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February/March 2012
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NEWS
Cuts will bring more misery
Pupils with head teacher John Parkes (front) Cllr Jackie Harris (rear, left), and visiting teachers
Pupils show teaches hoe it’s done!
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HILDREN with special needs handed out some important lessons to teachers from Europe. It was all part of a visit to find out about the exciting programme of outdoor education for pupils with physical disabilities and complex needs at Spingfield School, Kirkby, Merseyside. Twelve teachers from Estonia, Spain and Turkey had a packed itinerary that included meeting pupils from the school’s Duke of Edinburgh group who all recently
achieved their bronze award – and trips to nearby Acorn Farm and Bendrigg Outdoor Education Centre in Kendal, which the school uses for residential trips. Pupils also demonstrated horticultural skills they have learnt through tending the school’s garden and visits to the Park Haven Trust’s extensive gardens in Maghull. Head teacher John Parkes said: “Special education is in its infancy in many partner countries and children with profound and multiple learning difficulties are
often cared for at home and don’t attend school. “Seeing first-hand the range of outdoor education on offer at Springfield School has really inspired the group who plan to go back and share ideas in their own countries. “It’s also been a great opportunity for our pupils who have enjoyed showcasing their skills and talents and meeting people from overseas, which has been a first for many of our youngsters.”
0151 230 0307 Who to contact Editor: Tom Dowling email: news@alltogethernow.org.uk
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New beer is the perfect cheer for us workers!
Station loos
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HEERS to everyone at Cheshire’s Tunnel Top pub for their new beer brewed by a team of disabled workers. Priory Ale – fermented next to the walled gardens of Norton Priory Museum – is the latest stage in a council project which has seen adults with disabilities running a cafe/restaurant at the Priory and a hairdressers salon in Runcorn. Moira Johnson, landlady of the Tunnel Top, in Dutton, near Daresbury, said: “The pub has gained recognition from CAMRA for the quality of beer served, and we are really pleased to be
THE Government’s latest decision to carry on regardless with their controversial welfare reform bill, despite a series of defeats in the House of Lords, means even more misery on the way for lots of disabled families. Disability Rights UK, a membership organisation representing over 500 organisations across the country, say one-third of all disabled people already live in poverty – and that the new Bill will enforce destitution for some families and individual disabled people. The Bill will cut 280,000 disabled people from receiving out of work benefits altogether and 500,000 disabled people will be made ineligible for a benefit designed to help with disabled people’s higher costs of living. Neil Coyle, at Disability Rights UK, said: “The Government has completely failed to analyse the full impact and cost of proposals. “Cuts have consequences for disabled people and their families, but will also mean the NHS and councils experience higher costs through higher health, care and poverty needs.”
CHEERS: Tunnel Top landlord Kevin Johnson, left, with Andy Griffin, brewer; Neil Warburton, master brewer; and landlady, Moira Johnson
able to offer this excellent new beer to our customers.” Over the past three years Halton council’s services for adults with disabilities has been steadily adding to its range of businesses. Disabled people are also involved in catering, market gardening, cake and
confectionary production, egg production, and bicycle renting. The latest brewing venture is in collaboration with Wigan’s Progress Brewery. Cllr Marie Wright, Halton’s executive board member for health and adults, said: “We are very proud that we are leading the nation in this type of work.”
ACCESS improvements are to be carried out at 18 North West railway stations. Accessible toilets are to be built at Bebington, Birkenhead Park, Bromborough, Cressington, Eastham Rake, Fazakerley, Freshfield, Green Lane, Leasowe, Manor Road, Moreton, Old Roan, Orrell Park, St Michael’s, Seaforth & Litherland, Spital and Town Green. A new footbridsge and two lifts will be installed at Birchwood, Warrington.
All Together NOW! is exceptionally well received by its readers. 210,000 readers DO NOT see any other local paper — The Murray Consultancy
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THE Big Lottery Fund – and supermarket bosses across the North West – have given your FREE and favourite All Together NOW! paper the perfect start for 2012! Our unique charity has been handed almost £10,000 from the Big Lottery’s Awards for All scheme to get more free copies of the multi award-winning paper into Greater Manchester. And 39 supermarket chiefs at Asda, Sainsbury’s Tesco and Booths are placing now our distinctive “pick-up” boxes in their stores. It all means that 110,000 papers are rolling off the presses every two months – almost doubling last summer’s figures AND significantly more than any other regional newspaper in the North West! The Lottery funding is in recognition of the innovative way that the charity is getting news and information to the vast numbers of people who are affected by disability and age – and the way the newspaper is helping the public to better understand the issues that surround disability. Supported by Merseytravel, United Utilities, Park Group, The Morgan Foundation, The Bank Workers Charity, and Liverpool Community College, All Together NOW! is the only paper of its kind in the UK. A big thanks to everyone who is helping to make the paper such a success. We’re back in the spring – Tuesday 3 April to be precise. See you then!
Where you can pick up your FREE copy
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OUNG Jai Harrison Howell is ready to tell his life story at a big launch day – not bad for someone who’s just 12 years-old and unable to talk.
Jai, who has cerebral palsy and uses an electronic aid to communicate, is a special guest at the start-up event for the Cheshire and Merseyside branch of 1Voice, a charity that brings together people who talk through AAC (augmentative and alternative communication) systems. Jai, together with his teacher, Amanda Voller, will be discussing the use of AAC within a school environment. Jai’s father Greg, who helped set up the
new branch, said: “Ever since we went to a 1Voice Christmas weekend in Blackpool five
CALL 0151 230 0307
years ago, Jai’s whole attitude towards his communication aid changed, “It was all due to meeting other users in a similar situation to himself,” said Greg, Jai, a pupil at Foxfields, Moreton, also uses his AAC for surfing the net. Disabled dance workshop leader Alan Martin, who starred in BBC3’s comedy I’m With Stupid, will also be discussing his life with – and without – AAC at the launch. The open day takes place on February 14, (1pm-4pm), at New Brighton’s Floral Pavilion. Contact Gregg on 07537 49911 Email: greghowell1970@me.com www.1voice.info
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Hop to it – Frogtastic comes to Chester! FROGTASTIC, the club night for adults with learning disabilities – run by Manchester-based The Heroes Project – is launching a new event in Chester in March. Terry Snowden, principal at the Heroes Project charity that run the club nights, said: “Since we started six years ago, Frogtastic events in Manchester and Preston have proved to be hugely popular. Now we want to establish a successful sister club night in Chester.” The club nights are staged in tightly controlled and safe environments and with a strict over 18 admissions policy. The first Frogtastic Chester Club Night takes place on Wednesday March 7 at The Laugh Inn, Station Road, Chester. Admission to all Frogtastic events is strictly by advance ticket only (£6). Contact The Heroes Project on 07875 142233 or visit nwww.heroesproject.org.uk
All change at Lifehouse Merseyside: Formby; Liverpool - Park Road; Southport; Wirral - Bidston Moss, Heswall Manchester: Gorton
Jai’s call to others who can’t talk Tom Dowling, editor
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LIVERPOOL’S Disabled Living Centre is to be run by Warrington Disability Partnership. The new service, which gets under way at the Lifehouse in Brunswick Dock in April, will offer a range of high quality mobility and independent living products at competitive prices, similar to the charity’s Centre for Independent Living Showroom/services in Warrington. Dave Thompson, founder and chairman of WDP, said: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to work with Liverpool City Council, Liverpool Community Health and local disability organisations and individuals.” New honour for Dave — Page 6
Bad guy, good guys ACTOR Andrew Lancel, who plays Coronation Street’s bad guy Frank Foster, is to host a new awards night for young people. The Wirral Youth Heroes Awards presentation evening, taking place at Thornton Hall Hotel on February 24, recognise some of the region’s most inspirational young people. The nine categories include overcoming illness/disability. n Contact Wirral Youth for Christ, tel 0151 647 8400 www.youthheroes.org.uk
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NEWS
Braille cook book Big changes on way for life insurance PLANS to allow more people to insure the lives of those on whom they are dependent are being considered. The existing law is based on the Life Assurance Act 1774, which prohibits people from insuring the lives of others without an “insurable interest”. This means that you can insure your own life or the life of your husband, wife or civil partner – but you have no automatic right to insure the life of someone else, such as a live-in partner, parent or child. Now the Law Commission of England and Wales and the Scottish Law Commission are seeking views on whether the existing rules should be changed to allow people to insure another’s life where: n There is a real probability that the policyholder will benefit economically from the continued life of the insured or suffer economic loss if they die, or n Where a couple have lived together in the same household as spouses for five years before the start of the policy. n The consultation paper is available at: www.lawcom.gov.uk
Shaw Trust merger? TWO of the UK’s leading employment support charities, Shaw Trust and Careers Development Group, are considering a merger. John Briffitt, chairman of Shaw Trust, said: “For the last thirty years, Shaw Trust has worked at the heart of the community, helping thousands of disabled or disadvantaged people to build confidence, motivation and the skills to find and sustain work. “That mission continues but we also fully recognise the ever-growing challenge of delivering vital services to our clients with the realities of a more commercially driven welfare state. “We think that a blending of Shaw Trust and CDG may potentially better meet this challenge.”
Seeing the light HOME lights are stopping us feeling sleepy - with serious consequences for our health, researchers have found. The evening light we are exposed to indoors suppresses the rise of the sleep-inducing hormone melatonin, making us more inclined to delay bedtime. But many of us still have to get up early in the morning – leaving us to cope with the affects of sleep deprivation on our well-being. Researchers at University of Surrey and at the Surrey Sleep Research Centre found that by reducing overall light intensity or using yellow light with minimal blue content, or both, the disruptive effects of evening light can be greatly reduced. The research will be used in the debate about double summertime, later school start times and other decisions to be made about when we sleep and wake.
CELEBRITY chef Tony Singh has teamed up with children from the Royal Blind School in Edinburgh to create a special Braille recipe book. Dishes such as Haggis Pakora, Blood Bay Scallops with Lemon Galette and Rioja Cake with Figs are among the 43 mouth-watering recipes included in the book, which is also available in large print. Tony, who owns exclusive Edinburgh eatery Oloroso and has appeared on TV’s Ready Steady Cook, said: “Cooking is about creating and enjoying delicious meals together and visual impairment should not act as a barrier to this fundamental, fun part of life.” n The special Braille cookbooks are available from Royal Blind by calling 0131 229 1456 or from the Braille press shop: www.royalblind.org/shop
The Games: who gains? ‘ LET’S COOK: Tony Singh with (from left) Bilal Iqbal, Natasha Stevens, Jake Murray and Christina Tytler
Why I love this paper
My little sister is disabled and it is great to get to know about all the different things that are happening that could help her. All Together NOW! is a positive influence that helps to give independence to everyone. Thanks — David Nicolson, Memorial Avenue, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis
Why disabled people have a downer on Paralympics
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ESPITE the millions being spent on the London Paralympics, disabled people remain sceptical about the impact the Games will have onattitudes towards disability.
Only one-third of disabled people plan to watch all or most of the events – and one-fifth say that the Paralympic Games make them feel patronised and second class. And while the wider public is enthusiastic about the potential impact of the Paralympics only 18% are excited enough that they intend to watch most or LONDON DATE: Oscar Pistoris is set for the all of the Games. Paralympics, but Scope says the Games need Parents of disabled children are the to be much more about changing attitudes most likely to say that they will watch all than raising the profile of disabled athletes or a lot of the Paralympic events (45%). The findings come from a Scope“The challenge for London 2012 is to make commissioned poll, and suggest that the sure disabled people are involved not just on Paralympics has a crucial role to play at a track and field but throughout the games and time when attitudes towards disabled people the celebrations before and afterwards.” are getting worse. Tim Hollingsworth, chief executive at the Alice Maynard, chair of disability charity British Paralympic Association, said: “No one Scope, said: “The games need to be about disputes that the Paralympic Games has a more than just the athletes – they need to crucial role to play in changing perceptions of engage all disabled people. disability. “Changing attitudes is about visibility and “The Paralympics is already the second increased familiarity in everyday life. largest sporting event in the world, and “But if the only disabled people to get any London will see it take another huge leap profile out of the games are Paralympians – forward in terms of awareness and and their feats of sporting success – then it is understanding. unlikely that the games will do much to “We are working hard, along with Channel 4, change people’s perceptions of ordinary the BBC and the London 2012 Organising disabled people.
ATTITUDES WORSEN
n DISABLED people experienced discrimination on a daily or weekly basis, according to a Scope poll carried out last May. n And more than a third felt that public attitudes towards them have got worse over the past year. n This new survey suggests things have got worse since then. n 47% said people’s attitudes towards them have got worse over the past year (May 2011: 37%) n 66% of disabled people say that they have experienced aggression, hostility or name calling (May 2011: 41%) n Almost half (46%) of the disabled people questioned said they experience discrimination on either a daily or weekly basis – a slight drop on the previous survey, but this remains alarmingly high (May 2011: 50%) n 73% of disabled people said they felt others presumed they did not work (May 2011: 50%)
Committee, to raise the profile of the Games, our sports and athletes. “While there is an agenda in terms of attitudes and perceptions of disability, the BPA wants as many people as possible, both disabled and non-disabled, to watch the Paralympics because it is a world- class sporting event in its own right.” n The Paralympics: Aug 29 to Sept 9 . n The survey is the fifth in a series of attitude polls commissioned by Scope to build a clearer picture of disabled people’s TAKE ME HOME! lives in Britain today.
280,000 – two-thirds of All Together NOW! readers – DO NOT read any other disability or health publication — The Murray Consultancy
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All Together NOW!
