All Together NOW!

WE NEED MORE FUNDING TO KEEP THIS VITAL ‘LIFELINE’ ALIVE p3 KINSHIP CARERS 4 p IN NEED OF CARE

Inside

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2023 p8

HOLLYWOOD MAGIC

TIME FOR CHANGE! -1 p14

TATTITIFILARIOUS!

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HEADSET & MATCH

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5

opening doors . . . broadening minds

2 All Together NOW!

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2023

What’s inside NEWS

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NEWS

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STEVE MORGAN FOUNDATION

UNITED UTILITIES

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MOTORZONE

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INDEPENDENT LIVING

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SKILLZONE

A MATTER OF DIGNITY

CONTACT BOARD

HEALTHZONE

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THEATREZONE

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PUZZLEZONE

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GARDENING

DISCOVER LIVERPOOL

Michael’s tribute to childhood hero Ken

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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.

0151 230 0307

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

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

NEXT EDITION Monday November 20

All Together NOW! is published

by All Together Now! Ltd, The Bradbury Centre, Youens Way, Liverpool L14 2EP Registered Charity No.1106387 Company No. 5096931

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

Tattitifilarious!

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IVERPOOL in the ’60s had more than its fair share of comedians. But for Michael Bartram one stood head and shoulders above the rest.

Ken Dodd – later to be knighted for his services to the entertainment business – was Michael’s hero, and still is.

So much, in fact, that he has published his unique tribute to the “Bard of Knotty Ash”.

My Doddy, Diddymen and Knotty Ash Poetry is a collection of poetry dedicated to the legend of Sir Ken, his famously dimunitive helpers and the magical World of Knotty Ash.

. . . and our warm memories of Walter and Sir Ken

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TICKLED PINK: Author Michael Bartram

The 190 poems are humorous, nostalgic, mythical and at times very touching – a bit like Doddy’s act!

So, jump on board the happiness train and travel to various happy Doddy locations and discover all about the secret UFO landing in Knotty Ash . . . the Aliens who soon discovered how to use their dormant chuckle muscles!

Lots of pictures and some wonderful original artwork provided by Doddy’s very talented fans are also included in the publication.

Available from all good book sellers and Amazon.

Price, £14.99. Donations from each sale will be given to the Children’s Air Ambulance charity.

E CAN’T let a good yarn about Sir Ken appearing in All Together NOW! go by OLD PALS ACT: Walter and Gunner Jimmy with Sir without remembering our Ken, Dicky Mint, and Wendy Huntey died on July 16, up with Ken and Dicky Mint. It was great friend, Walter Huntley.

Ex-journalist Walter and the late Sir Ken came together in 2010 to launch their first books – and with them were their long-time pals, Walter’s wartime sidekick, Gunner Jimmy Turner, and Sir Ken’s best mate, Dicky Mint.

Dummy Bullets is Walter’s amusing story of life as a ventriloquist during the Second World War, while Look At It My Way is a collection of pictures and anecdotes reflecting Sir Ken’s career.

Walter, who died in 2013, aged 92, said: “I was so thrilled to meet

a marvellous moment for me and Jimmy – especially in my 90th year.

“I was on the same bill as Ken 60 years ago at the Picton Hall venue in Liverpool. We were both starting out in our careers.”

Sir Ken, then 82, and a great fan of All Together NOW!, said: “I have read Walter’s autobiographical book and found it tattitifilarious. He is a true vent!”

Gunner Jimmy Turner now resides at the Imperial War Museum.

Sadly, Walter’s widow, Wendy,

the day after her 94th birthday.

Wendy was also a great supporter of All Together NOW! “It’s a lifeline – the only way so many of us older people who aren’t on the internet can find out about things that can help us,” she told us repeatedly.

Our warm thoughts are with son Ian and grandchildren Alex, Julia and Felicity. n Happiness, an exhibition celebrating the life of Sir Ken, is at the Museum of Liverpool, Sep 9-Mar 3, 2024.

Connecting with 250,000 people . . .

Making telly a pleasure for all

TELEVISION regulator Ofcom is asking viewers for their thoughts on subtitles, signing and audio description.

Broadcasters must, by law, provide access services on a certain amount of their output, helping everyone to understand and enjoy TV and on-demand programmes.

Planned changes to Ofcom’s Access Services Code include making clear to broadcasters that access services must be of a good enough quality to count towards the targets that broadcasters must meet.

When something goes wrong with access services, broadcasters will be expected to make every effort to keep viewers updated.

New services

Ofcom is also proposing to expand its best practice guidance to include, for the first time, video-ondemand providers such as ITVX and Channel 4, and subscription services like Now and Amazon Prime Video.

And the regulator is strengthening the guidance by offering additional advice on areas including: l Serving people with cognitive and neurodevelopmental disabilities. l Alternative means of making programmes accessible (for example, improving dialogue audibility for people with hearing loss). l Customisation, options and choice for viewers.

The consultation is available in British Sign Language (BSL), and people can also respond to it by BSL. A plainEnglish summary is also available.

Views must be submitted to: accessibility@ofcom.org. uk by September 21. n To see the proposals in full go to www.ofcom.org.uk

WE NEED MORE SUPPORT SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2023

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

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HE future of your FREE All Together NOW! charity newspaper is in jeopardy.

For 18 years, we have battled against what seemed insurmountable odds to continue providing this free news and information service for people affected by ill health and disability.

Over the past decade or two, falling circulations and severe drops in advertising revenue has led to the closure of many big regional newspapers.

And yet All Together NOW! , a minnow by comparison, has managed to stay afloat – just.

How we’ve done that is down to the terrific support from funders who fully recognise the importance of our unique, multi award-winning newspaper.

They know that without All Together NOW! tens of thousands of vulnerable people, many whom are also

GOING THAT EXTRA MILE

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ARRIERS to the great outdoors are continuing to come down.

A mile-long accessible trail might not seem far, but this short stretch between Maghull Brook and Lydiate Station Road could be the link to much wider horizons for wheelchair users and handcyclists.

The £420,000 upgrade makes the going much easier along the Cheshire Lines path, which is part of the long-distance Trans Pennine Trail and Sustrans’ National Cycle Network.

West Lancashire council worked with Sustrans to widen

disadvantaged financially and digitally excluded, would have no other way of getting to know the kind of help and services available to them.

Over the years, the newspaper has become a trusted friend to the lonely and isolated, a genuine lifeline to many, and a source of positivity and inspiration to all.

As one of the UK’s leading disability campaigners, the late Sir Bert Massie, said: “All Together NOW! is more than a newspaper: It is the key to independence.”

Our main partners, the Steve Morgan Foundation and United Utilities, have been

our rock, providing us with a regular source of income. But we need more organisations to team up with us.

Rest assured, we are not going down without a fight. But, without more financial support, we are up against it.

If you are connected with an organisation that has diversity, equity and inclusion high on the agenda, and who might want to help keep this lifeline alive, I’d be delighted to hear from you.

Meanwhile, our thanks to everyone taking part in our joint fundraising seaside walk / wheelchair push with Wirral Mencap (Tel. 0151 666 1829) on Saturday September 9.

TOM DOWLING, editor

ON THE RIGHT TRACK: Councillor Marilyn Westley from West Lancashire Council cuts the ribbon to open the improved section of path RAMBLERS: Michael Moore and Rosslyn Colderley, director for Sustrans in the North of England

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YOUR chance to have a say in disability plan

COMPULSORY disability awareness training for taxi drivers, and giving more disabled people access to life-changing tech are among plans to make the UK a more inclusive society.

The Government has launched a consultation on its Disability Action Plan, which brings together ideas and action to make disabled people’s lives easier in the future.

Campaigners have given a cautious welcome to the measures but have pointed to “big holes” in the proposals.

Immediate and practical schemes proposed in the consultation include ensuring businesses are aware of disabled people’s needs – including their Guide Dogs – to allow them to live, work and shop freely, plus support for local authorities to ensure playgrounds they build or refurbish are accessible for disabled children.

Sarah White, head of policy at national disability charity Sense, said: “If implemented correctly, these plans could make a huge difference in reducing barriers that prevent disabled people from taking part in life.

“However, there are some big holes – some of the issues disabled people tell us matter most to them at the moment aren’t properly addressed by this initial plan, including the ongoing cost of living crisis and the continued impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“That’s why it’s so important for the Government to consult with disabled people on these plans to make sure they make a real, tangible difference to the lives of millions of disabled people.” n The consultation runs until October 6. www.gov.uk/government/consultations/disabi lity-action-plan-2023-to-2024 n Postal address: Disability Action Plan team, Disability Unit, Cabinet Office, Ground Floor, 10 Victoria Street, London, SW1H

I can’t cope with new tech

DEAR EDITOR: I struggle with new technology. And your recent article about people not affording it is absolutely right.

But it’s not only those that don’t have the internet who are being excluded, it’s mugs like me who have it but who don’t know how to use it.

I’m also fed up with all these automated telephone messages. It would be a pleasant change to talk to a fellow human being. J H Shaw,

the trail from around 50cm at its narrowest point, to three metres.

Michael Moore, from the Disabled Ramblers charity, said: “Removing barriers and obstacles that stop you being able to access the countryside, enjoy nature and the safety of traffic free routes really is life-changing.”

Council Approved Contractor & Suppliers Covering The Northwest

Free Home Demonstrations

SALES, REPAIR & SERVICING OF ALL MOBILITY & DISABILITY PRODUCTS

Call Us On:

01744 602602 Also At:

0151 423 3738

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

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FAMILY CARE A FULL-TIME JOB SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 202

Call for law to tackle ‘criminal’ gap in pay

UNIONS have called for Government action to address the “absolutely criminal” pay gap between disabled and non-disabled employees.

Dave Allan, co-chair of the TUC disabled workers’ committee, told the annual conference in Bournemouth the figures showed a 17.2% diffrence between how much disabled and nondisabled people earn in a year – £3,700 less annually, or £2.05 less an hour – which he said was “absolutely criminal”.

Disabled women earn more than £7,000 a year less than non-disabled men.

Mr Allan said: “It is time for employers to be forced to do better. They must face a legal duty to publish their disability pay gap.

“They must face fines for failure to implement reasonable adjustments.

“We have more to do than ever to fight for justice for disabled people.”

Building a better future

BUILDINGS will be designed with access and inclusion a top priority, the Royal Institute of British Architects has promised.

New guidance will help architects create buildings and spaces that welcome everyone, regardless of age, sexual orientation, gender, health condition, disability, ethnicity, or religion.

Extra help at Piccadilly

PASSENGERS needing help to get on and off trains at Manchester Piccadilly station now have an Assisted Travel Lounge with a Changing Places toilet facility situated near platform 1.

Killer in the cupboard

PARACETEMOL is among the top five drugs causing death in the UK. Despite being a common go-to for pain, exceeding the instructed amount of paracetemol can lead to liver failure, which can be fatal.

A spokesman for rehab provider Abbeycare Foundation, who conducted the research, said the findings highlight “the importance of reading instructions on prescribed medication and not to underestimate the side effects.”

Cocaine accounted for the highest number of drug poisonings in 2021, with 29.2 deaths per million people.

Second on the list is antidepressants at 21.1 deaths for every million people due to poisoning.

Benzodiazepines – often prescribed for anxiety, seizures, and insomnia – are third, with 18.8 deaths per million, new psychoactive substances (NPS, also known as “legal highs”) are fourth with nine deaths per million, and paracetamol fifth at 7.8 deaths.

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

Bid to ease toll on millions who look after a loved one

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AMILY carers spend longer looking after loved ones than the average full-time employee spends at work.

Tasks such as personal care, feeding, dressing, lifting and giving medication take up an average of 42 hours per week, research by national disability charity Sense reveals.

Meanwhile, almost a third of carers will spend more than 48 hours providing care, and one in six more than 72 hours.

As a result, nearly two thirds of carers looking after disabled family members describe themselves as exhausted and/or burnt out, Despite the long hours, many carers are unable to take a break from their responsibilities. More than a third do not receive any help to take a meaningful break, with one in five unable to remember the last time they got some respite.

Richard Kramer, chief executive of Sense, said: “Caring for someone with complex disabilities is often demanding, non-stop work, and takes its toll physically and mentally.

“Yet sadly, family carers across the country are missing out on a being able to take a meaningful break from these responsibilities.

“The pandemic and now the cost of living crisis has made the situation worse, with carers taking on even greater caring responsibilities and receiving less support, with their health and wellbeing suffering as a result. Many are simply burned-out.”

Sense has a launched a new campaign calling for greater respite support for families.

Respite services are available for families, offering temporary care that lets a carer take a break from looking after their loved one. However, the support available varies widely across the country, and families complain that some services paused during the pandemic have not resumed. n Sense: Tel. 0300 330 9256. n www.sense.org.uk/GiveCarersABreak

Find YOUR local Carers Centre – p17

Help the relatives who rally round

KINSHIP CARE: Call for equal treatment

KINSHIP – the charity for family members or friends who take on caring for a child – is urging the Government to commit to statutory paid leave for kinship carers on a par with adoptive parents.

The charity’s says their latest survey found that eight in ten people who are taking on new parental responsibilities claim they are being forced out of the workforce or having to reduce their hours.

