Palladium concert.

Jun 13: The Ukelele Orchestra of Great Britain. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton.

Jun 13: The Simon and Garfunkel Story.

Grand Theatre, Blackpool.

Jun 13: Liverpool Legends: An Audience with John Barnes and Peter Beardsley.

Storyhouse, Chester.

Jun 14: Sofie Hagen: Will I Ever Have Sex Again? Unity, Liverpool.

Jun 14: Paul Smith – Pablo. Venue Cymru, Llandudno.

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All Together NOW!

Jun 14: Jimmy Carr: Laughs Funny.

Storyhouse, Chester.

Jun 14: Luther Vandross – The Legend Lives. Theatre Royal, St Helens.

Jun 14: The Bohemians: Queen Greatest Hits. Pavilion, Rhyl.

Jun 14: Albert Lee 80th Birthday Tour.

Lowther Pavilion, St Annes.

Jun 15: Tommy Blaize. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton. Lead singer on Strictly Come Dancing for 20 years takes to the stage.

Jun 15: Nadiya & Kai: Behind the Magic.

Pavilion, Rhyl.

Jun 15: Red Hot Chilli Peppers. Storyhouse, Chester.

Jun 15: One Night of Billy Joel – The Piano Man. Theatre Royal, St Helens. Tribute show.

Jul 16-27: Hairspray The Musical. Palace Theatre, Manchester. The ultimate feel-good musical is back. Welcome to the 60s, where everyone’s grooving to a brand-new sound!

Jun 16: Hello Again – The Neil Diamond Story. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton.

Jun 16: The Legend of Bob Marley. Theatre Royal, St Helens. Tribute show.

Jun 16: Uncanny: I Know What I Saw. The Lowry, Salford. Creepy tales brought to life.

Jun 17: The ELO Experience. Empire, Liverpool. Electric Light Orchestra tribute show.

Jun 17: Uncanny: I Know What I Saw. Grand Theatre, Blackpool. Creepy tales.

Jun 18: Six Chick Flicks. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton. Parodies of famous chick flicks.

Jun 19-20: Paul Smith – Pablo. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton. He’s back again!

Jun 20-Jul 14: Wicked. Empire, Liverpool. Musical. the magic that shaped the destinies of two unlikely friends on their remarkable journey to becoming Glinda The Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.

Jun 20: I’m Frank Morgan: RewiRED. Pavilion, Rhyl. Drama.

Jun 20: Everything Changes. The Brindley, Runcorn. Take That tribute.

Jun 20: Luke Combs UK. Lyceum, Crewe.

Jun 21: Soul & Motown Night. Venue Cymru, Llandudno.

Jun 21: KVN Dance Company – Coppelia.

Storyhouse, Chester.

Jun 21: John Lydon – I Could Be Wrong, I Could Be Right. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton. Johnny Rotten changed the face of music and sparked a cultural revolution.

Jun 21: Reelin’ in the Dan. Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool. Steely Dan tribute band.

Jun 22: John Lydon – I Could Be Wrong, I Could Be Right. Storyhouse, Chester.

Jun 22: Supreme Queen. Lyceum, Crewe.

Tribute show.

Jun 23: The McCartney Songbook. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton.

Jun 24-29: Sister Act. Storyhouse, Chester. The uplifting musical.

Jun 25: One Night in Dublin. The Brindley, Runcorn.

Jun 26: The Simon and Garfunkel Story.

Venue Cymru, Llandudno Jun 26: Taylormania. Lyceum, Crewe. Tribute show.

Jun 26: G4 20th Anniversary Tour. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton.

Jun 27: Jimmy Carr: Laughs Funny.

Floral Pavilion, New Brighton.

Jun 27: 80s Live. Theatre Royal, St Helens.

Jun 27: The Rolling Stones Story. Grand Theatre, Blackpool.

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All Together NOW!

l Contunued from Page 21

Jun 27: Holly McNish: The Lobster Tour.

Playhouse, Liverpool. Poetry with piles of smiles.

Jun 28-29: Showstopper! The Improvised Musical. The Lowry, Salford.

Jun 28: A Vision of Elvis. Theatre Royal, St Helens. Tribute show.

Jun 28: The Searchers and Hollies Experience. The Brindley, Runcorn. Tribute show.

Jun 28: Johnny Cash Roadshow. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton. Tribute show.