February/March 2012
Scenting victory
Give us surgery – and save £280m
MP sees how smells aid kids
THE NHS could save at least £280m over 10 years and improve the lives of hundreds of young people if it improved referrals for epilepsy surgery, charity Young Epilepsy has claimed. Evidence collected by the charity indicates that 400 people aged 18 or younger should be referred for potentially life-changing epilepsy surgery each year but in reality only 100 are. Of those that undergo surgery, 70% lead seizure-free lives afterwards while a further 20% see a reduction in the number of seizures they have. Surgery costs £20,000 per personbut the charity says that on average this would be repaid in threeand-a-half-years. Young Epilepsy suggests that more young people be referred for surgery, something that would not only improve the lives of the individuals but also save the NHS money. Savings would be made in benefits payments, supported living costs, social care services, use of mental health services and loss of productivity to the UK economy. n www.youngepilepsy.org.uk.
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ALFORD and Eccles MP Hazel Blears has been finding out how smells are being used to help children with sight and hearing loss.
Ms Blears visited a world-leading project in Manchester aimed at helping children with sensory loss to communicate better by using fragrances. Working together, the Seashell Trust charity, which provides services for children with sensory impairments, and PZ Cussons fragrance house are investigating how olfaction – or, put simply, smelling – can help deafblind young people. The work has attracted interest from America and Denmark. Now Ms Blears hopes she can apply the results of their investigations to her involvement with the allparty parliamentary group on dementia. She said: “The innovation shown both by AROMA THERAPY: Hazel Blears and Kate Williams, PZ Cussons perfumer Cussons and the Seashell Trust is fantastic and shows just how by working together a “We are delighted to have forged such close have been successfully introduced into our major company and a charity can use links with the Seashell Trust and that our curriculum. something like smell to change people’s expertise in fragrance is helping with the “In addition, research aimed at enhancing lives.” amazing work the Trust does. multi-sensory experiences for students has Anne Gough, Deputy Head of Royal School “We are looking forward to exploring with taken place. A simple example is releasing Manchester, the Seashell Trust’s residential the Seashell Trust and Hazel Blears how we the scent of burning wood at Bonfire Night special school, said: “Simple things like can link into the work which is being done by celebrations.” making food or drink choices based on smell the parliamentary group on dementia.” Brandon Leigh, fro PZ Cussons, said: PREP82C12_AllTogeterNow_262x165_Sept 26/09/2011 13:52 Page 1
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NEWS
DaDa wins £10,000 award 30 years minimum for hate crime murders PEOPLE who murder disabled or transgender people in hate crime attacks will face life sentences with a starting point of 30 years. The Ministry of Justice plans to amend the Criminal Justice Act 2003 so that murders motivated by hatred or hostility towards disabled or transgender victims will have the same starting point as for murders aggravated by race, religion and sexual orientation. This will double the current starting point for disability and transgender hate crime murders. The Act will also be updated so that where any offence is shown to be motivated by hostility towards the victim on the grounds of transgender, as well as race, religion, sexual orientation, and disability, sentences must be made more severe. This will mean all five monitored strands of hate crime will be reflected equally in these provisions.
Hate crime and students – Page 21
Health rally HUNDREDS of health service workers from across the North West will be taking part in a London rally to stop the Health and Social Care Bill. Andrew Lansley’s Bill is hugely unpopular with employees and patients, who fear the private sector could take over NHS services. TUC Deputy General Secretary Frances O’Grady said: “Peers must listen to the concerns of the people that know the NHS best - the staff who work in it. “We hope our rally (March 7) will provide the opportunity for NHS workers and patients to send a loud message across Parliament Square to convince the House of Lords that this Bill would be a disaster for the NHS.”
LIVERPOOL-based DaDa, who organise DaDaFest, the annual disability and deaf arts festival, have scooped this year’s £10,000 Lever Prize award.
Have YOUR say! ALL SMILES: Ruth Gould and DaDa chair Gary Timperley, left, receiving the award from Paul Lee and Geoffrey Piper from North West Business Leadership team
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ISABLED people are being invited to help shape future Government policy to help break down the barriers to social mobility and equal opportunities.
Minister for Disabled People, Maria Miller said: “The Government is committed to enabling disabled people to fulfil their potential and have the opportunity to play a full role in their community. “Some of the barriers in society which stop that happening have been removed over the past 40 years but there is far more to do, even at a time when the country’s finances are under great pressure. “Working with disabled people I now want to ensure that there is a clear focus in place across Government so that the money that is available takes full account of disabled people. “By working together we can ensure that this country remains a worldwide leader in disability equality.” A discussion document – Fulfilling Potential – outlines three main areas for discussion: realising aspirations, increasing individual control and changing attitudes and behaviours. You have until March 9 to have your say. www.odi.gov.uk/fulfillingpotential
The Lever Prize, launched seven years ago, is judged by the North West Business Leadership Team, which comprises senior representatives of the 30 largest
University honour for Dave
ONE of the North West’s leading disability champions has been honoured by Chester University. Dave Thompson, founder and chair of Warrington Disability Partnership, received a Master of Business Administration for his outstanding contribution to the promotion of disability awareness. In his acceptance speech, Dave paid tribute to his family and colleagues at WDP. Dave is currently assistant director of inclusion and partnerships at the 5 Boroughs Partnership NHS Trust. In June 2001 he received an MBE for NEW HONOUR: Dave Thompson and Professor services to disabled people and the Tim Wheeler, vice chancellor and principal, NHS; in 2004 he received the Paul Chester University Picture: Ede & Ravenscroft Harris Fellowship, an n BARONESS Tanni Grey-Thompson, left, provided an international award inspirational talk to almost 200 people who attended an from the Rotary International Day of Persons with Disabilities event at Foundation. Lend Lease’s Regent’s Place, Warrington. In 2006 Dave was n WDP have organised another fundraising scuba diving commissioned a event at Woolston Leisure Centre on Saturday February Deputy Lieutenant of 25 from 5.30pm - 8.00pm. the County of WDP, tel 01925 240064 Cheshire.
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companies, in partnership with Arts & Business North. Ruth Gould, chief executive of DaDa, said: “We are delighted the NWBLT have acknowledged the unique work DaDaFest does in representing disability and deaf culture in the North West and internationally.” DaDaFest 2012 takes place from July 13 September 2.
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February/March 2012
Good news for thousands of readers Hello!
R
EGULAR readers will probably already know about me and the Bank Workers Charity. But in case you’re new to this great paper, I’ll tell you a bit more about us. I’m Fred Payne, the Chief Executive of the Bank Workers Charity (BWC) – a long established charity, providing help and support for current and ex-bank workers across the country. It will be a year in May that we changed our name from the Bankers Benevolent Fund to the Bank Workers Charity which was the start of a new ambition to help more people with life’s challenges than ever before. Since then we’ve been updating our website with new services, like our Beating Stress Interactive. This is an online tool to help you get to grips with stress. If you’re got access to the internet it’s
worth having a look by visiting www.bwcharity.org.uk/services/beatingstress We are continuing to expand our services to be able to offer more practical information, advice, specialist services plus financial support to help people through difficult times. We’re also looking at further opportunities to support people, for example, in areas such as breast cancer, dementia, youth unemployment and mental health. Yes, we’ve been pretty busy! Our research shows that up to 50,000 people with banking connections in the UK – 5,000 in the North West – have to cope with different challenges. Balancing the stresses and strains of work and family pressures, perhaps relating to caring for children or other relatives, might not be easy. Then there are any financial or health problems. Our partnerships with experts continues to be a great way to bring you many of our services, so that help and support is tailored to your specific needs. One such partnership is with Arthritis Care. It’s proving to be another great success and together we might be able to help you or
someone you know. With one third of our clients suffering from arthritis or mobility related conditions, the partnership with Arthritis Care, was an obvious choice. We’re now a year into our 18-month pilot scheme, aiming to help 200 people with arthritis. Our support provides people with a dedicated client manager who guides them through a wide range of services, including access to a confidential helpline run by qualified counsellors, a tailored pack of publications on living with arthritis, understanding the condition, practical support and treatment information. There’s also one year’s free membership to Arthritis Care and access to an online community of over 15,000 active members. And through Arthritis Care’s pioneering selfmanagement training courses, clients can achieve long lasting benefits in pain control, symptom relief and quality of life. The service has recently expanded to include access to specialised services such as welfare benefits advice, physiotherapy and telephone counselling (dependent on the BWC eligibility criteria).
Here’s how we are helping people . . .
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NJALI Walker is an employee of HSBC on long-term disability. She is severely affected by musculoskeletal problems including osteoarthritis in her knees, and repetitive strain injury in her arms, hands and fingers. Anjali has benefited in the past from support from the Bank Workers Charity but recently she was also able to get a grant for a specialist chair that gives her with much needed relief. In addition, through our partnership with Arthritis Care, she now gets tailored information to help her learn more about her condition, and how to manage it. Anjali says: “It was depressing to find that I had osteoarthritis at a relatively young age and to know I’ll be in pain for the rest of my life. “But the support I’ve received from BWC and Arthritis Care has been wonderful, both practically and psychologically. I don’t feel so alone, and I’m more motivated. “There’s a lot of information to take in, but I can call Adele, my client manager at Arthritis Care, and I know she’ll do her best to help. “Pain isn’t much fun, but it helps to know someone understands and cares.”
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INCE our partnership began with Arthritis Care, the feedback from clients has been great . . .
81% of clients had previously never heard of Arthritis Care
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HE Bank Workers Charity exists to help anyone currently working, or who has worked, in the banking industry who has hit hard times. We know there are thousands of All Together NOW! readers who could benefit from our support services – we just need to know who YOU are! Over the next year we will be encouraging readers to register with us so that we can provide the appropriate help – and as fast as possible. We will also keep you regularly informed about the kind of support we are giving to people across the UK, and keep you posted on any new initiatives (ours, or those of other charities) which we think you might benefit from. We’ll even enter you in our special prize draws to win £50 Marks & Spencer gift vouchers. So register now – you have absolutely nothing to lose and maybe lots to gain. This draw runs until the end of February.The lucky winner will be notified by mid-March.
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Year(s) of employment: Send this form to: Registration, Bank Workers Charity, Pinners Hall, 105-108 Old Broad Street, London EC2N 1EX. You can also register by email at info@bwcharity.org.uk — but please inlcude all requested details.
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All Together NOW!
February/March 2012
www.alltogethernow.org.uk
ADVENTURE
Michael’s trek to the Palace ...
Cinemas providing ‘2nd class service’ A GROUP of young disabled campaigners told cinema bosses some of their own horror stories at many UK venues – and demanded action to end the “second-class service” they face. After presenting a petition with more than 1,000 signatures to 10 Downing Street, the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign Trailblazers group, grilled the heads of Odeon, Vue and Cineworld on their commitment to overcoming major inconsistencies in the experiences of their disabled customers. Trailblazer Tanvi Vyas, 28, who led the campaign said:“When you have had to wait weeks to see a new release at your local venue – as it isn’t being shown on an accessible screen, when you are unable to book your seat online, when you have to turn up on the day with your fingers crossed, hoping that the disabled spaces will be available, when you are unable to sit with your friends and you have an uncomfortable view of the screen, it is hard to accept that you are getting the same service for the ticket price as everyone else.”
What the survey revealed n One in three of the major chain cinemas have bad or very bad views of the screen from the wheelchair accessible seating area. n More than half of all major chain cinemas have uncomfortable accessible seating areas. n One-third of the major chain cinemas have poor access between the ticket office and the auditorium. n One in three of the major chain cinemas have bad or very bad staff disability awareness. n Almost half of independent and major chain cinemas did not offer an online ticket service for disabled customers Earlier this year Trailblazers produced a documentary, Lights, Camera, Access, that highlighted some of the problems they encountered at 125 UK cinemas. Their campaign is being backed by film industry figures including Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Miranda Richardson and Sigourney Weaver. n www.mdctrailblazers.org
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Rideofhislife
ADVENTURER Michael at the South Pole – and with daughter, Gemma at the royal reception
26,000 miles and counting - now for the ultimate test C YCLING adventurer Andrew Wright did not plan any old charity bike ride for his new money-raising effort.
John O’Groats to Lands End? He’s been there, done that, bought the T-shirt. No, not only is Andrew – who has bi-polar disorder – cycling alone through east Africa, but along the way he will travel among some of Kenya’s 40 tribes, cross the Serengeti National Park, pass over the Aberdare Mountains, and spend five days climbing Africa’s highest mountain, 5,895 metreKilimanjaro. Most people would feel exhausted thinking about it but for Andrew, from Pickmere, Knutsford, Cheshire, this is just the latest instalment in a quarter of a century of cycling that has covered an astonishing 26,000 miles, ranging from all over Europe, to North Africa, Sri Lanka, and the Middle East. His lone journey in east Africa is to raise funds for The African Support & Assistance Project, based at Mid-Cheshire College in Northwich, where Andrew recently studied computer applications and business. The aim of the project is to raise £50,000 to build a new school in a
NO SWEAT: Andrew looks hardly out of breath after his ride from John O’Groats to Lands End
‘
This is my dream trip
remote village in Lesotho in southern Africa. It is hoped that building will begin in October. Andrew, 49, was diagnosed as bipolar in 1997 and spent time in the mental health unit at Leighton Hospital in Crewe. His condition is stabilised by various prescribed medications. He said: “It is a long standing dream to travel to East Africa and to see the wonderful sights,
THE first and only disabled person in the world to lead expeditions to both the North and South Poles was among top UK explorers and adventuers honoured by the Queen. Michael McGrath joined Sir David Attenborough, Sir Chris Bonington, Sir Ranulph Fiennes and Michael Palin at the Buckingham Palace reception timed to mark the 100th anniversary of Captain Robert Scott’s final expedition to the South Pole. Michael said: “It was a real honour to have been invited and terrific to hang out with so many legendary adventurers.” Michael was diagnosed with the genetic musclewasting disease Muscular Dystrophy when he was 18. He founded the Muscle Help Foundation charity in 2005, which provides unforgettable experiences, known as Muscle Dreams, for children and young people with the disease.