Dr Lucy Peake, Kinship’s CEO, said: “These findings show the sharp contrast between workplace support given to adopters and parents, and what is available to kinship carers.

“Time and time again, kinship carers tell us that they have been pushed out of jobs and plunged into poverty, because they stepped up to care for a child who was in need of a stable home.

“The Government needs to introduce a legal requirement for all kinship carers to have the same access to paid leave and other workplace entitlements as parents and adopters.” n Tel. 03300 167 235.

Lonely and broke in 2023

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IVING costs and loneliness are the two biggest concerns for people with complex disabilities.

Feelings of isolation remain a major issue for those living with two or more disabilities, such as deafblindess.

But a survey by national disability charity Sense found that just being able to afford to live is the top issue at present, with three in five with complex disabilities struggling to pay energy bills.

The charity’s research found more than half of those asked felt lonely, compared to a quarter of the general population.

More than two thirds (69%) said they face difficulties accessing social activities, where they could meet new people, try new things and build social confidence.

Inaccessible venues (29%), transport (25%) and toilets (21%) were highlighted as significant barriers, but the greatest was deemed to be negative public attitudes towards disability (38%).

Dementia patients design new uni course

PEOPLE with dementia have designed a new postgraduate course, telling students what they want them to know about the condition.

They will also be involved in teaching the MSc module, Understanding the Me in Dementia, to health and social care professionals.

Danielle Jones, associate professor in dementia studies at the University of Bradford, where the course starts in September, said: “People with dementia and their carers have been involved in all aspects of our research and teaching.

“We wanted this module to be entirely produced by people who know the most about what it’s like to have dementia so that professionals can learn from them.”

Comments from people involved in designing the course include: l Jacqui Bingham, from Stockport: “I am still me even though I have a diagnosis. Let me be me.

Don’t squash me into your box of what you perceive I should be.”

Background

l Maq Quereshi, Stoke-onTrent: “Often, professionals treat everyone the same.

They don’t know the background of the person, they don’t know what type of industry they’ve worked in and even what type of dementia they have.” l Dory Davies, Flintshire: “Don’t assume. We can still learn new things and people with dementia can still teach others new things.” l Chris Maddocks, Eastbourne: “See the person, not the dementia.

Speak to the person, don’t speak to the caregiver.” l Allison Batchelor, from Dundonald, Northern Ireland: “Treat me with respect, I am still me. Don’t presume to know what’s best for me.” l Gerald King, Fife, Scotland: “A good life can be lived even after diagnosis of dementia. Talk to me as a person rather than talking over me or past me, I am still quite capable of having a conversation.”

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

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www.alltogethernow.org.uk

READERS . . . BRINGING PEOPLE TOGETHER SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2023

All Together NOW!

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

– Donald Pow, MD, Allied Mobility

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

— NHS Innovation Agency

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

We have always received great responses to our advertisements.

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

Heather Maddox, A-Line Mobility

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

— Dave Thompson Warrington Disability Partnership

REACHING PEOPLE WHO ARE NOT ONLINE

More than a newspaper – the key to independence

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

— Louise Beardmore, Customer Services Director United Utilities

facebook.com/ AllTogetherNews/

@ATNnews

You can benefit from our in-paper and online audiences with cost-effective advertising and sponsorship.

Your advertisement will be

250,000

local, seen by and highly relevant readers – don't let your business miss out on our huge audience!

Contact me now

Helen McLoughlin Tel 0151 929 3912 07511 839397 helen@alltogethernow.org.uk

“WE HAVE supported All Together NOW! for the past 15 years and are proud to be one of the charity’s main sponsors – recognition for the way in which the newspaper helps bring together so many people and organisations. There is no doubting the importance of this excellent publication. All Together NOW! makes a unique contribution to improving the quality of life of disabled people and their families. We are delighted with the huge progress the paper has made, and we know from the number of telephone calls we receive from people who have read the paper that distribution is on the increase and is reaching the right audience.”

Steve Morgan CBE, chairman Steve Morgan Foundation

www.alltogethernow.org.uk Registered Charity: 1106387

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2023

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www.alltogethernow.org.uk

‘Greater effort needed to cut animal testing’

A SWIFTER move to humane alternatives to animal testing is being urged by campaigners.

The call comes after figures showed 2.76 million scientific procedures involving living animals were carried out in Britain in 2022.

A vast majority (96%) of those procedures, both experimental and for breeding purposes, were on mice, fish, birds or rats.

But 15,000 were carried out on so-called “specially protected species” – primates, horses, dogs and cats.

The number of moderately severe procedures – those causing short-term moderate pain, suffering or distress or long-lasting mild pain, suffering or distress – rocketed by 27% year-on-year.

There was also an increase in severe procedures, which in some cases cause severe pain or suffering, according to the figures published by the Home Office.

Jan Creamer, president of leading animal welfare charity Animal Defenders International, said: it is time for the Government to engage with wider experts developing better methods such as sophisticated analytical techniques and advanced, human-based models.”

App for women

HALF of women over 45 do no strength exercises and miss out on many benefits to their health and wellbeing.

But now a new app is in development that could have a “powerful impact” on their lives.

Project leader Dr Anna Lowe, from Sheffield Hallam University, says strength training maintains function and independence as women age, improves mood and sleep, maintains muscle and bone strength, and helps maintain a healthy weight.

Fitting in at school

Fans with sight loss zoom in on the action

CLOSE-UP:Headset streaming live footage were trialled at Wimbledon

GAME, SET AND WATCH

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PORTS fans with sight loss could soon be watching live action like never before, with headsets tailored to their particular needs.

YOUNG people with low vision feel more socially excluded at school than blind students.

Both pupils who were blind and those who had no vision impairment were likely to have a higher sense of belonging at school than those with low vision, a study has found.

Researchers believe this may be connected with the additional support blind pupils receive from teachers and others.

They may also have come to terms with their disability to a greater extent than those with less severe vision issues, with a positive impact on their feelings of belonging and acceptance.

Chief researcher at the University of Birmingham, Ifigeneia Manitsa said: “We need to develop creative interventions to support students with vision impairment.”

The headsets, which stream live footage from TV cameras at the event, were trialled at this year’s Wimbledon Championships and received an enthusiastic stamp of approval from tennis fans.

Powered by Vodafone’s 5G and developed by GiveVision, they allow the wearer to be fully immersed in the action from anywhere in the stands.

Previously a limited number of people could use the devices and had to be within 20 metres of a transmitter box.

But Vodafone 5G covers an entire court or stadium, in unlimited numbers, so visually impaired fans were able to enjoy the action from anywhere in the crowd, alongside friends and family.

As each individual’s sight loss varies, the headsets can be adjusted to fit the specific requirements, allowing people to tailor the experience to their personal needs. This includes features like amending the zoom, brightness and contrast of the footage.

After trialling them at Wimbledon, tennis fan Sinead Grealy, 51, said: “These 5G headsets

are amazing and will be lifechanging for so many people. It’s incredible that I’ll be able to enjoy live sporting experiences like this in the future and I’m beyond overwhelmed at the moment.”

And Ivan Rodriguez Deb, 17, said: “As a visually impaired tennis player and a huge tennis fan, I can’t put into words how I feel. Being able to track the ball, see the spin and focus on all the finer details is a real game-changer.”

Vodafone is now exploring the possibility of making the 5G headsets more widely available at future sporting events.

The technology enhances the TV footage to suit the person’s specific sight profile by bringing it closer to their eye, stimulating the cells that respond to light, which means a degree of sight can be regained.

As well as accessing the live feeds, people using the technology can switch between modes and use the camera phone in the headset to focus on whatever action they like.

Vodafone’s chief commercial officer Max Taylor said: “We are committed to using our technology to bring fans closer to the action.”

GiveVision CEO Elodie Draperi said: “Our mission is to redefine accessibility standards for visually impaired spectators at all UK sports and entertainment venues.”

Liverpool airport: Good and the bad

LIVERPOOL’s John Lennon airport is one of the best in the UK for disabled passengers, according to the industry’s regulator.

The Speke-based terminal is among 18 airports that have consistently achieved a good or very good rating throughout the past year, says the Civil Aviation Authorty’s annual access report.

However, within weeks of the report being published, a wheelchair user missed her 6am flight to Dublin from Liverpool – despite arriving early and asking for special assistance.

Joanne Vasey, 38, said: “We were told to go the gate and someone would be there to help. The assistant said ‘don’t worry, the plane can’t go without you’.”

‘Hurt and annoyed’

When the flight did go without her, she was offered another from Manchester airport, but was told she would have to pay for both transport to the airport and another plane ticket, which would be reimbursed as a later date.

Joanne said: “If I was able-bodied, this wouldn’t have happened. It puts you off doing anything. I’m annoyed and hurt.”

A spokesman for ABM airport management services at Liverpool airport said: “We understand the importance of the special assistance service we provide, and we regret that on this occasion, Ms Vasey’s experience did not meet that standard.”

Meanwhile, the CAA report also said London Heathrow was the only airport to be classed as poor and in need of improvement.

RATED good or very good: Aberdeen, Belfast City, Belfast International, Bournemouth, Cardiff, City of Derby, Cornwall Newquay, East Midlands, Edinburgh, Exeter, Glasgow, Glasgow Prestwick, Inverness, Liverpool, London City, Newcastle, Norwich and Southampton.

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

All Together NOW!

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2023

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

All our best wishes, Jane

PARTY TIME: Friends, family, colleagues and charity representatives flocked to The Reader in Liverpool’s Calderstones Park to wish Jane a long and happy retirement. Pictures – Lindy Rogers Photography

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BIG thanks from all of us at the Steve Morgan Foundation to everyone who attended the “farewell” party in the park for our Director of Grants, Jane Harris.

For 17 years, Jane was at the helm of the Foundation, helping hundreds of charities with their funding applications.

Now, she will be continuing her work with the Foundation as a trustee.

Jane said: “Through my work at the Foundation, I have been lucky enough to meet many people doing extraordinary things that truly change lives.

“It has been an honour and a privilege to work with so many incredible charities over the years, to help them grow and make a real difference to our local communities.

“I’m looking forward to continuing to work with the dedicated team at the Foundation, as a member of the Board, and seeing our CEO Liam Eaglestone continue to steer the charity towards an even brighter, more promising future.”

BRAND REFRESH www.stevemorganfoundation.org.uk Tel 01928 706555

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stevemorganfoundation

Steve Morgan Foundation

@stevemorganfdn

FOR A NEW SEASON

OR MORE than 20 years, the Steve Morgan Foundation has been changing people’s lives for the better.

The time is right for a refresh of the brand to better reflect the Foundation’s ongoing philanthropic impact.

The new website is easy to use with a wealth of information about the work of the Foundation, its team and trustees, and how charities can apply for funding.

The brand refresh, which includes a modified logo and colour scheme, will help to correctly position the Foundation as a leading UK charitable foundation, delivering best-

in-class philanthropy through practice, partnerships and impact.

Steve Morgan CBE, pictured, launched the Foundation in 2001 to give something back to the communities and causes closest to his heart.

Since then, the philanthropist has committed assets of £300m, and the Foundation has funded everything from the purpose-built Maggie’s Wirral, cutting-edge research into type1 diabetes, as well as helping charities struggling with the impact of Covid-19.

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

or

hello@stevemorganfoundation.org.uk

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SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2023

Vulnerable patients ‘cut off from home’

THOUSANDS of adults with acute mental health needs are being sent hundreds of miles from home for hospital treatment due to a lack of beds and specialist care.

Since the Government’s own March 2021 deadline to end the harmful practice, there have been almost 9,000 new inappropriate “out of area placements”.

More than half of all those placements resulted in patients being sent more than 60 miles away for vital treatment, according to a Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCP) analysis of NHS data.

The placements, which can stretch for months, continue to cause significant harm to patients, says the college and the British Medical Association.

Together they have written to Mental Health Minister Maria Caulfield to demand an end to the practice.

RCP president Dr Adrian James said: “We need comprehensive community services to avoid admission wherever possible. We also need beds available locally when patients need admission.”

BMA mental health policy lead Dr Andrew Molodynski said: “It is absolutely crucial that the Government prioritises the expansion of inpatient mental health beds in England alongside the expansion of the mental health workforce, so this harmful practice is abolished once and for all.”

How Hollywood is helping stroke survivors HEAL GOOD FACTOR: Experts are using tech from fantasy films like Lord of the Rings and Avatar.

They are also studying movements of ballet dancers and athletes

MOVIE MAGIC

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OLLYWOOD movies like Lord of the Rings and Avatar are inspiring new efforts to help stroke patients and injured athletes.

North West researchers are using performance capture technology – used to create Gollum in Lord of the Rings – to research movement and motion in order to improve treatment and rehabilitation.

The technology involves placing markers on the body, which are tracked by infra-red cameras to create a 3D computer model of the skeleton moving on a screen.

These movements are used by the film makers to create their on-screen characters and are now being employed by Dr Hannah Jarvis and Dr Phil Nagy from Lancaster University Medical School.

Dr Jarvis has used the technology to help amputees from the conflict in Afghanistan and is investigating using the same technology for stroke patients and the elderly.

She said: “We will be able to measure the joint angle and the force on various joints as we watch the model walking on the screen.

This can be used to design rehabilitation for the patient.”