Jun 28: Judy & Liza. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton. Turbulent tale of Hollywood’s biggest stars against the backdrop of their infamous 1964 London Palladium concert.

Jun 29: The Magic of Motown. Pavilion, Rhyl.

Jun 29: MANIA: The Abba Tribute. Venue Cymru, Llandudno.

Jun 29: Love Hurts: Power Ballads and Anthems. Grand Theatre, Blackpool.

Jun 30: Ruby Wax – I’m Not As Well as I Thought I Was. The Lowry, Salford.

Jun 30: The King’s Voice. Octagon, Bolton. Gordon Hendricks superb tribute to Elvis.

Jul 1-6: Jesus Christ Superstar. Venue Cymru. Starring Julian Clary as Herod (Thursday, Friday and Saturday performances only), Ian McIntosh as Jesus, Shem Omari James as Judas and Hannah Richardson as Mary.

Jul 2-6: Life of Pi. The Lowry, Salford.

Jul 3: Uncanny: I Know What I Saw. Creepy tales. Regent Theatre, Stoke.

Jul 4: John Bishop: Back at It. Regent Theatre, Stoke.

Jul 5-Aug 3: Sisters of Mercy.

Royal Court, Liverpool. Sister Petra and Sister Brenda have grown up in St Elmo’s Convent in Dingle as identical twins but Monsignor Michael has some shocking news for them.

Jul 5: For You Blue: Celebrating The Beatles Greatest Hits 1967-1970. M&S Bank Arena, Liverpool. The Bootleg Beatles and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra are coming together again.

Jul 5: Celebrating George Michael. The Brindley, Runcorn. Tribute show.

Jul 8-20: & Juliet. Opera House, Manchester. New musical that proves when it comes to love, there’s always life after Romeo…

Jul 11: Dreamboys. Grand Theatre, Blackpool.

Jul 11: Anton du Beke and Giovanni Pernice – Together. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton.

Jul 12: Lipstick on Your Collar. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton. Back to back hits from the 1950s and 60s.

Jul 13: The Lancashire Hot Pots. Grand Theatre, Blackpool.

Comedy folk band.

Jul 15-20: Pretty Woman. Regent Theatre, Stoke. Musical.

Jul 17-20: Ghost: The Musical.

Storyhouse, Chester. Adapted from the hit film the story follows Sam and Molly, a young couple whose connection takes a shocking turn after Sam’s untimely death.

Jul 18-20: Brave Space. The Lowry,

SUMMER 2024

Souled out . . .

SMIGGER’S having a mid-life crisis. All he (Liverpool actor Andrew Schofield) wants to do is roll back the years and dance to 70s soul music with Donna, Terry and Pat. But since the grandkid came along, Donna hasn’t been interested in their usual Sunday nights in town (or much else).

Get ready to be transported from Scottie Road to Pontins Prestatyn to Liverpool’s over40s Sunday night pub scene – complete with a 70s soul soundtrack. n Aug 16-Sep 14: Lost Soul 2. Royal Court, Liverpool.

SISTER Petra and Sister Brenda have grown up in St Elmo’s Convent in Dingle as identical twins – but Monsignor Michael has some shocking news for them.They’re NOT twins . . . n Jul 5-Aug 3: Sisters of Mercy. Royal Court, Liverpool.

Salford. Circus/dance.

Jul 18: 80s Live. Empire, Liverpool.

Jul 18: Rhythm of the Dance. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton.

Jul 18: The Smooth Rock Show. Theatre Royal, St Helens.

Jul 19: Totally Tina. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton. Triubute show.

Jul 19: Lord of the Dance – A Lifetime of Standing Ovations. Empire, Liverpool.

Jul 19: Bad Staff Bootcamp.

Theatre Royal, St Helens.

Jul 19: The Chicago Blues Brothers. Pavilion, Rhyl.

Jul 19: ELO Again. Venue Cymru, Llandudno. Tribute show.

Jul 20-Aug 3: Come From Away. Venue Cymru, Llandudno. Smash hit show shares the incredible real-life story of the 7,000 air passengers from all over the world who were grounded in Canada during the wake of 9/11, and the small Newfoundland community that invited these “come from aways” into their lives with open hearts.

Jul 20: Anton and Giovanni: Together.

Venue Cymru, Llandudno.

Jul 20: Totally Tina. Pavilion, Rhyl. Tribute show.