Life classes
landscapes and people. I want to stand with one foot in both hemispheres, and thus in the words of the poet A E Houseman I will for a brief moment ‘wear the turning globe’. “One of my heros is the great 20th century traveller Wilfred Thesiger. Thesiger lived among the Samburu tribe in the Marsabit area in the later part of his life and I hope to reach Marsabit.” Before returning home on March 12, Andrew also plans to visit a charitable project, near Mombasa, Kenya, which is the work of the Methodist Church of Northwich.
YOUNG men living with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy are to benefit from a £500,000 Big Lotterybacked scheme that will help them prepare for life after school. Nick Catlin, head of Action Duchenne charity, said: “The Takin’ Charge scheme will offer an accredited e-learning programme that will help equip young people with Duchenne to become advocates for themselves, opening the door to new opportunities in education and employment.
Tel: 01768 776380 www.disabled-holiday.net email: joan@irtonhousefarm.co.uk
Book now!
In the past year All Together NOW! has increased its readership by 20% due to its availability in MAINSTREAM outlets — The Murray Consultancy
TAKE ME HOME!
www.alltogethernow.org.uk
All Together NOW!
February/March 2012
Making a difference – that’s our goal!
H
ERE at the Morgan Foundation we want to help organisations who share our philosophy – Making a Difference.
Over the past decade we have helped hundreds of organisations across the region, committing more than £9 million. And this year we will be giving away to good causes a whopping £1.5 MILLION! Created in 2001 by businessman Steve Morgan OBE, founder and chairman of Redrow plc, chairman of the Bridgemere Group of Companies and Wolverhampton Wanderers FC, the Morgan Foundation supports charities across North Wales, Merseyside, West Cheshire and North Shropshire. Our aim is to provide funding for small to medium
sized organisations who are addressing specific needs in these regions. We are particularly keen to support those who have already begun to make an impact, but need a helping hand to expand their work and increase their effectiveness. We focus our help mainly on those who work directly with children and families but we recognise that many wider issues may also affect their welfare, so we are interested in any project that contributes to the quality of life in our region. If you, your group or charity is based within our geographical area (see map, right) and you think we might be able to help with your project then please call our administrator, Jane Harris, BEFORE sending your application. Contact Jane on 01829 782800
Simply SPLASHING!
A very special dream comes true
School report
A
LONG-STANDING dream to build a hydrotherapy pool to help disabled children has come true for pupils and staff at a special school in Wrexham. When The Morgan Foundation heard of the painstaking efforts being made to raise funds to build a pool at St Christopher’s school they stepped in to help. Not only did they donate more than £250,000 – they also teamed up with Redrow plc who masterminded the project. Speaking at the opening of the state-ofthe-art facility, Steve Morgan, founder and chairman of The Morgan Foundation, said: “We are delighted with our association with St Christopher’s. I’m so proud of everyone who has been involved in this project, so proud of my colleagues at Redrow and proud of all the other people who have been part of making this dream come true. “To see the children’s happy, smiling faces in the pool today was just fantastic. “The staff and all the children’s families are doing such a fabulous job here. “With the Euro crisis and with what’s happening in the financial world, we may think we have problems but take a look at these children and think of the challenges they are facing in their everyday lives. “They are real superstars.” Mrs Maxine Pittaway, head teacher at St Christopher’s, said: “We have been trying to raise the funds for the pool for over ten years and were starting to think that it was a dream that would never be realised.” During that time staff, families and friends of the school all undertook a variety of
OPEN FOR ACTION! Sophie Lay cuts the ribbon helped by Steve Morgan, right, and Ian Lucas MP (Wrexham)
Celebration time at St Christopher’s
fundraising events but their goal seemed unattainable. And along the way there were other crises to deal with. Mrs Pittaway continued: “We had a fire and the school buses were burnt out. Then we had a flood. But out of the gloom came The Morgan Foundation – and we just can’t
thank them enough. “The pool is going to make a big difference to our pupils. “It’s really hard to imagine what it’s like to be unable to move your legs and having to rely on someone else to do it for you. “Hydrotherapy sessions give the children the chance to be in control of their own
www.morganfoundation.co.uk
n St Christopher’s pupils include children with severe, complex and profound learning difficulties; high functioning autism, Down’s syndrome, extreme emotional disturbance and physical impairments. n The school explores every possible avenue of opportunity to enhance the life experience of each child. n Pupils are prepared for adult life and equipped with skills that may help with future employment by working in the school’s many enterprises, which include a community café, a car valeting service, a charity shop, nursery and vegetable gardens, hair and beauty salon, and the opportunity to achieve the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
body. The sessions help with their balance, confidence and gives them a sense of freedom and movement that they would not otherwise ever enjoy.” After the opening of the pool, pupils put on a top class nautical themed concert for guests with plenty of singing, dancing and rock ‘n’ rollin’ from the school band.
Tel. 01829 782800
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GETTING ON . . .
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All Together NOW!
WISE WINNIE . . . helps to solve some of the problems faced by older people
M
OVING into a care home can be an anxious time. But a new guide from national charity Counsel and Care could take away a lot of the worries. The Care Home Handbook contains 56 pages of vital information and guidance for older people, their families and carers, and involved professionals Supported by the Department of Health, it clearly sets your rights, the choices you can make, and the control and independence
How to stay young
Q
A
A three-generation household often presents problems and the two females in this one are under stress, just as you are.
But first, the candlesticks! You have moved into your daughter’s house but that doesn’t mean she wants to have imposed on her the patterns of the past. She wants her home to mirror her own taste, and if she’s going out to work, cooking nice meals and doing three people’s washing, not to mention trying to keep the peace, she might not have the energy or enthusiasm for cleaning brasses. Your grand-daughter is at the worst possible age to cope with parental breakup.Hurt and angry, she could just have been adjusting to a two-woman household when another person moved in. A loved relative, yes, but not her dad. She could subconsciously be holding this against you and it is reflected in her behaviour. Conflict over TV programmes and loud music is the norm with teenagers, and your grand-daughter is probably finding her music and her friends are helping to ease the pain, and her mother understands this. Your daughter insisted you move in with them and this indicates you were a good dad. Try and see things more from their point of view and you will be a model of good grand-parenting.
www.alltogethernow.org.uk
Life is fragile, handle with care . . .
Thinking of a care home? Pensions misery
I ALWAYS enjoyed being a father but the going is not so easy now I have moved in to live with my daughter and teenage grand-daughter.
My son-in-law walked out on them a year ago. My daughter said I wasn’t eating properly, but I bitterly regret giving up my home, although I admit I am now better looked after. I pay my way and when I moved in I took some good furniture and ornaments, thinking she would appreciate them. In particular, there are some brass candlesticks that I thought she would like. They were always in pride of place in our old home – but they are still languishing in the packing case with other things. My teenage grand-daughter is quite different from the smiling little girl I used to know. She has no consideration for her mother who has to work hard and little time for me. But my daughter just turns a blind eye when she brings in her badly behaved friends who play loud music and turn the house upside down. I can’t help worrying about how she will grow up.
February/March 2012
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you should be able to retain. The guide covers areas such as: n Who can help you to decide what would be the best care for you. n Getting your needs assessed by the local council. n What alternatives there may be to going into a care home. n Will you have to pay anything yourself? Living in a care home. n To order a free copy call 020
7241 8522. www.counselandcare.org.uk
LAST year was another poor year for pensions, with annuity income falling for a fourth consecutive year. Over the course of 2011 the average income generated by a standard level without guarantee annuity (based on a £10K purchase price) fell by 8.4% for a 65-year-old male and 7.7% for an equivalent female. This was a sharper reduction than in 2010 when the average standard annuity rate for both a male and female fell by 2.7%. Richard Eagling, editor of Investment Life and Pensions Moneyfacts, said: “Unfortunately, by increasing the demand for fixed income instruments such as UK Government Bonds, the ongoing Eurozone crisis and the Bank of England’s Quantitative Easing programme have driven gilt and corporate bond yields down over the last 12 months, both of which underpin annuities. Short term, a successful resolution of the European debt crisis is crucial to stabilising annuity rates.” n www.moneyfacts.co.uk
TOP TEN TIPS . . .
Stretch yourself
T’S never too early, or too late, to prepare for later life, says national charity Age UK. They have just come up with a recipe for a long and healthy life – with top tips for ageing better from expert researchers. With genes only thought to make a 25% contribution to the length of life and factors like lifestyle and nutrition making up the remaining three quarters, following the tips can really make a difference. One top tip comes from Professor Chris Griffiths, of the University of Manchester,
whose research has shown that avoiding excessive exposure to the sun can maintain more youthful skin and prevent wrinkles. Professor Griffiths said: “There are ways in which we can maintain a more youthful and less wrinkled skin. “Not smoking, avoiding excessive sun exposure and using sunscreen can all provide important health and beauty benefits to our skin.” Age UK celebrity ambassador and fitness guru Rosemary Conley said: “The
1. Take regular exercise 2. Engage socially with others 3. Have a positive attitude about ageing 4. Eat a healthy diet 5. Protect your eyes 6. Don’t smoke 7. Get regular health check-ups 8. Avoid excessive sun exposure 9. Get sufficient, good-quality sleep 10. Pay attention to your pension, and get expert financial
older I get, the more convinced I am that age is just a number. “Through eating well, exercising regularly and having a positive outlook I feel as young as ever. Everyone faces different challenges with age and general health and fitness differs from person to person. “However, I really believe that to a great extent you’re in charge of your own destiny and that if you look after yourself, and follow Age UK’s top tips, you will give yourself a great chance of ageing well.” Professor James Goodwin, head of research at Age UK, said: “With the number of people aged 60 or over expected to pass the 20 million mark by 2031, these top tips are really important. “By bringing together global experts in ageing research, we are aiming to show that the message is clear: whether you are 25 or 85, you can have a positive impact on your life as you grow older.” n Age UK Advice, tel 0800 169 65 65 www.ageuk.org.uk
SENIOR MOMENTS . . . with FRANK HARRIS
www.alltogethernow.org.uk
All Together NOW!
February/March 2012
FAMILYZONE Parents also need help, says Alesha TV celebrity Alesha Dixon is backing a new campaign to help families of the 770,000 disabled children in the UK. Alesha said: “My younger brother has cerebral palsy so I understand how easy it can be for close family members of a disabled child to feel isolated and alone – not because there aren’t enough people around, but because no one you know can relate to your experience.” Alesha’s support comes in the wake of a report revealing that three-quarters of families with disabled children are becoming more and more isolated and stressed out. Research from national charity Contact a Family shows that social, emotional and financial isolation is causing people to suffer poor mental health such as anxiety, depression or breakdown. Almost half of the 1,100 families who took part in the survey ALESHA DIXON reported feeling so bad that they have asked their GP for medication or to see a counsellor. Contact a Family is now calling on local authorities to provide sufficient early intervention services such as key workers, children’s centres, support groups and short breaks.
On safari, skiing, charity work . . Tilly’s done it – and more!
My life story – aged 11 T
ILLY Griffiths is living proof that life is what you make it – whatever your circumstances.
Despite having the progressive muscle-wasting disease, spinal muscular atrophy, Tilly has mixed with celebrities, jetted off on safari and skiing trips, raises funds for charity, and has now written her autobiography – aged 11. Oh, and that’s besides a busy school and social life that includes solo sailing, dance and theatre. Her autobiography – filled with pictures and poems reflecting a life lived to the full – is Tilly’s
Srabani Sen, the charity’s chief executive, said: “Isolation is having a devastating impact on the health and well-being of some of society’s most vulnerable families. “We are extremely concerned that this is going to get worse because of a lethal combination of cuts to statutory and voluntary services as well as a reduction in families’ income due to welfare reforms.” n Helpline: 0808 808 3555 www.cafamily.org.uk
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support and information to families, individuals and professionals involved with SMA and promotes research into causes, treatments and a possible cure. Jackie added: “Tilly has no fear of the future and the book reflects such a positive outlook on life, which hopefully will inspire many less able children and their parents.” Tilly’s active lifestyle is greatly helped by use of an Etac Balder F280 Junior powerchair which has an extensive range of movements and among the highest levels of functionality available in the world.
REACH
0151 290 0497
s Oven d ne a e l C
latest effort to make money for fellow children living with disability while inspiring them with her dynamic attitude. Mum Jackie Griffiths, from Leek, Staffordshire, said: “When our very young daughter was diagnosed with SMA, it was difficult to see what incredible joys and delights lay ahead for our family.” Tilly’s charity work led to the launch of the book, Tilly Smiles The Story So Far . . ., which will raise essential funds for the Jennifer Trust for Spinal Muscular Atrophy. The JTSMA, based in Stratford-upon-Avon, provides
Ovens, hobs, BBQs, grills, trays, racks, microwaves and extractors, Rayburns, ranges and AGAs Cleaned in 2-3 hours We also replace bulbs and filters Please visit my website:
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“Without my Etac Balder powerchair, I would never have been able to enjoy such a smilefilled life so far. My powerchair lets ‘me’ be ‘me’ and without it I’m sure I would be lost. “I have so many plans for the future and I hope my book fills other children with belief that you can experience a really rewarding life when living with SMA.” n Tilly’s book is available from The Jennifer Trust, £10, and can be ordered by visiting: www.jtsma.org.uk. Or ring 01789 267520. Tilly’s latest news can be found at: tillyhouse.blogspot.com
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All Together NOW!