Disabled people leading change CHARITY SPOTLIGHT

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ISABILITY Rights UK is the largest national charity led by, run by, and working for disabled people.

It works with Disabled People’s Organisations and Government across the UK to influence regional and national change for better rights, benefits, quality of life and economic opportunities for disabled people.

DR UK provides vital information to disabled people across the country through its helplines, news updates and factsheets.

Unique services, such as its Student Helpline, provide advice about how to access support at university.

It also partners with various grass roots organisations in the North West to run projects enabling disabled people to participate in sport and physical activity.

Readers of All Together NOW! can get a 10% discount on all purchases from the DR UK shop by entering the code NOW10 at checkout.

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

OUT NOW! Everything you need to know

THE Disability Rights Handbook provides in-depth, comprehensive guidance on the benefits system, explains how social care operates around the UK and includes information about other services and resources for disabled people.

And it’s full of tools and tactics to help you make a successful claim.

Written in plain English by benefits’ specialists and legally referenced, it’s the only userfriendly guide designed for both claimants and advisers.

Fully updated for 2023/24 and easy to find your way around, it has the answers you need, to

Dr Nagy has been researching the movement of ballet dancers, who perform an average 200 jumps in a routine.

He said: “Most jumps involve landing on one leg which takes four times the bodyweight of the dancer. I’m interested in how we can protect the dancers from injury and this also applies to footballers, cricketers and other athletes.”

The aim is to enable this technology to be used at home where stairs and rugs would make the movement tracking as realistic as possible.

Genuine Radar NKS Key Get priority access to accessible public toilets

If you have a health condition or disability, finding an accessible toilet that’s clean, tidy and available for you to use can be a challenge.

And they’re often kept locked.

l The Radar key gives you access to over 9,000 locked disabled public toilets around the UK.

l Disability Rights UK manages the Radar NKS Scheme and relies on key sales to maintain it.

l Don’t risk buying a cheap copy that may not work.

claim what you’re entitled to, or challenge an unsuccessful application for benefits or social care. n Reduced price copies for individuals are available online at www.disabilityrightsuk.org/shop or by calling 020 3687 0790.

l All keys manufactured and guaranteed by the makers of the Radar locks themselves Genuine Radar Key £5.00 including P&P Available from: www.disabilityrightsuk.org/shop Enter the code NOW10 at checkout to get a 10% discount on all purchases You can also send a £5 cheque made payable to ‘Disability Rights UK’

Disability Rights UK, Plexal, 14 East Bay Lane, Here East, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London E20 3BS

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SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2023

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Motability changes gear – and its name!

M

OTABILITY is changing its name to “Motability Foundation” in a bid to increase awareness of its wider remit of grant giving, research and innovation.

Now in its 45th year, Motability is well known for its role overseeing the Motability Scheme.

However, despite a large-scale expansion as a funder, people are still unaware of its role as a disability charity.

In a survey of disabled people, their friends, family, carers, and disability organisations, only 2% believed it is a charity.

Chief executive Barry Le Grys said: “As the Motability Foundation, we want to reach more disabled people, charities and organisations, by making it easier for them to understand who we are and find out how we can support them.

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2023

Could Iris be your holiday solution?

“We also need to ensure that the work we are doing to fund, support, research and innovate is recognised and trusted by governments, business and industry to help effect positive change. This is more than a cosmetic change to a name and logo.”

What the Foundation does … l Fund, support, research and innovate so that all disabled people can make the journeys they choose. l Oversee the Motability Scheme and provide grants to help people use it, l Award grants to other charities and organisations that provide different types of transport, or work towards making transport accessible. l Carry out ongoing research.

In the financial year, the Motability Foundation has: l Provided £74.6m of grants to 16,096 people who use the Motability Scheme – an increase from £53.8m from the previous year. l Launched the National Centre for Accessible Transport. l Launched a new portfolio of six new grant programmes for charities and organisations across the UK. l Co-sponsored the public EV charging standard and grant-funded EV charge point prototypes. l Funded/commissioned eight research projects to help make transport accessible. n Motability Foundation Helpline: 0300 456 4566

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CAMPERVAN designed to be accessible and comfortable for families with a disabled child is available to hire.

Believed to be the first of its kind in the UK, Accessible Iris has joined the fleet of camper van hire agency Quirky Campers Iris is the vision of Jemima Alexander and Cody Selby, parents of two girls, the eldest of whom has complex needs and is a wheelchair user.

Using their understanding of the accessibility issues families face when trying to take a holiday, they have designed a cosy, well-equipped and thoughtful five-berth van (four adults

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and one child) that aims to take the stress out of stays away from home.

Heating and lights are easily controlled, with plenty of storage and height-adjustable bed.

They also wanted to make off-grid experiences a reality for all, so Iris has an electrical system that allows even people who use overnight oxygen and ventilation the ability to sleep off-grid under the stars.

Jemima said: “We know it is often the details that make or break a holiday with a disabled child. We wanted families to be able to adjust light and temperature to suit their child.”

Typical 3-night in September, £365; full week in October, £823. n www.quirkycampers.com.

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All Together NOW!

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2023

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

Make offices work better

T

HE workplace is still a difficult and frustrating environment for the vast majority of disabled employees.

A major UK survey into the experience of employees with a disability or long-term condition, found only one in 10 had easily obtained the workplace adjustments they needed.

Even after adjustments were made to reduce or remove the workplace barriers they face, half reported other issues related to their condition – including harassment and bullying, and inaccessible spaces and promotion opportunities.

Diane Lightfoot, head of the Business Disability Forum, said: “To be fully inclusive, employers need a greater understanding of how disability affects a person’s life as a whole.” n BDF: Tel. 020 7403 3020

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

Worker health support

EMPLOYERS are being asked to consider providing high-quality health support at work.

While 90% of large employers offer occupational health support, fewer than a fifth of small ones do.

Employers will be encouraged to take up occupational health offers to help employees access vital mental and physical health support, particularly in small and medium-sized enterprises.

Proposals in the Government’s new consultation include introducing a national “health at work” standard for all employers to provide a baseline for quality occupational health provision.

The Occupational Health consultation runs until Thursday October 12. www.gov.uk/government/ consultations

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2023

The ‘hassle-free’ taxi

THE makers of the iconic black London cab have launched an accessible taxi they say sets new standards in inclusive transport.

The TX Access, from LEVC (London Electric Vehicle Company), provides space for wheelchair users and can accommodate up to six passengers.

It features a direct access ramp that folds away into the floorspace.

Inside, the TX Access is large enough to effortlessly rotate a wheelchair into a forward-facing position, while the restraint system allows wheelchair users to remain securely seated throughout the journey. A completely flat floor, covered in slip-resistant material, ensures stability and safety.

An innovative swivel seat that pivots outside the vehicle makes for hassle-free access, and a large door opening allows easy entry for wheelchair users.

The vehicle also features a wide range of communication options, such as hearing induction loop, braille embossed controls, and microphone system.

We’re here to help, chat – and have FUN!

CHARITY SPOTLIGHT . . .

S

ACSIL (Amputee and Carer Support in Liverpool) is a charity that helps and support amputees, their families and their carers across the Liverpool and Merseyside.

PEAKING to those who have first-hand experience of an amputation can help anyone suffering with the changes to their life.

Since it was founded in 2005, ACSIL’s aim is to help as many amputees as possible by offering support, advice and social contact at The Breckfield Centre, Liverpool, where the charity is based.

All Together NOW!

Help bring change to the buses

BUS Users UK is calling on disabled people to share their experiences of bus travel.

Participants are being asked to log their bus journeys across the period of a month and to record their experiences, both positive and negative.

The outcomes will be used to inform and shape bus accessibility and inclusion practice.

Dawn Badminton-Capps, Bus Users director for England, said: “This is a unique opportunity to bring about real change and ensure that bus services are genuinely accessible and inclusive.” n Email chiara.sanchez@revealing reality.co.uk; call 02077 358040 or visit www.bususers.org/?s= disabled

Lifehouse Liverpool, 0151 709 0121

. . . ACSIL (Amputee and Carer Support in Liverpool)

ACSIL caters for people of all ages, who have had single or multiple amputations, as well as those who are in the process of becoming an amputee.

With more than 150 members, the weekly drop-in sessions at The Breckfield Centre take place every Wednesday from 10.00am to 3.00pm. Come along for a chat, play games and enjoy lunch together.

Barbara Hill, an ACSIL member for 15 years, said: “I love coming to the club every week. They have given back my quality of life. They are like my extended family; I would be lost without them all.”

The charity also organises various day trips

throughout the year, which are a great opportunity to socialise and have some fun!

The next outing is a five-course champagne dinner with entertainment and bingo at Tiffany’s Hotel in Blackpool on Wednesday October 25, and costs £20.00 (including transport).

To sign up, use the contact details below.

n Call 0151 261 1166 for more details, to donate or to sign up as a volunteer.

Or visit the charity’s website: www.acsil.co.uk

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A MATTER OF All Together NOW!

All fans should have the right to use a toilet I

MAGINE having to choose between risking going to a sporting event knowing there will be no toilet facilities you can use, or not going at all.

That’s the reality for many disabled sports enthusiasts and athletes.

Now a group of disabled fans are calling on the Government to update legislation and allow all people, regardless of disability, to visit and take part in sporting fixtures by making Changing Places toilets compulsory at venues.

Changing Places facilities provide extra equipment and space to allow disabled people to use the toilet safely and comfortably.

A Change.org petition has been launched, calling for Changing Places toilets to be mandatory in UK sports venues with a capacity of more than 350 people.

Fewer than 10% of sports venues in the UK currently include the facility, meaning disabled fans and athletes are often unable to visit or take part in sporting fixtures.

Legislation in England requires all new builds for more than 350 people to have a Changing Places facility, but there is no such requirement for existing venues.

Francesca Dean, Rachel Bury, and Zack Kerr – who all have cerebral palsy and are wheelchair users – are backing the #RiseForSport campaign led by RISE Adaptations – one of the UK’s few Changing Places providers, which helps to change existing spaces into Changing Places Toilets or build CPTs as an add-on to existing buildings.

Together, they have launched the petition, insisting it is a “matter of dignity”.

Zack, 27, from Accrington, has previously successfully campaigned to introduce the toilets in motorway service stations, and is now turning his focus to sports venues.

He said: “I am a very sociable person and live life to the full. I enjoy all sorts of leisure activities and getting out and about as often as I can, but going to sporting events is either a huge gamble, taking a risk of having no accessible facilities available, or not going out at all.

“Even leisure facilities such as swimming pools and sports centres rarely have Changing

‘

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2023

Places Toilets, making visits as a supporter, spectator, or participant almost impossible. This restricts my ability to experience these events and also my ability to spend quality time with family and friends at such events.”

Francesca, 28, from Rossendale, said: “Having more toilets would provide more comfort and dignity to people in the same or similar situation as myself. Disability shouldn’t still be a taboo subject – this needs to change.”

And Rachel, 35, from Accrington, added: “If I knew Changing Places Toilets would be available at these locations it would mean so much to me and would help give me confidence to try things again or maybe even some new hobbies.”

Changing Places campaigner Jane Cooper, said: “Things are getting better, and we are seeing more and more Changing Places Toilets installed in shopping centres, attractions, motorway services and leisure centres, but sports venues are severely lagging behind. Hopefully this petition can help change this.”

www.alltogethe

Hopefully the petition will help to change things – JANE COOPER

“MATTER OF DIGNITY”: How a Changing Places toilet makes life easier for people

LETTER TO MINISTERS

Former Paralympic wheelchair racer Anne Wafula Strike, pictured, now a disability access and inclusion campaigner and motivational speaker, has written an open letter to the Secretary of State for Sport, Lucy Frazer, and Minister of State for Disabled People, Tom Pursglove

Dear Ministers,

I am calling on you as decision make accessible and inclusive to all by pro Places toilets and make sure that we This is an urgent issue and needs t change in legislation.

I’ve heard from sports fans about th to their lives when the club or team th

F DIGNITY

ernow.org.uk

e with complex needs

ers to make sport viding Changing e leave no one behind. o be addressed by a

he difference it makes hey support has a

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2023

All Together NOW!

500,000 people across Merseyside and Cheshire DIGITALLY EXCLUDED

Add your name . . .

l Standard accessible toilets do not offer what is needed for many disabled people. l CPTs provide a height adjustable changing bench, hoist, privacy screen and extra space to meet the needs of users. l You can sign the petition here: www.change.org/ riseforsport

CAMPAIGNERS: Disabled fans leading the call for better toilet facilities

Changing Places Toilet at their venue. It makes it possible for them to watch their favourite sport live and feel the excitement of being a part of that sporting family. Without these facilities, risking visiting a sports stadium can be a humiliating experience.

Sport is such an important part of society; it has played a huge role in my life, and it is saddening that disabled people face barriers as inhumane as not having access to a toilet facility – both as participants and supporters.

Live sporting events bring many benefits including

improving levels of wellbeing, reducing social isolation and feelings of loneliness both as a participant and supporter.

Disabled people should be able to access sport and enjoy these benefits like non-disabled people do so easily.

I’m requesting a meeting with you both, so that we can look at the current legislation and address this issue with urgency.