Jul 21: Anton and Giovanni – Together.

The Lowry, Salford.

Jul 22-27: An Officer and a Gentleman.

Empire, Liverpool. Musical. Timeless story of love, courage, and redemption will make your heart soar and leave you breathless, longing for more.

Jul 23-27: A Chorus Line. The Lowry, Salford. Musical capturing the spirit and

Tarby in towns

n Aug 17: Welcome to an Evening with Jimmy Tarbuck.

Rhyl Pavilion. n Aug 18: Storyhouse, Chester. n Aug 23: Grand Theatre, Blackpool.

tension of a broadway chorus audition.

Jul 23-25: A Chorus Line. The Brindley, Runcorn. Musical.

Jul 24: Thanks for the Memories. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton. Neil Sands new matinee show.

Jul 25: The Drifters. Theatre Royal, St Helens.

Jul 25: I’m Frank Morgan – Rewired: A Take from Paradise.

Grand Theatre, Blackpool.

Jul 26: Jurassic Live. Pavilion, Rhyl.

Jul 26: Twist & Shout. Theatre Royal, St Helens.

Jul 26: Barry Steele presents The Roy Orbison Story. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton.

Jul 27: Meatloaf Tribute – Hits Out of Hell.

Theatre Royal, St Helens.

Jul 28: Brian Conley: The 3rd Farewell Tour …To Date. The Lowry, Salford.

Jul 28: Warrington Concert Band. The Brindley, Runcorn.

Jul 28: The Greatest Hits of Motown – How Sweet It Is. Empire, Liverpool.

Aug 2: Ultimate Classic Rock Show.

Floral Pavilion, New Brighton.

Aug 3: Thank You for the Music. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton. Abba tribute show.

Aug 3: Calling Planet Earth. Venue Cymru, Llandudno. The hits of Duran Duran, Spandau Ballet, Ultravox, ABC, Depeche Mode, OMD, The Human League, Tears for Fears, The Police, and many more.

Aug 4: Lipstick on Your Collar. Grand Theatre, Blackpool. Step back to the 1950s and 60s.

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Aug 9: Gary Murphy presents Music & Laughter. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton. Guests include Ricky Tomlinson and Sean Styles.

Aug 10: Dreamboys. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton.

Aug 10: Burt Bacharach Singbook.

Theatre Royal, St Helens.

Aug 10: Thank ABBA for the Music.

Pavilion, Rhyl.

Aug 13-Sep 1: SIX. The Lowry, Salford.

Tudor times musical.

Aug 13-18: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

Venue Cymru, Llandudno. Award-winning musical bursting with unforgettable songs by the Sherman Brothers including Toot Sweets, Hushabye Mountain and Truly Scrumptious Aug 16-Sep 14: Lost Soul 2. Royal Court, Liverpool. Liverpool actor Andrew Schofield back with the team that will have you laughing in the aisles!

Aug 17: An Evening with Jimmy Tarbuck. Pavilion, Rhyl.

Aug 18: An Evening with Jimmy Tabuck. Storyhouse, Chester.

Aug 18: Rock for Heroes. Grand Theatre, Blackpool.

Aug 18: Focus. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton. The 60s rock band are back.

Aug 19-24: Hairspray The Musical.

Empire, Liverpool. Fun-filled, feel good show bursting with show-stopping numbers, dazzling costumes, and dizzying danceroutines. Featuring some of musical theatre’s biggest and best hit songs, including Welcome To The 60s, You Can’t Stop The Beat, Good Morning Baltimore.

Aug 19-21: The Tiger Who Came to Tea. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton.

Aug 21: Some Guys Have All The Luck.

Theatre Royal, St Helens. The Rod Stewart story.

Aug 22-23: Liverpool International Beatleweek Festival. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton.

Aug 23: An Evening with Jimmy Tarbuck. Grand Theatre, Blackpool.

Aug 23: A Country Night in Nashville.

Venue Cymru, Llandudno.

Aug 24: I Like It. Grand Theatre, Blackpool.

Gary Murphy’s tribute to Gerry Marsden and the Swingin’ 60s.

Aug 25: ELO Again. Grand Theatre, Blackpool. Tribute show.

Aug 26: Joe Pasquale. Grand Theatre, Blackpool.

Aug 28-29: Sarah Millican: Late Bloomer. Venue Cymru, Llandudno.