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February/March 2012
Now you’ll be better equipped
P
EOPLE needing special aids to help them with their independence are to get a better deal The first ever Code of Practice for community and other disability equipment will help improve the supply of 12 million pieces of
equipment to four million people every year in the UK. The Code, which for the first time standardises regulation of the service, will be administered by CECOPS, a
A caring Dragon! TV’s Dragons Den star Hilary Devey is backing The Princes Royal Trust for Carers. Hilary, who is the charity’s patron, has just handed over another £15,000 to the charity, making a total of £150,000 in just four years. The money was raised via her company’s Pall-Ex ‘Penny-a-Pallet’scheme, devised by the Hilary in 1996. The scheme sees one penny being donated to charity for every pallet delivered by Pall-Ex. Hilary said: “I’m lucky enough to be a patron of The Princess Royal Trust for Carers and have witnessed first-hand the vital work that this organisation does. “When I first started the ‘Penny-a-Pallet’ scheme, I wanted an initiative that would grow in line with the business and enable us to donate more and PATRON: HILARY DEVEY more each year to worthwhile causes.”
not-for-profit social enterprise It’s chairman is the former head of the Disability Rights Commission, Sir Bert Massie. Sir Bert, who lives in Liverpool, said: “Community equipment is a life saver for hundreds of thousands of people in the UK and is used every day in homes, hospitals, care homes, day centres and special schools. “This is about providing the right equipment at the right timewhether it’s related to self-determination,
Lifehouse is a new approach to providing services for disabled and older people in Liverpool.
InAll the summer of 2007 the under following moved together to Lifehouse: these teams are now oneservices roof, working to provide the information and advice people need toDock. be as safe and an accessible, newly renovated building at Brunswick independent as possible .
Wheelchair Service 0151 296 7765 Fax:0151 0151296 296 7764 Wheelchair Service Tel: 7765 Assessment for and provision of wheelchairs for people who live in Liverpool. Disabled Living Centre 0151 296 7742 Fax: 0151 296 7743 7748 Disabled Living Centre 0151 296 7742 Minicom: 0151 296 7744 Moving and Handling Team Tel: 0151 296 7750 Fax: 0151 296 7749 Independent information, assessment and advice on choosing daily living equipment and how to get it.
Communication Aids 0151 296 7408 Fax: 0151 296 7764 Moving and Handling Team Tel: 0151 296 7750 Practical advice for disabled people and their carers on moving and handling people. Adaptations Team 0151 296 7757 Fax: 0151 296 7758 Communication Aids Falls Team
0151 296 7769
Tel: 0151 296 7408
Assessment and provision of communication aids for people who live in Liverpool.
Lifehouse is a newTeam approach to providing services for disabled Adaptations Tel: and 0151older 296 7757 Installation of adaptations to safely people in managing in their ownroof home.will improve people in Liverpool. Having allassist these services under one accessibility. Falls Team Tel: 0151 296 7769 A multidisciplinary team providing practical advice and assessment for people who have fallen. Services will be able to work together to provide the independent information, advice and practical assessment people need to make the rightTel: choices 0151 about 296 7782 Telecare service 7733 Advice, assessment and installation of Telecare equipment. equipment. The existing services will be joined by others which will greatly increase theinformation range of information and available. call thethe service youadvice require or contact main reception forDay a For further further information call service you require or visitour a Lifehouse Open list ofifehouse Lifehouse Open Days.
Lifehouse Lifehouse Lifehouse ifehouse Units 4–5 Dempster Building Units 4–5 Dempster Building Summers Road, Brunswick Business Park Summers Road, Brunswick Business Park Liverpool 4BL Liverpool L3L3 4BL Main Reception: 0151 296 7733 Main Reception: 0151 296 7733 www.liverpoollifehouse.org www.liverpoollifehouse.org
www.alltogethernow.org.uk
independence, rehabilitation, early intervention and prevention, or end of life care.” According to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) every year in the UK there are over 30 deaths and 1,500 serious incidents as a result of inappropriate and unsafe equipment supplied in the community. Sheila Brown, chief executive of children’s charity Newlife and a nonexecutive director of CECOPS, said:
“At Newlife we hear hundreds of shocking and upsetting stories every year as a result of equipment not being provided, and we are regularly bailing out a system that is not working. “For example, we found out recently about a grandmother who had to shower her 13-year old grandson in a paddling pool in her garage because she couldn’t get the proper disability equipment she needed from her local authority. “ n www.cecops.org.uk
Don’t be a FALL guy!
W
INTER brings the increased risk of slips and falls – which for older people can be devastating, both physically and emotionally.
After a fall, an older person has a 50% probability of having their mobility seriously impaired – and a 10% probability of dying within a year. The emotional effects can be equally distressing. Joanne Lowe, of Occupation Matters, says loss of confidence can lead to social isolation, with over 70,000 people in the UK afraid to leave the house due to a fear of falling. But it’s important to remember that many falls are preventable. Here are some tips to help you to reduce your risk of falling: Outdoors n Ensure you wear apropriate footwear for the type of weather n If you use a mobility aid, check for wear on the rubber feet. If the treads are worn get them replaced. n Have some grit/salt which you can spread on your own drive/pathway the night before frost is expected. n Take extra care on uneven pavements.
says JOANNE LOWE
n Do not go out if the weather is very bad unless you absolutely have to. Indoors n Reduce clutter and ensure walkways are clear from obstacles. n Do not leave items on the stairs that could be tripping hazards. n Are you catching your feet on your rugs? Do they ruck up when you walk on them? Could they be taped down or even removed to reduce the risks? n Make sure you do not have any trailing wires where you walk. n If you are caring for someone with a visual impairment, ensure there is adequate lighting in high risk areas such as in the kitchen, bathroom and on the stairway. n Ensure you have non-slip mats in the bath or shower. Joanne adds: “At Occupation Matters we can help people to rebuild their confidence after a fall. By working closely with other experts we can also advise and organise equipment or adaptations. Tel. 01244 369703. Mob. 07968825507. e-mail independentot@btinternet.com www.occupationmatters.co.uk
Independent Living Centres . . . n BLACKBURN Independent Living Centre, Mill Hill St, Mill Hill, Blackburn. Tel. 01254 269 220. n ELLESMERE PORT Pool Independent Living Centre, New Grosvenor Road. Tel. 0151 337 6399. n HALTON Collier Street, Runcorn. Tel. 01928 582 920. n HANDFORTH East Cheshire Independent Living Centre, Redesmere Road, Handforth. Tel. 01625 374080. n HARTFORD Hartford Independent Living Centre, Hartford Business Park, Chester Road, Hartford, Northwich. Tel. 01606 881980. n KNOWSLEY Knowsley Independent Living Centre, Unit 11, Brickfields, Huyton Business Park, Huyton. Tel. 0151 244 4070. n LIVERPOOL Disabled Living Centre, Lifehouse, Summers Road, Brunswick Business Park, Liverpool. Tel. 0151 296 7742. n MANCHESTER Assist UK, 4 St Chads Street, Manchester. Tel. 0161 834 1044. n NORTHWICH Cheshire CIL Iakwood Lane, Barnton, Northwich. Tel. 01606 782760. n SOUTHPORT Community Service Station, Scarisbrick Avenue, Southport. Tel. 0151 288 6890. n STOCKPORT St Thomas’s Hospital, Shawheath, Stockport. Tel. 0161 419 4476. n WARRINGTON Beaufort Street, Warrington. Tel. 01925 240064. n WILMSLOW Redesmere Road. Tel. 01625 374080. n WIRRAL St Catherine’s Hospital, Birkenhead. Tel. 0151 678 7272.
www.alltogethernow.org.uk
All Together NOW!
February/March 2012
13
Beat the bogus caller
Don’t fall victim to bogus callers!
• LOCK Home or away – keep all doors LOCKED • STOP Is anyone EXPECTED? Is the back door LOCKED? • CHAIN Put the CHAIN ON before opening the door • CHECK Ask for caller’s ID card Check it by PHONING 0845 746 2200 Or ask for your PASSWORD
United Utilities is calling on all customers to protect themselves from doorstep criminals. Statistics show that around 20 bogus caller crimes are committed every day in the UK, but this might only be 10% of the total that actually take place as victims often feel too embarrassed to report it to the police. Bogus callers often claim that there is an emergency and that they need to check the water supply; they will use this as an opportunity to trick themselves into customers’ homes claiming to be from United Utilities or ‘the water board’. Once inside, they will distract the homeowner while they or an accomplice helps themselves to money and valuables. Genuine United Utilities’ employees always carry an ID card and are happy to show this to you. They will never put pressure on you to get into your home and are happy for you to phone United Utilities
to check their identity. And genuine employees won’t refer to ‘the water board’ as this hasn’t existed for more than 30 years! Bogus callers can be very persuasive, but our advice is to never feel under pressure to let someone into your home. To help you, we operate a ‘password protection’ scheme. Joining the United Utilities password scheme is easy. It takes just one call to 0845 746 1100. We simply need your details and your choice of password. Then, whenever someone claiming to be from United Utilities calls at your home, you can ask them for your password. Only a genuine visitor from United Utilities will know what it is. It’s a simple deterrent that really does work and will give you the confidence to turn people away. Most gas, electricity and telephone companies will operate a similar scheme – see a recent bill for further details and contact numbers.
Need a little ExtraCare? We offer a range of free services to help customers who: • are older • have a disability • have a serious illness • have sight, hearing or learning difficulties Our services include: • personal notification of water shut-offs • large print, Braille and talking bills We also offer a free password scheme for all our customers.
To find out more call 0845 746 1100 or textphone 0808 143 1195
03/11/SD/4574
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On your bike!
All Together NOW!
February/March 2012
www.alltogethernow.org.uk
MERSEYTRAVEL
Staff raise £30K for cancer charity MERSEYTRAVEL staff have raised a phenomenal £30,000 for Clatterbridge Your Cancer Centre, their chosen charity of the year for 2011. They threw themselves behind the campaign, donating time, effort and money, from forming a knitting group to competing in an Ironman challenge. Councillor Mark Dowd, chair of Merseytravel, said: “This has been the most successful year of staff fundraising since we started choosing a charity in 2003. “Staff are always thinking up different and ingenious ways of raising money and getting other colleagues involved.” Merseytravel’s next charity of the year for 2012 is Calder Kids Adventure Playground.
Poster winners
PEDAL POWER: Time to sign up for your FREE course
C
YCLING is on the up and up. On Merseyside, there are 25 per cent more people cycling than there were five years ago.
And to help encourage even more people to join in the fun, Merseytravel’s TravelWise has teamed up with Liverpool NHS Primary Care Trust for the 2020 Decade of Health and Wellbeing, offering Merseyside residents FREE cycle skills sessions and bike maintenance courses. Hundreds of people have
already signed up – so don’t be left behind. Each ‘freewheeling’ course is based on the three levels of the national standard Bikeability training and are ideal for all abilities. Level 1: Learning the basics like staying upright, signalling, looking behind and using your gears. Level 2: Turning right and left at junctions into quiet roads and overtaking parked cars etc. Level 3: More advanced skills and manoeuvres for cycling on busier roads. If you can’t ride a bike or
haven’t ridden for many years there is also a ‘learn to ride’ session, which will get you ready for the Level 1 course. If you want to get to know more about your bike, then the FREE bite size maintenance courses are perfect. All sessions are based at a fully equipped Merseyside training centre and are available during the daytime, early evenings and at weekends. For more information call the Merseyside Training Centre on 0151 482 5700 or to book online, visit www.LetsTravelWise.org
THE WINNERS of Merseytravel’s third annual Art on the Network Competition have been announced. The competition, which focused on poster art, offered artists the chance to showcase their work to thousands of commuters, with the winning entries being incorporated into limited edition Merseytravel publications. The winner of the Modes of Transport category was Daniel Lindsay, of Skelmersdale, for his piece entitled ‘Connecting people’. Lawrence Langton, from Hale Village, won the Information category with his submission ‘Hale Village 82A’ – and David Williams, from Wallasey, took the Attractions and Days Out category prize for his work ‘Discover Liverpool’. Each of the three winners receives a £500 cash. The 2012 Art on the Network competition will be launched in April.
We care about the accessibility of our buildings, vehicles and information. All of our staff are trained to be courteous and considerate, particularly when our customers have special requirements.
Merseytravel is making sure that Public Transport on Merseyside is easy for everyone to use
Whether it be automatic door openers in our head office, availability of textphones for main points of contact, or producing timetables in large print, we want to make public transport easier for everyone to use. Among our services and facilities are: U Àii V ViÃà >ÀÞ ÌÀ>Ûi v À ÛiÀ {n]äää «i « iÊ with disabilities U `iÀ ] Ü y À] >VViÃà L i LÕÃiÃ Ü V >ÀiÊ developed in partnership with our local authorities and bus companies U v À >Ì > Û>À iÌÞ v v À >Ìà V Õ` } Ì iÊ iÀÃiÞÌÀ>Ûi VViÃÃ Õ `i q V Ì> } >VViÃÃÊ ÊÊÊ`iÌ> ÃÊv ÀÊ> ÊLÕÃÊ> `ÊÀ> ÊÃÌ>Ì ÃÊ Ê iÀÃiÞà `i Textphone users can dial 18001 then 0871 200 22 33 for a text relay assisted call
0871 200 22 33 Calls costs 10p per minute from land lines, mobiles may vary
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D
ISABLED people must play a part in efforts to cut the misuse and abuse of blue parking badges, according to leading activists.
February/March 2012
All Together NOW!
Abuse it – lose it!