In 2023, disabled sports participants and supporters should not be faced with the stark choice of staying at home or being changed on a toilet floor.

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

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All Together NOW!

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2023

OUR 10 LUCKY WATER BUTT WINNERS

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

CONGRATULATIONS to the 10 lucky winners of our hugely popular Water Butt competition.

Miss J Foster, Sanden Road, Southport.

Graham Hill, Winslow Street, Walton, Liverpool.

Mrs J Cannell, Lakeside Close, Widnes.

John Grosling, Kings Park, Seaforth.

Bhawani Prasad Neupane, Lowerbrook Way, Liverpool.

Mrs Pat Russell, Morely Street, St Helens.

Peter Haake, Westfield road, Orrell Park, Liverpool.

Paul Walker, Somerville Street, Crewe.

Pauline Morris, Baroncroft Road, Liverpool.

Trevor Brassey, Bennets Lane, Meols, Wirral.

All winners will be receiving their prizes direct from United Utilities.

HELPLINES

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

GO ON, GET OUT! COME RAIN OR SHINE: The YHA’s 2023 Festival of Walking

A

LEADING champion of the outdoors is taking steps . . . to get people wheeling and walking!

The Youth Hostels Association’s six-week long 2023 Festival of Walking aims to get more people sampling the great outdoors.

With tried and tested walking routes all over England and Wales, the YHA’s popular calendar of free events will run from September 3 to October 19.

James Blake, chief executive of YHA (England & Wales), said: “YHA has more than 90 years of experience working with people of all ages in the outdoors, and we have seen first-hand the myriad health benefits associated with walking.”

YHA has produced more than 180 freeto-download circular walking routes – ranging from easy to severe and across a range of terrains, including towns and cities.

All tested by experienced walkers, they range from easy one milers to challenging 20-mile routes, and all start from and finish at a youth hostel.

They include The Beatles Tour, a 3.6-mile city route which takes in some of the Fab Four’s landmarks in Liverpool.

Or the 4.7mile Haroldston and Druidston route in Broad Haven, which covers woodland, country, and coastal terrain during the walk.

There are a number of routes accessible to wheelchair users, including the beautiful, stile-free, 4.5-mile Gordale Scar and Malham Cove route in the Yorkshire Dales, suitable for powered wheelchairs and with accessible parking and toilet facilities.

The festival also features a programme of free-to-join social walks.

Led by qualified walk leaders, these offer a supported and safe space for people to get involved with walking, meet other walkers, and build confidence in the outdoors.

There’s also a 20% discount on youth hostel accommodation during the festival to encourage as many people as possible to get out and about.

HELP AT THE END OF A PHONE

n ANGLESEY: TARAN Tel 01407 721933 n BLACKPOOL Disability Information and Support.

Tel 01253 472 202.

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

Tel 0151 355 1420 n HALTON Disability Service Tel 01928 717222 n KNOWSLEY DISABILITY CONCERN. 0151 480 4090 n LANCASTER DISC Tel 01524 34411 n ACSIL (Amputees and Carers), Tel, 0151 261 1166 n THE BRAIN CHARITY Tel 0151 298 2999 n MANCHESTER (GTR) Coalition of Disabled

People Tel 0161-273 5154 n MOLD Flintshire Disability Tel 01352 755546 n NELSON: Pendle Pakistan Welfare Association.

Tel 01282 603 616 n PRESTON DISC: Tel 01772 558 863.

Text 01772 204 787 n RHYL Tel 01745 350665 n STOCKPORT: Disability Stockport. 0161 480 7248

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

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

Group. 07891 794733; 07585 958322; 07557 228154

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2023

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

Who’s your champion?

DO YOU know anyone working tirelessly to make life better for disabled people?

If so, national disability charity Scope want to hear from you.

The Scope Disability Equality Awards recognise people and organisations who are paving the way in championing disability equality, challenging attitudes and bringing about social change.

The nine categories for nominations are: Accessible Product; Inclusive Workplace; Campaign; Influencer; Journalist; Media Moment; Role Model; Purple Pioneer; and Community Group. n Deadline October 6. n www.scopeawards.co.uk Tel. 0808 800 3333

Hospital trusts merge

TWO North-West hospital trusts have joined forces to deliver “five star patient care”.

Nine thousand staff are now serving a population of more than 600,000 as St Helens and Knowsley Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust formally came together as one.

Chief executive of the new Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (MWL) Ann Marr said: “Our vision is to provide five star care to all of our patients across Merseyside and West Lancashire, and what an exciting time to be doing this as the NHS celebrates its 75th Birthday.”

“EXCITING”: Ann Marr

WHEELCOME ABOARD!

AT THE HELM: Kyle in the hot seat on the new wheelyboat at Castle Semple Loch. Right, the boats at Connah’s Quay, Flintshire

T

HAT great Wheelyboat charity, set up to give wheelchair users free use of specially adapted boats, have done it again!

A fleet of boats in rivers all over England – including Liverpool, Lancashire and Cheshire – is already providing plenty of fun.

Now, the charity has teamed up with the Castle Semple Centre to launch a second wheelyboat on the 1.5 mile long freshwater Castle Semple Loch in Renfrewshire.

Local schoolboy Kyle named the wheelyboat “Lightyear” after Toy Story

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

character Buzz Lightyear.

Andy Beadsley, director of operations at The Wheelyboat Trust, says: “As a wheelchair user myself, I know first-hand the benefits that being able to take part in activities that able bodied people take for granted can bring.”

Castle Semple Centre offers activities for all levels of ability, from sailing and canoeing to orienteering and archery.

Since setting up in 1984, the Wheelyboat Trust has helped organisations across the UK to acquire more than 220 Wheelyboats. n Tel. 0300 3000 200.

Your local centre

l Liverpool Watersports Centre, Tel. 0151 708 9322. l The Anderton Centre, Chorley.

Tel. 01257 484220. l Overwater Marina, Audlem.

Tel. 01270 812677 / 07455 130305. l Westlow Mere, Congleton.

Tel. 01260 270012. l Quay Watermen’s Association, Connah’s Quay, Flinthshire.

Tel. 07747 066742

l www.wheelyboats.org l Tel. 01798 342222 / 07860 650023.

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

All Together NOW!

CARERS’ CENTRES

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

Tel 01228 542 156 Penrith.

Tel 01768 890 280 Barrow-in-Furness.

Tel 01229 822 822 Kendal.

Tel 01539 732 927 Whitehaven, Tel 01946 592 223 n CHESHIRE & WARRINGTON Helpline:0300 102 0008 n KNOWSLEY Tel 0151 549 1412 n LANCASTER Tel 01524 66475 nLIVERPOOL Tel 0151 705 2307 n MANCHESTER Tel 0161 835 2995 n MORECAMBE Tel 01524 833456 n PRESTON Tel 01772 200173 n RUNCORN Tel 01928 580182 n WIDNES Tel 0151 257 9673 n SALFORD Tel 0161 833 0217 n SEFTON Tel 0151 288 6060 n ST HELENS Tel 01744 675 615 n STOCKPORT Tel 0161 442 0442 n WARRINGTON (WIRED) Tel 01925 633 492 n WEST LANCS Tel 01695 711243 n WIGAN & LEIGH Tel 01942 705959 / 486923 MIDLANDS n BIRMINGHAM Tel 0121 675 8000 n SOLIHULL Tel 0121 788 1143 n WALSALL Tel 01922 610 810 NORTH WALES n ANGLESEY Tel 01248 722828 n BANGOR Tel 01248 370 797 n CONWY Tel 01492 533714 n DENBIGHSHIRE: NEWCIS, Tel: 0845 603 3187 nDOLGELLAU Tel 01341 421167 n FLINTSHIRE: NEWCIS, Tel: 01352 751436 n WREXHAM CARERS SERVICE

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All Together NOW!

MEDICAL NOTES

How to keep moving – even tied to a desk

FEEL like you’re glued to your desk for hours at a time – whether in the office or at home?

Moving the body regularly is important for avoiding back or neck pain, or even leg ache as a result of sitting for long periods.

In 2020/21, 470,000 workers suffered from a work-related musculoskeletal disorder.

JEANNIE Di BON, physiotherapist and creator of wellbeing app moovlite, teamed up with The Compensation Experts to provide her tips.

Jeannie recommends moving at least every 45 minutes, which equates to 10 times in an eight-hour working day.

And she adds: “The body loves to move. But if we sit for many hours without the opportunity to move around or stretch regularly, our tissue becomes dehydrated. This dehydration causes tissues to stick together and makes us feel stiff and can lead to pain.” n Roll the foot under your desk on a tennis ball or spikey ball. This will keep circulation going. n Calf pumps – rotate your ankles in both directions, one leg at a time. This will keep the calf muscles working, which prevents things like DVT. n Seated roll forward. Sit in your chair turned away from your desk, feet firmly planted. Rest hands on thighs. Nod your head slightly and roll the spine forward, allowing the hands to slide down the legs towards the feet, keeping your chin tucked in. At the bottom inhale into the back of the body to expand the lungs and stretch the thoracic spine. To return, press your feet into the ground and start to roll the pelvis back, which will lift your spine back to vertical. n Sitting staring at computers for a long time can cause the spine to get tight and fixed in one position.

Introduce counteractions. While sitting, place your left hand on your right thigh, gently rotating the spine to the right, looking over your right shoulder to stretch the neck. Repeat the other way. n Add side bends. On your chair, let your spine flex to the left, the left arm slides down the side of the chair. Keep the pelvis heavy and balanced. Use the weight of the pelvis to lift the spine back up. Repeat the other side. n If you can stand, hold the back of your chair and walk on the spot to use the calf muscles. Lift both heels and slowly lower one heel down. Then swap – so you are raising one heel at a time, alternating feet.

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2023

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

Vital guide helps GPs spot deadly eating disorders

A killer in hiding

T

HE number of people being admitted to hospital with eating disorders has rocketed in the past five years.

Shock figures reveal children and young people are the worst affected, with a 90% increase in admissions.

And a Royal College of Psychiatrists study found adult hospital admissions for conditions such as anorexia and bulimia had gone up by 79% over the same period.

A stark rise of 128% has been seen in boys and young men — from 280 hospital admissions in 2015/16 to 637 in 2020/2021.

Alarmingly, lack of training and accessible guidance means the signs that someone with an eating disorder is severely ill and in need of hospital treatment are often missed

by GPs and in emergency departments.

The main barrier to spotting patients at risk is that, even when seriously unwell, people with eating disorders can appear to be healthy, with normal blood tests.

In a bid to address the lack of awareness and ensure sufferers receive vital early treatment and support, the Royal College has produced new guidelines to help healthcare professionals identify and manage eating disorders when they become life-threatening.

Dr Dasha Nicholls, who chaired the development of the Medical Emergencies in Eating Disorders guidelines, said: “Eating disorders like anorexia, bulimia and binge eating don’t discriminate, and can

‘Years before help came’

IT TOOK James Downs, who developed anorexia at the age of 15, more than six years from diagnosis to receive specialist support.

He puts this down to a lack of awareness of the signs of eating disorders among non-specialist healthcare professionals, and not knowing how to approach patients with the condition.

James says that being a man often means that healthcare professionals don’t see him as someone with an eating disorder and it’s harder to get treatment.

In the six years it took to get support, the illness had taken hold and James’

physical health had deteriorated. He had frequently been admitted to hospital with low potassium levels, low blood sugar, heart abnormalities and other consequences of malnutrition.

Now 32, James said: “Getting help early could prevent so many people from being admitted to hospital.

“All healthcare professionals should be able to spot the signs and have timely and accessible treatments to offer patients.”

But he added: “Recognising that eating disorders are everyone’s business, and not just for some specialist workforce, can change thousands of lives for the better.”

affect people of any age and gender. They are mental health disorders, not a lifestyle choice, and we shouldn’t underestimate how serious they are.

“Even though anorexia nervosa is often referred to as the deadliest mental health condition – most deaths are preventable with early treatment and support.

“Full recovery is possible if spotted and treated early, and we need to raise awareness of the symptoms of common eating disorders.

“If we are to stop the eating disorders epidemic in its tracks, it’s vital this guidance reaches healthcare professionals urgently and that government backs them with the necessary resources to implement them.”

One in five deaths of people with anorexia nervosa are due to suicide, alongside very high rates of self-harm and comorbid depression across all eating disorder diagnoses. n The guidance is available to download at www.rcpsych.ac.uk

. . . reaching people who are digitally excluded

ALZHEIMER’S DRUG ‘HUGELY EXCITING’

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DRUG that significantly slows the progression of Alzheimer’s has been hailed as a turning point in the fight against the condition.

Researchers said the results of a global clinical trial were “hugely exciting”.

The drug donanemab was shown to slow the pace of the disease in patients by 35% compared to those on a dummy drug.

And the decline in their ability to perform normal daily activities such as managing finances, engaging in hobbies, discussing current events and driving was reduced by 40%.

Almost half of the 1,736 participants across the world showed no worsening of the condition after 12 months, while those at the earliest stage of Alzheimer’s had the greatest benefit, with a 60% slowing of cognitive decline compared to others taking a placebo.

The UK's drugs watchdog has started assessing it for possible NHS use but campaigners fear the Health Service is not geared up to deliver new treatments.

