All Together NOW!

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NOTCHING UP OUR LANDMARK ISSUE

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WHO’S FOR

EMILY SERVES UP p19 A CRACKER

A SING SONG? TEA AND TUNES

inside

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A WHOLE NEW BALL GAME FOR JAMES

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What’s inside NEWS

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NEWS

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STEVE MORGAN FOUNDATION

UNITED UTILITIES

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THEATREZONE

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CONTACT BOARD

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THEATREZONE

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HEALTHZONE

HOROSCOPE

GARDENING

PUZZLEZONE

SPORT

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INDEPENDENT LIVING

NEWS

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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 January 9

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

A grotto that’s fit for everyone

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ANTA’s on his way . . . and there’s a very special welcome awaiting him at Walton Hall Gardens, near Warrington.

The team at Warrington Disability Partnership are making their grotto fully accessible – so there will be no issues if he is having difficulties getting around these days!

A WDP spokesperson said: “Our grotto will be perfect for everyone, so if Santa is now experiencing mobility issues or any other issues that age can sometimes bring with it, we’ve got it sorted!”

Sign language interpreters will be on hand, and “Quiet Hours” for children, parents and grandparents who are affected by autism, dementia and Alzheimer’s are being planned.

There will also be a guided tour for those with sight problems – and an interactive experience including touching, feeling and smelling a Christmas tree and other items.

The undercover winter wonderland scenery, being held in the indoor riding school, is also fully accessible, and there’s even an inclusive Santa Dash being held in the gardens on Sunday December 11 so get in touch now if you want to take part.” n The grotto will be open weekends from Saturday November 26 and throughout the week of December 19-23. n WDP: Tel.01925 240064. www.disabilitypartnership.org.uk/events

A Rosie future

A LIFELONG campaigner for health equality is to lead one of the North West’s biggest providers of physical and mental health services.

West Lancs MP Rosie Cooper has been named as the new chair of Merseycare NHS Trust, taking over from Beatrice Fraenkel.

Ms Cooper has a wealth of experience in the NEW ROLE: health Rosie Cooper sector built up over the past 30 years.

She was the driving force behind two independent enquiries into the culture and care at the former Liverpool Community Health Trust.

She said: “ I look forward to helping drive Mersey Care to the highest standards of care for all its patients, service users and carers across Cheshire and Merseyside.”

Ms Cooper said: “She is also a former vice-chair of Liverpool Health Authority and chair of Liverpool Women’s Hospital and is an active member of the Health Select Committee.

Good signs

SIGN language users across Liverpool, Sefton and Knowsley can now contact their GPs directly by phone.

Liverpool GP Dr Monica Khuraijam said: “This is a huge step forwards in empowering deaf patients to be able manage their own medical needs.

“Previously, if a patient who was deaf wanted to get a GP appointment, they either had to go to the surgery in person to request this or rely on a family member or friend to call their surgery for them.”

Patients will also be able to request sign language versions of patient letters and other medical information. n People can book appointments by either: completing a short online form at: http://beta.signalise.coop /contracts-info/ emailing: bookings@signalise.coop sending an SMS (text) or What’s App message to 07723 469028

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Thanks for helping to keep this great paper alive

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VERY warm welcome to this landmark issue of All Together NOW!

When we set up our FREE charity paper in May 2005, few people thought we would last more than a year.

Seventeen years later, and the presses have rolled with our 100th edition!

It’s been a real rollercoaster of a journey, with lots of heartache along the way, but we’re still here – and determined as ever to keep publishing your favourite newspaper for as long as we can.

The fact that we are still here is largely due to the phenomenal financial support we have received PHILANTHROPIST: from so many organisations, especially our longSteve Morgan standing partners – the Steve Morgan Foundation

and United Utilities. Without them, there would be no All Together NOW! Philanthropist Steve Morgan said: “I would like to congratulate the All Together NOW! team for reaching the landmark of 100 newspapers.

“There are an estimated 500,000 people in Merseyside and Cheshire who are not connected to the internet so the newspaper is a vital source of helpful information to them.

“We’ve enjoyed a long relationship with

All Together NOW! and I look forward to many more newspapers in the future.”

Amanda Phillips, Priority Services Manager at United Utilities, said: “Being one of the main sponsors for All Together NOW! for many years has enabled us to promote directly with our customers.

“As the North West’s water company we have many services and benefits designed to help and support our customers with additional needs.”

Our thanks also go to the Geoffrey and Pauline Martin Charitable Trust and the West Derby Waste Lands Charity for their recent and generous donations.

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FIRST EDITION: May 2005

I hope you enjoy reading this issue. We are back in January. Happy Christmas and let’s hope it’s a great New Year for everyone.

TOM DOWLING, editor

3

WHY BENEFITS MUST RISE WITH INFLATION

4

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022

Good news for carers as ‘Leave’ law gains support

THE Carer’s Leave Bill has passed its Second Reading, gaining crucial Government support.

This legislation, if successful in its passage through both Houses of Parliament, would see an estimated 2.4 million employees getting a new right to take up to one week of unpaid Carer’s Leave.

Wendy Chamberlain MP, sponsor of the Bill, said: “This is a landmark for carers around the UK, marking the first step to secure employment rights designed to help people care and work.”

Helen Walker, chief executive of national charity Carers UK, said: “Carer’s leave also makes business sense: employers are better able to retain talent and skills within their staff teams and avoid additional recruitment costs and retention rates. The wider economic benefits could be significant.” n Carers UK helpline 0808 808 7777.

Find YOUR local Carers Centre – p19

Gov’t £6.4 MILLION website

DESPERATE! C

COLD COMFORT: Vulnerable people need help more than ever, say charities

‘We can’t get the staff’ CARE charities have reacted to new findings showing there are 165,000 vacant posts in adult social care – an increase of 52% and the highest rate on record.

Helen Giles, at respite charity Revitalise, said: “The situation has become so bad that many respite care providers are having to restrict the numbers of guests they can accommodate. The physical capacity is there, we just don’t have enough staff.”

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

THE Government has just released details of its new disability-focused website for employers – at a cost of £6.4 MILLION! The new service is aimed at giving employers better support for disabled people and those with health conditions in the workplace.

Once fully developed, it will help employers understand their legal obligations, including how to make adjustments for disabled people and those with health conditions.

It seems it’s a work in progress, and that we can expect big things in the future.

The Government says it is all part of a three-year £1.3bn plan to provide employment support for disabled people and people with health conditions, adding: “The money will go towards building up existing provision, including expanding employment support, to grow the economy and help people with the cost of living.”

HARITIES are demanding benefits rise in line with inflation, as a new study shows disabled people were struggling even before the cost of living crisis.

said they had some or great difficulty in making ends meet, with the cost of living crisis making the situation even worse.

Matt Stringer, RNIB chief executive, said: “A reversal of the promise by the Government A survey by the Sense charity found to raise benefits in line with that disabled people are: inflation would be a devastating l Three times more likely to be blow. behind on bills or in debt compared “Targeted support is needed to non-disabled people. now to help those impacted by l Three times more likely to be rising costs in all areas of their unable to afford adequate food than lives and stop people being those with no disability. pushed into hardship.” l Three times more likely to be Joanne Creighton, Glaucoma unable to heat their home – rising to UK chief executive, said: eight times for people with more UNDER PRESSURE: “Raising benefits in line with complex needs.

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt wages and not inflation in the Richard Kramer, Sense chief midst of the cost of living crisis equates to a severe executive, said: “The current cost of living crisis reduction in vital support for many people affected has worsened an already precarious financial situation for disabled people – with those with more by sight loss in our communities, and will be highly detrimental to their quality of life.” complex needs, and their families, facing the Fiona Sandford, Visionary chief executive, said: hardest time.

“Many of the people we represent are currently “The Government must recognise the scale of the crisis and impact on disabled people and commit to experiencing significant financial hardship and it is imperative that action is taken now to reverse the increasing benefits in line with inflation.” damaging impact that rising costs will have on Gemma Hope, director of policy at Leonard already challenging lives.”

Cheshire, said: “Our analysis shows that current Charles Colquhoun, Thomas Pocklington Trust support falls woefully short and many disabled chief executive, said: “Any further weakening of the people are desperate for more targeted support link between benefit increases and inflation will during this crisis. leave low income blind and partially sighted people “Support with energy bills must immediately facing real difficulty.” target disabled people and households most Helen Walker, Carers UK chief executive, said: vulnerable to energy price increases, especially if “Unpaid carers are particularly vulnerable to rising benefits do not rise with inflation as has been costs due to their limited ability to earn an income, promised.” and they have extra costs to meet that they cannot Around two million people live with sight loss in cut back on. the UK, and 340,000 of these are registered blind “The Chancellor must do the right thing and or partially sighted. Even before prices began to ensure Carer’s Allowance and its associated rise, one in five blind and partially sighted people premia are uprated in line with inflation.”

Fairer deal on utility debts

HUNDREDS of thousands of people who receive legacy benefits will be treated more fairly after a new High Court ruling.

The Department for Work and Pensions’ (DWP) Third Party Deductions Scheme lets third parties, such as private electric, gas and water companies, apply to the DWP for a proportion of a person’s benefits to be paid direct to them, to repay debt that they say is owed, and to meet ongoing usage costs.

But, following a judicial review challenge brought by Helen Timson, a disabled former police officer, the way

the DWP operates the scheme – and in particular the way the written guidance is drafted – will need to be significantly altered.

The previous written guidance, which has been found to be unlawful, did not make it clear that benefit claimants should be offered the opportunity to make representations to the DWP prior to the decision being taken, including as to whether the money is in fact owed, what their financial circumstances are, and whether there might be other ways to pay the debt.

Breach

Mr Justice Cavanagh said: “In my judgment, a failure on the part of the decision-maker to give the claimant the opportunity to make representations and provide information would be a breach of the obligation of fairness.”

Ms Timson, had deductions being taken from her Employment and Support Allowance over many years, with the deductions sometimes leaving her unable to pay rent. She has also had deductions taken for debts which were not even owed.

She said: “I am over the moon about this judgement.

However, the scheme remains inherently flawed, as it still gives decision-makers the power to determine how other people’s money is spent.”

Emma Varley, a solicitor at Bindmans LLP, said: “The judgment will mean that Miss Timson and other benefit claimants will be afforded the crucial opportunity to make representations to the DWP before a decision about how their money is spent is made on their behalf.”

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

Motor neurone risk for sports stars

www.alltogethernow.org.uk NEWS

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OP rugby stars are 10 times more likely to develop motor neurone disease than the rest of us, groundbreaking research has found.

The study also concluded that ex-rugby union internationals are at double the risk of a dementia diagnosis.

Consultant neuropathologist Professor Willie Stewart, who leads the research, said urgent work was needed to “explore the specific association between rugby and the devastating condition of motor neurone disease”.

The landmark FIELD study has already produced the first data on neurodegenerative risks among former football stars, funded by the FA and players’ union the PFA. A continuation of this pioneering research into brain health in contact sport, the new study is the most detailed ever into risks among ex-rugby players.

Prof Stewart said: “This latest work demonstrates that risk of

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022

Brain pioneers in urgent action call

neurodegenerative disease is not isolated to former footballers, but also a concern for former rugby players.

“It provides further insight into the association between contact sports and neurodegenerative disease risk. Of particular concern are the data on motor neurone disease risk.”

Led by the University of Glasgow, the research team compared health outcomes among 412 male, Scottish, former international rugby players and over 1,200 matched individuals from the general population.

Health records on death certificates, data on hospitalisation and medication prescribed for dementia, and causes of death were also included in the study.

It was found that former international rugby players had approximately a two and a half times higher risk of neurodegenerative disease than expected, though it made no difference what position they played.

The study also found that although rugby union players had a higher risk of death from neurodegenerative disease, they were less likely to die of respiratory disease.

Prof Stewart added: “Taking these new results in rugby, together with our pathology work and previous FIELD studies in football, the risk exposure of concern must remain repetitive head impacts and head injuries.

“Precautionary approaches should be adopted to reduce unnecessary head impacts and better manage head injuries across all contact sports.”