New measures to cut abuse of the disabled people’s blue badge parking scheme came into force at the beginning of the year, with the introduction of an electronicallyproduced badge, which is harder to forge or copy than the previous handwritten, cardboard version. To pay for improvements to the scheme, the maximum fee that local authorities in England can charge for a badge has risen from £2 to £10, the first increase for 30 by years. JOHN PRING And a new central database another measure campaigners next three years. have been demanding for years The Government hopes changes will allow checks on the badges to to the scheme will cut its running be made from anywhere in the costs by up to £20 million a year. country. Another measure, to be But disabled people’s details will introduced from April, will see be addedNow_Layout to the database CI0006only All Together 1 23/05/2011 12:46 forced Page 1to use more councils which is being run by a private independent mobility assessments company - as they are issued with - instead of asking GPs to carry one of the new badges over the them out - of applicants who do not
Warnings from disability campaigners as parking badge changes take effect
qualify automatically for a badge. Helen Dolphin, director of policy and campaigns for Disabled Motoring UK, welcomed the changes, which she said would make the scheme fit for the 21st century, and would make it easier for traffic wardens to detect forged badges, and genuine badges that were being misused. But she said: “This is only going to work if disabled people themselves start taking more responsibility for their own badges.”
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She said enforcement and awareness-raising of how the badges should be used were key to cutting abuse, while councils must ensure their parking attendants checked badges and took legal action against those guilty of fraud and misuse. Last August, Disabled Motoring UK released the results of a survey which showed that many local authorities were doing nothing to combat blue badge fraud and misuse.
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The survey found that, across the 79 local authorities in England and Wales that provided answers to a Freedom of Information Act request, the average annual number of prosecutions for fraud and misuse of blue badges was just 2.9 in 2009-10, and 4.5 in 2010-11. Mary Grace, chair of The Blue Badge Network, which represents blue badge-holders, also agreed that badge-holders needed to take more responsibility for how their badges were used, and added: “Blue badge-holders ourselves can abuse the system.” Other improvements to the scheme mean disabled people in England and Scotland can now apply for and renew their badges online, using the Government’s Directgov website, while those in Wales will be able to apply online from April. Badge-holders in England can also use a new national helpline number, 0844 463 0213, and will be able to report lost and stolen badges through the website from April.
All Together NOW!
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Call to put brakes on drug-driving menace A S a new survey reveals one in nine young drivers has driven on illegal drugs in the past year, the Government is being pressed to change the law. The survey found that 3% of young drivers (aged 17-24) said they get behind the wheel after taking drugs once a month or more. Road safety charity Brake and Direct Line car insurance want to see a new law making it an offence to drive while on illegal drugs. Currently, it is only an offence to drive while impaired by drugs, meaning police must prove impairment to prosecute. Ellen Booth, Brake senior campaigns officer, said: “The risks of driving on drugs are huge, and the consequences devastating - yet a huge proportion of young drivers are taking this appalling gamble with their own and others’ lives. “We need all drivers to pledge to never mix drugs and driving, and we need the Government to follow through with its
commitment to tackle this problem. “We need a ban on driving with illegal drugs in your system, and we need roadside drugalysers. The longer this takes, the more lives will be violently and tragically lost.”
Killer facts n In the UK, around 18% of people
killed in road crashes have traces of illegal drugs in their blood, with cannabis being the most common. n Young drivers are much more likely to take illegal drugs and drive than their older counterparts. n Drivers under 25 are nearly four times as likely to drive on illegal drugs as older drivers. n Researchers at the University Claude Bernard in Lyon, France, found taking cannabis almost doubles the risk of being involved in a fatal car crash while mixing cannabis with alcohol increased crash risk 16-fold.
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February/March 2012
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A special gi a caring fam ‘ T
HE New Year got off to the best possible start for a family in need of a wheelchair accessible car.
TV celebrity Noel Edmonds and the owner of one of the UK’s top companies making wheelchair accessible vehicles got together to spring a huge surprise on Ben Walton. Big-hearted David Constable agreed to give the Walton family a £14,000 vehicle when he heard about the amazing fundraising Ben had been doing for charities like Whizz Kids. David said: “When we were approached by Noel’s team and told about Ben’s incredible generosity towards others and how his own family desperately needed a better way to transport their disabled four-year-old son, Zac as he grows heavier, we agreed to help. “Having one of the cars
The new car makes life so much easier
we’ve adapted for wheelchair users and their families and friends will make a huge difference to Zac and his family and give them the freedom to travel easily and comfortably.” Ben, from Andover, only found out about the surprise gift when he attended a recording of Noel’s Christmas Presents believing that his friend Howard would be receiving a gift from Noel Edmonds. He was moved to tears when Noel approached him during the recording and told him that Constables Mobility had agreed to donate a Citroen Berlingo converted for wheelchair passengers with a lowered floor and a gently sloping ramp.
Perfect for families . . . n ALL Constables Mobility conversions are designed for the comfort and safety of the wheelchair user, driver and other passengers. n Constables’ Berlingo is perfect for families because its flexibility offers seating options for up to five people including a wheelchair user and driver. n In addition, there is a choice of optional folding seats. Access for wheelchair users is up a gentle, lightweight ramp – so gentle that it rarely requires a winch. n The vehicle is also fully certified to the most up-to-date EU standards for safety and the environment.
Until then Ben was finding it increasingly difficult to lift Zac in and out of their ordinary car. Life had just become even more challenging with the arrival of Zac’s baby sister, Lara. The Constables car was the answer to the family’s prayers as it allows them to transport Zac safely and easily in his wheelchair. Ben said: “I’m the only one who could get Zac in and out of a normal car. He’s quite tall for his age and can’t use his legs. “It meant all sorts of awkward positions like having his legs over my shoulders – it wasn’t good for either of us. “The new car will make our lives so much easier and save us so much time – I can’t thank Constables Mobility enough.” Zac was 10 weeks premature and spent nine weeks in a neo-natal unit before being allowed home. He weighed just 5.5lbs when he was allowed to leave hospital. Just before Zac turned one, Ben and his wife, Abby, were told the devastating news that their little boy had cerebral palsy. Since then, Zac has had several operations and there has been a constant stream of appointments to see doctors and specialists about his condition.
ernow.org.uk
February/March 2012
TV surprise as kind-hearted David gives away a car
ift for mily
HAPPY NEW YEAR! David Constable and Noel Edmonds help to make it a dream start to the year for the Walton family
All Together NOW!
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All Together NOW!
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February/March 2012
Car that changed our lives
T
ERESA Hyland enjoys nothing more than a little retail therapy.
n PEUGEOT Horizon
IN W RK NE PA LL A ON
wheelchair accessible vehicles are available to buy, rent or through the Motabililty Scheme. n Motability Advance Payments start from just £695 - the lowest on the scheme for a wheelchair accessible vehicle. n Allied Mobility: 0800 916 3018, email info@alliedmobility.com or visit www.alliedmobility.com
HAPPY SHOPPERS: Teresa and Linda ready to hit town in the Peugeot Horizon
her mobility more and more, Teresa asked Linda to hlep her find a more accessible vehicle. Linda got on the case and her Unfortunately for Teresa, search led her to Allied Mobility. shopping trips were few and far She explains: “When we began between due to transport our search we weren’t really sure difficulties with her wheelchair. of our options so I was delighted But now, thanks to a new with how helpful Allied Mobility Peugeot Horizon wheelchair were. accessible vehicle from Allied “In no time at all we’d arranged a Mobility, Teresa and her carer, home demonstration of the Linda, enjoy regular outings. Peugeot Horizon. Allied’s mobility Teresa has cerebral palsy and consultant, had never owned a wheelchair1 car All together now_Feb12_Half:Layout 02/02/2012 09:19 Peter, Page 1brought the car to Teresa’s home in Wirral, before. Merseyside, for a full demo. But with her condition affecting S EEENSORICLES R F G S VEH
www.alltogethernow.org.uk
“Teresa loved the car. It had everything she needed – the accessibility was great and the car itself was really nice. “Less than a week after the demonstration, Teresa placed her order. “Since taking delivery of the car Teresa enjoys days out much more often than before. “She loves to shop so owning a car with wheelchair access makes shopping trips so much easier. “I have no problem using the ramp and wheelchair securing system. Within a matter of minutes
we are in the car and ready to go. It’s great!” The Peugeot Horizon is the UK’s most popular wheelchair accessible vehicle. Based on the Peugeot Partner Tepee, this versatile car offers first-rate accessibility while remaining a stylish and practical everyday car. The vehicle comes with a lowered floor, full Peugeot original rear seating, parking sensors and a FlatFold wheelchair ramp, that can fold flat to the vehicle floor when the wheelchair passenger
space is not in use, creating handy extra space for shopping and other bulky items. Linda adds: “It’s not just Teresa who loves the car, I really enjoy driving it and there’s plenty of room inside for shopping! “It’s great that now we can just nip out to a coffee shop or go to the library. It’s just little trips like that which make Teresa’s day more enjoyable. “The service we received from Allied Mobility was great, all the staff were accommodating, friendly and polite.”
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A BREATH OF FRESH AIR
Reaching NEW heights 420,000
‘
In the 10 years we have been conducting newspaper surveys nothing comes anywhere near to the standards being set by All Together NOW! The results are hugely impressive
310,000
readers right across the North West
210,000
DO NOT read any other disability publication
110,000 DO NOT read any local newspaper!
— The Murray Consultancy
FREE COPIES
winners, 2006BIG European Market Reaserch Award
DISTRIBUTED EVERY TWO MONTHS ACROSS THE GREAT NORTH WEST
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NEWS FROM THE SUPERMARKETS
All Together NOW!
February/March 2012
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COMIC Relief will end the year with a multi-million pound Christmas present from Sainsbury’s. The supermarket has pledged support for the charity for another six years, which will see the total raised by Sainsbury’s, its colleagues and customers, soar past the £100m mark. Sainsbury’s chief executive Justin King said: “We’ve been working with Comic Relief for over a decade and have achieved an incredible amount in that time. Our customers and colleagues have raised a huge amount of money, providing essential support and investment, benefiting thousands of people in the UK and the world’s poorest countries.” Having raised nearly £60 million since 1999, Sainsbury’s is Comic Relief’s largest corporate partner, accounting for nearly 10 per cent of all the money raised by the great British public for Comic Relief over the past 12 years. Sainsbury’s Manchester Mile – p32
A BIG thanks to James Pemberton and colleagues at Booths for helping us to get more copies of All Together NOW! to people at Media City, Salford ASDA customers have chosen the name Nila – meaning “to inspire awe” – for one of the rare Sumatran tiger cubs born recently at Chester Zoo. The zoo invited Asda customers to name one of the three cubs - and Nila was the runaway top choice in an online poll on the Your Asda website. The Sumatran tiger cubs hit the headlines when they were born at the zoo at the end of October. There are only around 400 of the endangered species left in the world. To mark the 10th anniversary of its famous Tiger bread Asda donated £40,000 so the zoo could build a new viewing platform at the tiger enclosure. It means visitors can now get a fantastic high-level view of the little cubs and their mother, Kirana, and father, Fabi.
Put on your trainers
TAKE ME HOME!
OLYMPIC medalist Colin Jackson has undertaken his own marathon school run to promote this year’s Tesco Great School Run programme. Now in its 8th year, the Tesco Great School Run encourages 5 - 11 year olds and their parents to get fit through healthy eating and exercise. The programme finale is a 2k fun run which last year was undertaken by 1.2m children. Ruth Girardet, Tesco Corporate Responsibility and Community Director said:“Since its launch in 2005 over five million children have taken part. It’s an amazing event that both educates and encourages healthy lifestyle choices for kids” Teachers can register their school to take part by visiting www.greatschoolrun.org before Friday May 25.
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All Together NOW!
February/March 2012
Liverpool Community College
www.alltogethernow.org.uk
EDUCATION . . . TRAINING . . . JOBS . .
‘Working with Business’
Breaking down job barriers Programmes for better prospects... L Thinking about...
Will I get help finding work?
Can I start right away?
Where can I go to retrain or gain skills?
IVERPOOL’S Lord Mayor visited Breakthrough UK’s city offices and found out how the lives of hundreds of disabled adults across Merseyside are transformed each year.
The not-for-profit organisation supports disabled people to find employment, work-related training or further education. Cllr Frank Prendergast said: “Breakthrough UK is doing a truly fantastic job supporting disabled adults to find employment and training opportunities. “I’ve heard first-hand how people’s lives are being greatly enhanced.” Tracy Ferguson, 32, who has learning difficulties, said: “I want to work full-time in retail and Breakthrough UK’s team is helping me achieve this.
High fliers!
“I’ve recently completed a voluntary placement working for the WRVS in Broadgreen Hospital – which was a great experience – and I’m now filling in application forms for employment.” n Breakthrough UK, Liverpool, tel. 0151 236 1030. Manchester, tel. 0161 273 5412.
Rob and Huw win £50,000 business awards
T Let Liverpool Community College equip you with the skills employers want If you are unemployed, recently made redundant or ready to start work we can improve your chances of success in the current job market Let us prepare you for work with relevant training and help match your skills to current vacancies in security, hospitality, business administration, care, retail, and many more. We also provide training in how to set up your own business For further information contact:
0845 013 1515 www.liv-coll.ac.uk
Our future.
It’s in our hands
WO disabled entrepreneurs have each won £50,000 to grow their businesses.
Wheelchair-users Rob Smith, 36, who has a spinal injury, and Huw Thomas, 64, who has muscular dystrophy, were joint winners of the 2011 Stelios Award for Disabled Entrepreneurs in the UK. The competition run by Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation and the charity Leonard Cheshire Disability. Rob’s business, The Active Hands Company (www.activehands.co.uk), designs, manufactures and sells gripping aids which allow disabled people with limited hand function to grip a wide variety of items. He sustained a spinal injury after falling 40 feet down a cliff in 1996. Later, he realised there was a gap in the market for equipment that would allow
Tell
Cashing in on gaps in the market disabled people to live more independently. With the help of his mother, Marion, he began to design products and they set up the company in 2007. Rob said: “The Active Hands Company started out when I asked my Mum to make a gripping aid I had designed to help me grip weights to do a workout. “Friends from wheelchair rugby saw me using the aid and asked for some to be made for them. After a few months we decided to start our own company.” Huw’s business, Promove UK (www.promove.uk.com), designs, manufactures and
supplies specialist slings used to rescue, evacuate and transfer sick, injured, or disabled people. Huw said: “After designing a sling for my own personal use, I realised there was a market for this kind of equipment. “In running my business I face challenges every day. But being disabled has its advantages – providing unique experiences and insights.” Jane Jutsum, director of strategic partnerships and innovation at Leonard Cheshire Disability, said: “Disabled people in business experience disadvantage and discrimination everyday – largely through ignorance This must change. “Our partnership with Sir Stelios is helping the charity highlight the barriers disabled people face in the workplace and recognise the outstanding achievements of disabled entrepreneurs.”