Aug 30: Bowie Experience.

Theatre Royal, St Helens. Tribute show.

Aug 31: The Lancashire Hot Pots. Theatre Royal, St Helens.

Comedy folk band.

Aug 31: The Harry Styles Tribute. The Brindley, Runcorn.

Aug 31: Mothership. The Brindley Studio, Runcorn. Led Zeppelin tribute.

Aug 31: Barry Steele presents The Roy Orbison Story. Venue Cymru, Llandudno.

All Together NOW!

SUMMER 2024

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

HOW PLANTS GOT THEIR NAMES . . .

. . . FUCHSIA

Magellan, who was Portuguese.

THE response to “Fuchsia” could It is good for hedges and be “Bless you!” tolerates rain, coastal salt It seems an unflattering name for breezes and a degree of urban a beautiful, useful garden flower pollution. Although considered which has been in Britain since a summer and autumn plant, it 1788. often blooms for longer periods Most fuchsia species come from in mild weather.

Central and South America where This species, with crimson they were found by 17th-century and purple ballerina-like European explorers. flowers, provided the genes for They were named in 1703 by a breeding programmes which French monk, Pere Charles have produced numerous Plumier, as a compliment to COLOURFUL: Fuchsia Magellanica and Fuchsia Frosted Flame varieties in a range of shapes Leonhart Fuchs, a German herbalist which many modern hybrids have been and colours – pink, purple, red, mauve, white and plant illustrator, who had died 150 years bred, was named after the first and various bicolours such as Fuchsia earlier. circumnavigator of the globe, Ferdinand Frosted Flame.

Fuchsia magellanica, a hardy species from

DESERT ISLAND DISHES

TASTY TIMES AHEAD: Tomato Sakura and, below, pea Canoe

I

F I were banished to BBC radio’s Desert Island, I’d want some choice vegetables with me as well as my favourite discs – a Desert Island Dish of eight varieties chosen for their ability to put tasty food on the table or maybe on a palm leaf.

My top eight in order of harvesting…

Fresh garden PEAS, one of the great tastes of early summer, a steaming bowlful topped with a knob of butter and a sprig of mint.

Every variety tastes good but, for consistent reliability and fine flavour I’d take CANOE. It can be sown at any time from March to June and matures in about 75 days with numerous well-filed pods on compact plants which need less support than larger types, useful on a desert island or anywhere breezy.

One variety of CARROT, PRIMO, has, for me, replaced most other kinds, whether sown early, mid-season or late.

It is faster to mature than the traditional early kind, Amsterdam Forcing, better for autumn than Autumn King, and produces a crop of medium-

sized carrots with minimal leaf growth and is pest-resistant.

FRENCH BEANS can be sown from late April to July. They tolerate dry conditions well and crop reliably. For these qualities plus sheer flavour, I choose COBRA. If I were allowed a runner bean as well, it would be FIRESTORM. COURGETTES seem to tolerate weather of all kinds, hot and dry or wet and windy, and have good flavour cooked or chopped raw in salads but depended on sunshine to open the flowers for pollination until my favourite, the self-pollinating variety PARTHENON, was introduced.

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There are many mouthwatering POTATO varieties these days, from waxy salad types to floury spuds for mashing or baking, but for all-round flavour and texture, whether roast, mashed or baked, I’d take the early-maturing variety LADY CHRISTL. Among the splendid TOMATOES available are some which owe more to gimmickry than good taste.

I can’t resist cherry tomatoes and my favourite is the SAKURA, a terrific blend of sharpness and sweetness.

It’s a greenhouse type but who needs a greenhouse in the South Seas?

The PARSNIP does not excite everyone but those who try this vegetable after it has been sweetened by frost then roasted or chipped is bound to be hooked. I’ll need a freak frost on the island – one is enough to improve the flavour.

For taste, nothing beats the 1897 variety TENDER AND TRUE. BRUSSELS SPROUTS are sweetened by frost too, and it is difficult to decide between several varieties. The variety CRISPUS produces a prolific crop on compact plants which would stand up to the trade winds.

. . . see back page

CHECKLIST

FLOWERS: Trim over aubrieta and yellow Alyssum saxatile with garden shears and give them a generous liquid feed of highpotash fertiliser. Plant autumn flowering bulbs such as colchicum and autumn crocus.

PATIO: Spend a few minutes every day dead-heading container flowers. Make sure the compost does not dry out and give a liquid feed once a week.