The findings were published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry.

All Together NOW!

Promote your services in our 2023 company/charity spotlight series DANGER: Dementia rates higher in rugby

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Enlarge the font, listen on-demand, and browse with just a few taps.

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250,000

Reach n o i g e r e h t s s cro readers right a

Call Helen NOW! . . . 07511 839397 helen@alltogethernow.org.uk

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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022

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At last! Deaf people win the right to sit on a jury TWO years of fighting for deaf people to serve on a jury have finally paid off.

A change in the law earlier this year paved the way for them to help decide the guilt or innocence of defendants for the first time.

New rules mean British Sign Language interpreters can sit in courtrooms in England and Wales.

Karen, a volunteer at the Deaf Cultural Outreach Group, has become the first person to complete jury service with a BSL interpreter.

She and fellow jurors heard a case at Croydon Crown Court regarding raciallyaggravated harassment, and Karen was chosen by other jury members to act as their foreperson and announced the verdict.

Another deaf person, Paul, heard a serious sexual assault case at Norwich Crown Court last month.

Both Karen and Paul had three-strong teams interpreting what was happening in the court room and the jury room on rotation.

Thanks - I’m too old for internet

WHAT a fabulous and free newspaper! I’ve just picked up a copy at Clatterbridge Oncology in Wirral and can’t believe how much helpful news there is in the paper. It’s especially good for me as I am too old for the internet, and without your paper I wouldn’t have got to know the support that’s available. Thank you!

Norah Jones, Oxton, Wirral

Language lessons

WORK is under way to understand how to best support language development for deaf children born to hearing parents.

Researchers say many of these children start school with poorer language skills and learning outcomes compared to their hearing peers.

The team will work with deaf babies and toddlers to develop new ways of tracking the impact that reduced access to language may have on cognitive development over the first two years of their lives.

Lead researcher Dr Teodora Gliga, at the University of East Anglia, said: “One child in every 1,000 is born deaf, and the vast majority of these children are born to hearing parents.

“Many deaf infants born to hearing parents will experience reduced access to the main language used by their family.

“And while many families choose for their children to have a cochlear implant, many deaf children still enter school with less developed language and learning outcomes compared to their hearing peers.”

The Economic and Social Research Council is funding the £1m project.

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One man’s journey from life-changing accident to pioneer of self-defence for wheelchair users

EXPERTS: Colm with Andy and Grek from Defence Lab. Inset, applying techniques and sparring

I help others to be confident like me

C

OLM Whooley was travelling home from work one day in 1980 when he was involved in a motorcycle accident, breaking his back and sustaining a spinal injury.

The then 21-year-old spent nine months in a rehabilitation hospital and has used a wheelchair ever since.

Colm eventually went back to college to study architecture and engineering, but assumed he would never again be able to pursue his passion for martial arts.

“My focus was on becoming as independent as I could be and coming to terms with my injury. I had thought martial arts was no longer an option,” he said.

“After a couple of years working, I set up Spinal Injuries Ireland, a national support and lobbying organisation, where I worked as CEO for 21 years.”

It was a magazine article that reintroduced Colm to the martial arts legend Bruce Lee, and the possibility that self-defence as a wheelchair user could after all be an option for him.

Colm said: “Bruce Lee’s quote ‘Use only that which works, and take it from any place you can find it. Adapt what is useful, reject what is useless, and add what is specifically your own’, touched a chord with me.

“But honesty was critical for me; I didn’t want to learn techniques that just looked

To advertise, contact . . .

good. I wanted to learn self-defence techniques that would really work for me as a wheelchair user in a serious street confrontation.”

He read about Martin O’Neill, an instructor in Jeet Kune Do (an expression of martial arts developed by Bruce Lee), and was impressed with his teachings.

Colm contacted him, explaining that he was looking to develop effective self-defence for wheelchair users.

“If it was practical, I wanted to make it available as CEO of Spinal Injuries Ireland to patients during their rehabilitation. This was the start of a friendship and journey of nearly three decades.

Empowered

“Once I realised that real self-defence was realistic for me as a wheelchair user, my goal very much changed. I had seen how it had empowered me and given me a new-found confidence and wanted to introduce it to other wheelchair users.”

Colm wanted to look at other styles and systems and incorporate them into what they had already learned.

This set him on a journey of exploration that took him to Britain and Europe, meeting and training with different instructors. teaching a variety of martial arts.

“I was getting a real insight into what was possible. And over the years I was able to

helen@alltogethernow.org.uk

get some special techniques that really worked well for us as wheelchair users.

“However, it was a message online from a mom in California that got me looking at how I could make the course available to people with a disability in different countries, and also to instructors, so that they could teach it to wheelchair users in their schools.

“The mom asked if I ran workshops or training in the US that her son could attend.

I explained it wasn’t practical for me but I started to look at the option of creating an online course for wheelchair users and Instructors.”

Colm travelled to Valencia to work with his friends Andy Norman and Grek Fenollosa, founders of the Defence Lab martial art, to develop an effective online course for wheelchair users and Instructors globally.

“This took four years to develop. Andy is not only an amazing martial artist but is also a Hollywood movie fight choreographer, known for training Tom Cruise in Mission Impossible, and the Batman and Jack Reacher movies.

“Some of the topics we cover in the course include positioning yourself during a charging attack, and fighting within your zone.” n colm@defencelab.com n www.defencelabcourses.com/ wheelchair-self-defence-course

Tel. 07511 839397

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

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All Together NOW!

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022

www.stevemorganfoundation.org.uk Tel 01928 706555

stevemorganfoundation

Steve Morgan Foundation

Change lives – that’s what we do

@stevemorganfdn

Happy days!

HE Steve Morgan Foundation has been changing people’s lives ever since it was founded by entrepreneur Steve Morgan CBE in 2001.

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

into type1 diabetes, as well as helping charities struggling with the impact of Covid-19.

However, one of the biggest changes the Foundation has consistently made to

the lives of individuals and their families has been through the Enable Fund.

The Enable Fund supports people of all ages in financial hardship, who are in need of specialised equipment, including

mobility aids, wheelchairs, buggies, wheelchairs and trikes.

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

Mr Morgan explained: “The Enable Fund was set up to support people to do the things most of us take for granted. It helps them to lead more fulfilling lives.”

PROUD MOMENT: Steve Morgan at Maggie’s Wirral

Maggie’s – one year on

Ruby’s runaround

RUBY GRIMSHAW can now go for family bike rides after the Steve Morgan Foundation bought her a tandem tricycle.

Ruby, 10, has cerebral palsy and lives with her parents Bernie and Graham and brother Harry, seven, in St Helens.

Ruby relies on a wheelchair and her life has been transformed following the delivery of an £8,500 tandem tricycle called an OPair.

The family contributed £500 towards the cost with the Steve Morgan Foundation’s Enable Fund meeting the remaining £8,000.

Liam Eaglestone, chief executive of the Steve Morgan Foundation, said: “The Enable Fund helps people like Ruby and her family.

“A powered wheelchair or specially adapted trike can literally open up someone’s world and take them to places they’ve previously not been able to go to.” n The Enable Fund supports people in hardship, who need specialised equipment, including mobility aids, wheelchairs, buggies and trikes.

TO MARK the first anniversary of the opening of Maggie’s Wirral, Steve Morgan returned to see how the centre is helping thousands of people living with cancer across Merseyside and Cheshire.

Steve, chairman and founder of the Steve Morgan Foundation, which funded the building, said: “It was a humbling experience.

I am delighted we are now marking a year since we opened and so many people are being helped at what is an

incredibly tough time.

“I am already looking forward to a time when the same can be said for even more people in Liverpool and those of North Wales.”

Thanks to the Steve Morgan Foundation a second centre – to be built within the grounds of the new Royal Liverpool Hospital next to the new Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, Liverpool – is also in the development stages, and discussions are underway for a third centre in North Wales.

What a cracker

WHEELCHAIR user James Ahearn is now playing football at Anfield Sports Academy and has taken up basketball, thanks to the Steve Morgan Foundation.

The 10-year-old, from Netherton, Liverpool, was born with spina bifida and was finding pushing his chair tough going.

His Dad Stephen explained: “Although James is limited to a wheelchair he’s always liked to be active.

“His old wheelchair was restricting his ability to play – it was more to Steve Morgan Foundation for correct a curvature in the spine. It help via its Enable Fund. just wasn’t fit-for-purpose to play Andrew contributed sport.” towards the cost of the The solution? A new lightweight powered wheelchair with the adjustable DaVinci wheelchair, Steve Morgan Foundation tailored to his specific requirements. agreeing to pay the balance His parents gave £1,000 towards of £5,000. the cost and the Steve Morgan His older brother Martin Foundation stepped in to pay the said the powered wheelchair remaining £2,500. had opened up Andrew’s Stephen said: “It’s allowed him to world. get out and about. It’s also a lot “It’s made him a lot happier and more positive. Thank you easier for us to lift up and fold away. to the Steve Morgan “A massive thanks to the Steve Foundation for changing his Morgan Foundation for making it life,” he said. happen.”

New chair is a life-changer for Andrew THE family of Andrew Farr say his life has been transformed thanks to the Steve Morgan Foundation.

Andrew, 58, has cerebral palsy and lives in supported accommodation in Wirral.

He works part-time at a local hospital but problems with his mobility were increasingly restricting his ability to get out and about.

His therapist suggested a powered wheelchair would transform his quality of life so his family appealed to the

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

or

hello@stevemorganfoundation.org.uk

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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

Triple amputee shows what can be achieved with the right attidude . . . and support

Staff crisis is putting patients’ lives at risk

VULNERABLE mental health patients are not receiving vital support, leaving many at risk of suicide.

Alarming figures show tens of thousands of follow-ups with patients leaving inpatient facilities are not made within a critical 72-hour window.

The risk of suicide is highest on the second and third days after leaving a mental health hospital – that’s why the target of following up with at least 80% of people within three days after discharge was introduced in 2019.

That target has never been achieved in England and the Royal College of Psychiatrists is calling for rapid action to recruit and train staff in community mental health services.

Dr Adrian James, President of the Royal College, said: “We simply can’t afford to let people fall through the cracks.”

UK/China breakthrough

EXPERTS in the UK and China have developed a “new and exciting” system that could help combat future pandemics.

Their computer software speeds up the process of creating new diagnostic tests for infectious diseases – and can also be used to identify the early stages of noninfectious diseases like cancer.

Professor Jon Cooper, at the University of Glasgow, said: “It is an exciting discovery, and suggests many potential applications.”

We all have mountains to climb, says Kilimanjaro hero . . .

TOP MAN, ANDY!

J

UST days after his remarkable achievements by scaling Mount Kilimanjaro, triple amputee Andy Reid was thinking about his next fundraising challenge.

“I’d like to do some humanitarian work, possible something to help people in Ukraine,” said the founder of the St Helensbased Standing Tall Foundation.

“But first I need a long rest and plenty of time to catch up with my wonderful family.”

Andy Reid lost both his legs and arm after stepping on a bomb while out on patrol in

Afghanistan 13 years ago.

He said: “I just wanted to show people what can be achieved with the right attitude and support.

“We’ve all got mountains to climb. I wanted to show what is possible – and to raise funds for our Foundation, which provides vital support for people with physical and mental issues.”

During his gruelling two-week challenge, Andy had to keep changing his prosthetic limbs, which were causing great discomfort.

“I took with me lots of legs and a few

arms,” he said. “I had more legs than a spider!”

It was the second time that he had scaled Mount Kilimanjaro: he did it 13 years ago to the day when serving in the army in Northern Ireland.

“Thirteen years ago, I did it, and now I have climbed the world’s highest single free-standing mountain again with two prosthetic legs and a prosthetic arm.” n Standing Tall Foundation: Tel. 07938 470238. info@standingtallfoundation.org.uk

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022

All Together NOW!

This winter, think I is for

E is for

Insulate P is for

Prepare

Easy!

P is for

Protect

Prepare for winter; insulate your pipes; protect them with lagging. It’s easy!