420,000 readers about your
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February/March 2012
All Together NOW!
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. . . EDUCATION . . . TRAINING . . . JOBS . . . EDUCATION . . . TRAINING . . . JOBS . .
Students in fear of hate crime
College wins top quality honour LIVERPOOL Community College has been given the highest possible rating for the way it delivers higher education programmes. The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education, the body that protects academic standards, the quality of learning opportunities, and the public information provided by universities and colleges delivering higher education, awarded the Liverpool college a ‘confidence’ judgement. It also concluded that ‘reliance’ could be placed in the public information that the college provides. Liverpool Community College delivers 11 Foundation Degrees in partnership with five awarding bodies – De Montfort University, Edexcel, Edge Hill University, Liverpool Hope University and Liverpool John Moores University.
Working with employers Jenny Steer, director of higher education at the college, said: “We have been providing higher education opportunities for students for over 20 years. “The confidence judgement confirms what we believed – that we are a quality provider of higher education that complements the work of our partner universities and extends the opportunities for students. “We were particularly pleased that our work with employers is highlighted as an area of good practice – we are committed to extending and expanding work-based education.”
Rafa’s new proteges . . . NEW HORIZONS: Rafa with students and staff at Thornton College
F
ORMER Liverpool FC boss Rafa Benitez has been giving his backing to another team on Merseyside. The man who brought a fifth European Cup to Anfield opened an innovative new college for young people with learning difficulties and physical disabilities.
Thornton College, a partnership between Sefton Council, Sefton special schools and Hugh Baird College, can accommodate 60 students. With multimedia facilities, a horticulture room, kitchen and even a small apartment, students can learn how to live as independently as possible. Rafa said: “I was really impressed with the facilities – they are fantastic. I’m very pleased and proud of the centre and I wish all the students and the staff the very best.” Cllr Ian Moncur, from Sefton Council, said: “This is a wonderful facility for local students, many of whom may have previously travelled outside the borough, away from their homes.” Jim Brown, chair of Governors at Hugh
ABOVE: Rafa with (from left) Matt Wilson, manager, Thornton College; Peter Morgan, Sefton Council; Jim Brown, chair of governors, Hugh Baird College FRONT PAGE picture: Rafa with student Chris Booth and Matt Wilson Baird College, said: “The college combines the teaching and learning knowledge of Hugh Baird College, with the expertise of Sefton’s special schools which are closely involved in the project.”
New degree tackles diet and disease A NEW degree is set to deliver a fresh breed of scientists to address the links between diet and diseases including cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Nutri-genomics is an emerging area of scientific research which looks at the relationship between what we eat, disease and our own individual genetic make-up. The Masters programme in Molecular Nutrition at the University of Aberdeen will
equality programmes
deliver graduates in this specialism, to work within hospitals, academic institutions, and industry. Dr Janice Drew, programme coordinator, said: “We know that the majority of cancers and many chronic diseases, such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, are caused by the choices we make in our diets and lifestyle. “In order to understand how we can prevent these diseases, we need to understand exactly what is
happening in the tissues and cells when we eat certain foods, and how and why this contributes to their cause and development. “The programme will develop a new breed of scientists with the potential to forge breakthroughs in our understanding of how what we eat impacts on us and ultimately comprehend how we can take steps towards preventing diseases.” Full details: email graduateschoolclsm@abdn.ac.uk, call
call 0151 230 0307
NEARLY one in four students with a physical impairment have been victims of anti-social behaviour or crime motivated by prejudice. And the figure is nearly one in seven for students with a sensory impairment, according to a survey from the National Union of Students. Now the NUS is urging universities to do more to tackle the problem. The survey also found 43% altered their behaviour, personal appearance or daily patterns to avoid hate incidents. Rupy Kaur, of the NUS, said:“Hate crime can have a profound impact on students’ mental health, affecting their study and social life.”
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February/March 2012
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New burns app is really cool A NEW app invented by experts in the North-West could make the difference between life and death for many burns victims.
by Beatrice Fraenkel chair, Mersey Care NHS
T
HERE have been many inquiries and reports into the care of the vulnerable and elderly across the health and social care sector. It’s a real wake-up call for services that should be responding effectively to the needs of a population which is living longer and will inevitably be more prone to age-related conditions. So I was delighted to hear the good news that an independent inspection of one of Mersey Care’s specialist dementia inpatient services has just accredited it as “excellent” by the Royal College of Psychiatrists. Dementia describes different brain disorders that trigger a loss of brain function - these conditions are usually progressive and eventually severe. One local response to it is a pocket of excellence on Clarence Ward, based at Stoddart House in Aintree, Liverpool, set up in its present form 18 months ago as a dementia assessment ward for up to 17 older people at any one time. Set against the bigger picture that by 2025 there will be over one million people in the UK living with dementia, the work of Clarence Ward may seem insignificant to some.
Patients’ feedback But feedback from patients and family members quizzed by the independent inspection panel reflects the impact of the care they received; comments such as... “a warm and friendly environment” ...”nothing is too much trouble” ...”informed regularly by staff about day to day issues”. A key element is nursing staff on Clarence expressed a preference to work with older people. This genuine interest builds on the principles that should underpin all care in a way that reflects not just quality, but brings real compassion and understanding of the needs of people, who happen to be their patients. Somewhere along the way some parts of our health and social care system seemed to have lost sight of what really matters in caring for the most vulnerable in our society. I would suggest the one word answer should simply be: people.
The development means that all medical staff, regardless of specialist knowledge, will have the ability to assess burn injuries quickly and accurately – dramatically
improving their chances of recovery. Staff at the Mersey Regional Burns and Plastic Surgery Unit came up with the awardwinning application – for use with an iPad or iPhone – which calculates the total body surface affected and the amount of fluids the patient requires. The app has been shown to significantly
improve assessment and could be used by outlying hospitals without expertise in burn care, to relay vital information to burns specialists, prior to the patient arriving. It was developed by Professor Paul McArthur, clinical director for burns and plastic surgery, and Rowan Pritchard-Jones, with programming by Chris Seaton at the University of Manchester.
LIFESAVERS: Professor Paul McArthur, left, and Rowan Pritchard-Jones
Baby killer B
ABIES are dying needlessly – or are at risk of being permanently disabled because expectant mothers are not being given tests – or the facts. Tests routinely offered in many other countries for the commonest cause of lifethreatening infection in newborn babies can only be obtained privately in the UK. A new report reveals that every year 340 babies develop Group B Streptococcus (GBS)
within seven days of birth. Of those, one in 10 will die while around one in five will be permanently disabled. “This is needless because with proper information, testing and treatment – as is routine in the US, Canada, Australia and many European countries – most of these tragic cases could be avoided,” said Jane Plumb, chief executive of the Group B Strep Support charity “The Government should introduce a national screening programme for Group B Strep at the earliest opportunity.” A recent survey conducted by ComRes on behalf of the charity revealed that while more than half (54%) the women aged between 20-35 surveyed had heard of Group B Strep, only 20% knew what it was. The survey also showed that once young women are made aware of the dangers the overwhelming majority believe that pregnant women should always be offered information, tests and, when the bacteria is detected, antibiotics in labour. TV doctor Dr Chris Steele backed the calls. He said: “At present there is no national testing for group B Strep in pregnancy. “The tests that are done are not designed to detect GBS and give a high level of falsely negative results, meaning women think they are free from GBS when they are not. “Tests are available for GBS which pose no risk to mother or baby, but they are only available privately. They should be offered on the NHS. “The Government should act now to ensure women get the very best advice and support during their pregnancy. “This should include information on the serious nature of Group B Strep infection, the offer of testing, followed by appropriate antibiotics during labour to protect the baby from infection.”
FIGHTING BACK: Baby Adam and mum Charlotte Cheshire
One simple test can save so many lives “THE consequence of Group B Strep for the first 23 days of his life and will infection is devastating,” says Charlotte require intensive, on-going monitoring Cheshire. throughout his childhood. “When Adam was born last March At present, his only identified he appeared a happy and healthy long term problem is severe READERS little boy. hearing damage. wanting to back “However, by the morning “It could have been so the campaign can do after his birth he was much worse,” says so by signing the grunting and not feeding and Charlotte. charity’s online petition at the staff quickly realised “All this could have been www.gbss.org.uk/petition something was wrong,” said averted. If I’d had a Group B Strap, tel. Charlotte, from Telford, sensitive GBS test late in 01444 416176 Shropshire. pregnancy, it would almost “Adam stopped breathing, began definitely have found GBS and, to have seizures and was running a with antibiotics from the start of high fever. labour, Adam could have been protected. “He was placed on a cocktail of “I am Canadian and if I had chosen to antibiotics while the staff confirmed the have Adam in my native country, diagnosis of Group B Strep infection. sensitive testing for GBS is routine as it “We were told he was not expected to is in many other western and European live and if he did survive he could be countries. severely disabled.” “I believe a national programme should Adam survived but was in intensive care be introduced as soon as possible.”
Calling all health trusts . . . promote YOUR
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February/March 2012
All Together NOW!
MEDICAL NOTES Testing times
Hospitals’ clean sweep PATIENTS at Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust hospitals can be safe in the knowledge that they have among the lowest rates of MRSA in the country. And staff are confident that the high standards of infection prevention at Leighton Hospital, Crewe, Victoria Infirmary, Northwich and Elmhurst Intermediate Care Centre in Winsford will continue through 2012 and beyond. Meanwhile, efforts to get hospital staff fit and healthy have won a
second award inside a year. Olympic gold medallist Jonathan Edwards joined a ceremony to recognise the efforts to improve the wellbeing of its workforce. NHS chief Sir David Nicholson has challenged the health service to use the inspirational power of the 2012 Olympics to get employees actively engaged in sport or physical activity. A bronze accreditation was awarded to the Trust for its “energy and enthusiasm in meeting the challenge and getting staff more active”.
Cancer blow
MEMBERS of the Health and Wellbeing Strategy steering group, with Rachel Alcock, director of workforce and organisational development (centre left), and Tracy Bullock, chief executive (centre right)
CAMPAIGNER: Early diagnosis is so important, says Ali Stunt, founder of the Pancreatic Cancer Action charity
Treatment blocked by years of underfunding
M
OST cancers have shown major improvements in survival rates in the last 40 years – with one major exception. Pancreatic cancer – which recently claimed the life of computer wizard Steve Jobs – remains stubbornly resistant to treatment. Survival rates are well under 12 months, says a new study by the Macmillan charity.
Six cancers now have average survival times of more than 10 years and some, such as colon cancer and non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, have seen dramatic improvements. Only 10% of patients are diagnosed in time for surgery, currently the only potential for a cure, and average life expectancy is three to six months. Only three per cent survive five years. Despite being the fifth biggest cancer killer in the UK, with over 22 people per day dying, pancreatic cancer has been underfunded for decades and currently receives a dismal one per cent of total cancer research funding. According to Pancreatic Cancer Action charity, as well as increasing the amount of investment into the disease, the focus needs to be on earlier diagnosis so more people can be diagnosed in time to be operated on. Ali Stunt, the charity’s founder – and a rare survivor of the disease – said: “Despite the grim statistics, many more people can survive pancreatic cancer but in order to do so they need to be diagnosed in time for surgery. “Those diagnosed in time have a chance of living beyond five years – that is ten times greater than the overall average for the disease. “Decades of limited funding has meant that research into pancreatic cancer lags behind other cancers but there are many dedicated researchers in Britain trying their best with meagre resources. “However, even if a novel therapy were developed for pancreatic cancer in a laboratory today, it could take at least 10 to 15 years to reach the clinical environment and possibly longer to benefit patients.”
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Victims of the disease VICTIMS of pancreatic cancer include Head of Apple Steve Jobs; Hollywood actor Patrick Swayze; opera star Luciano Pavarotti; Gareth Hunt (New Avengers Actor); Magnus Magnusson (Broadcaster); Sir Nigel Hawthorne (actor); Bill Owen (“Compo” in Last of the Summer Wine); Joan Crawford (actress); Sir James Goldsmith (founder of The Referendum Party); Rex Harrison (actor); and Sir Alan Bates (actor).
What to look out for . . . PANCREATIC cancer affects men and women equally and over a third of patients are under the age of 65. While the causes of pancreatic cancer are not fully understood, approximately 25% of cases are attributable to cigarette smoking, 5-10% are hereditary and it is thought that obesity, diabetes and excessive alcohol consumption increases the risk of contracting the disease. Classic pancreatic cancer symptoms are persistent or significant abdominal pain and/or back pain, painless jaundice
health messages here:
(yellow skin/eyes, dark urine), significant and unexplained weight loss. Other common symptoms are new onset diabetes not associated with weight gain, pain in the upper abdomen that typically radiates to the back, indigestion or abdominal discomfort, loss of appetite or nausea and vomiting, pain when eating and steatorrhoea (fatty stools, often pale and smelly). n Pancreatic Cancer Action, tel 01428 656269 n www.pancreaticcanceraction.org
0151 230 0307
PATIENTS at Wythenshawe and Manchester Christie hospitals are among the first in the country to demonstrate how genetic tests could help match cancer patients to the most appropriate treatment. The aim is to establish a world-class NHS genetic testing service in the UK. Up to 9,000 patients will participate in the first phase of the programme, which will cover six different tumour types: breast, bowel, lung, prostate, ovary and melanoma skin cancer. Patients will be asked to give consent for a small sample of their tumour to be sent to one of three leading NHS genetic testing labs where DNA will be extracted and analysed for a range of molecular faults linked to cancer.