Donanemab works in Alzheimer's disease, not in other types of dementia, such as vascular dementia, is not a cure, and is not risk-free – brain swelling was a common side effect and at least two volunteers are understood to have died.

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2023

This is truly a turning point

Dr Emer MacSweeney, head of Re:Cognition Health, the research clinic that led the TRAILBLAZER-ALZ 2 trials, said: “This is a significant advancement in the pursuit of effective Alzheimer’s treatments.

“We recognise the urgent need for new and innovative therapies to combat Alzheimer’s

disease, and we are excited to contribute to the development of this potentially groundbreaking treatment.

“The results of TRAILBLAZER-ALZ 2 are hugely exciting and we are proud to be offering patients the opportunity to access more opportunities in clinical trials. With every study conducted, we are helping more people and taking greater steps to find a cure and potentially change the course of the disease for thousands of individuals affected by Alzheimer’s.”

Dr Richard Oakley, associate director of research and innovation at the Alzheimer’s Society, said: “This is truly a turning point in the fight against Alzheimer’s and science is proving that it is possible to slow down the disease.

“Treatments like donanemab are the first steps towards a future where Alzheimer’s disease could be considered a long-term condition alongside diabetes or asthma.

“People may have to live with it, but they could have treatments that allow them to effectively manage their symptoms and continue to live fulfilled lives.”

Kate Lee, Alzheimer’s Society CEO, added: “This is a defining moment for dementia research. But new treatments could mean nothing if we don’t fix dementia diagnosis.

“We estimate around 720,000 people in the UK could potentially benefit from these emerging new Alzheimer’s disease treatments if they’re approved for use here.

But the NHS is simply not ready to deliver them.

“Everyone living with dementia deserves access to a speedy, accurate diagnosis to get the support and treatments they need, now and in the future.”

WITH so many advances in Alzheimer’s research, it’s imperative that people seek expert advice at the earliest signs of cognitive decline.

That will enable them to potentially access these new-generation medications through clinical trials, to slow and ideally halt disease progression.

Anyone over 50 experiencing two or more of the following symptoms, which have been gradually progressing over the past 12 months, should seek a diagnosis.

l Short-term memory loss. l Changes in behaviour. l Confusion. l Forgetting words and experiencing problems with speech and language l Loss of sense of direction, getting lost or becoming disorientated in a familiar environment. l Difficulty in performing every day (seemingly straightforward) tasks. l Problems with calculation – finding difficulty with managing money or completing simple sums and puzzles. l Misplacing items by, for example,

putting keys in the freezer or milk in the dishwasher and not being able to retrace your steps to find them these objects. l Difficulty making decisions which may also include making poor decisions, possibly wearing inappropriate clothes given the weather or wearing clothes back to front. l Issues with visual images and spatial awareness which may include difficulty reading words. n Re:Cognition Health:Tel. 0121 468 2045 n Alzheimer’s Disease Support Line: 0333 150 3456

Early diagnosis key to best treatments

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MEDICAL NOTES

Closer to cure for type of epilepsy

A CURE for a type of epilepsy could be a step closer thanks to a Europe-wide effort to heal brain disorders.

Bioengineering experts are investigating new dissolvable coatings which could guide flexible implants into brains to help regulate temporal lobe epilepsy.

Maria Cerezo-Sanchez, from the James Watt School of Engineering, said: “It’s an exciting step forward, and we’re continuing to explore the potential of these materials.”

Currently, deep brain stimulation probes, which are made from Silicon, often cause scarring because of a mismatch between the stiffness of the artificial materials and the soft tissue of the brain.

One solution could be a new generation of probes made from bendable materials which are a better match with soft brain tissue.

Flexible implants could also widen the possibilities of where the implants could be placed in the brain, opening up treatments for more conditions.

However, the increased flexibility of the materials can increase the risk of the probes bending or breaking when introduced into brain tissue – a key problem that needs to be solved before they can be used effectively.

Breathe easier

PEOPLE with chronic lung conditions may benefit from a better quality of life thanks to new research.

The strength gains from five weeks of inspiratory muscle training – a form of weight training to build up the muscles used to breathe – persist for five weeks after the training has stopped, according to a study.

Paolo Dominelli, a member of the research team at University of Waterloo, Canada, said: “Inspiratory muscle training can be beneficial to people with breathing difficulties and can be part of pulmonary rehabilitation.”

Don’t hush up Usher

CAMPAIGNERS are calling for urgent action to tackle a little-known condition that causes both hearing and sight loss.

At least 10,000 people in the UK are thought to be affected by Usher syndrome, which they inherit genetically and for which there is presently no cure.

Now the charity CUREUsher has launched an awareness campaign and is urging the Government to do more for those affected.

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All Together NOW!

Sep 7-17: Everybody’s Talking About Jamie. The Lowry, Salford. The smash-hit musical is back. Touch tour, 1pm, audio described, 2pm, Sep 17.

Sep 7: An Audience with LFC Legends.

Floral Pavilion, New Brighton.

Sep 7: The Illegal Eagles. Lyceum, Crewe.

Sep 7: An Evening with the Dexys.

Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool. Dexys bring you their new record in full alongside a selection of classic hits.

Sep 7: Learning to Fly, Theatr Clwyd.

Big-hearted, tender and hilarious tory of a lonely teenager, a scary old lady in living in a spooky house, and her last wish to get high before she dies.

Sep 8-30: A View from the Bridge.

Octagon, Bolton. Arthur Miller’s powerful drama about the tesnions in a Sicilian family living in Brooklyn.

Sep 8: Northern Soul. Pavilion, Rhyl.

Sep 8: Fascinating Aida – The 40th Anniversary Show. Storyhouse, Chester.

Sep 8: I Like It. Theatre Royal, St Helens. Tribute to Gerry Marsden.

Sep 8: The 80s Show. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton.

Sep 8: Loose Women. Opera House, Manchester.

Sep 8: Piece of Work. Theatr Clwyd.

When James receives a letter that explodes into his life, a search begins to save a life.

Sep 9: Magic of the Dance. Pavilion, Rhyl. Strictly’s Ian Waite and Vincent Simone.

Sep 10: Cirque – The Greatest Show.

Floral Pavilion, New Brighton.

Sep 10: Lipstick on your Collar. The Brindley, Runcorn. Music from the 50s and 60s.

Sep 10: Some Guys Have All the Luck.

Grand, Blackpool. Rod Stewart story.

Sep 10: Alexander O’Neal: Time to Say Goodbye Farewell Tour. Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool. Soul star O’Neal is hitting the road one final time with his exemplary 9-piece band.

Sep 10: Calling Planet Earth. Venue Cymru, Llandudno. A New Romantic Symphony that goes on a musical journey through – the electrifying 80s.

Sep 11-23: Jesus Christ Superstar.

Palace, Manchester. Set against the backdrop of an extraordinary series of events during the final weeks in the life of Jesus Christ, as seen through the eyes of Judas.

Sep 11: The Magic of the Dance. Grand, Blackpool. Strictly’s Ian Waite and Vincent Simone.

Sep 11: Showbiz. The Brindley, Runcorn.

Sep 12-16: SIX the Musical. Storyhouse, Chester. The smash-hit musical about Hentry V111’s wives.

Sep 12-16: Faith Healer. Theatr Clwyd. In a Welsh village the sick come in search of a cure. They want a moment with Frank, the mercurial showman, who offers hope and salvation. Because Frank has a gift. A gift of healing. (Matinees Sep 14 and 16) Sep 12-16: The Ocean at the End of the Lane. Regent, Stoke. Returning to his childhood home, a man finds himself standing beside the pond of the old Sussex farmhouse where he used to play. He’s transported to his 12th birthday when his remarkable friend Lettie claimed it wasn’t a pond, but an ocean – a place where everything is

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2023

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 CHESTER: Storyhouse: 01244 409 113

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

Alfie back? Not ‘arf!

MUCH-LOVED tenor Alfie Boe is back with a another top show. Two North West dates to look out for: Sep 23: Venue Cymru, Llandudno.

Oct 2: Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool,

Golden chance

TAKE A SEAT – AND possible...Also at The Lowry, Salford, Oct 4-7.

Sep 12-16: The Bodyguard. Empire, Liverpool. Musical. Former Secret Service agent turned bodyguard Frank Farmer is hired to protect superstar Rachel Marron from an unknown stalker. Each expects to be in charge.

What they don’t expect is to fall in love.

Sep 12: The Diary of a Nobody. The Brindley, Runcorn.

Sep 12: The Simon & Garfunkel Story. The Brindley, Runcorn.

Sep 13-23: INNIT Musical. The Lowry, Salford.

Will our Salford tower block Romeo find love with his leafy suburban South Manchester Juliet? Signed, 7.30pm, Sep 20; relaxed performance, 2pm, Sep 20.

Sep 13: The Drifters. Lyceum, Crewe.

Sep 13: Johnny Cash Roadshow. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton. Tribute show.

Sep 14-16: The 39 Steps. The Brindley, Runcorn. Four actors play over 120 characters in this side-splitting comedy based on John Buchan’s famous spy novel.

Sep 14: Ben Portsmouth – This is Elvis.

Theatre Royal, St Helens.

Sep 15-Oct 28: Boys from the Blackstuff.

Royal Court, Liverpool. Forty years after Alan Bleasdale’s ground-breaking TV series comes this unmissable, powerful new adaptation. This

To advertise, contact . . .

PAUL CARRACK, the “Man with the Golden Voice” returns to the road with what’s certain to be another very special show.

Se[p 22: Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool.

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.

Sep 15: A Country Night in Nashville.

Lyceum, Crewe.

Sep 15: The Classic Rock Playlist. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton.

Sep 16: What’s Love Got to do with It? Floral Pavilion, New Brighton. Tribute show.

Sep 16: Oh, What a Night. The Brindley, Runcorn. The music of Frankie Valli.

Sep 16: The Sound of Springsteen.

Venue Cymru, Llandudno.

Sep 16: Ria Lina – Riawakening.

Royal Court, Liverpool.

Sep 17: 80s Live. Grand, Blackpool.

Sep 18-30: Annie. Opera House, Manchester.

1930s New York during The Great Depression and brave young Annie is forced to live a life of misery at Miss Hannigan’s orphanage.

Sep 18-19: By the Waters of Liverpool.

Lyceum, Crewe. Stunning period drama. The story opens in 1935. Helen is 16 and fighting a bitter battle with her parents for the right to educate herself and go out to work. But suddenly her family are thrown into poverty.

Also at Pavilion, Rhyl, Sep 26; Theatre Royal, St Helens, Oct 9-11; Floral Pavilion, Oct 24-29;.

Sep 19-20: The Crown Jewels. The Lowry, Salford. Al Murray stars in new comedy based on the most unbelievable royal caper in British history.

Sep 19-20: Ikari. Theatr Clwyd. A love story about finding salvation in someone else.

Sep 19-23: I, Daniel Blake. Playhouse, Liverpool. A glimpse behind the headlines and the stark reality of what happens when the political system is stacked against you. With 14.5m people living in poverty in the UK, this is not fiction. It is reality.

Sep 20-23: Mrs Brown’s Boys – Mrs Brown Rides Again. Empire, Liverpool.

Brendan O’Carroll as the beloved Mammy and her dysfunctional family romp their way through what seems to be the Mammy’s last days at home.

Sep 20: Most Haunted. Theatre Royal, St Helens.

Sep 21-23: Get Rich or Nicked Tryin’. Royal Court, Liverpool. James Kinsella, aka Jaybomb, loses his job at the Giro in Bootle.

Sep 22: The Meatloaf Songbook. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton. Spectacular show featuring the music of Meat Loaf.

helen@alltogethernow.org.uk

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2023

Final curtain for Blues legends

FEEL THE RHYTHM J

OIN the legendary pioneers of UK rhythm and blues as they celebrate a remarkable 60 years in the business.

Paul Jones and Mike D’Abo are

Sep 22: Paul Carrick. Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool.

Sep 22: 80s Love. Venue Cymru, Llandudno.

Sep 23: Bob Floyd: The David Gilmour Experience. The Brindley, Runcorn.

Sep 23: Thank Abba. Pavilion, Rhyl. Tribute show.

Sep 23: Bridesmaids of Britain.

Lyceum, Crewe. Will this wedding story have a happy ending, or will these best friends rip each other apart?

Sep 23: The Ultimate Prince Experience.

Floral Pavilion, New Brighton. Tribute show.

Sep 23: Alfie Boe. Venue Cymru, Llandudno.

Also at Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool, Oct 2.

Sep 24: An Evening with Adrian Edmondson. The Lowry, Salford.

Sep 24: Gilbert O’Sullivan. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton. New and old gems from the great singer-songwriter.

Sep 25-30: Sister Act. Regent, Stoke. Musical.

Sep 25: The Life of Reilly. The Brindley, Runcorn.

Sep 26: By the Waters of Liverpool. Pavilion, Rhyl. Theatre Royal, St Helens, Oct 9-11; Floral Pavilion, Oct 24-29;.

Sep 26: 1999 The Ultimate Prince Experience. The Brindley, Runcorn.

on tour together for the last time alongside long-standing members Rob Townsend, Marcus Cliffe and Simon Currie.

All sounds like a like a gig that’s

Sep 26: The Wonder of Stevie. Theatre Royal, St Helens. Tribute show.