As the temperature drops and nights draw in, it’s time to wrap up – winter’s here!

Getting your home ready for the cold weather and all it brings means you’re more likely to stay warm and happy and enjoy a hassle free winter.

Rose Francis from United Utilities says: “Insulating your water pipes to protect them from the cold will save the hassle and expense if they freeze and burst. We want our customers to enjoy a carefree Christmas. The good news is it’s really easy to prevent this from happening.”

Go to unitedutilities.com/winterwise for great tips on how to keep warm and protected this winter including how-to guides and videos.

Support when you need it most We can all benefit from a bit of extra help at some stage in our lives. This could be due to age, ill health, disability, mental health problems, financial worries or language barriers. Registering for our Priority Services means you’ll benefit from a range of additional services so we can respond quickly to your specific needs. Register now at unitedutilities.com/priorityservices or call us on 0345 672 2888.

Steps to prevent frozen, burst pipes Step 1. Lag your pipes Pay extra attention to the pipes in the garage, loft or outside your home as these are the ones most likely to freeze when the temperature drops. Your local DIY shop should have everything you need; just remember to use waterproof lagging for any outdoor pipes. Pipe lagging is cheap and easy to fit.

Step 2. Find your stop tap Your stop tap controls the flow of water into your home. It’s usually found under the kitchen sink, or sometimes in the cellar or garage. It’s handy to know where it is so you can turn the water off quickly if your pipes freeze or burst.

Found it? Make sure your stop tap is working.

It’s also worth checking if your household insurance covers burst pipes.

Step 3. Keep your heating on low Keeping your central heating on low during a cold spell will prevent your pipes from freezing. Make sure the heating comes on when you’re away too; you don’t want to come back to a flooded home after a relaxing winter break.

Lots of modern boilers have a frost setting.

Handy for preventing frozen pipes when your central heating is not in full use.

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10 All Together NOW!

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

UK charging points to be made easier for everyone

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Free UK-wide home demonstrations call 0800 916 3028

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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022

driver included

electric vehicles, we increase the UK’s chances of reaching ambitious net-zero goals as well as ensuring that the transition is one that is just and inclusive.

“Throughout this transition, BSI will continue to convene industry, government, research groups, and consumers to create positive change for society.”

Catherine Brown, CEO at Designability, the charity involved in providing specialised guidance, said: “The standard positions the UK

as world-leading in this area. We are really excited about the future of public EV charging and how it will help disabled people to feel included, listened to and enable them to play their part in the transition to electric vehicles.”

Keir Haines, senior product designer at Designability, added: “We want the guidance to act as inspiration for industry.

“Containing lots of clear, concise information, images and videos, it looks at areas such as information and signage on where to find the

chargers and how to use the charge points.

“The guidance also focuses on lighting the area around the charge points, size of parking bays to allow enough space around the vehicle, clear access to amenities like toilets, plus much more such as cable and socket types, along with many design examples from the prototypes we developed as part of the process.”

Motability chief Barry Le Grys said: “Motability’s research has shown that half of

All Together NOW!

11

disabled people (6.5m) will be reliant on public EV charging by 2035, yet they face a host of problems using existing public charge points.

“As the UK transitions to net zero we want to ensure that EV charging is accessible to all.

This new free design guide, grant-funded by Motability, is a fantastic resource that will help providers develop new infrastructure at pace which is fit for the future of travel.” n Designability: Tel. 01225 824103 n www.designability.org.uk

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All Together NOW!

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

Boss told me: go to the toilet at home!

A little support could make a big difference

NEW guides for bosses could help workers with two little known conditions hold on to their jobs.

Research has shown ignorance of Raynaud’s and scleroderma has resulted in employers not taking them seriously and failing to support staff living with either or both.

The charity Scleroderma and Raynaud’s UK says it regularly hears from people who struggle at work – or who have felt forced out of their job – due to employers failing to understand their condition.

One person with both Raynaud’s and scleroderma, said: “I felt like I was too much of a headache for my employer, so they weren’t interested in supporting me.”

SRUK chief Sue Farrington said: “Raynaud’s and scleroderma can develop at any age and there is currently no cure for either.

“But a diagnosis doesn’t mean a person immediately loses their ability to do their job.

“For so many of us, work is a major part of our lives and, with the right support, most people with Raynaud’s and scleroderma can remain a valuable part of their workplace.” n Two guides – Raynaud’s: A Guide for Employers and Scleroderma: A Guide for Employers available to download from the SRUK website, www.sruk.co.uk, or order on 020 3893 5998 or email info@sruk.co.uk

Calling 999 with BSL

PEOPLE can now make 999 calls using British Sign Language (BSL).

The new service, 999 BSL, lets deaf people make emergency calls using an app or website, connecting callers with a BSL interpreter.

It is free to use and operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The system is the first time a 999 emergency service has been made available in BSL, though a similar process exists for the NHS 111 number.

To make a call with 999 BSL, users need to open the app or webpage, then press a red button that will connect them to an interpreter.

Brain health lottery

CAMPAIGNERS have renewed calls for a new acquired brain injury (ABI) strategy to address the postcode lottery of support across the country.

A national strategy could bring big benefits to patients and their families, they claim.

Laura Barlow, Adult Brain Injury Senior Associate at Bolt Burdon Kemp solicitors, says: “Without a national strategy, there is no legal requirement for government departments to actively consider the needs of people living with ABI, and so there is little to no incentive and budget to make the necessary and overdue improvements.”

Anne’s creation oh sew welcome!

LIFE-CHANGING: Anne and pal Lisa, left, hope the device will soon be on prescription

A

DEVICE invented on an attic sewing machine is set to transform the lives of thousands of stoma bag users.

The attic invention restoring people’s dignity

Anne Inch’s innovation allows leaks from stoma bags to be contained until they can be changed without fuss and embarrassment, and may soon be available on prescription.

Stoma bag leaks are the cause of multiple problems, from a loss of confidence for the wearer to bed blocking in hospitals.

But Anne’s life-changing invention – which came about after a particularly upsetting hospital stay for husband Iain motivated her to tackle the issue – could change all that.

In the UK alone, one in every 400 people undergoing a surgical procedure have a stoma bag to create an opening in the body to discharge waste.

Embarrassment

The technique is used for a range of medical conditions including several cancers, Crohn’s disease and bowel incontinence.

While people are encouraged to lead a normal life, leaks from bags are common despite a range of products on the market. Leaks or fear of leakage leads to embarrassment, loss of dignity and in some cases a reluctance to socialise or participate in activities people previously enjoyed like sport.

They can also seriously impact the skin causing painful sores, which require regular treatment.

Stoma bag leaks also cost the NHS significant time and money. For in-patients, changing a soiled bed is a 38-step process that can happen multiple times in a day, while an operation must be halted to sterilise the area and equipment if it happens during surgery.

Elderly patients cannot be released from hospitals if their bag leaks, which can lead to muchneeded hospital beds being blocked.

Anne and husband Iain both use bags. She recalled: “Iain was in hospital and in a single day, his bag leaked nine times. Changing hospital sheets has a huge impact on nursing time and Iain was understandably distressed.

“I went home that night and designed ConfiPlus using a disposable bedsheet. It is a device for dignity so individuals like Iain and I, regardless of age or the reason for wearing a bag, can live ordinary lives with greater confidence.

“Because ConfiPlus is so absorbent, the user has time to go and change even if their bag does leak as the waste is absorbed by ConfiPlus. When I brought my design into the hospital the next day, the nurses couldn’t believe how effective it was.”

Anne, 67, from South Lanarkshire, enlisted the help of long-time friend, Lisa Crombie, to help her create Confidence Plus Ltd, the company that has brought ConfiPlus to market.

And the two are working with Heriot-Watt University, in Edinburgh, to have the device listed on prescription.

Life-changing

Professor Marc Desmulliez, head of HerriotWatt’s medical device manufacturing centre, said: “We recognise the incredibly life-changing potential of this device for both patients and healthcare practitioners, so we are supporting ConfiPlus by helping them to introduce the product into clinical settings as quickly as possible.” n It is hoped the device will soon be available on prescription. Meanwhile, people can buy it (£39.99) direct from confiplus.com

SHOCKING levels of prejudice and ignorance among employers are highlighted in a new report.

According to the Spinal Injuries Association (SIA) latest report, What Matters, 75% of respondents with a spinal injury said access to employment is a barrier to leading an equal life, with some saying they felt useless and unemployable.

David Collins had to give up his career as an engineer in the aircraft industry despite his desire and ability to work.

He said: “I had several interviews, but could not get a position even for a short-term contact carrying out basically the same work I was previously doing.”

Another respondent felt she had no option but to take retirement 10 years early because her employers were not prepared to make reasonable adjustments.

She said: “I went back as a teaching assistant six months after my accident. But as time went on I felt isolated because the adaptations the occupational therapist had recommended, which were only the bare minimum, were being challenged.

“In the end I felt as if I was the one being awkward. I used to have to sit on my own at lunchtime because the staff room was upstairs.”

Stella Hall was shocked by her employer’s ignorance. “It took about eight years for the company to acknowledge I needed support/aids around the office,” she said.

“When I complained about the lack of disabled toilet facilities, I was told I should go to the toilet before I leave the house!

“In 2020, they finally had a disabled toilet put in... 10 years after my injury.”

n The SIA is helping tackle some of the issues highlighted in the report by providing vocational clinics at spinal centres across the UK. The charity also advises employers on what is required in terms of equipment and access, including accessible toilets n SIA: Tel. 01908 604191 or 0800 980 0501 www.spinal.co.uk

Euan needs all OUR help

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022

All Together NOW!

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A

ll Together NOW! readers are being urged to help bring about positive change by taking part in the UK’s biggest survey of access.

Disabled access charity Euan’s Guide, which covers issues such as toilets and parking, asks if access is generally better or worse in a world living with Covid, and this year includes the rising cost of living.

Last year, 2,400 people took part in the survey – most with a disability (97%), with the rest made up of carers, friends and healthcare professionals.

Among the findings were: l 92% of respondents try to find disabled access information before visiting somewhere new. l 56% avoid visiting a venue if it has not shared its disabled access information. l 73% said that they had found information on a venue’s website to be misleading, confusing or inaccurate. l 73% had experienced a disappointing trip or had to change plans due to poor accessibility. l Accessible parking and accessible toilets remain a top priority for disabled visitors.

Euan’s Guide was set up in 2013 by Euan

CAMPAIGNER: Euan MacDonald

MacDonald, a powerchair user, and his sister Kiki, after he was diagnosed with motor neurone disease.

They found that a lack of disabled access made everyday experiences stressful and they soon learned that other disabled people faced the same challenges.

Euan said: “This survey is extremely important in establishing how disabled people, their families, friends and carers feel about disabled access through their own lived experiences.” n Euan’s Guide: Tel. 0131 510 5106 www.euansguide.com/AccessSurvey

How we can help YOU to start or grow your business BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

H

EXPERT help and advice all at your fingertps

AVE you got an idea to start a business? Are you wondering what’s involved in being self-employed?

Do you need help to grow and existing business?

Did you know that you can access a huge range of resources at the Business & IP Centre (BIPC) in Liverpool Central Library?

BIPCs are a free service designed to support anyone who wants to start or grow a business. Many people with disabilities run successful enterprises – some are not for profit, some are charities, others are small business or sole trading operations right through to multi-million-pound companies.

BIPCs offer a wide range of resources and a comfortable, welcoming space with free wi-fi in which to work on your business.

If you have an idea and you want to protect it, you can access professional legal advice around copyrights, trade marks or patents.

For anyone writing a business plan or researching a market there are free databases providing up-to-theminute market trends and information.

You can download industry guides and explore all sorts of opportunities such as running your own pub, consultancy, café or restaurant or starting up an online business.