Good news on MS PEOPLE with multiple sclerosis may be set to benefit from new research that shows it’s possible to reverse an effect of ageing. In MS, the insulating layers that protect nerve fibres in the brain - known as myelin sheaths - become damaged. Early in the disease, the myelin sheaths are regenerated but as MS sufferers grow older, their bodies lose that ability. However, a new study in mice shows that the age-associated decline in the regeneration of the nerve’s myelin sheath, or remyelination, is reversible. Professor Robin Franklin, from the University of Cambridge, said: “For individuals with MS, this means that in theory regenerative therapies will work throughout the duration of the disease.”
Shot in the arm THE ultimate flu vaccine may have come a step closer thanks to new research. If you get vaccinated against the flu and then become infected with the virus, your body mounts an immune response that stops you getting sick. However, that pressure from the immune system can make the virus mutate into a more infectious form which can spread to people who have not been vaccinated. But now researchers in the US have identified which amino acids in the virus are most likely to mutate. And that will make it easier for scientists to produce vaccines that don’t allow those stronger forms of flu to develop.
Weather factor CHILDREN are now developing ear infections (also known as Otitis Media – OM) about two months later than in past decades, say Deafness Research UK. A major consequence of OM is glue ear – the retention of fluid in the middle ear, causing hearing loss and problems with communication and behaviour. “It is known that overall global warming has been slower recently, but the autumn rise in ear infection consultations in the UK has still been happening later and later,” said Professor Mark Haggard. n www.deafnessresearch.org.uk
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BOX OFFICE SENSATION!
February/March 2012
Feb 9-Mar 10: Oliver! Manchester Palace Theatre. Dickens’s classic starring Neil Morrissey as Fagin. Feb 11: Carnival du Vampires Rock. Preston Guild Hall. New Rock and Roll musical. Feb 12: Grimethorpe Colliery Band. New Brighton Floral Pavilion. The band featured in Brassed Off. Feb 13-18: Yes, Prime Minister. Llandudno Venue Cymru. Stage version of the sitcom. Feb 14-16: Star of Wonder. Blackpool Grand Theatre. Featuring international magician Paul Dabek. Feb 14-16: Chinese State Circus. New Brighton Floral Pavilion. Traditional Chinese circus. Feb 14: The Animals and Children Took to the Streets. Blackpool Grand Theatre. Original new thriller. Feb 15-16: Elektro Kif. Manchester Lowry. New style of show blending comedy, street dance and theatre. Feb 15-16: Circus Shorts. Blackpool Grand Theatre. The best in modern day circus acts. Feb 16-18: Service with a Smile 2. Manchester Lowry. Sense of humour required. Feb 17: Australian Pink Floyd Show. Preston Charter Theatre. The greatest Pink Floyd tribute act in the world. Feb 17: Ida Barr’s Variety Parade. Blackpool Grand Theatre. Popular variety show hosted by Ida. Feb 17: Spaghetti Western Orchestra. Manchester Lowry. A fistful of Ennio Morricone classics. Feb 17-19: Chinese State Circus. Manchester Lowry. Traditional Chinese circus acts. Feb 17-Mar 10: A Streetcar Named Desire. Liverpool Everyman. Tennessee Williams’s hit play. Audio Described, Mar 9. Captioned, Mar 10 Feb 18: Vive La Cabaret. Manchester Lowry. Cabaret hosted by Desmond O’Connor. Feb 18: The Vagina Monologues. Blackpool Grand Theatre. Eve Ensler’s smash hit is back. Feb 18: Elkie Brooks - Live in Concert. New Brighton Floral Pavilion. One of the greatest British voices live in concert. Feb 19: Fireman Sam. Blackpool Grand Theatre. The hero next door is back in town. Feb 19: There Was an Old Woman Who Swallowed a Fly. New Brighton Floral Pavilion. Family fun in the theatre, featuring games and animals. Feb 20: Steve Hackett - Breaking Waves. New Brighton Floral Pavilion. The Genesis guitarist with a 6-piece band, showcasing his extraordinary talents. Feb 21-25: The King and I. The Lowry, Salford. Captioned, Feb 22. Feb 21: John Doughty – The Pendle Witches. Bolton Octagon. The Pendle witch expert tells the whole tale. Feb 21: BalletBoyz. Stoke Regent Theatre. All-male ballet. Feb 21: Swan Lake. Wolverhampton Grand Theatre. Ballet from the Russian State Ballet. Feb 21-25: Up ‘n’ Under. Runcorn
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BOX OFFICE NUMBERS BLACKPOOL Grand Theatre: 01253 290190. BOLTON Octagon: 01204 520661. LIVERPOOL Empire: 08444 999 999. Everyman & Playhouse: 0151 709 4776. Royal Court: 0870 787 1866. LLANDUDNO Venue Cymru: 01492 872000. MOLD: Theatr Clwyd: 0845 3303565.
MANCHESTER Library Theatre: The Lowry: 0843 208 6000. Opera House: 0870 401 9000. Palace Theatre: 0870 401 3000. NEW BRIGHTON Floral Pavillion: 0151 666 0000. PORT SUNLIGHT: Gladstone Theatre: 0151 643 8757. PRESTON: Charter Theatre: 0845 344 2012. RHYL: Pavilion Theatre: 01745 330 000.
RUNCORN The Brindley: 0151 907 8360. SALE: Waterside Arts Centre: 0161 912 5616. STOKE: Regent Theatre: 0844 871 7627. SOUTHPORT: Floral Hall: 0844 847 2380. ST HELENS: Theatre Royal: 01744 756000. Citadel: 01744 735436. WOLVERHAMPTON Grand Theatre: 01902 429212.
Enjoy a night on the town Brindley. An ex-pro takes up the task of managing the ‘Wheatsheaf Arms’ Rugby League team. Feb 22: Madama Butterfly. Stoke Regent Theatre. Puccini’s opera. Feb 22: Sleeping Beauty. Wolverhampton Grand Theatre. Ballet from the Russian State Ballet. Feb 23-Mar 10: The Daughter in Law. Manchester Library Theatre. The DH Lawrence play. Audio Described, Mar 1. Signed Performance, Mar 2. Feb 23: La Traviata. Stoke Regent Theatre. Verdi’s opera. Feb 23-Mar 17: Macbeth. Bolton Octagon. ‘The Scottish Play’ from Shakespeare. Feb 24: Barry Cryer - Butterfly Brain. New Brighton Floral Pavilion. ‘Sit-down’ comedy. Feb 24: The Chuckle Brothers. Southport Floral Hall. Swashbuckling adventure from the duo. Feb 25: The Rat Pack Vegas Spectacular. New Brighton Floral Pavilion. The ultimate tribute to the purveyors of cool. Feb 26: Chuckle Brothers. Stoke Regent Theatre. Swashbuckling adventure with the duo. Feb 26: Russell Kane - Manscaping.
Blackpool Grand Theatre. Stand-up comedy. Feb 27-Mar 3: Spamalot. Stoke Regent Theatre. The musical lovingly ripped off Monty Python. Feb 26: Gaz Jenkins - Love/Life. Blackpool Grand Theatre. Live music show. Feb 28-Mar 4: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Llandudno Venue Cymru. The family favourite is back in Llandudno. Feb 29-Mar 2: The Prince of Denmark. Blackpool Grand Theatre. An original play set before the events of Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Feb 29-Mar 3: Crown Matrimonial. Port Sunlight Gladstone Theatre. Royce Ryton’s gripping drama. Mar 1-3: All the Single Ladies. Blackpool Grand Theatre. A hilarious new comedy. Mar 1-31: A Doll’s House. Theatr Clwyd. Audio Described, Mar 17 & 22. Captioned, Mar 24 Mar 4: Beating Berlusconi. Blackpool Grand Theatre. Based on the true story of the Liverpool fan who was sat next to Silvio Berlusconi at the Ataturk Stadium in Istanbul.
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As the original disabled activist and musician, Ian Dury was a patron, staunch supporter and advocate of Graeae, the all inclusive theatre company behind the production. The extraordinary wit and wisdom of Dury’s music and lyrics are brought to life by an exceptional cast of 13 actors and musicans. Part gig, part play, this gritty production is set in 1979 when Labour lost to the Tories, strikes rocked the nation, and Ian Dury and the Blockheads’ Reasons to be Cheerful (Part 3) climbed the charts. All performances include captioned dialogue, BSLinterpreted songs and audio description.
No Regrets by Dr Peter Hawkins, published by Vermilion, £10.99
A
Dr PETER HAWKINS
CAREER expert who overcame severe eyesight problems to become an internationally renowned motivational guru has written a guide to help others transform their own lives.
TOUR DATES Feb 9-18: New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich. Box Office: 01473 295900. Feb 23-25 Feb Hall for Cornwall. Box Office: 01872 262466. Mar 1-4: Hull Truck. Box Office: 01482 323638. Mar 13-17: Watford Palace. Box Office: 01923 225671. Mar 20-24 Dundee Rep. Tel: 01382 223530. Mar 28-Apr 1: Hackney Empire. Box Office: 020 8985 2424 . Apr 3-7: Nottingham Playhouse. Box Office: 0115 941 9419. www.reasonstobecheerfulthemusi cal.co.uk, www.graeae.org
Brighton Floral Pavilion. The hero next door is back in New Brighton. Mar 12: Russian State Ballet’s Giselle. Liverpool Empire. Classical Ballet. Mar 13-17: Travelling Light. The Lowry, Salford. Captioned, Mar 16. Audio Described, Mar 17. Mar 13-14: Russian State Ballet’s Swan Lake. Liverpool Empire. Classical ballet. Mar 13-17: South Pacific. Manchester Palace Theatre. Breathtaking reproduction of the Rogers and Hammerstein musical. Mar 15: Dave Spikey. Liverpool Empire. Stand-up comedy. Mar 16: Madama Butterfly. Liverpool Empire. Puccini’s opera. Mar 16-17: The Works. Blackpool Grand Theatre. Interactive workshop. Mar 17: Motown’s Greatest Hits. Preston Charter Theatre. The ultimate celebration of Motown. Mar 18: Sleeping Beauty. Blackpool Grand Theatre. Russian State Ballet. Mar 19: Giselle. Blackpool Grand
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bookshelf Time for a fresh start?
EASONS To Be Cheerful, the brilliant stage show about the life and music of Ian Drury and the Blockheads, has hit the road!
Mar 6: La Boheme. Blackpool Grand Theatre. Puccini’s opera, performed by the Ukrainian National Opera of Kharkiv. Mar 6-10: South Pacific. Stoke Regent Theatre. Breathtaking reproduction of the Rogers and Hammerstein musical. Mar 7-8: Red Riding Hood. Blackpool Grand Theatre. The famous children’s story. Mar 8-9: Naughty Knicker Knight. New Brighton Floral Pavilion. Adult-only comedy. Mar 9: Harold ‘Dickie’ Bird. Blackpool Grand Theatre. The famous cricket umpire telling cricket stories. Mar 9-11: Horrible Histories. Liverpool Empire. The hit children’s book series on stage. Mar 10: Real Diamond - The Jazz Singer. New Brighton Floral Pavilion. Britain’s leading Neil Diamond tribute act. Mar 10: Kings of Swing. Blackpool Grand Theatre. Live big band playing classic swing music. Mar 11: Fireman Sam. New
All Together NOW!
February/March 2012
Theatre. Russian State Ballet. Mar 19: Paul Merton. Liverpool Empire. The Have I Got News For You star live. Mar 19-24: Chicago - The Musical. Manchester Palace Theatre. The hit musical based on real events. Mar 20: Sally Morgan - ‘Psychic Sally’ on the road. Liverpool Empire. TV medium. Mar 21: Sally Morgan - ‘Psychic Sally’ on the road. Southport Floral Hall. TV medium. Mar 22-24: Dara O’Briain Craic Dealer. Liverpool Empire. Stand-up comedy from the host of Mock The Week. Mar 23: Joe Brown. Blackpool Grand Theatre. Rock ‘n’ roll legend. Mar 25: Paul Merton. Blackpool Grand Theatre. The Have I Got News For You star live. Mar 27-31: Anne Boleyn. Blackpool Grand Theatre. Comedy featuring greats from English history.
Dr Peter Hawkins says: “Most of us crawl out of bed on Monday morning to drag ourselves through the week until we heave a sigh of relief on Friday night. Then, just when we’ve finally started to relax, the Sunday Blues kick in as the reality of Monday morning’s treadmill looms. “This book will change that and is the perfect choice for anyone looking to make a fresh start in 2012.” Peter, who lives in Formby with his wife and children, was diagnosed with macular degeneration, at the age of seven. Doctors told him that he was considered to be registered blind, and that he would never be able to drive. “As I grew up, I would watch as my friends passed their driving tests, leaving me feeling increasingly frustrated with my own abilities. “It wasn’t until years later that I came to appreciate that the more friends with licences, the more people I had to drive me about - and that I was the one who could enjoy a drink at the pub when they couldn’t. “With this realisation came the knowledge that my greatest disability wasn’t the loss of my eyesight, but the way I coped with it.” Peter completed a PhD in A Sex Goddess’s Guide for people Industrial Management at the with back pain, by Constance Reid University of Liverpool, before and Oliver Melllors, £6.99, going on to create the published by BackCare. University’s Graduate Into IF YOU’VE ever suffered with Employment Unit, which is still back pain, the last thing on your used as a flagship model across mind is sex, but this book is set Europe. to change all that. His work brought him to the Research has shown that attention of Ian McCartney, having an orgasm floods your former Government minister at body with one of the most the Department of Trade and effective natural painkillers, the Industry, and Peter regularly hormone oxytocin, which can advised on issues around help you in coping with back graduate employment. pain. In 2009 he helped set up Packed with common sense personal and career advice and illustrations, the development company book is published by BackCare, Windmills which delivers the charity for healthier backs. programmes across the UK to BackCare, tel. businesses, individuals, schools, 020 8977 5474. FE colleges and local authorities.
readers across the North West . . . 0151 230 0307
TAKE ME HOME!