Sep 27-30. Fleabag. Theatr Clwyd. A new Welsh language adaptation of the hit TV show.

Signed, Sep 29.

Sep 27: Sarah Millican. Theatre Royal, St Helens.

Sep 27: That’ll Be the Day. Venue Cymru, Llandudno.50s & 60s music show.

Sep 28-Oct 1: The Wizard of Oz. Storyhouse, Chester.

Sep 28: The Drifters. Theatre Royal, St Helens.

Sep 28: Radio GAGA. Venue Cymru, Llandudno.

Sep 28: Five Kinds of Silence. Octagon, Bolton. Captivating and powerful exploration of a family shattered by violence and abuse.

Sep 28: Slay Queenz. Pavilion, Rhyl. RuPaul Drag Race UK winners.

Sep 28: Dreamboys. The Brindley, Runcorn.

Sep 28: Dracula. The Brindley Studio, Runcorn.

Sep 29: Mersey Beatles. Pavilion, Rhyl.

Sep 29: Northern Live. Theatre Royal, St Helens.

Sep 30: Bay City Rollermania! Floral Pavilion, New Brighton. Les McKeown’s touring band.

very much worth seeing . . .

Oct 1: Maximum Rhythm and Blues with The Manfreds. Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool.

Sep 30: Bowie Live. Lyceum, Crewe. Tribute show.

Sep 30: The Carpenters Story. Venue Cymru, Llandudno.

Oct 1: The Hollies. The Lowry, Salford.

Oct 1: Slay Queenz. Grand, Blackpool. RuPaul Drag Race UK winners.

Oct 1: Best of Hans Zimmer & John Williams

by Moonlight: An Orchestral Tribute.

Lyceum, Crewe.

Oct 1: Maximum Rhythm and Blues with The Manfreds. Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool.

Oct 2-7: TONY! (The Tony Blair Rock Opera).

The Lowry, Salford. A reckless reappraisal of the life of former Ugly Rumours front man and Britain’s first pop Prime Minister Tony Blair. It’s Yes, Minister meets The Rocky Horror Show! and a musical like no other. Also at Playhouse, Liverpool, Oct 10-14.

Oct 2: Seven Drunken Nights. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton. The story of The Dubliners.

Oct 2: Alfie Boe. Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool.

Oct 3-7: Noises Off. Grand, Blackpool. The on and off-stage antics of a touring theatre company as they stumble their way through the fictional farce, Nothing On. Also at The Lowry, Salford, Oct 17-21.

Oct 3-7: La Bamba! Regent, Stoke. Musical.

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All Together NOW!

Oct 3: The Greatest Love of All. Theatre Royal, St Helens. Tribute show.

Oct 3: Sixties Gold – 60s Explosion Show. Venue Cymru, Llandudno.

Oct 4-21: Jeeves & Wooster in Perfect Nonsense. Octagon, Bolton.

Following a riotous weekend at country house, Totleigh Towers, Bertie Wooster has a tale to tell.

Forced to play matchmaker between his newt-fancying acquaintance Gussie Fink-Nottle and the girl of his dreams, Madeline Bisset, Audio described Oct 13.

Signed, captioned, Oct 17. Matinees, Oct 7, 11, 12, 14, 18, 19, 21.

Oct 4-7: The Ocean at the end of the Lane. The Lowry, Salford. Returning to his childhood home, a man finds himself standing beside the pond of the old Sussex farmhouse where he used to play. He’s transported to his 12th birthday when his remarkable friend Lettie claimed it wasn’t a pond, but an ocean – a place where everything is possible… Signed, 2pm, Oct 5; touch tour, 6.30pm, audio described, 7.30pm, Oct 5.

Oct 4-7: Kinky Boots. The Brindley, Runcorn. Musical.

Oct 4-7: A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

The Brindley Studio, Runcorn.

Oct 4: Crown Ballet presents Swan Lake. Pavilion, Rhyl.

Oct 4: Gyles Brandreth: Can’t Stop Talking. Storyhouse, Chester.

Oct 5: The Serial Killer Next Door. Venue Cymru, Llandudno.

Oct 5: Marti Pellow – The Lost Chapter.

Floral Pavilion, New Brighton.

Oct 6: Porno. Lyceum, Crewe. Fifteen years after Trainspotting, what has become of Renton, Sickboy, Begbie & Spud?

Oct 6: Shape of You. Theatre Royal, St Helens. The music of Ed Sheeran.

Oct 6: What’s Love Got to Do with It? Venue Cymru, Llandudno.

Oct 7: The Importance of Being …

Earnest? When a traditional production of Oscar Wilde’s classic play gets underway, everything seems to be going perfectly to plan… that is, until the lead actor fails to arrive on cue. (Matinees all shows) Oct 7: Fastlove – A Tribute to George Michael. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton.

Oct 7: Thank Abba for the Music. Theatre Royal, St Helens.

Oct 7: Babatunde Aleshe: Babahoo.

Playhouse, Liverpool.

Oct 8: Joe McElderry – Celebrate the Music.

Grand, Blackpool.

Oct 8: Life of Reilly: Autism has a Voice to be Heard. Theatre Royal, St Helens. Comedy with Crissy Rock.

Oct 8: An Evening with the Hollies. Venue Cymru, Llandudno.

Oct 8: The Carpenters Songbook starring Toni Lee. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton.

Oct 9-11: By the Waters of Liverpool. Theatre Royal, St Helens. Stunning period drama. The story opens in 1935. Helen is 16 and fighting a bitter battle with her parents for the right to educate herself and go out to work.

Oct 9: Toyah and Robert’s Sunday Lunch Live. The Lowry, Salford. Also at Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool, Oct 16.

Oct 9: The Story of Guitar Heroes. Grand, Blackpool.

Oct 10: Rolling Back the Years. The Brindley, Runcorn.

Continued next page

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SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2023

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n Continued from Page 21

Oct 10: Sir Ranulph Fiennes: Mad, Bad and Dangerous. The Lowry, Salford. Oct 9: The Story of Guitar Heroes. Grand, Blackpool.

Oct 10: Emerald Storm. Grand, Blackpool.

Oct 10: Ainadamar (Autumn): Osvaldo Golijov. Venue Cymru, Llandudno.

Oct 10-14: The Full Monty.

Storyhouse, Chester. Brand-new production based on the 1997 smash hit film.

Oct 10-14: The Drifters Girl. Opera House, Manchester. Remarkable story of The Drifters and the truth about the woman who made them.

Oct 10-14: TONY! The Tony Blair Rock Opera. Playhouse, Liverpool. A reckless reappraisal of the life of former Ugly Rumours front man and Britain’s first pop Prime Minister Tony Blair. It’s Yes, Minister meets The Rocky Horror Show! and a musical like no other.

Oct 10: Level 42 – Plus the Christians.

Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool.

Oct 10: Protest Song. Theatr Clwyd. A script in hand reading of Tim Price’s (Isla) play about a rough sleeper waking to find themselves surrounded by protestors. (Pay what you can show).

Oct 11: Miriam Margoyles – Oh Miriam! The Lowry, Salford. Also at Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool, Oct 13.

Oct 11: Bridesmaids of Britain. Pavilion, Rhyl.

Oct 11: The Greatest Love of All. Grand, Blackpool. Whitney Houston tribute show.

Oct 11: The Smooth Rock Show. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton.

Oct 11: Cracking. Theatr Clwyd. Funny and absurd new play by Lyn Gardner.

Oct 11: Sarah Millican – Late Bloomer. Lyceum, Crewe.

Oct 12-14: Bridesmaids of Britain.

Grand, Blackpool.

Oct 12: Legend – The Music of Bob Marley.

Pavilion, Rhyl.

Oct 12: You Should be Dancing – The Bee Gees Story. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton.

Oct 12: Sophie McCartney: Tired and Tested.

Lyceum, Crewe.

Oct 12: La Traviata (Autumn): Verdi. Venue Cymru, Llandudno.

Oct 13: Daniel O’Donnell. Venue Cymru, Llandudno.

Oct 13: Eclipse – The Pink Floyd Experience. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton.

Oct 13: Ruby Wax: I’m Not as well as I Thought I was. Lyceum, Crewe.

Oct 13: Guitar Legends. The Brindley, Runcorn.

Oct 13: Miriam Margoyles. Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool.

Oct 14: Some Guys Have All the Luck.

Lyceum, Crewe. The Rod Stewart story.

Oct 14: The World-Famous Elvis show – Chris Connor Live. Pavilion, Rhyl.

Oct 14: The Rocket Man – Tribute to Elton John. Theatre Royal, St Helens.

Oct 14: Frankie Boyle. Palace, Manchester.

Oct 14: Divas. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton.

Oct 14: Stan Boardman. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton.

Oct 15: Level 42. The Lowry, Salford.

Oct 15: What’s Love Got to do with It? Lyceum, Crewe. Tribute show.

Oct 15: The Billy Joel. Albums starring Elio Pace and his Band. The

Steve’s underwater show STUNTS, experiments, props, cutting edge science and big screen footage from his two decades in TV, help Steve Backshall

Lowry, Salford.

Oct 15: Swan Lake. Grand, Blackpool.

Oct 15: The Music of Hans Zimmer Vs John Williams. Empire, Liverpool. The Manchester Concert Orchestra perform epic scores celebrating the two of the greatest film music composers of all time.

Oct 16-21: 42nd Street. Opera House, Manchester. Timeless and inspiring showbiz fairy tale that combines breath-taking tap dance routines, backstage intrigue, classic romance and delightful comedy to dazzling effect. It’s simply irresistible!

Oct 16: Frnacis Rossi: Tunes & Chat. Theatre Royal, St Helens. Status Quo legend Francis Rossi is taking up his acoustic guitar to bring a selection of wellknown hits and some previously not-performed-livebefore tunes.

Oct 16: Dame Joan Collins – Behind the Shoulder Pads. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton.

Your chance to question the world-famous actress.

Oct 16: Toyah and Robert’s (Fripp) Sunday Lunch. Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool.

Oct 17-21: The Real and Imagined History of the Elephant Man. Grand, Blackpool.

Oct 17-21: Oliver! Regent, Stoke. Musical.

Oct 17-21: Frantic Assembly: Metamorphosis. Playhouse, Liverpool. One morning Gregor Samsa awakes to find himself changed. To those around him he is dangerous, untouchable vermin. Worse than that, he is a burden.

Oct 17-21: Peter Pan Goes Wrong. Empire, Liverpool. Members of the Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society are back on stage.

Oct 17-21: Noises Off. The Lowry, Salford. The on and off-stage antics of a touring theatre

bring the icons of the water to life.

Oct 23: Ocean with Steve Backshall.

Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool.

Nov 1: Venue Cymru, Lllandudno

company as they stumble their way through the fictional farce, Nothing On. Oct 17: That’ll Be the Day. Lyceum, Crewe.

Oct 18-19: Sarah Millican. Storyhouse, Chester.

Oct 18: Buddy Holly & The Cricketers. The Brindley, Runcorn.

Tribute show.

Oct 18: That’ll be the Day. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton. Iconic moments in music and comedy from the 50s to the 80s.

Oct 19-21: English National Ballet – Akram Khan’s Giselle. Palace, Manchester.

Oct 19: What’s Your Poison? The Brindley, Runcorn.

Oct 19: Maggie May: The Rod Stewart Years.

Theatre Royal, St Helens.

Oct 19: The Magic of Motown. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton.

Oct 19: The Legends of American Country Show. The Brindley, Runcorn.

Oct 20: Rock on Tommy – An Evening with Tommy Cannon. Lyceum, Crewe.

Oct 20: The ELO Tribute Show. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton.

Oct 20: Gabrielle. Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool.

Oct 20: Bingo That’s Bonkers! Theatre Royal, St Helens.

Oct 21: A Room of One’s Own. The Brindley Studio, Runcorn.

Oct 21: Jenny Colquit. The Brindley, Runcorn.

Oct 21: Mercury. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton.

Tribute show.

Oct 22: An Evening with Europe – 40th Anniversary Tour. The Lowry, Salford.

Oct 22: Ben Portsmouth – This is Elvis.

Lyceum, Crewe.

Oct 23-28: Jesus Christ Superstar. Empire, Liverpool. Mesmerising new production.

Oct 23: Ocean with Steve Backshall.

Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool. Also at Venue Cymru, Lllandudno, Nov 1.

Support this unique paper . . .

Oct 23: Billy Bingham – Always a Little Further. Lyceum, Crewe. Also at Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool, Oct 25.

Oct 24-29: By the Waters of Liverpool. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton. Stunning period drama.

Oct 24-28: Dracula: Mina’s Reckoning.

Playhouse, Liverpool. Under the buzzing lights of a psychiatric hospital in Aberdeenshire in 1897, Mina Murray recounts her encounters with the most terrifying of beasts: Dracula.

Oct 25: Beatrice and Benedict. Theatr Clwyd.

Berlioz/s joyful opera sets to music the madness of falling in love.

Oct 25: Crown Ballet: The Nutcracker.

Lyceum, Crewe.

Oct 25: Billy Bingham – Always a Little Further. Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool. Billy shares his astonishing experiences.