There are how-to guides on everything from fashion, art, wellbeing and personal fitness to food, music, technology, hospitality and much more. n Liverpool Central Library is a fully accessible venue. n The BIPC team is friendly and approachable with a genuine passion for helping entrepreneurs. n Since being set up in 2015 over 6,000 people have benefited from BIPC support. n There are weekly drop-in advice clinics in the library and a fantastic programme of online and physical events take place on a wide range of topics which are all free.

n BIPC Liverpool is part of a national network led by the British Library in London and part-funded by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. Last year BIPC Locals were opened across Liverpool and in St Helens, Sefton, Knowsley, Wirral and Halton. n If you would like to find out more about how BIPC Liverpool can help you with your business idea, email libraries.enquiries@liverpool.gov.uk or call 0151 233 5835 / 0151 351 1735 n Twitter @BIPCLiverpool n liverpool.gov.uk/bipc

Lifehouse Liverpool, 0151 709 0121

. . .Business & IP Centre, Liverpool City Region

14

All Together NOW!

We reach people who are DIGITALLY EXCLUDED

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022

www.alltogethern

GERRY CORNER goes to Prescot and discovers Shakespeare, Johnny Vegas, Doddy, and a welcome extended to all

JUST AS YOU’D

ALL-INCLUSIVE: Shakespeare North.

Visitors with a disabilityhave been impressed with the facilities

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

T

HERE must surely have been those who thought the good burghers of Knowsley had lost their minds when they dipped into a dwindling pot to gamble £6m of taxpayers’ money on a Shakespearian theatre.

It could have felt like one last desperate spin of the roulette wheel for a town rooted in one of the country’s most deprived areas.

Almost a decade had passed since the dream of recreating Prescot’s long-lost medieval playhouse, built around the time Romeo and Juliet was first performed, had collapsed with a failed Lottery bid in 2007.

And while other cities put a new supermarket at the heart of regeneration attempts, Knowsley Council was pinning its hopes on cementing – quite literally – the town’s links with England’s greatest playwright.

The local council’s decision in 2016 to spend millions reviving an enterprise only too vulnerable to snobbery and elitism, in a working-class town starved of jobs and resources, could have gone badly wrong.

Instead, news of the revived project for Prescot was greeted with enthusiasm by locals desperate for something to lift their spirits.

Besides which, the Shakespeare North Playhouse,

whose curtain lifted in July with a weekend of free festivities, was always intended to be the most democratic of spaces.

Prescotians may have taken to the place: attending performances in numbers, volunteering their time, contributing to the fixtures and fittings, or just calling in for a coffee.

But the message from those running the show is clear: whoever you are, wherever you are, whatever your circumstances, you are welcome here.

Special place

In the short time since the doors opened, the theatre has hosted everything from Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, to shared reading sessions, heritage tours, spoken word nights, and an audience with Johnny Vegas.

Creative director Laura Collier said: “Before we opened to the public this summer you could sense the energy of the theatre – it’s truly a special place.

“We want to be bold, brave and inclusive, and celebrate different creative voices. We hope to make Shakespeare North an exciting place where people from all walks of life feel engaged and welcome.”

On the site of a former car park, right in the centre of

town, the £38m venue inc style timber theatre outsid performances; an outdoo gallery; 60-seater studio t café and bar with outdoo The performance garde Dodd. Doddy played Yori and his widow, Lady Anne the tune of £700,000.

Plans for the original, m were never found, so in c impressive modern exter faithful recreation of Lond Court theatre, with no scr with 60 tons of English oa Among those who have Beatles legend Paul McC Gordon Brown and Osca Dench, the latter saying s product.

Laura added: “Our prog have a passion for theatr that theatre isn’t for them “Shakespeare North Pla space where everyone is

now.org.uk

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022

Where there is a Will, we will find a way T

HE words inclusive and accessible run through the DNA of Shakespeare North: A determination that nobody should feel

D LIKE IT!

cludes the only 17th centuryde London, featuring candlelit or performance garden; exhibition theatre, learning centre, plus r piazza. en is named in honour of Sir Ken ck in a movie version of Hamlet, e Dodd backed the Playhouse to

mid-1590s Prescot Playhouse, contrast to the building’s ior, the main auditorium is a don’s 17th century Cockpit-inrews or nails used, hand-made ak. e backed the scheme were Cartney, ex-prime minister r-winners Helen Mirren and Judi she was “thrilled” by the finished

gramme considers those who e as well as those who may feel . ayhouse was created to be a s welcome.”

All Together NOW!

Determination, daring and the rest is history

n Town historian Frank Bailey had uncovered the existence of The Prescot Playhouse in the 1950s. n Half a century on, a plan was hatched to rebuild what was believed to have been the first purpose-built indoor Elizabethan playhouse outside London, constructed around the time Romeo and Juliet was first staged. n Back then, the Earl of Derby, resident of Knowsley Hall, funded a band of actors who performed Will Shakespeare’s plays and went on to join the Bard’s own troupe in London. n Professor Elspeth Graham, who spent 10 years investigating the north-south Shakespearian connections, says it is “possible, even probable” that he spent time in the area. n The plans came to fruition partly thanks to the courage of Knowsley Council, but also the persistence of people like the building’s architect Nick Helm.

15

excluded from one of the North’s great cultural treasures has been designed into every detail.

But, says head of learning and engagement Evonne Bixter, “we are not complacent. If somebody visits us and doesn’t feel comfortable, doesn’t feel we’ve met the stadards that they need, we want to know that, we want to address it, we want to know how we can improve.

“And that is how we will always operate, that isn’t just for our opening; things change, people’s needs change, and so we will change.”

Act for Action, a local community organisation providing opportunities in the arts for adults with disabilities and additional learning needs, provided information and advice on the access needs of visitors to the Playhouse, while Graeae Theatre, a London-based company working with deaf and disabled artists, were consulted about helping performers with additional needs.

A strong network of theatres in the region also share best practice around inclusivity.

The building has three floors with lifts to all areas, baby changing facilities, and accessible toilets on every level.

A fully equipped shower facility has been fitted in the ground floor A BIG DEAL: Evonne Bixter accessible toilet, and Evonne said for people who might otherwise have n THERE are five wheelchair no choice but to go home part way spaces in The Cockpit Theatre, through a performance “that’s a but modular seating means really big deal”. larger groups can be Accessible performances will accommodated. include BSL and autism-friendly n Seating is unreserved in the versions. Staff have received the Performance Garden so the most up to date disability awareness numbers are very flexible, while training, and you can arrange to go the Studio has three wheelchair in at a quiet time to discuss any spaces, but larger numbers can particular access need. be accommodated.

Evonne added: “The theatre network is very much in they were really impressed with the communication about what’s facilities.” working, what’s good, what Only two areas of the building are resources can be shared. not accessible, the very top of the “The website has been designed building where the candelabras with accessibility in mind so the down and the pit of the Cockpit images, the fonts and all of our Theatre. However, Evonne said: branding are very clear.

“The view on the lower gallery is “One of the things we did in the very similar and actually that’s where quiet period before we opened was I like to sit!” invited people in who had access Creative director Laura Collier needs, so we could ask them how is added: At Shakespeare North we it, does it work for you, is there place inclusivity and access at the anything we need to address now heart of our decision making and before we open the doors? operations. Our building is designed “A couple of gentlemen came in, in with everyone in mind, with different types of wheelchair accessibility at our forefront.” including a larger electric kind, and

16 All Together NOW!

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022

Until Feb 23: Disney’s The Lion King.

Palace, Manchester. Set against the majesty of the Serengeti Plains and to the evocative rhythms of Africa, Disney’s multi award-winning musical is a unique theatrical experience that you will remember forever.

Nov 7-12: The Mousetrap. Liverpool Empire. As news spreads of a murder in London, a group of seven strangers find themselves snowed in at a remote countryside guesthouse.

Nov 7-12: Homotopia Festival. Unity, Liverpool. This year’s festival kicks off with the classic tale of Hansel and Gretel – with a very queer twist.

Nov 8: Woman Hood. Unity, Liverpool.

Humorous dance performance Woman Hood explores different female worlds in four parts.

Nov 8-12. Bugsy Malone. Opera House, Manchester. Prohibition era, New York. A city full of mobsters, showgirls and dreamers. Rival gangster bosses Fat Sam and Dandy Dan are at loggerheads.

Nov 8-13: Rita, Sue & Bob Too! Theatre Royal, St Helens. Hilarious story of Rita and Sue, two working class girls from a rundown council estate who are about to finish their final year at school. In their spare time, they earn money babysitting for married couple Bob and Michelle.

Nov 8-12: The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. The Lowry, Salford. Get your tickets for a journey to India with an eclectic group of British retirees as they embark on a new life. Starring Hayley Mills, Paul Nicholas abd Rula Lenska. Audio described/ touch tour, Nov 9; signed, Nov 11.

Nov 9: Confetti. Unity, Liverpool. A queer rom-com from Will Jackson that follows wedding planner Felix, as he embarks on a romance of his own.

Nov 9: Foster & Allen - We’ll Meet Again. The Brindley, Runcorn.

Foster & Allen are celebrating 40 years together.

Nov 10: Queenz. The Brindley, Runcorn.

Starring X Factor and Union J pop sensation Jaymi Hensley. Drag like you’ve heard it before.

Nov 10: Queer Arts North. Unity, Liverpool.

Are you a queer artist, duo or theatre company based in the North? Join LGBTQIA+ arts network for an afternoon of workshops, discussion panels and networking.

Nov 10-12: Sherlock Holmes and the Valley of Fear. Lyceum, Crewe.

Nov 11-Jan 21: The Scouse Jack & The Beanstalk. Royal Court, Liverpool. Deffo not for kids so leave them at home and treat yourselves to a great night out! Age advisory 16-plus – some strong language.

Nov 11: Utopian (t & c’s apply). Unity, Liverpool. Filled with high-heel rollerskating, hula-hooping, strip-teasing, and queer party madness.

Nov 11: Some Guys Have All The Luck.

Floral Pavilion, New Brighton. Rod Stewart tribute show.

Nov 11: John Cale.

Liverpool Philharmonic.

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

Christmas crackers

THEY’RE back with a treat for Christmas.

Aled Jones and Russell Watson reunite for a 21-date festive special.

(Nov 13: Opera House, Manchester and Nov 19: Venue Cymru, Llandudno)

An evening with Monty

Take your seats . . .

Nov 12: An Evening with Sharon le Grand and Friends. Unity, Liverpool. Get ready for an evening of cabaret, live music, queer comedy and full-blown mayhem. Handbags at the ready! Strong language, sexual references.

Nov 12: This Charming Man. Unity, Liverpool. An exploration of masculinity, gender and identity from a self-identifying butch woman who has an unhealthy obsession with The Smiths.

Nov 12: Leo Sayer. Liverpool Philharmonic.

Nov 12: The Greatest Hots of Motown.

Floral Pavilion, New Brighton.

Nov 12: Flo & Joan: Sweet Release.

Liverpool Playhouse. Multi-award winning musical comedy duo (and sisters) Flo & Joan are climbing out of their pits, armed with a piano and percussion section to bring you a brand new show of their critically acclaimed songs and comedy.

Nov 13: The King is Back – Ben Portsmouth is Elvis. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton.

BBC Gardeners’ World presenter Monty Don shares his passion for gardens – and is ready to answer your gardening conundrums – in his autumn tour.

Nov 20: Liverpool Philharmonic Hall

Nov 13: Brown Girls Do It Too – Mama Told Me Not To Come. The Lowry, Salford. Fierce, funny and frank, Poppy and Rubina have sex and they aren’t ashamed to talk about it. Expect songs, sketches and some very graphic content!

Nov 13: Christmas with Aled Jones and Russell Watson. Opera House,Manchester.

Nov 15: Squeeze. Venue Cymru, Llandudno. The band are back on the road.Manchester.

Nov 15-16: Fairytale of New York. Opera House, Manchester. Feelgood Irish-inspired Christmas show.

Nov 15-20: SIX. Regent Theatre, Stoke.

Nov 15-17: Opera North – La Traviata. The Lowry, Salford.

Nov 15-19: Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. Liverpool Empire. The inspiring true story of King’s remarkable rise to stardom.

Nov 15-19: Elf – The Musical. The tale of a young orphan, who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported to the North Pole. It’s sure to make everyone

embrace their inner elf!

Nov 16: Colin Hoult – The Death of Anna.