SHRUBS: Trim lightly over winter-flowering heathers and water with a liquid feed. Remove the flowers of roses as they fade.

To boost a second flush of bloom, prune the heads back to an outward-facing leaf joint. If aphids or diseases like blackspot or mildew are a problem, spray the foliage with a solution combining insecticide and fungicide.

LAWNS: Grass in which spring bulbs have been grown can be cut lightly.

PONDS: Control blanketweed by removing as much as possible and applying a proprietary treatment.

FRUIT: Watch for aphid attack on gooseberries and currants, usually starting in the tips of shoots, and squash them or spray with a contact insecticide.

Also check gooseberries closely for sawfly larvae – inconspicuous green caterpillars which can strip a bush of foliage. Hand pick and spray with an insecticide.

VEGETABLES: When the first pods of broad beans set low on the plant, pinch out the growing tips at the top of each stem to encourage the pods to fill out and discourage blackfly. Sow successional crops of salad leaves and lettuce.

HERBS: Sow Florence fennel and chives outdoors. Sow seeds or buy plants of other herbs such as dill and coriander. If you find parsley difficult to grow, sow it now. Make seed-drills just a quarter of an inch deep and water them with boiling water, then sow the seeds thinly.

GREENHOUSE: As tomatoes ripen, keep feeding and watering regularly. Pinch out the sideshoots from cordon tomatoes and tie in the main stem as it continues to grow, and pinch out the growing tip once five or six trusses of flowers have set fruit.

Cherry tomato types can be allowed to grow taller.

HOUSEPLANTS: Water more freely, feed regularly and do not leave them in full sun all day except for types really suited to those conditions.

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All Together NOW!

24

SUMMER 2024

The Accumulator Quiz

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

1

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8

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★ 28

26

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★ 30

31

★

ACROSS

DOWN

1. Scholar (5)

1. Tropical fruit (5) 2. Appear suddenly (3,2) 3. After (5) 4. Attractive (6) 5. Instrumentalist (5) 6. Spokes (5) 7. Fashion (5) 11. Drive (5) 12. Access (5) 14. Formerly (4) 15. Fresco (5) 16. Tenth part (5) 17. Soon (4) 21. Dumbfounded with horror (6) 22. Enliven (3,2) 23. Irritate (5) 24. Angry (5) 25. First-rate (5) 26. Enlist (5) 27. Television (inf.) (5)

4. Old writing material (7) 8. Measuring tube (7) 9. Fat and flabby (5) 10. Windscreen ----- (5) 13. White ant (7) 17. Scottish resort (3) 18. Accurate (inf.) (4-2) 19. Certainty (6) 20. Cereal grass (3) 22. Having fun (7) 25. Mixture of rain and snow (5) 28. Bear-like creature (5) 29. Clothing (7) 30. Discharge of a debt (7) 31. Pass along (5)

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 is a tuffet, as sat on by Little Miss Muffet?

A A clump of grass B A milking stool C A log D A sack filled with straw QUESTION 2 – for 2 points: What is the capital city of Sweden?

A Helsinki B Oslo C Copenhagen D Stockholm QUESTION 3 – for 3 points: What is a bistro?

A A type of gravy powder B A small round casserole dish C A cafe-style restaurant D A powered bicycle QUESTION 4 – for 4 points: What were the dying words of Julius Caesar, according to Shakespeare?

A A funny thing happened on the way to the Forum B You too, Brutus C I came, I saw, I conquered D Carry on Cleo QUESTION 5 – for 5 points: In which business centre was the Ricky Gervais comedy series The Office set?

A Harlow B Croydon C Milton Keynes D Slough QUESTION 6 – for 6 points: What would you be eating if you were dining on rutabaga?

A Vegetable curry B Bamboo shoots C Swede D Semolina

Actor and comedian Ricky Gervais. See Question 5

QUESTION 7 – for 7 points: Who wrote the internationally-acclaimed TV series Downton Abbey?

A Martin Amis B Tom Stoppard C Julian Fellowes D Frederick Forsyth QUESTION 8 – for 8 points: Which of the following is not a film made by Disney Pixar?

A Finding Nemo B Toy Story C The Incredibles D Ice Age QUESTION 9 – for 9 points: What is Monday’s child supposed to be?

A Fair of face B Loving and giving C Full of woe D Full of grace

SUDOKU

KAKURO

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

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.