Oct 26: Baga Chipz – The Material Girl.

Octagon, Bolton.

Oct 26: The Story of Guitar Heroes. Lyceum, Crewe.

Oct 27-Nov 5: Jack and the Beanstalk.

Theatre Royal, St Helens.

Oct 27: A Room of One’s Own. Octagon, Bolton. Rebecca Vaughan performs Virginia Woolf’s 1928 exploration of the impact of poverty and sexual inequality on intellectual freedom and creativity.

Oct 27-28: Joy Unspeakable. Octagon, Bolton. Uplifting, all-female show that explores disordered eating – why it’s all about food and nothing to do with food.

Oct 28: Autism & Sea. The Brindley Studio, Runcorn.

Oct 28: Justin Moorhouse. Octagon, Bolton.

Oct 28: Lost in Music – One Night at the Disco. Pavilion, Rhyl.

Oct 28: Fascinating Aida – The 40th Anniversary Show. Lyceum, Crewe.

Oct 29: Spider Man: Into the Spider Verse.

Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool. Unique show replicating the film’s score and soundtrack, fusing elements of orchestral and electronics.

Oct 30-Nov 4: The Woman in Black. Grand, Blackpool. Chilling ghost tale.

Oct 31-Nov 4: 2:22 A Ghost Story. The Lowry, Salford. Chilling new play that’s taken the West End by storm. Jenny believes her new home is haunted, but her husband Sam isn’t having any of it. Touch tour, 6.30pm, Nov 2; Audio described, 7.30pm, Nov 2; signed, 2pm, Nov 4.

Oct 31: The Illegal Eagles. The Brindley, Runcorn.

Oct 31: The Serial Killer Next Door. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton.

Oct 31: Vampires Rock – Day of the Dead featuring the Symphonic Rock Orchestra.

Venue Cymru, Llandudno.

Nov 1: Confessions of Sweeney Todd. The Brindley Studio, Runcorn.

Nov 1: Paul Young – Behind the Lens. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton. Also at Lyceum, Crewe, Nov 5.

Nov 1: Steve Backshall: Ocean. Venue Cymru, Llandudno.

Nov 2-25: I Should be so Lucky. Opera House, Manchester. Soaring anthems, classic pop tracks and dazzling dance sequences.

Nov 2: The Drifters. The Brindley, Runcorn.

Nov 2: James Martin Live. Venue Cymru, Llandudno. Live demonstrations.

Nov 2: Lost in Music. Lyceum, Crewe.

Nov 2: Beverley Knight. Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool. Also at The Lowry, Salford, Nov 5.

Nov 2: Sounds of the 60s Live with Tony Blackburn. Empire, Liverpool.

Nov 3: National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine. Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool.

Nov 3: Michael starring Ben. Lyceum, Crewe.

helen@alltogethernow.org.uk

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

All Together NOW!

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2023

A

HOW PLANTS GOT THEIR NAMES . . .

. . . ALSTROEMERIA

LSTROEMERIAS are among the brightest of summer flowers with a colour range from white through shades of lilac, pink and red to yellow and orange, often with throats and markings of contrasting shades.

The blooms are long-lasting and grow on firm stems – up to a metre (3ft) long – and excellent for cutting.

LONG-LASTING: Alstroemeria Margaret; a ligtu hybrid; and Alstroemeria Parigo Charm Alstroemerias are named after Clas Alströmer, a Swedish naturalist who differentcountries to communicate about genus, such as Alstroemeria, then the travelled in the late 18th century the same plant at the same time. species, such as ligtu. collecting plants for Carl Linnaeus, Linnaeus often named plants after his The adoption of this system worldwide famous for devising the binomial (twofriends and associates. saved endless confusion, enabling word) system of plant-naming – first the There are scores of Alstroemeria botanists and horticulturalists in

species, all from South America, giving rise to the flower’s common name of Peruvian lily, although many of the most popular kinds come from Chile.

Some of the most impressive varieties are ligtu hybrids, crosses between Alstroemeria ligtu and Alstroemeria haemantha.

Other fine forms include Alstroemeria aurea, with orange or yellow flowers streaked with red; Alstroemeria ballerina, deep pink with purple stripes; Alstroemeria Margaret, well over a metre tall; and Parigo charm, 60cm (2ft) tall.

SOCIAL CLIMBERS UP THE WALL: Left, clematis cirrhosa “Freckles”; above,

clematis alpina; ight, clematis tangutica seedheads with rose Warm Welcome

T

HE vivid flowers of hybrid clematis such as Nelly Moser and The President look great in spring but many of the species – originals types that have not been mixed – are perfect for keeping the garden colourful into autumn.

From around the world, they are capering climbers often romping up to 6m (20ft) and ideal for covering trellises, arches and garden eyesores.

Despite their vigour, all tolerate pruning to keep them within bounds, best carried out after flowering.

Clematis ternifolia is a sun-lover from Japan, spreading a wide curtain of deep green leaves, sometimes with silver stripes, and masses of small, white, scented flowers.

Clematis tangutica, also a rampant climber, produces plentiful yellow, lanternshaped flowers with elegant, curving petals from summer to late autumn.

The silver, fluffy seedheads (pictured) give the plant an added attraction

throughout autumn and into winter.

Another rampant grower, clematis rehderiana, originally from China, produces delicate pale yellow bells with a light scent.

Clematis flammula, known as the virgin’s bower, is from the Mediterranean and needs shelter until it is established.

Then it can race away and become a star of late summer, ideal for an arch or pergola where its numerous creamy-white blossoms scent the air with their almond fragrance into autumn.

Species like these can be followed by two winter beauties: Clematis armandii has long, glossy leaves all year and scented white blooms in the teeth of winter, while clematis cirrhosa “Freckles” flowers from mid-winter even in the bitterest weather, opening cream, lantern-like flowers smothered in russet markings with golden stamens.

Clematis alpina flowers mainly in spring and early summer but also produces late summer and autumn blooms.

Top tips for planting a container-grown clematis for the best start . . .

When? Anytime as long as they are not left short of water.

Where? A position where the sun shines for at least part of the day and is sheltered from the worst winds. Close to something tall the plant can climb but not too close – at least 45cm (18in) away.

What about support? Make sure the wires or trellis are strong enough to hold the weight of a full grown climber.

How to prepare? Immerse the container in water for 20 minutes and dig a hole 45cm (18in) deep and wide. If the soil is clay, loosen the sides and base of the hole with a fork. If it is dry, flood the hole with plenty of water. Once the water has drained down sprinkle a general fertiliser in granular form into the hole.

How to plant? Remove the container and

plant so the top of the rootball is 6cm (2.5in) below the soil surface. Backfill the hole and firm the soil to the original surface level.

Water thoroughly. Cover round the plant with stone slabs or large pebbles to keep the roots cool.

How to train? Tie the stems with soft twine to a cane linking the plant to its eventual support.

After-care? Water whenever the weather is dry until the clematis is growing strongly. Tie new shoots in the direction you want the plant to grow.

Next year? Feed with a liquid plant food high in potash regularly throughout spring and early summer to encourage topquality flowers.

Donate to the All Together NOW! charity – visit www.alltogethernow.org.uk

23

All Together NOW!

24

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2023

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

1

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31

chosen answers and keep a record of your points total. Maximum total points 120.

QUESTION 10 – for 10 points: In which US state are the Black Hills?

QUESTION 1 – for 1 point: Which comedian retired from showbusiness in February 2005 on his 90th birthday?

A Ronnie Barker B Dave Allen C Cyril Fletcher D Norman Wisdom

A B C D

27

★

ACROSS

DOWN

2. Broke free (7) 7. Straight line (4) 8. Rotating rod (4) 9. Rock garden plant (7) 10. Cordon ---- (4) 12. Footway (4) 15. Backless seat (5) 17. Fight (6) 18. European capital city (6) 19. Memorised (6) 21. Eccentric (inf.) (6) 22. More subdued (5) 23. After deductions (4) 26. Nautical mile (4) 28. Fall back (7) 29. Mother (4) 30. Welsh emblem (4) 31. Edible root (7)

1. Figure skating jump (4) 2. Jacob’s twin (4) 3. Prairie wolf (6) 4. Handgun (6) 5. Slightly wet (4) 6. Strip of wood (4) 10. Ancient city (7) 11. Pull out (7) 13. Firedog (7) 14. Free sample (7) 15. Tilt (5) 16. Romeo (5) 20. Higher (6) 21. Implement of war (6) 24. Test (4) 25. Ensnare (4) 26. Seaweed (4) 27. Cattle (4)

A B C D

Bono, U2’s lead singer. See Question 6

QUESTION 5 – for 5 points: Who won an Oscar for her portrayal of Margaret Thatcher in the 2011 film The Iron Lady?

A Penelope Wilton B Meryl Streep C Julie Walters D Gwyneth Paltrow QUESTION 6 – for 6 points: Which member of the rock group U2 adopted the stage name Bono?

A David Evans B Adam Clayton C Paul Hewson D Larry Mullen

QUESTION 13 – for 13 points: In graphic design, what are the opening words of the most frequently used placeholder text?

A B C D

A B C D

Haw Sloe Hip Quince

QUESTION 8 – for 8 points: The TV series Happy Valley and Last Tango in Halifax are the work of which screenwriter?

A B C D

Lynda La Plante Kay Mellor Sally Wainwright Abi Morgan

4 1 6 8 3 9

2 9 6

6 8 1

7 4 7 1 5 3 6 4

1 6

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A B C D

A5 A6 A7 A8

A B C D

A B C D

24 Hours of Le Mans Monte Carlo Rally Indianapolis 500 London to Brighton Veteran Car Run

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.

7 4

QUESTION 14 – for 14 points: Which UK paper size is 52mm x 74mm?

QUESTION 15 – for 15 points: What is the meaning of the medical term ventricose?

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

8

Porta lacus Lorem ipsum Mi libero Nullam finibus

QUESTION 9 – for 9 points: Which is the longest running motoring event in the world?

KAKURO

DIFFICULT

World ice-dance champion Joseph Stalin’s wife The first woman to walk in space The first Soviet ballet dancer to flee to the West

QUESTION 7 – for 7 points: What name is given to the fruit of the wild rose?

SUDOKU

EASY

Casablanca Tangier Fez Rabat

QUESTION 12 – for 12 points: What is the claim to fame of Svetlana Savitskaya?

A B C D

QUESTION 4 – for 4 points: Which mountain overlooks Cape Town?

A Table Mountain B High Gable C Sugar Loaf Mountain D Da Gama Peak

★

South Dakota Nevada Kentucky Montana

QUESTION 11 – for 11 points: What is the capital of Morocco?

QUESTION 3 – for 3 points: In which sport is a shuttlecock used?

A Curling B Badminton C Darts D Lacrosse

★

★

Each question has four possible answers and is worth from one to 15 points. Circle your

QUESTION 2 – for 2 points: What is a capercaillie?

A A type of Highland fling B A Scottish party with singing and dancing C A large game bird D A female haggis

18

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www.alltogethernow.org.uk

Subject to blood clotting Being unable to bleed Having varicose veins Having a swollen stomach

MEDIUM 4

24

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www.alltogethernow.org.uk

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

(

1 []’–

2 ABC

3 DEF

4 GHI

5 JKL

6 MNO

7 PQRS

8 TUV

9 WXYZ

Spaces and any punctuation marks are represented by 1.

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ

25

DIALLING CODES

CROSS CODE

All Together NOW!

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2023

2. bottled water brands 384 261 726 173 553 474 661 865 842 122 239 193 551 278 217 872 128 986 613 454 122 782 172 662 173 774 371 427 764 283 177 217 872 846 673

3. eponymous things 729 674 663 183 339 123 271 743 328 767 142 733 642 153 682 731 472 669 176 484 164 268 463 133 774 719 433 516 222 326 421 688 162 466 542

4. magicians and illusionists 866 691 266 737 142 779 146 834 641 328 431 252 463 132 843 126 773 734 353 172 851 326 435 717 434 374 331 263 176 914 277 912 522 578 663

5. stars of theatre 264 352 152 672 879 143 462 163 693 512 837 216 236 625 313 524 631 724 431 642 423 512 729 367 317 884 431 436 742 551 543 817 247 342 37

6. countries with a monarchy 666 226 126 367 721 864 833 154 643 661 728 271 527 261 793 336 186 483 312 722 136 472 837 163 843 752 637 133 662 751 667 929 184 245 263

PATHWORDS

SPOT CHECK

Starting from the central shaded letter, move one letter at a time (up, down, right or left, but not diagonally) to find nine American National Basketball Association teams.

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 11?

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MAKE A DATE

A

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B

K

A

D

N

N

A

O O

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

L

1. Taliban forces capture the Afghanistan capital, Kabul.

ABLE

K O N

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RACE

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I C K R A TRANSFORMER

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RIDER

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

MAIN

––––

MAKER

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1) A kind of thickset spaniel, originally bred at Clumber in Nottinghamshire; 2) A heavy clay, favoured for brick manufacture due to its dense texture; 3) A thick porridge, traditionally made in southern Ireland and served on New Year’s Day.