Royal Court, Liverpool. Fresh from a smash-hit, critically acclaimed, sold out run at Edinburgh Fringe – Anna Mann is going on tour! The acclaimed actress, singer & welder (gotta have a back up) returns after five long years to tell the incredible story of her life in the arts in this: her final hour.

Nov 16: Brit Floyd. Liverpool Philharmonic.

Tribute show.

Nov 15-19: Frantic Assembly – Othello.

The Lowry, Salford.

Nov 16-17: Mark Thomas: Black and White. Liverpool Playhouse. Expect creative fun from one of our oldest surviving alternative comics.

Nov 16: The Illegal Eagles. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton.

Nov 17: That’ll Be The Day. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton.

Nov 17-Jan 14: A Christmas Carol.

Octagon, Bolton. While Christmas cheer and goodwill thrive across Victorian England, tight-fisted Ebenezer Scrooge goes to bed on Christmas Eve with no compassion or

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

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

DaDa back on the radar with pen pals and poets

D

aDaFest International Festival is back, showcasing the talents of disabled, deaf and neurodivergent artists and performers.

The festival operates a “pay what you decide” pricing with tickets for individual events ranging from a suggested £10 general admission to £8 concessions, £5 half price, and free.

Mon Nov 7: Keep Clear. St Helens Library. An exhibition of photography by Mark Peachey.

Mon Nov 7: DaDa Academy Digital Showcase. Online exhibition of work by talented young people as part of the Alder Hey Project and the Young Musicians Ensemble.

From Wed Nov 16 (10am-5pm): Shielded in the Community Exhibition. Museum of Liverpool.

A disabled-led project that gathered responses to shielding from disabled people .

Wed Nov 23 (7.30pm): Amina

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022

Atiq. Bluecoat. Amina is a YeminiScouse poet, award-winning activist, and performance artist whose previous work for DaDaFest includes Broken Biscuits.

Fri Nov 25 (7.30pm): Dada Ensemble Concert. Bluecoat.

Featuring disabled, deaf and neurodivergent musicians aged 12 to 25. Both Bluecoat events will be filmed and available on demand from Nov 28 to Dec 18.

Mon Nov 28: Pen Pals. Online.

The British Council-funded crosscultural project brings together disabled artists associated with three international disability arts festivals in Liverpool, Indonesia and Nigeria.

Sat Dec 3: Edward Rushton Lecture. Museum of Liverpool and online. This year’s lecture, named after the Liverpool blind poet, activist and abolitionist, is given by writer and artist Khairani Barokka and will also be live streamed. n www.dadafest.co.uk/

Dukes of the ukes

TAP your toes with the royalty of the ukulele scene. The world’s very first Ukulele Orchestra is not just about ukuleles – it is about entertainment, joy, fun, strum and artistry.

Nov 19: George Hinchcliffe’s Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain. Liverpool Philharmonic.

Simply Wonderful

and tap those toes

Nov 18: That’ll Be The Day Christmas Show.

Venue Cymru, Llandudno.

Nov 18: The Take That Experience. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton.

Nov 18: Opera North – Orfeo ed Euridice.

The Lowry, Salford.

Nov 18-19: Les Dawson: Flying High. Liverpool Playhouse. Jon Culshaw (Dead Ringers, The Impressions Show) stars in this funny, affectionate and poignant celebration of the much-missed comedy legend.

Nov 19: Opera North – Orpheus. The Lowry, Salford.

Nov 19-Jan 14: Robin Hood; The Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto. Theatr Clwyd, Mold. Grab your arrows, pull on your tights, Robin’s coming home and the future’s looking bright! Audio described, captioned, touch tour, Dec 4; signed, touch tour, Dec 8 and Jan 7; relaxed, Dec 15.

Nov 19: Christmas with Aled Jones & Russell Watson. Venue Cymru, Llandudno.

Nov 19: Ghost Hunt. Lyceum, Crewe.

Nov 19: George Hinchcliffe’s Ukulele

CHRISTMAS wouldn’t be Christmas without this film classic. George Bailey, played by James Stewart, finds his previously happy life falling apart around him on Christmas Eve, until Clarence, his guardian angel intervenes.

Dec 24: It’s a Wonderful Life. The Brindley Studio, Runcorn and Liverpool Philharmonic Hall.

Orchestra of Great Britain. Liverpool Philharmonic.

Nov 19: Calan. The Brindley, Runcorn. Multiaward-winning Welsh folk band.

Nov 20: We Three Kings of Rock ‘n Roll. The Brindley, Runcorn. West End artists Darren Page, Marc Robison and Steve Halliday celebrate of the music of Roy Orbison, Buddy Holly, and Elvis.

Nov 20: An Evening with Monty Don. Liverpool Philharmonic. Top gardener Monty shares his passion for gardens and the unique role they play in human inspiration and wellbeing.

Nov 20: Crimes on Centre Court. The Lowry, Salford. Multi-award-winning New Old Friends are touring with another dose of mirth, murder and mayhem.

Nov 20: The George Michael Legacy featuring Wayne Dilks. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton.

Nov 20: The Spirit of Elvis. Theatre Royal, St Helens.

Nov 22-26: Noughts & Crosses. Liverpool Playhouse. Gripping Romeo and Juliet story.

Captivating drama of love, revolution and what it means to grow up in a divided world.

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Nov 22-26: Matthew Bourne’s Sleeping Beauty: A Gothic Romance. The Lowry, Salford. Get ready to be transported in time from the halcyon days of the late Edwardian era through to the modern day.

Nov 22: Bob Floyd: A David Gilmour Live Experience. The Brindley, Runcorn. Bob Floyd interprets and recreates the musical works of over 50 years of Pink Floyd.

Nov 22: Fairytale of New York. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton.

Nov 23: Swan Lake. The Brindley, Runcorn.

Nov 23: The Tell-Tale Heart. The Brindley, Runcorn. Supernatural murder mystery based on Edgar Allan Poe’s classic Victorian chiller.

Imagine you have committed a murder. And what is that noise in your ears that grows ever louder? Suitable for 15 plus years.

Nov 24: Blake. The Brindley, Runcorn. Brit award-winning vocalists. Celebrating a new decade together, they have chosen their all-time favourites, bringing you an extraordinary show that highlights their harmonies better than ever.

Nov 24: Don’t Stop Believin. Lyceum, Crewe.

Nov 24: Bye Bye Baby: Celebrating Franki Valli and The Four Seasons. Theatre Royal, St Helens.

All Together NOW!

Nov 24: Glyndebourne – The Marriage of Figaro. Liverpool Empire. When a womanising aristocrat tries to seduce his valet’s pretty young fiancée, his wife and servants conspire to teach him a lesson in fidelity he’ll never forget.

Nov 25: Glyndebourne – Mozart’s Requiem.

Liverpool Empire. The composer’s emotionallycharged final work takes listeners from the darkness of the Day of Judgement through grief and loss to consolation and redemption in some of the greatest music Mozart would ever write.

Nov 25-Jan 14: The Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto – Red Riding Hood. Liverpool Everyman. You might think you know the story, but this is the tale told Everyman style! Relaxed, Jan 9; audio described, Jan 12; captioned, Jan 14.

Nov 25: Michael Starring Ben. Rhyl Pavilion.

Take a journey back in time to remember Michael Jackson – the man, the music and the magic. Direct from the West End. Nov 26: The Sensational 60s Experience.

Venue Cymru, Llandudno. Mike Pender, The Trems, Dozy Beaky Mick and Tich, and The Fortunes.

Nov 26: The Best of John Williams. Opera House, Manchester.

Nov 26: Glyndebourne – La Boheme.

Liverpool Empire. When seamstress Mimì meets the struggling writer Rodolfo they are instantly drawn together.

Nov 27: The Muppet Christmas Carol in Concert. Liverpool Empire.

Nov 27: Home Alone in Concert.

Film with live orchestra.

Opera House, Manchester.

Nov 28-Dec 30: The Mousetrap. Opera House, Manchester.

Nov 28: Love Actually in Concert. Liverpool Philharmonic. A full, live orchestra performs Craig Armstrong’s evocative score, with the film being projected onto a huge screen.

Nov 29-Dec 3: The Osmonds Musical.

Venue Cymru, Llandudno.

Nov 30: Rick Wakeman. Liverpool Philharmonic.

Dec 1-3: Shrek the Musical. Liverpool Empire.

Dec 1-2: Ballet Black – Double Bill. The Lowry, Salford. Two new works – Say It Loud and Black Sun. Dec 2-Jan 1: Sleeping Beauty Pantomime.

The Grand, Blackpool. Audio described/signed, Dec 10, Dec 17 and Dec 29. Relaxed, Dec 28.

Dec 3: Genesis Visible Touch.

Liverpool Philharmonic. Tribute show.

Dec 3-17: Christmas Festival. Unity, Liverpool.

Music, cabaret, circus, workshops, shopping and family events.

Dec 3-Jan 8: Cinderella – Christmas Panto. Theatre Royal, St Helens.

Dec 3-Jan 2: Cinderella. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton. Starring Lee Latchford-Evans as the handsome Prince, CBeebies presenter Katrina Bryan, Sean Jones, Gwynfrny West, and Jamie Morris and Tarot Joseph as the Ugly Sisters! Signed, Dec 11; Autism friendly/relaxed performance, Dec 30.

Dec 4: The Bootleg Beatles. Liverpool Philharmonic.

Dec 4: A Christmas Carol, As Told by Jacob Marley (Deceased). Lyceum, Crewe.

CONTINUED PAGE 22

helen@alltogethernow.org.uk

17

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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022

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SHOPMOBILITY

n ALTRINCHAM . Tel 0161 929 1714 n ASHTON-UNDER-LYNE. Tel 0161 339 9500 n BARROW. Tel 01229 434039 n BIRKENHEAD. Tel 0151 647 6162 n BLACKBURN AND DARWEN. Tel 01254 690566 or 07757 502217 n BLACKPOOL. Tel 01253 349427 n BOLTON. Tel 01204 392946 n CARLISLE. Tel 01228 631564 n CHESTER. Tel 01244 312626 n CHORLEY. Tel 01257 260 888 n COLWYN BAY. Tel 01492 533822 n CREWE. Tel 01270 580 031 n ELLESMERE PORT. Tel 0151 355 1420 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 01606 288820 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 ST HELENS. Tel 01744 613 388 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 01606 557550 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

A good N’Uke story FUN TIME: The 64 N’Ukes and mascot, Hamish the dog

F

ANCY an afternoon tea, some great music – and to help a fantastic cause?

Well, Wirral’s fun-loving ukulele band 64 N’Ukes – together with mascot Hamish the dog – are serving up a tasty programme of winter dates . . . and want YOU to be part of the action!

The “all ability, all ages” band from Neston’s Hip & Harmony CIC, are playing at the Gift Café in Chapel House Lane, Puddington.

All they are asking in return is for a donation to Gift Café,

which is part of Retain Wellbeing CIC, a not-for-profit organisation which tackles social isolation and helps people living with dementia.

Caroline Hutton, director at Retain Wellbeing, said: “We’re really excited about having The 64 N’Ukes with us. All are welcome to join in with the music and singing.”

The band will be playing at Gift Café from 2pm-2.45pm on November 17, December 15, January 29, February 16 and March 16. l Tel. 0151 353 2055

City farm’s for everyone

CONGRATULATIONS to the hard-working team at Liverpool’s Rice Lane City Farm who picked up their shovels and created a new ramped entrance at Dove Gate on Hornby Road.

Lewis Lesley, chair of the trustees, said: “With help from our fantastic volunteers, we have now made the whole of the farm full accessible. This is going to make a huge difference for everyone!”

Set up more than 40 years ago and built on the site of the old Walton Park cemetery, the farm has an array of animals and wildlife on its 24 acres of field and woodland – including rare breeds such as Ryeland sheep and Berkshire pigs.

Open every day, 10am-3.30pm. Free admission.