EASY

DIFFICULT

8 6 4 7 2 8 1

9

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

1 6 3

8 4

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9

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

4 8

9

3

8

5 8 4 6 3

2 9 7 5

QUESTION 10 – for 10 points: Which city was known as Salem in the Old Testament?

A Sidon B Jerusalem C Damascus D Tyre QUESTION 11 – for 11 points: What type of animal is a capybara?

A A rodent B A monkey C A parrot D A shark QUESTION 12 – for 12 points: In which London borough are Kew Gardens and Twickenham rugby football ground?

A Hammersmith and Fulham B Richmond upon Thames C Merton D Kingston upon Thames QUESTION 13 – for 13 points: An American Life is the autobiography of which politician?

A Ronald Reagan B Arnold Schwarzenegger C Barack Obama D George W. Bush QUESTION 14 – for 14 points: Up to what age are male and female racehorses known as colts and fillies?

A Two years B Three years C Five years D Four years QUESTION 15 – for 15 points: Which of these adjectives relates to eagles?

A Vulpine B Pavanine C Aquiline D Anserine

MEDIUM 12

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16 23 12 24 13

11

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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?

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.

6

2

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 type of meat.

ACTION

––– ––––

TRUST

BELL

––––

PEG

WATER

––––

TOP

SPRING

–––––

SKIN

PEN

––––

2 ABC

3 DEF

4 GHI

5 JKL

6 MNO

7 PQRS

8 TUV

9 WXYZ

famous Germans

1. past and present 266 313 726 514 343 415 586 162 753 631 343 874 241 484 612 677 125 237 813 467 834 616 378 816 945 126 435 216 375 351 527 515 243 733 53

2. Christmas films 944 831 247 478 627 156 831 228 825 591 546 453 125 518 431 929 184 314 746 241 212 474 786 271 227 651 466 312 566 312 784 871 247 478 627

3. dictators 236 486 168 776 546 418 523 464 715 364 617 651 768 172 332 614 877 346 128 487 861 746 624 381 546 156 641 451 236 531 448 537 143 412 646

4. famous heroes of film 585 317 599 255 371 355 361 747 539 196 776 152 251 772 776 915 272 127 638 152 766 126 876 315 646 172 626 138 426 148 681 762 591 225 262

5. varieties of cooking oil 786 356 937 142 935 688 172 561 732 688 127 426 165 483 192 568 813 529 733 312 626 688 173 726 317 273 733 316 878 273 125 666 317 692 326

6. spaces in Greater London 426 778 323 143 284 134 672 879 124 728 717 646 177 827 317 877 355 177 827 317 424 666 317 275 125 274 261 266 666 172 754 263 681 778 273

PATHWORDS

SPOT CHECK

Starting from the central shaded letter, move one letter at a time (up, down, right or left, but not diagonally) to find 17 gardening tools.

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 16?

parks and open

WORD WIZARD

2

1

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

T

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O R O K

N

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F

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MAKE A DATE

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

R

HUNT

CURRENCY

1 []’–

Spaces and any punctuation marks are represented by 1.

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ

5

25

DIALLING CODES

CROSS CODE

All Together NOW!

SUMMER 2024

O

SAKE

T

O R

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D

A F

H L E E K TRANSFORMER

L

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B

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4

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CORCASS 1) The pollen basket of bees, which is protected by a fringe of long hairs;

F

D

C

2) In Ireland a salt-marsh or land susceptible to flooding;

K W 1. The new Forth railway bridge is opened by

I

K

3

I

the Prince of Wales after seven years of construction.

N

C

P

3) A mythological raven that was supposed to bring bad luck if sighted before noon.

2. The first weekly children’s comic paper, Comic Cuts, is published in London.

S

3. The first ever official English County Championship cricket match begins in Bristol.

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

Clue: Healthy way to reverberate.

WAS IT? a) 1890; b) 1895; c) 1900; d) 1905; e) 1910.

_____ +RE=RE_____

ALL THE ANSWERS Pathwords dibber; scythe; lawn spiker; sickle; weed puller; leaf rake; trowel; hoe; tree lopper; axe; secateurs; cultivator; shovel; spade; lawn edger; fork; patio nife.