F

D

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4

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CHANCE

T

3

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

A

S

N

W Y

S

T

WORD WIZARD

2

1

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

1. things found underground 886 635 166 531 766 819 676 192 837 122 831 528 216 463 712 234 371 872 461 367 745 135 328 742 489 122 253 173 937 192 837 174 731 722 248

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2. All handguns of more than .22 calibre are banned following the Cullen Report on the Dunblane School massacre.

U

3. In a joint operation Russian and US forces enter Bosnia.

Clue: Takes more than a lot to give protection for plants.

WAS IT? a) 1992; b) 1993; c) 1994; d) 1995; e) 1996.

____ +L=__L__

ALL THE ANSWERS Pathwords: Los Angeles Lakers; Boston Celtics; New York Knicks; Toronto Raptors; San Antonio Spurs; Brooklyn Nets; Houston Rockets; Chicago Bulls; Orlando Magic.

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6 7 9 4 1 3 8 2 5

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SUDOKU EASY

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9

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9 7 5 21

Accumulator Quiz 1 – D; 2 – C; 3 – B; 4 – A; 5 – B; 6 – C; 7 – C; 8 – C; 9 – D; 10 – A; 11 – D; 12 – C; 13 – B; 14 – D; 15 – D Starspot Crossword Across – 2 Escaped; 7 Axis; 8 Axle; 9 Alyssum; 10 Bleu; 12 Path; 15 Stool; 17 Battle; 18 London; 19 Learnt; 21 Weirdo; 22 Tamer; 23 Nett; 26 Knot; 28 Relapse; 29 Mama; 30 Leek; 31 Parsnip.

Down – 1 Axel; 2 Esau; 3 Coyote; 4 Pistol; 5 Damp; 6 Slat; 10 Babylon; 11 Extract; 13 Andiron; 14 Handout; 15 Slant; 16 Lover; 20 Taller; 21 Weapon; 24 Exam; 25 Trap; 26 Kelp; 27 Oxen.

Star Name: MICHAEL ASPEL

Word Wizard No 1 is correct. A clumber is a breed of spaniel.

Dialling Codes 1. tunnel; mole; root; worm; water; cave; lava; miner; badger; train; fossil; electricity cable; sewer; water pipe; rabbit.

2. Evian; San Pellegrino; Volvic; Abbey Well; Aqua Pura; Buxton; FIJI; Acqua Panna; Perrier; Harrogate Spa; Strathmore.

3. saxophone; teddy bear; sideburns; gardenia; leotard; Granny Smith; nicotine; Ferris wheel; macadamia nut; magnolia.

4. Tommy Cooper; Harry Houdini; David Blaine; David Copperfield; Paul Daniels; Siegfried and Roy;

Harry Blackstone.

5. Angela Lansbury; Idina Menzel; Audra McDonald; Elaine Paige; Michael Crawford; Ruthie Henshall; Liev Schreiber.

6. Monaco; Andorra; United Kingdom; Qatar; Japan; Sweden; United Arab Emirates; Netherlands; Denmark; Norway; Thailand.

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

Missing Link remark; human; one; dress; easy; sail. Island: Rhodes.

Make a Date The year was 1996.

Transformer Much + L = Mulch.

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

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2023

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

n LEFT: Jack Jones, The Crosby Hermit

SANDS OF TIME: Prehistoric footprints on Crosby Shore

n RIGHT: Jack and the Crosby Stone in its original location in the 1900s

KEN PYE on the trail of a town’s treasures

KEN’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.

Contact details below.

THE ROLLING STONE

A

HUGE boulder carried from the Lake District by the sheer force of nature now has pride of place just north of Liverpool where its journey ended.

During the Ice Age, which began around two and a half million years ago and lasted until around 12,000 years ago, this great rock was carried down by a glacier to the coastal town of Crosby.

The 20-ton Crosby Stone is one of many of the town’s weird and wonderful links to the past. It stood in the centre of the town for many years until, in 1926, it was relocated to local Coronation Park as an important and revered local artefact.

Sadly, in May 2013, it was severely damaged by vandals and so is now even more protected and revered by the more stable majority of Crosby residents!

But there are ancient human relics in the area too. Indeed,

prehistoric human footprints have been seen on the beach at Formby, a little further up the coast, for a very long time. However, recent high tides and stormy conditions on the Mersey have now revealed some on Crosby shore too.

These prints can be seen as two parallel sets of tracks running for a length of around five metres. They are believed to have been made by three people, probably male, who each stood at around six feet tall. The fossilised footprints probably date from around 4,000 to 6,000 years ago.

Ancient prints

What look like cattle hoof marks, and tracks of other animals and birds, have also been exposed on our local, north western coastlines, and a monitoring process is now in place, keeping a lookout for even more ancient prints.

However, perhaps of equal curiosity value was the local “living relic”, known to locals as The Crosby Hermit.

www.discover-liverpool.com

Whether Jack Johnson was born in Crosby or somewhere else entirely is not certain, but it is known that he was born in 1829. What has also been discovered is that at least his years as a young man were adventurous.

He was a soldier who fought in the Crimean War, which lasted from 1853 to 1856. After this he became a seaman, sailing between Liverpool and New Orleans on ships bringing cotton into England.

Sometime around 1871, Jack gave up his life on the ocean wave for one on land as a gamekeeper.

He was watching over game fowl on Crosby Marshes, probably for the local wealthy, Blundell family. Here, he built a ramshackle hut for himself out of planks, sailcloth, and driftwood, and made the marshland his permanent home.

Jack’s hut stood on the beach at the end of what is now Hall Road, and he kept himself to himself, seldom talking to anyone and not usually welcoming visitors.

His life at war and at sea, as well as on the often harsh and bleak marshes, had given him weather-beaten features and a ruddy complexion, so he was also known as Roast Beef!

Jack became almost a total recluse but supplemented his meagre income by catching and selling fish and shellfish, and he largely lived on gifts of food left for him by local people.

These kind folk did not simply give him scraps or leftovers, but actually took turns in cooking meals for him, so he was clearly liked by the community as well as being well cared-for by them.

At some point early in his life Jack had married and had a son. What became of his wife is unknown, and the only thing that is known of his son is that, in 1902, he fought at the siege of Ladysmith during the Boer War. Jack died sometime in the 1920s and buried in a local pauper’s grave, unmarked, unknown, but at least not forgotten.

Ken Pye – 0151 427 2717

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

ARIES (March 21st-April 20th)

lifelong dream that surprises even your nearest and dearest. Positive feedback from an influential person raises your social status on the 21st. Don’t let anxiety keep you from telling a relative or neighbour something important in October. On the 14th, the Solar Eclipse urges you to take a prolonged break. Getting rest and relaxation will improve your outlook, helping you to find solutions to stubborn situations. Your charisma helps you get whatever you want on the 23rd.

A romantic attraction that has been stalled will finally move forward, but resist the temptation to buy someone’s affection. A positive attitude paves the way for improved health. The New Moon on the 15th is perfect for launching a health regimen that emphasises strength training. Don’t let fear get in the way of exploring a subject that has always fascinated you. Don’t neglect your best friend or romantic partner in October. On the 14th, the Solar Eclipse triggers a powerful partnership that changes your outlook. The Lunar Eclipse on the 28th brings an end to a source of income. This will allow a much more lucrative job to flow into your life. Focus on saving more than you spend on the 29th to establish a secure financial foundation.

GEMINI (May22nd-June21st)

Talking with a relative inspires a creative idea; follow up on a brainstorm for a story, film, or song. The New Moon on the 15th finds you spending more time with loved ones. Resist the temptation to blurt out a friend’s secret or you’ll never regain their trust. On the 29th, the Full Moon will help you realise a cherished dream.

A charming flirt will catch your attention in October; make sure to get their number before they slip away. The Solar Eclipse on the 14th will mark an electric romantic attraction that’s impossible to resist. If you’re already in a relationship, your partner could take you on a lavish vacation. Trying to buy someone’s affection is a mistake on the 21st.

CANCER (June22nd-July23rd)

It’s time to build up your savings. On the 15th, the New Moon inspires you to take a short trip for pleasure on the spur of the moment. You’ll enjoy getting a change of scenery. A business or romantic partner’s praise makes your selfconfidence soar. Spending more time on domestic pursuits makes you happy on the 23rd. Early October sees a passionate encounter changing your outlook; you’ll start viewing yourself in a much more positive light.

Don’t let a relative criticise your romantic partner. You must draw healthy boundaries here. Take time to visit places of historical and cultural interest. On the 28th, the Lunar Eclipse prompts you to whittle down your so-called friends and to nurture relationships with the people you truly value.

LEO (July24th-August23rd)

Your charisma fires on all cylinders; use it to enchant a powerful person who can help you.

An authority figure appreciates your practical approach to work and will reward you for it. The New Moon on the 15th attracts another source of income that allows you to indulge in more luxuries. The results of a health regimen are becoming obvious. A wonderful business opportunity is worth pursuing in October. This is

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SAGITTARIUS (November 23rd-December 21st)

TAURUS (April 21st-May 21st)

Domestic comforts bring out the best in you. A flirtatious conversation gives you an attractive glow that’s impossible to resist. On the 15th, the New Moon could mark an exciting announcement. A sensitive relative won’t be able to handle your teasing on the 17th; be gentle. You’ll turn plenty of heads in October when your natural good looks are evident for the world to see. An ardent admirer pursues you, giving you a nice ego boost. Walking away from a limiting role will be easy on the 28th due to the Lunar Eclipse. You’ll adopt a much higher profile due to this shift. Obey an impulse to begin a creative project on the 31st; you’ll be very happy with how it turns out.

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your big chance to cash in on your creative talent. You’ll notice the benefits of a health regimen; treat yourself for your hard work. On the 14th, the Solar Eclipse brings exciting news about a travel or educational opportunity.

Getting a change of scenery or learning something new makes you more attractive than ever.

VIRGO (August24th-September23rd)

It becomes much easier to rest, relax, and enjoy the fruits of your labour. Stop pushing yourself to set new goals; bask in the beauty of the present moment. A brilliant idea brings fame and acclaim; don’t be modest about accepting praise. Beware of discouraging your best friend or romantic partner from pursuing their dreams; encourage them to obey their instincts. More money for luxuries becomes available in October. Your charisma is more powerful than ever on the 10th, allowing you to capture hearts wherever you go. On the 28th, the Lunar Eclipse finds you able to embark on a new adventure.

LIBRA (September 24th-October 23rd)

You’ll have lots more time for the people and activities you love. It helps that you’ll have fewer financial demands on you. The New Moon on the 15th creates a spiritual breakthrough that deepens your appreciation for life. Don’t lend or borrow money on the 17th; the last thing you want to do is ruin a beautiful friendship. An argument with a stubborn relative in October is more trouble than it’s worth. Avoid sensitive topics as nobody will change their mind. The Solar Eclipse on the 14th inspires you to change your image in a dramatic way. Don’t be surprised when people who were once indifferent to your charms take a sudden interest in you.

SCORPIO (October 24th-November 22nd)

Commanding public attention is as easy as breathing for you. A romantic or business partner will also become more self-sufficient. On the 15th, the New Moon invites you to pursue a

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More opportunities to indulge your love of art, music, film arrive. Stop putting so much emphasis on work. But beware of overdoing it with food, drink, and other vices on the 17th.

The 25th is perfect for signing a contract or taking a business trip. On the 29th, the Full Moon could mark the announcement of an engagement, wedding, or pregnancy. Money is tight in October. Fortunately, you never associate wealth with happiness. By focusing on feeling good, the resources you need will become available. You’ll make a whole new group of friends. These will encourage you to develop a bold idea that you’ve been considering for a long time. Don’t neglect your spiritual life for the sake of work on the 31st.

CAPRICORN (December 22nd-January 20th)

Signing a contract is strongly advised; this agreement will serve you well for a long time.

Your leadership ability attracts fame and acclaim on the 21st; people appreciate your ability to be calm under pressure. The Full Moon on the 29th helps you settle a domestic dispute that’s been weighing on your heart.

October sees your powerful personality paving the way to an exciting opportunity. A power struggle with an authority figure breaks out.

Your thoughtful comments about a friend’s troubles on the 24th earn their undying loyalty.

Finishing a creative project on the 28th will bring a great deal of prosperity, due to the Lunar Eclipse.

AQUARIUS (January 21st-February 19th)

Romance floods back into your life. On the 15th, the New Moon finds you letting down your defences with a special person who makes you feel safe. Venturing into unfamiliar territory will give you the intellectual stimulation you crave; visit an exotic place that’s always intrigued you.

Be practical about money in October or you could suffer a big loss. The chance to travel to a beautiful land you’ve never visited before arrives on the 14th, courtesy of the Solar Eclipse. The Lunar Eclipse on the 28th brings the end to a painful family situation. This resolution will make you happier than you have been in months.

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PISCES (February 20th-March 20th)

Spending more time on your appearance will pay off handsomely. Don’t let anyone tell you what you can and cannot do. Use the power of your imagination to realise a cherished dream.

A well-connected friend introduces you to someone influential. The Full Moon on the 29th brings a big windfall. More good news on the financial front arrives in October, thanks to the Solar Eclipse. If you play your cards right, you’ll never have to worry about money again. An intense conversation on the 24th paves the way to an intimate relationship; your partner deserves your trust. On the 28th, the Lunar Eclipse causes you to reduce work responsibilities for the sake of education.

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