Well behaved dogs are welcome but must be on a lead. l Tel. 0151 530 1066

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

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CARERS’ CENTRES

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: 11am1pm on Tues and Thurs students@ disabilityrightsuk.org n Scope’s Disabilty Information and Advice Line (DIAL) Freephone 0808 800 3333

HOME LEARNING! S HOB SATISFACTION: Emily Bailey in the technology-enabled kitchen

TUDENTS with special needs have helped to create their own home from home learning suite.

Hailed an “incredible facility”, the new Independent Living Suite at Wirral Met College’s Conway Park Campus, comprises an open plan suite with a hi-tech kitchen diner, bedroom and living room – and includes fully equipped laundry and bathroom areas.

Ovens are fitted with slide and hide doors; worktops, sinks, hobs and tables are height adjustable and wheelchair accessible; and cupboards created for easy access.

There’s also a fully equipped

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

sensory room and an activity room, which students have named “The Engine Room”.

The project was developed in response to the increase in demand from students requiring skills for independent living as part of their Education, Health and Care Plans.

College principal Sue Higginson said: “Our vision is to be an inclusive, outstanding college. We are extremely proud of the work we do with our students who have complex and moderate learning difficulties.“ Wirral mayor Cllr Jeff Green said: “I’m honoured to be part of the official opening of this incredible facility.”

Pictures: ROBIN CLEWELEY

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)

HIGH CLIMBER: Calvin Liu testing the climbing wall Tel 0800 587 2252 n WIGAN Tel 01942 242891 n WIRRAL Tel 0151 652 8877 HEARING ISSUES n BIRMINGHAM Institute for Deaf Tel 0121 246 6101 n CHESHIRE Deaf Society Tel 01606 47831 n CUMBRIA Deaf Society Tel 01228 606434 n LANCASHIRE (EAST) Deaf Society Tel 01282 839180

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

Tel 0161 941 4549.

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

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

Tel 01228 542 156 Penrith.

Tel 01768 890 280 Barrow-in-Furness.

Tel 01229 822 822 Kendal.

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

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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022

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MEDICAL NOTES

A change of diet that could transform lives

A NEW diet for treating a painful and debilitating condition could transform the lives of sufferers.

One of the most effective treatments for Crohn’s disease – a chronic condition causing inflammation of the lining of the digestive system – is also very challenging for patients.

As Exclusive Enteral Nutrition, or EEN, requires patients to consume only prepared supplements, with no solid food allowed for up to eight weeks, it can be very hard to stick to.

Now a new trial is testing a variation of the diet, which means replacing just half of the patient’s normal diet with liquidonly supplements.

Clinical nutrition expert Professor Konstantinos Gerasimidis, said: “This novel dietary regime has the potential to transform the current treatment of Crohn’s disease, offering better disease control and a better quality of life for patients.”

Eighty people with active ileocolonic Crohn’s disease are taking part in the trial across six hospitals. Researchers will assess the physical results of the diet, how it affects quality of life, and how it works in conjunction with medication.

Prescribed medications are only effective in around 40-50% of patients, with 20% of people losing their response to drugs every year.

The trial is being led by the University of Glasgow and NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde in collaboration with hospitals around Scotland.

Consultant in gastroenterology, Dr Jonathan Macdonald, said: “We’re delighted to be playing such a key role in a study that we hope will help to improve the lives of patients.”

An aid to happiness

PEOPLE with hearing loss who wear a hearing aid are SIX times more likely to be happier than those without, says a major global study.

The study, involving 24,000 people from 14 countries, revealed the immediate effects of hearing aids on improved mental health.

British people fitted with devices were 42% less likely to self-report depression and 50% less likely to report anxiety, than those who continue to struggle without.

According to the 2,400 Brits surveyed, hearing loss is one of the top three most stigmatising aspects of ageing (32%) – after forgetfulness (54%) and frailty (48%).

The research also highlighted people’s greatest health concern is dementia (78%), yet only one in 10 people are aware of the associated risk between hearing loss and dementia, and the importance of regular testing.

Heart of the matter

How to identify heart disease

RISK factors for coronary heart disease include smoking, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, being overweight or obese, and being physically inactive.

Hereditary and ethnic factors can increase your risk too. If you are experiencing abnormal chest pain, numbness in your arms or legs, or pain in your neck, jaw or throat it could be that the blood vessels in and around your heart are becoming blocked or diseased, so it is recommended to visit a hospital immediately.

How to monitor abnormal heart rhythms

ABNORMAL heart rhythms can mean an irregular, slow or a fast heartbeat and can lead to blood clots, strokes or heart attacks.

Symptoms include dizziness, palpitations, breathlessness, fatigue and losing consciousness. If you are experiencing these, speak to your GP, as you may need a heart tracing to assess your heart rate and rhythm.

Treatments can include medication, or more invasive procedures such as cardioversion (using therapeutic doses of electrical current to try to restore a normal heart rhythm) or a catheter ablation (a procedure to rectify the arrhythmia by passing tiny tubes through the heart’s blood vessels to pinpoint the problem, then destroy the area that is causing the issue).

Other procedures include inserting a

n IF YOU have heart problems you may not even be aware of them.

But the earlier you are treated and make changes to your life, the better chance your heart has. n CHERYL LYTHGOE looks at signs to look out for, the routes to treatment and recovery, and ways to keep your heart in the best possible shape device to regulate the heartbeat, such as a pacemaker or an implantable cardioverter defibrillator.

How to identify heart failure as soon as possible

MORE than half a million people in the UK live with heart failure – when your heart isn’t pumping blood around the body as effectively as it should.

Key symptoms include shortness of breath, swollen feet, ankles, stomach and lower back, as well as feeling very tired or weak.

The causes are high blood pressure, a heart attack or a disease of the heart muscle known as cardiomyopathy.

How to best recover from heart failure

THE mainstay of heart failure treatments are a combination of medication and healthy lifestyle changes.

In some cases, a device may be placed in your chest to control your heart rhythm.

Adopting a healthy balanced diet, doing

gentle exercise and ensuring you are smoke free can reduce your risk of becoming seriously unwell.

Seeing a medical professional will enable a tailored package of medications and treatment options to be offered and discussed.

How to make long-term changes to benefit your heart

LIFESTYLE choices can have a big impact on how likely you are to develop heart disease. Stopping smoking is vital, and keeping active (unless advised otherwise by your GP), along with eating for a healthy heart, are strongly advised. Reducing your intake of salt is also key in keeping your blood vessels and heart healthy.

One simple method to immediately reduce salt intake is to stop adding it to any food as you cook or eat.

Different herbs and spices can be used as a replacement for salt in recipes. For example, curry powder can add flavour and a healthy kick to your meal.

Exercises like cycling and swimming are a great way to keep your heart healthy during recovery from heart issues, as they are not as high-intensity as say, aerobics, yet still protect the body from heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, and obesity and related diseases, including diabetes.

n Cheryl Lythgoe is matron at Benenden Health.

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

2 50, 000

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READERS . . . BRINGING PEOPLE TOGETHER NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

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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

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

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

— Louise Beardmore, Customer Services Director United Utilities

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“WE HAVE supported All Together NOW! for the past 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

www.alltogethernow.org.uk Registered Charity: 1106387

22 All Together NOW!

n Continued from Page 17

Dec 6-Jan 8: SIX. Liverpool Playhouse. From Tudor Queens to Pop Princesses, the six wives of Henry VIII take to the mic to tell their tales. Signed, Dec 14; audio described, Dec 20; captioned, Jan 3.

Dec 6-31: White Christmas. Liverpool Empire. Join veterans Bob Wallace and Phil Davis as the all-singing, alldancing duo follow the stunning Haynes Sisters, Betty and Judy to a Vermont lodge for a special Christmas show.

Dec 7-Jan 8: Jack & The Beanstalk.

The Brindley, Runcorn. Signed, Dec 29; Relaxed, Dec 30; Dec 9: Lindisfarne. Liverpool Philharmonic.

Dec 9- 31: The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan. Regent Theatre, Stoke. Join Jonathan Wilkes as he sets sail on a brand new adventure. Relaxed performance, Dec 30.

Dec 10- 31: Beauty and the Beast.

Venue Cymru, Llandudno. Starring CBeebies’ Rebecca Keatley as Belle and venue favourites John Evans, James Lusted and Jason Marc Williams.

Signed performance, Dec 18; Relaxed performance, Dec 28.

Dec 10-31: Aladdin. Rhyl Pavilion.

Dec 10- 31: The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan. Opera House, Manchester. Jason Manford in the role of Captain Hook, joined by Ben Nickless as Smee. Relaxed performance, Dec 15.

Dec 10-Jan 15: The Snow Queen.

Storyhouse, Chester. Hans Christian Andersen’s timeless and bewitching story.

Dec 12-Jan 8: 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.

Dec 14-Jan 8: Claus – The Musical. The Lowry, Salford.

Dec 14: Stocking Fillers: Six Short Plays.

Royal Court, Liverpool. A merry mix of comedy and drama that will make you laugh and cry.

Dec 16-17: Alternative Radio. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton..

Dec 16-Jan 8: Aladdin. Lyceum, Crewe..

Dec 22: Bye Bye Baby: Celebrating Franki Valli and The Four Seasons. Theatre Clwyd, Mold.

Dec 24: It’s a Wonderful Life (Film). The Brindley Studio, Runcorn.

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

Dec 30: E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial in Concert. Liverpool Philharmonic. Film with live orchestra.

Dec 31: New Year’s Eve: Motown Classics.

Liverpool Philharmonic.

Jan 3-7: Dreamgirls. Liverpool Empire. Meet The Dreams – Effie, Lorrell and Deena. Three talented young singers in the turbulent 1960s, a revolutionary time in American music history.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022

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ARIES (March 21st-April 20th) The Lunar Eclipse brings an end to a steady income source, inviting you to strategise about attracting other money-making opportunities.

The 10th invites you to put your troubles aside and enjoy some rest and relaxation in a private hideaway. Romance heats up but beware of blurting out painful secrets. December starts well, and the Full Moon on the 7th brings thrilling news about a travel or learning opportunity; reserve your place as soon as possible, as slots will fill quickly. Mixing business and pleasure becomes a trend, and you could be rewarded with an incredible money-making opportunity arrives on the 17th, making you excited about the future. As Christmas approaches, commanding the spotlight becomes second nature, but don’t overestimate your importance.

TAURUS (April 21st-May 21st) Erratic behaviour creates havoc in a close relationship; don’t make any rash decisions without talking to your best friend, romantic partner, or business colleague. The Lunar Eclipse warns against making any significant changes to your appearance; turn a deaf ear to a loved one who urges you to undergo a cosmetic procedure, adopt a new look, or alter your hairstyle. It will be hard to resist the charm of a colleague during early December; keep this flirtation under wraps. Steering a friendship into romantic waters will be cause for regret.

Instead, devote more time and energy to your favourite people and hobbies. Christmas week will definitely lift your spirits.

GEMINI (May 22nd-June 21st) Don’t take criticism about your work to heart; it’s simply the product of jealousy. The Lunar Eclipse marks the end of a period of isolation that makes you self-conscious; prepare for a happier, healthier future. A fabulous opportunity could surface on the 10th; embrace it with open arms. Things are to get even better, causing your confidence to soar. However, as December approaches resist the temptation to mix your personal and professional lives; it’s more trouble than it’s worth. Discussing private matters with a sympathetic friend is more straightforward than expected. The Full Moon on the 7th prompts you to change your appearance in a bold way; seek to satisfy yourself instead of your romantic partner or lover.

CANCER (June 22nd-July 23rd) November’s Lunar Eclipse sends shock waves through your social circle; it’s time to distance yourself from people whose values clash with your own. A caring colleague or romantic partner comes to your rescue on the 12th; accept their help with an open and grateful heart. On the 14th, you have a great opportunity to study a subject that feeds your soul. The 19th warns against second-guessing yourself when talking to an expert; your instincts are right on target. December’s Full Moon on the 7th beckons you to get some peace and quiet. Your powers of attraction soar are set to soar; use them to your advantage. Exciting things are coming your way, but you have to strike a healthy balance between work and life before Christmas arrives.