8 4 7 9 3 5 2 1 6

6 1 5 2 4 8 3 7 9

2 3 9 6 7 1 5 8 4

4 2 8 5 9 7 6 3 1

SUDOKU EASY

9 5 1 3 8 6 4 2 7

3 7 6 1 2 4 9 5 8

5 9 4 8 1 2 7 6 3

7 8 2 4 6 3 1 9 5

1 6 3 7 5 9 8 4 2

2 1 6 4 5 9 7 3 8

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SUDOKU DIFFICULT

6 7 3 5 8 2 4 1 9

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8 2 9 1 7 4 3 6 5

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9

23 16 5 7 16

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KAKURO MEDIUM

7 9 16

3 9 8 21

1 4 6 11

Accumulator Quiz 1 – A; 2 – D; 3 – C; 4 – B; 5 – D; 6 – C; 7 – C; 8 – D; 9 – A; 10 – B; 11 – A; 12 – B; 13 – A; 14 – D; 15 – C. Starspot Crossword Across – 1 Pupil; 4 Papyrus; 8 Pipette; 9 Podgy; 10 Wiper; 13 Termite; 17 Ayr; 18 Spot-on; 19 Surety; 20 Oat; 22 Playing; 25 Sleet; 28 Panda; 29 Apparel; 30 Payment; 31 Relay.

Down – 1 Papaw; 2 Pop up; 3 Later; 4 Pretty; 5 Piper; 6 Radii; 7 Style; 11 Impel; 12 Entry; 14 Erst; 15 Mural; 16 Tithe; 17 Anon; 21 Aghast; 22 Pep up; 23 Annoy; 24 Irate; 25 Super; 26 Enrol; 27 Telly.

Star Name: TERRY WOGAN

Word Wizard No 2 is correct. Corcass is marshy land.

Dialling Codes 1. Anne Frank; Heidi Klum; Marlene Dietrich; Hugo Boss; Albert Einstein; Mesut Özil; Angela Merkel; Karl Lagerfeld.

2. White Christmas; Love Actually; Jingle All The Way; The Grinch; A Christmas Carol; Home Alone; Arthur Christmas.

3. Benito Mussolini; Vladimir Lenin; Pol Pot; Saddam Hussein; Augusto Pinochet; Kim Jong-il; Adolf Hitler; Idi Amin.

4. Luke Skywalker; Ellen Ripley; Zorro; Jack Sparrow; Lara Croft; Jason Bourne; John Rambo; Ethan

Hunt; Rocky Balboa.

5. sunflower; hazelnut; palm; peanut; argan; olive; walnut; flaxseed; coconut; sesame; rapeseed; mustard; almond; soybean.

6. Hampstead Heath; Finsbury Circus; Soho Square; Russell Square; Richmond Park; Clapham Common; Parliament Square.

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

Missing Link man; unit; tent; tank; onion; name.

Meat: mutton.

Make a Date The year was 1890.

Transformer Sound + RE = Resound.

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

All Together NOW!

26

SUMMER 2024

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

KEN PYE’s latest book, Even More Merseyside Tales, is available in all good bookshops or from Ken directly (as are all of his books and Factsheets).

Survivor of bombs and the bulldozer

PADDY POWER: St Patrick preaches to captivated Christians

E

IGHT hundred years before it would be recognised as even a town, let alone a city, St Patrick is said to have sailed from Liverpool to convert Ireland’s pagans to Christianity.

Before departing for the Emerald Isle in AD432, reputedly on the orders of Pope Celestine I, St Patrick is believed to have preached a sermon.

And in the more than a millennium and a half since, neither bulldozers nor the destruction that came with the Reformation have stopped Christians marking the spot on which he is said to have addressed the faithful.

Today it is an impressive place of peace and contemplation, but it was not always so. For centuries, a stone cross stood on the site in Standish Street, off Great Crosshall Street, and this became a point of

TRANQUIL: The memorial garden in a seculded cul-de-sac

pilgrimage – until the Reformation, in the 16th Century, when it was removed but not forgotten.

In 1860, following the massive growth of the Catholic community in that district, with migrants escaping from the catastrophic Irish Potato Famine, the Church of Holy Cross was built, directly over the site, and named after it.

Sadly, and along with so many other city buildings, Holy Cross Church was destroyed by Nazi bombing, in 1941.

Protests

It was completely rebuilt in 1954, but in 2004, this new church was then also demolished, and replaced with a modern office and apartment blocks.

However, this all happened against the strong protests of a much reduced but still fiercely faithful congregation.