LEO (July 24th-August 23rd) This isn’t a good time to make drastic decisions.

The tension between your family and personal life erupts. The Lunar Eclipse brings an end to a nerve-wracking matter; you can breathe a sigh of relief. Your wounded heart begins to heal when you let go of limited thinking about love and money. By accepting additional

your ways, but that’s their problem. The Lunar Eclipse puts an end to a painful period and something exciting is set to lifts your spirits. MidNovember is ideal for showing off your creative talent to an appreciative audience. Positive feedback from an influential person gives you the courage to make a bold move. Money becomes available as December’s Full Moon on the 7th attracts an unexpected financial windfall.

During Christmas week you have an opportunity to improve your health.

SAGITTARIUS (November 23rd-December 21st)

RUSSELL GRANT CALLING . . .

responsibilities puts you in a power position.

December sees a business or romantic relationship giving you the necessary security to launch a bold creative project. On the 7th, the Full Moon urges you to attend a casual social gathering; this will be a refreshing change of pace. Your playful attitude attracts the interest of an accomplished admirer; this could be the beginning of a lasting friendship.

VIRGO (August 24th-September 23rd) The Lunar Eclipse marks the end to a painful legal situation that drained your energy; rejoice in the knowledge you have been set free from this struggle. Be compassionate with a business that experiences staffing shortages; kind words yield surprising rewards. Your best friend or romantic partner gives you positive reinforcement; let their loving words sink into your soul. Looking towards Christmas, don’t impose your family’s values on your inner circle.

December’s Full Moon marks a turning point that gives you a lot more power. There could be an unexpected windfall coming your way.

LIBRA (September 24th-October 23rd) Ease up on retail therapy; the comfort you seek comes from spiritual pursuits. A fantastic opportunity is about to arrive. The results of a health regimen pay off handsomely midNovember; give yourself a nice reward for your hard work. Don’t let a loud-mouthed expert undermine your enthusiasm for a creative project. As December arrives, romance is in the air making you glow with happiness. However, overindulging in food and drink results in cloudy thinking; practice moderation. The Full Moon on the 7th helps you pass a test with flying colours; the impressive results lead to impressive opportunities. Starting on the 9th, you’ll spend more time at home with your nearest and dearest. Two heads are better than one in the run-up to Christmas.

SCORPIO (October 24th-November 22nd) Don’t let an erratic person in your inner circle break your; stay on the path that makes you happiest. A stern relative doesn’t approve of

Home is where the heart in November. Starting on the 14th, you’ll attract admiring glances wherever you go. Use your charisma wisely.

Your popularity soars on the 17th. There’s more good fortune on the way as financial support from a hidden benefactor gives you a spiritual boost. December finds you at odds with a relative; stop giving away valuable time and resources to unworthy people. The Full Moon on the 7th finds an ardent admirer coming your way. Try not to get carried away by emotion on the 9th, especially where your home life is concerned. Christmas week is filled with excitement; prepare to embark on a grand adventure with the one you love.

CAPRICORN (December 22nd-January 20th)

Financial limitations cause problems with a friend; don’t assume they can afford an expensive outing. Delay entering into negotiations; it’s best to postpone these talks until the second half of the month. Arguments with friends could erupt about differing values; prepare for some difficult conversations. Your leadership skills will be welcomed by a powerful group. A new source of income becomes available in December. On the 7th, the Full Moon marks a turning point in a health regimen; increased physical activity gives you an attractive glow and your powers of attraction soar. A hidden benefactor is speaking highly of you; your kind deeds are about to pay off.

AQUARIUS (January 21st-February 19th)

Don’t let an emotional upheaval affect your public image. Change your approach to a provocative relative; it may be time to cut off this relationship. Be open to a colleague’s bold ideas, even if they seem impractical. Accept an invitation to venture out of your comfort zone.

An exciting opportunity will be offered to you on the 14th. Start thinking more of others in December and express admiration for a friend’s artistic talent; they’ll be highly gratified by your praise. Your money-making instincts become very powerful starting; use them to find a rewarding creative assignment.

PISCES (February 20th-March 20th)

November is ideal for showing off your creative abilities, preferably to experts who really appreciate your talent. Making some kind of a commitment is possible on the 12th. Your allure turns heads on the 14th, putting you on the path to an exciting adventure. The New Moon on the 23rd attracts a fantastic opportunity that allows you a greater measure of independence.

December is full of ups and downs. A hypercritical person tries to undermine your enthusiasm; keep your distance from this grim figure. Postpone any big professional matters for later in the month, and be realistic about your ambitions. Christmas is a time for giving and sharing – fits you perfectly.

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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022

HOW PLANTS GOT THEIR NAMES . . . . . . BETULA JACQUEMONTII

HERE WE GROW: A young multi stemmed Betula jacquemontii among Thalia daffodil

VENCESLAS Victor Jacquemont was born in Paris in 1801.

He studied medicine, geology and later botany – with such distinction that, at the age of 27, he was commissioned to collect plant specimens from India.

He travelled widely there, collecting many plants unknown in Europe, but died of cholera in Bombay in 1832.

Several plants are named for him, including Vachellia jacquemontii,,

the Indian hazel (Corylus jacquemontii), the Afghan cherry (Prunus jacquemontii), and the cobra lily or Jack in the pulpit (Arisaema jacquemontii).

Also bearing his name is the Himalayan white birch (Betula jacquemontii), a tree with a striking, vivid white trunk, which is widely grown in Britain today, usually as a single-stemmed tree but sometimes cut to its base when young so it develops numerous stems.

GLOOM BUSTERS Colours to brighten dark days of winter BRIGHT AND BEAUTIFUL: Winter pansies Light Blue and Golden Yellow – and December berries on a well-cared-for holly

D

ON’T be hard on you houseplants or snub your tubs at this time of year.

With winter coming up, now is the time to ensure plenty of plant colour.

They will complement Christmas decorations, then brighten the new year’s gloomy days.

Numerous readers have exactly that in mind, as shown by these questions I have received.

QUESTION: What is the difference between summer and winter pansies and can I continue sowing summer pansy seed for winter?

ANSWER: Winter pansies, mostly developed from Viola wittrockiana, are bred to flower during the shorter day lengths of late autumn, winter and early spring. They are also extra hardy. Summer pansies bloom only when the days are longer.

Q: What is the best time to plant bulbs for

winter and early spring colour.

A: Most early spring bulbs (daffodils, crocuses, etc) are best planted between midSeptember and mid-October but they can be planted in November and will flower a little later. Tulips should be planted in early to mid-November.

Q: I have a large poinsettia plant from last Christmas with healthy foliage and in a pot 15cm (6in) in diameter. Should I repot it? I hope it will survive until Christmas this year.

A: The best time to repot a poinsettia is in summer just when the leaves are starting to regrow. But it may not be too late. Knock the rootball out of the pot and if the roots are filling the pot, replant in a pot about 5cm (2in) wider and deeper. To turn the bracts

scarlet, put the plant in complete darkness for 14 hours every day for eight weeks. Ideally this should start in October but you could try starting in November and might just be successful for Christmas.

Q: A few years ago I planted two hollies in my garden which are now about 10 feet high. They produce plenty of green berries but, in about the first two weeks of July, the berries drop off.

A: Berries, or fruits, often drop as a natural thinning process because the tree detects that water or food are in short supply. If the hollies are closely surrounded by grass or other plants, that could add to the problem.

Ensure they have a clear soil circle around them, a metre in diameter; hoe in several handfuls of general fertiliser such as

CHECKLIST

FLOWERS: Split the roots of older herbaceous perennials such as phlox, delphinium and peony. Dig up overgrown clumps, cut off sections from the edge, each with a few shoots and some roots attached, and plant these.

SHRUBS AND TREES: Plant new roses, hedging, shrubs and trees.

LAWNS: Spiking in autumn is highly beneficial, improving drainage, reducing moss and weeds, and encouraging grass growth. Use a hollowtine aerator or a garden fork.

Spike 10cm (4in) deep in rows the same distance apart.

Moss-killer can be applied until mid-November in mild weather.

PONDS: Prepare ponds for winter by removing the dying leaves of water lilies, taking out any blanket weed or algae and clearing fallen leaves from the surface before they have a chance to sink to the bottom.

VEGETABLES: Plant over winter onion and shallot sets and sow overwintering broad beans such as the variety Aquadulce Claudia.

FRUIT: If storing apples place them in single layers, not touching each other, in a cool, frost-free place.

HERBS: Propagate rosemary and curry plant from semi-ripe cuttings and split wellestablished clumps of chives and mint.

HOUSEPLANTS: Remove dead leaves and flowers and make sure sun-loving plants receive enough light in daytime. Reduce watering.

National Growmore in early spring or blood, fish and bonemeal in autumn, and water with many gallons when the soil is at all dry in spring and early summer.

Q: What is the best Christmas houseplant with long-lasting flowers to buy as gift?

A: The decision is a matter of taste because there are many excellent plants including Christmas cactus, with trailing red or rosepink flowers; Christmas begonia, Begonia cheimantha, which needs some support to keep it upright but produces white or pink flowers; Christmas heather, Erica canaliculata, which has many tiny white blooms, sometimes tinged pink, with black centres; and Christmas pepper, Capsicum annuum, a small, shrubby plant with white flowers in summer and then long, upward-pointing fruits, starting green and then turning yellow, purple or red.

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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

2

3

4

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★ 9

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★ 10

★ 11

5

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★

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16 19

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★ 28

★

28 27

29

★ 30

31

★

ACROSS

DOWN

1.

5.

9.

10.

11.

13.

15.

17.

19.

20.

21.

23.

24.

28.

29.

30.

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1.

2.

3.

4.

6.

7.

8.

12.

13.

14.

16.

18.

21.

22.

25.

26.

27.

Adorn (8) Wound mark (4) Violinist (7) Optic (anag.) (5) Adhere (5) Component part (6) West Country river (5) Wealthy (4) Tibetan ox (3) In this place (4) Honey-badger (5) Piercing cry (6) Spacious (5) American elk (5) Rhyme (7) Hyphen (4) Example (8)

Silly (4) Military trainee (5) Widow (arch.) (6) Rotate (4) Competent (7) Registrar (8) Guide (5) Eskimo canoe (5) Manufacturer (5) Took for granted (8) Rug (3) Inquisitive (7) Insurgent (5) Crop-destroying insect (6) Gourd (5) Scrutinise (4) Swelling on eyelid (4)

Each question has four possible answers and is worth from one to 15 points. Circle your chosen answers and keep a record of your points total. Maximum total points 120.

QUESTION 1 – for 1 point: What is the traditional meaning of the naval term ‘splice the mainbrace’?

A Issue an extra rum ration B Secure the ship to a quay C Mend a frayed rope D Serve dinner in the wardroom

QUESTION 10 – for 10 points: Which part of an animal is known as the lights?

QUESTION 2 – for 2 points: How is the year 2000 portrayed in Roman numerals?

A DD B CC C LL D MM

QUESTION 11 – for 11 points: In which county is the headland known as Start Point?

QUESTION 3 – for 3 points: What is the shape of a baseball field?

A Square B Diamond C Circle D Quadrant

QUESTION 12 – for 12 points: As of 2014, who is the most expensive football player to have been bought by an English Premier League club?

QUESTION 4 – for 4 points: Which musical features the song Any Dream Will Do? A Cats B The Phantom of the Opera C Joseph and his Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat D Miss Saigon

A B C D

A B C D

Rock musician Roger Taylor. See Question 5

QUESTION 7 – for 7 points: Which of the following makes pink gin pink?

A B C D

Brain Lungs Liver Kidneys

Lincolnshire Dorset Devon Kent

Angel di María Fernando Torres Mesut Ozil Carlos Tevez

QUESTION 13 – for 13 points: What is the assay mark for pure platinum?

Amaretto Cassis Tabasco Angostura

A B C D

Crown Lion Castle Orb

QUESTION 8 – for 8 points: Which fairytale world appears in C.S. Lewis’s book The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe?

QUESTION 14 – for 14 points: The Great Pyramid of Cholula, the largest monument in the world, is in which country?