These people, as well as other folk from

www.discover-liverpool.com

the local community, were determined not to let the significance of the location, or of their local parish, vanish under the bulldozers that were now knocking down their street, homes, local shop and pubs.

As the long terraces of houses were replaced by the cul-de-sac, and its dozen or so attractive bungalows, the people decided to recreate the site of pilgrimage.

This is why, in the midst of this secluded and now little-known close, there is a small, well-kept area of lawn and flowerbeds, surrounded by low railings and shaded by trees.

Here, as well as some memorial plaques and tablets, is a large sandstone cross that originally stood inside Holy Cross Church, near the altar.

The tiny garden is also home to part of the foundation stone and stained glass from the church: As well as this, two time capsules are buried in the ground,

containing other artefacts from this onceimportant parish and its congregation.

However, the most powerful object to be seen in this very special memorial garden is contained within the large, transparent, vandal-proof display case.

This stands against a tall, brick wall on one side of the small garden. Inside this is a beautifully-painted, lovingly carved, life-size statue of the Virgin Mary cradling in her lap the crucified body of her son, Jesus.

Celebration

Whether you have a faith or not, and whether or not that faith is Christianity, I suggest that most people would be moved by this celebration of community and of religious belief, as well as by the silent tranquillity of the garden – hidden away as it is, from the noise and traffic of Liverpool’s busy, city centre roads.

Ken Pye – 0151 427 2717

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

All Together NOW!

SUMMER 2024

SUBSCRIBE!

E

Everton’s Down stars serve up an online cracker

A RACING CERTAINTY

VERTON In The Community’s Down syndrome players showed why they are among the best in the country.

Celebrating World Down

Syndrome Day, the players put on a great show in an action-packed game streamed live on YouTube.

The five-a-side match involved teams managed by

T

EENAGER Noah Crosby is heading for the top in motor sport – three years after a dirt bike accident left him paralysed.

The 19-year-old is set to take on the 2024 racing season with Team BRIT – the world’s only competitive team of all-disabled racing drivers.

He was on his way towards a career as a motocross freestyler when he misjudged a jump, breaking his back in a fall that left him paralysed from the waist down.

Noah spent last year learning the ropes with Team BRIT. Now, a partnership with the Motability Scheme will enable him to complete a full season in the Britcar Trophy – moving him up the ladder of motorsport and onward in his racing dream.

Team BRIT has created innovative hand control technology to enable disabled drivers to compete on equal terms with ablebodied drivers.

Last year, Noah obtained his race licence and competed in the Citroen C1 Series, learning more about the sport and honing his skills.

Noah, from Towcester, Northants, said: “I learned so much driving the C1, but I’m really excited to be taking on a new championship in a much more powerful car this year.

“Our races will also be on the same

Everton FC ambassadors Ian Snodin and Graham Stuart.

EiTC’s disability programme has 14 teams including pan disability and impairment specific teams, amputee, Down

Battling Noah challenges for success on the circuit

weekend as our teammates in the British Endurance Championship, so being part of the whole weekend of racing will be fantastic.”

Lisa Witherington, managing director of customer services at Motability Operations, the company that deliver the Scheme, said: “We’re all looking forward to watching Noah’s career with Team BRIT develop and supporting him to achieve his ambitions in motorsport.

“We believe in Team BRIT’s mission to level the playing field for disabled people both in motorsport and beyond.” n The Motability Scheme helps over 700,000 disabled people and their families access independent mobility.

Stay ahead of the game . . .

syndrome, U13, U16 and adult male and female pan disability teams. n www.youtube.com/live/nf3lnA8Vqk?feature=share www.evertoninthecommunity.org/

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

ADDRESS

About Team BRIT

l Team BRIT is the world’s only competitive team of all-disabled racing drivers. l Its vision is to support, inspire and motivate people facing physical and psychological challenges by demonstrating what can be achieved through motorsport. l By developing the world’s most advanced racing hand control technology, the team has created a level playing field drivers in motorsport. l www.teambrit.co.uk.

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OR 19 years, your FREE All Together NOW! newspaper has been helping and inspiring hundreds of thousands of readers across the region with its unique content.

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Whatever you can afford to give will be gratefully appreciated!

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Thank you.

TOM DOWLING, editor Tel 0151 230 0307

T

HE Government operates a scheme called Gift Aid that allows charities to claim the basic rate tax on every pound donated.

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