A B C D

A B C D

QUESTION 6 – for 6 points: A fletcher was employed in the manufacture of what?

A Barrels B Arrows C Bricks D Saddles

QUESTION 9 – for 9 points: Which Caribbean country was devastated by an earthquake in 2010?

QUESTION 15 – for 15 points: Georges Braque was a pioneer in which art movement?

A B C D

A B C D

Narnia Brobdignag Middle Earth Mordor

Haiti Martinique St Vincent Cuba

Mexico Indonesia Egypt Peru

Impressionism Dadaism Cubism Surrealism

KAKURO

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

EASY

4

A B C D

QUESTION 5 – for 5 points: With which rock group is Roger Taylor the drummer?

A The Rolling Stones B Jethro Tull C Led Zeppelin D Queen

SUDOKU

3

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DIFFICULT

8 6

2

6

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

8

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

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.

MEDIUM 19

14

21

10

16

3

19

22

17

18 24 11 23

11 13

14 16 18 8

21

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.

1

2

MISSING LINK

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

/

1. the official language 287 872 542 144 272 582 719 262 421 864 833 178 283 716 312 637 422 122 623 214 892 621 473 526 315 262 422 148 376 739 153 773 912 376 832

Countries with English as

2. Charities 628 466 251 878 781 227 627 367 174 358 371 728 318 431 244 537 361 247 478 426 124 314 357 136 714 376 371 725 828 466 127 691 733 127 677

3. Thriller writers 426 135 364 641 367 684 915 172 937 713 733 374 251 367 798 412 784 871 266 261 369 531 326 127 696 125 478 247 162 253 261 528 491 734 247

4. Terms used in mathematics 778 273 176 681 254 327 213 722 846 612 334 846 617 372 368 243 168 584 754 228 466 163 342 614 366 387 914 976 836 873 174 178 287 228 466

5. Elton John hits 276 263 453 176 251 366 815 381 843 178 614 613 696 166 163 146 632 931 935 569 127 425 176 231 273 196 817 323 913 671 568 317 227 434 23

6. ones in the UK singles chart 358 471 843 123 285 371 254 331 742 427 318 253 184 281 222 217 742 314 475 716 274 718 431 765 546 417 866 371 642 423 515 225 766 178 336

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 20 types of sea creature.

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 14?

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KILIM 1) An edible sea urchin found in New Zealand waters;

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

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WORD WIZARD

2

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SILVER

––––

Artists with multiple number

1

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 means of transport.

CAPE

25

DIALLING CODES

CROSS CODE

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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022

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2) A fruit-eating mammal native to Central and South American tropical forests;

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

1. Palestinian terrorists blow up three hijacked airliners in the Jordanian desert.

2. Edward Heath becomes British prime minister after the Conservative Party wins the general election.

N O C

3) A pileless woven rug traditionally made in the Middle East.

3. Leaders of East and West Germany meet officially for the first time since the Second World War.

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

Clue: Summon up to make recall.

WAS IT? a) 1968; b) 1970; c) 1972; d) 1974; e) 1976.

_____ +R=R_____

ALL THE ANSWERS Pathwords shrimp; dolphin; mussel; octopus; lobster; whale; oyster; squid; crab; shark; whelk; plaice; limpet; eel; seahorse; barracuda; prawn; jellyfish; scallop; krill.

3 7 4 6 9 8 5 1 2

9 2 5 3 4 1 6 8 7

1 8 6 7 2 5 4 3 9

4 3 9 2 6 7 8 5 1

SUDOKU EASY

2 1 8 9 5 4 7 6 3

5 6 7 1 8 3 2 9 4

6 5 1 4 7 9 3 2 8

7 9 2 8 3 6 1 4 5

8 4 3 5 1 2 9 7 6

6 4 1 5 3 9 8 2 7

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KAKURO MEDIUM

11

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4 9 8 21

Accumulator Quiz 1 – A; 2 – D; 3 – D; 4 – C; 5 – D; 6 – B; 7 – D; 8 – A; 9 – A; 10 – B; 11 – C; 12 – A; 13 – D; 14 – A; 15 – C. Starspot Crossword Across – 1 Decorate; 5 Scar; 9 Fiddler; 10 Topic; 11 Stick; 13 Member; 15 Tamar; 17 Rich; 19 Yak; 20 Here; 21 Ratel; 23 Shriek; 24 Roomy; 28 Moose; 29 Couplet; 30 Dash; 31 Instance.

Down – 1 Daft; 2 Cadet; 3 Relict; 4 Turn; 6 Capable; 7 Recorder; 8 Steer; 12 Kayak; 13 Maker; 14 Presumed; 16 Mat; 18 Curious; 21 Rebel; 22 Locust; 25 Melon; 26 Scan; 27 Stye.

Star Name: TONY BLAIR

Word Wizard No 3 is correct. A kilim is a Middle Eastern pileless rug.

Dialling Codes 1. Australia; Gibraltar; Zambia; United States Of America; Canada; Guyana; Ireland; Jamaica; Guernsey; Jersey; Bermuda.

2. National Trust; Barnardos; Shelter; Save The Children; Christian Aid; Help For Heroes; Salvation Army; Red Cross.

3. Ian Fleming; Dorothy L Sayers; Frederick Forsyth; Arthur Conan Doyle; Dan Brown; Alistair MacLean; Kathy Reichs.

4. square root; algebra; fraction; addition; percentage; multiplication; median; geometry; hypotenuse; pi; subtraction.

5. Crocodile Rock; Dont Let The Sun Go Down On Me; Goodbye Yellow Brick Road; Are You Ready For Love; Sacrifice.

6. Elvis; The Beatles; Cliff Richard; Take That; ABBA; Spice Girls; Oasis; The Rolling Stones; Michael Jackson; Queen.

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

Missing Link sand; lady; express; ice; guest; horn. Transport: sleigh.

Make a Date The year was 1970.

Transformer Evoke + R = Revoke.

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

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

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FLASHBACK

KEN PYE’s latest two books have just been published – Beastly Merseyside about the roles played by animals in the history of our region; and Even More Merseyside Tales, a further collection of illustrated, amazing and unusual (but historically accurate) stories from across our local history.

These are available in all good bookshops or from Ken directly – as are all of his books, DVDs, and audio CDs. Some tickets still remain for his Curious Christmas Stories and Traditions show at the Gladstone Theatre in Port Sunlight, at 2.30pm on Sunday, December 4. Call the theatre on 0151 643 8757 to book your seats.

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FESTIVE FACT FILE

PARTY TIME: A Roman family celebrating the winter festival of Saturnalia

Code that kept Catholics safe

F

ROM 1558, English Catholics were prohibited by law from practising their faith for almost three centuries – until 1829, when an Act of Parliament granted the “emancipation of the Catholics”.

While some historians disagree, many scholars believe that The Twelve Days of Christmas was a way to help young Catholics remember the tenets of their faith, which they would study in secret.

In other words, it is a code, which breaks like this:

n The partridge in the pear tree – the Son of God. n Two turtle doves – the Old and New Testament. n Three French hens – faith, hope, and charity. n Four calling birds – the four gospels. n Five golden rings – first five books of the Old Testament – chronicling Man’s fall from grace. n Six geese a-laying – six days of creation. n Seven swans a-swimming – seven gifts of the Holy Spirit and the seven sacraments. n Eight maids a-milking – the eight beatitudes from the Sermon on The Mount. (Blessed are the meek etc). n Nine ladies dancing – nine fruits of the Holy Spirit. n Ten lords a-leaping – Ten Commandments n Eleven pipers piping – eleven faithful apostles. n Twelve drummers drumming – twelve points of doctrine in the apostles’ creed.

Old ways and Boxing Days

B

OXING DAY was not actually the day when family members gave presents to each other at Christmas, as is often thought to be the case.

Its name may derive from the times when, on the day after Christmas, wealthy householders would give presents to their servants, tradesmen, and local poor people – usually money – disguised in a small gift box, because it was thought vulgar to give cash more obviously. The modern Christmas bonus may come from this.

Another theory about Boxing Day is that it goes back to late Middle Ages when almsboxes were placed in churches in the weeks leading up to December 25, for the collection of donations – distributed to the CHARITY: Distributing Boxing Day gifts to the poor in Victorian England poor the day after Christmas.

It can also be traced back to the Roman Saturnalia festival when money to pay for the celebration was collected central Austrian ski-region of N Pagan times snowmen in pottery boxes.

Riesneralm, he stood at a were built around a Boxing Day is also height of 124ft 8in. village to ward off evil known as St Stephen’s But building a snowman – or spirits.

Day. He was the first snow woman – is quite a skill: The first written reference Christian Martyr and was n Never use powdered snow – appears in a “Book of stoned to death by crowds it won’t ball and it won’t stick!

Hours” – dating from 1330 – in Jerusalem for speaking n It can only be built with found in Holland. against the temple and the “packing snow” – snow that is law.

The world’s largest close to melting.

He is the patron saint of snowman was in the town of n The packing snow will also horses, which is why a lot Bethel, in the American State stick to itself easily, allowing of races, hunts, and other of Maine – but this was you to make three separate such horsey events take actually a Snow Woman! sections – lower body, upper place on December 26.

Standing at a height of body and head.

In fact, in Germany, 122ft 1in, she was built in n It’s best done by rolling horses were once ridden honour of Olympia Snowe, the along the ground until around churches on US senator for Maine. reaching the required size.

St Stephen’s Day and, in However, in 2020, this record n The best time to build is parts of England, horses was broken by “Reisi”, which usually in the next warmest were bled to encourage roughly translates as “giant”. afternoon directly following a good health for the coming In the town of heavy snowfall.

GIANT: Reisi in Austria Donnersbachwald, in the year.

I

. . . and what about snow women?

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Ken Pye – 0151 427 2717

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Motor ace Billy now on the tennis circuit

F

IVE years ago, teenage racing driver Billy “Whizz” Monger was critically injured in a race track collision, causing both of his legs to be amputated.

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HOLDING COURT: Billy takes up tennis for his latest challenge

Since then he’s been winning accolades on and off the track. And now he’s starring in a four-part documentary series encouraging more people to take up wheelchair tennis.

With Lottery support, the Lawn Tennis Association has released the series on YouTube, featuring Billy as he explores the world of professional wheelchair tennis.

Billy said: “The British Open Wheelchair Tennis Championships was my first event where I got to see the wheelchair tennis pros up close and personal.

“The opportunity to learn more about the sport and compete with the best players was one I couldn’t pass up. More people are coming to the sport all the time and I’ve decided it’s time to join them.”

HISTORY-MAKERS World’s first disabled race champions

A

N all-disabled racing team has become the first in the world to win a national championship.

Chris Overend and James Whitley were named winners of the Britcar Trophy Championship after the final races of the season at Donington Park.

Team Brit put in a fantastic performance throughout, driving the team’s BMW M240i, which is fitted with the team’s world-leading hand controls, enabling them to compete against able-bodied competitors.

Chris, from Southampton, uses a wheelchair as a result of development dysplasia of the hips. He said: “I’m so proud of what we’ve achieved as a team.

None of this would be possible without everyone putting in 100% every race weekend I’m so grateful for the support of our sponsors, our families and everyone that has come to cheer us on. We believed and we achieved!”

James, from Eastbourne, was born with no hands and sustained major injuries as a child after a boating accident.

He is now also a GB Paralympian skier and missed the first round of the season due to competing for Team GB in Beijing.

He said: said: “What an incredible end to

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

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

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

NAME

ADDRESS

TOP TEAM: James, left, and Chris

the season. I’m in shock over how well this first season has gone – we have literally made history. A special thank you to the crew, who are just exceptional – their hard

Stay ahead of the game . . .

work and quick thinking made it all possible.”

The team was formed in 2015 by ex-Royal Engineer Dave Player and originally consisted of injured military veterans. In 2019, the team opened its doors to any disabled drivers. Their longterm goal is to become the first all-disabled team to race in the Le Mans 24 Hour.

This year, its eight drivers have competed in the Britcar Trophy, British Endurance Championship and British GT Championship.

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