26
All Together NOW!
February/March 2012
ARIES March 21st - April 20th Criticising a colleague in early February will win you a bitter enemy. It becomes much easier to rest, relax, and rejuvenate. Working alongside a loving partner sets the scene for a super Valentine’s Day. Pamper your creative side on the 19th; your inner artist is crying out for expression. And a secret love affair will take flower on the 21st. If you are in work, your boss will give you a greater measure of independence at the end of the month. Your ideas gain traction in the days over the first few days of March. Resist the urge to gossip. A difficult work project comes to a conclusion, giving you more time to exercise. Step up your fitness regimen - the results will be impressive. The last week of March is perfect for taking a bold risk, such as taking on a more public role or asking for a first date.
TAURUS April 21st - May 21st Romantic misunderstandings abound in early February. The full moon on the 7th puts stress on your home life, but be sure to take a friend’s advice on having a great Valentine’s Day and don’t betray a lover’s secret. The 18th is perfect for planning a long distance trip. Dream big and express your artistic side. Resist the urge to rush a romance. At the end of the month, an overseas business deal will put more money in your bank account. Keep your thoughts to yourself in the early days of March. Don’t expect much support from friends. The full moon on the 8th marks an exciting turning point in a romance. At mid-month, you will get a golden opportunity to travel, write, or study. Do something special for yourself around the 21st, even if it means going off on your own. A secret enemy will try to undermine your confidence around the end of March.
GEMINI May 22nd - June 21st You’ll have to choose between a family and work event in the early days of February. The full moon on the 7th may force you to cancel a trip or class. You’ll have a chance to showcase your expertise in the days surrounding the 13th but don’t mix finance with romance on St Valentine’s Day. A rise, promotion, or high profile job can be yours near the 19th. Working with a team proves rewarding in the opening days of March. The full moon on the 8th is ideal for concluding a property deal. Trust your instincts with regard to a sexual relationship in the days surrounding the 13th. An intimate relationship demands all of your time over the ides of March while the 18th is ideal for pitching an unusual idea. You’ll make friends with an impressive intellectual but don’t let a manipulative person influence your decisions as March turns to April.
CANCER June 22nd - July 23rd Avoid controversial subjects like religion and politics. The full moon on the 7th brings an end to a source of income; you’ll have to tuck into savings. An older relative has good advice regarding a relationship in the days surrounding the 13th. A power struggle breaks out between you and a lover or
Just look at what’s in store for YOU!
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perfect for buying a place to live, finding a room-mate, or moving in with a lover. March begins with you taking up a new hobby or sport. The full moon on the 8th forces you to face off with an aggressive figure. Launch a fitness regimen in the days surrounding the 13th; you’ll be thrilled by the results. A glamorous job could be yours for the asking, and a small windfall could put extra money in your pocket. The new moon on the 22nd is great for launching a creative project.
CAPRICORN December 22nd - January 20th
by RUSSELL GRANT business partner during the middle of the month. The New Moon on the 21st is perfect for doing something new, and let your best friend or lover take you out of your comfort zone as February turns to March. March opens with a fantastic career opportunity. The full moon on the 8th gives you the answer to a burning question. A cherished dream will be granted to you by the middle of the month so don’t look a gift horse in the mouth. The closing days of March find you in a power struggle with an arrogant authority figure.
LEO July 24th - August 23rd Compromise is impossible with your best friend, lover - you’ll just have to go your own way. The days surrounding the 8th are perfect for travel, exploration, and mind expansion. The 13th is the best day of the entire year for signing a business contract or forming a serious partnership. Get treatment for a nagging health problem by the middle of the month. The new moon on the 21st enriches your bank account with an inheritance, refund, or dividend. The final days of February are favoured for job hunting; send out a slew of CVs. Early March sees a strict, authority figure who won’t appreciate your whimsical ways. A legal decision will be made in your favour in the days surrounding the 5th. The full moon on the 8th yields a big payment or profit. The new moon on the 22nd is perfect for doing something new.
VIRGO August 24th - September 23rd An unexpected inheritance, refund, or dividend reaches your bank account in February. An admirer confesses their crush on Valentine’s Day. A business alliance with a foreigner is highly favoured in the days surrounding the 16th. The new moon on the 21st launches a creative partnership. An educational, religious, or cultural institution opens its doors to you as February turns to March. Confide your deepest feelings to a friend in the first few days of March - and hold your ground with a pushy person. Avoid buying expensive luxuries you can’t afford. The full moon on the 8th yields exciting results. Someone extremely sexy joins your social circle on or around the 13th. The new moon on the 22nd is ideal for opening a new savings or investment account. The final days of March warn against giving your heart
to an unreliable lover who has disappointed you in the past.
LIBRA September 24th - October 23rd A friendship is about to becomes strained; you’re no longer willing to humour this delusional pest! But cheer up - romance is set to bursts into flower! Wear something special on Valentine’s Day, when your charms will be irresistible. An overbearing relative will try to take advantage of your generosity in mid-February. A dividend or inheritance allows you to indulge your love of luxury on the 25th. Negotiating the terms of a contract is highly favoured in the opening days of March. The full moon on the 8th sheds light on a mysterious situation. Someone will confess a crush on you in mid-March, much to your delight. Your best friend, lover, or business partner has an exciting surprise for you around the 18th. The new moon on the 22nd brings news of an engagement or marriage. The final days of March force you to deal with an unpleasant domestic situation.
SCORPIO October 24th - November 22nd February demands you strike a healthy balance between your platonic and romantic relationships. The full moon on the 7th brings an abrupt end to an uncomfortable career matter; it may be time to leave a toxic job. An admirer gives you a gift that speaks to your heart on Valentine’s Day. Stand up to a bully at work in mid-February. The New Moon on the 21st is perfect for getting engaged, married, or even starting a family. The first days of March are great for improving your diet and exercise routine. Don’t let friends interfere with a romantic relationship. The full moon on the 8th brings the successful culmination of a group project. The new moon on the 22nd attracts an exciting job offer. The closing days of March warn against speaking your mind to a troublesome colleague.
SAGITTARIUS November 23rd - December 21st The beginning of February warns against patronising a boss or authority figure. Home life provides a welcome haven from career pressures. The full moon on the 7th forces you to cancel travel plans. And romance is about to burst into flower. Open your heart to a lover on Valentine’s Day; you won’t be disappointed. The new moon on the 21st is
The full moon on the 7th forces you to change your lifestyle in order to save money. Exciting news about your family is cause for celebration on the 10th. A sexy voicemail, text message, or letter makes you flush with pleasure on Valentine’s Day. Don’t be too harsh with a sensitive relative over the middle of the month. You’ll get favourable publicity for a creative project in the closing days of February. The opening days of March are favoured for negotiating a property deal or signing a lease, but try amd avoid controversial subjects like religion and politics. The full moon on the 8th brings a successful conclusion to a legal case. Your sex appeal is irresistible on the 13th; use it to get all the favours you can. Stand up to an overbearing relative at the end of the month.
AQUARIUS January 21st - February 19th A strong warning about mixing finance with romance. The full moon on the 7th triggers a fight between you and your best friend or lover. Don’t let your inner critic prevent you from taking a creative risk during the middle of the month. Explore ways of donating your time, money or energy to a charitable cause. The new moon on the 21st is perfect for finding a fresh source of income. March brings more time for domestic pleasures. The full moon on the 8th marks an exciting sexual encounter. A loved one or neighbour has exciting news on the 18th; go out and celebrate. The new moon on the 22nd prompts you to get a refreshing change of scenery. Don’t fall prey to your worst fears as March turns to April.
PISCES February 20th - March 20th February opens with an upsetting argument between you and a loved one; it’s time to vent your frustrations. Your powers of persuasion will be irresistible on Valentine’s Day; make your needs known on this magical day but don’t try to impress a friend with an expensive purchase. Your creative work gets lots of favourable publicity near the 19th. The new moon on the 21st is perfect for getting a makeover or transforming your appearance. Develop a business idea in the early days of March. Put your design skills to work on the 6th; you’ll be very satisfied with the results. The full moon on the 8th brings a close relationship to a whole new level of intimacy. The new moon on the 22nd invites you to acquire some cutting edge technical skills. Defend your beliefs TAKE ME HOME! to a pushy friend as March turns to April.
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WIN! £30 to spend on seeds FORGET winter and settle down with a good book – Thompson & Morgan’s seed catalogue, full of colourful flowers and delicious produce for summer. For FIVE winners in this competition, the 200page catalogue comes with £30 vouchers which can be exchanged for any items listed or online. Choose from hundreds of varieties, including these new delights: Sweet pea ‘Prima Ballerina,’ T&M’s exclusive ‘flower of the year’ producing beautiful blooms in a blend of soft pink, mauve and cream. Nasturtium ‘Flame Thrower’, with fringed petals in a sizzling range of colours from bright yellow through orange to crimson. Petunia ‘Diamond Pearly Shades’, a cascading petunia with large, pearly-pink flowers, ideal for containers. A tasty range of vegetables including Shiraz, a
new purple mangetout pea; Lettony, a frillyleaved lettuce with in-built resistance to bad weather; and Bajaja, a trailing cherry tomato for patio tubs. To enter the competition, answer this question: What is T&M’s ‘flower of the year’? Send your entry with your name and address on a postcard or sealed envelope, stating where you picked up your copy of All Together NOW!, to T&M Competition, All Together NOW!, The Bradbury Centre, Youens Way, Liverpool L14 2EP, to arrive by Friday March 23. You can also enter online at www.alltogethernow.org.uk Our winners will receive a copy of Thompson & Morgan’s catalogue. n Free copies are available to everyone online at www.thompson-morgan.com or by phone on 0844 573 1818.
My prickly pal!
Prime Ballerina – Thompson & Morgan’s new sweet pea
W
HEN we moved house many years ago, a new friend greeted us just inside the gate. She was welldressed, her name rolled off the tongue and she soon became a family favourite at this time of year.
We forgave her when she seemed a little prickly because she was a shrub, Mahonia aquifolium, and the spines were part of her glossy, evergreen leaves. While some other shrubs succumbed to drought or frost, or sulked about their soil or situation, Madame Mahonia grew steadily to optimum size – around 1.5 metres tall and across (5ft x 5ft) – with the help of only an occasional topdressing of general fertiliser. Every winter, however hard the weather, she took top honours in the garden, producing pale yellow racemes of flowers with a gentle fragrance. That’s when I used to trim off any overlong stems and take them indoors to scent the house. These were suckers – shoots put up directly from the roots – the plant’s way of spreading and very effective too for suppressing weeds. It was the only pruning this obliging shrub needed to prevent it overhanging other plants or encroaching over lawns or paths. Mahonia aquifolium is more commonly if less attractively known as the Oregon grape – it comes from North America and the flowers are followed by purple berries like mini-grapes. Mahonias are named for Bernard M’Mahon, a prominent US
WINTER SUNSHINE: Scented Mahonia ‘Charity’ grows quickly and has a superb scent – perfect to brighten up any grey days . . .
horticulturalist, and although he died in 1816 the plant’s popularity has lived on. The best of them all now is a hybrid of Chinese parentage, Mahonia x media ‘Charity’ (pictured), which I have planted in my present garden. For the first few years it can look out of proportion because the leaves and flowers are too big and dramatic for a small, young shrub. However, it grows quite quickly if properly fed and sheltered – sometimes up to 3m (10ft) tall. Its lily-of-the-valley scent is superb. Other species of mahonia, mostly
HELPING HANDS
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February/March 2012
from the Far East, have similar qualities. Mahonia japonica grows over 2m (7ft) tall and produces lemon-yellow flowers on racemes which can extend to 30cm (12in) and, not surprisingly, tend to hang down under their own weight. Again, the scent is lovely. Mahonia bealei is similar but the racemes are shorter and erect, while Mahonia lomarifolia grows taller, has 20cm (8in) racemes and needs protection from severe weather. Mahonias demand little in return for their long-lasting display. Any reasonable soil will meet their
needs, even in sandy or chalky areas. Mix some slow-release general fertiliser with the soil when planting and water thoroughly in any dry spells for the first two years. For a second or third specimen, take hardwood cuttings in summer, insert them in gritty compost in a pot covered in film and kept in a shady place, and they should root by the following spring. n If you should be down Windsor way in the next few weeks, drop in to the Great Park, the best place in Britain to see mahonias, where the National Collection of scores of types are grown, many of them in spectacular displays sweeping down to Virginia Water.
FLOWERS: Trim back some of the leaves of hellebores so the flowers can be seen clearly. One of the most attractive hellebores, the pure white ‘Christmas rose,’ can be spoiled by drips from overhead trees after rain so protect blooms, especially for cutting, with a sheet of glass or plastic. SHRUBS: Prune winter jasmine when the yellow starlike flowers die. Cut back all the side shoots which have flowered, leaving 3cm-4cm (1.5in) of shoot. Towards the end of March, prune the butterfly bush, buddleia, down to 30cm (12in) from the ground. Strong new shoots will flower this year. LAWNS: Keep lawns clear of wormcasts and other debris by brushing them off. Do not walk on lawns when frost is on the ground. If new growth is beginning, give a trim towards the end of March with the mower blades set high. PONDS: Check electrical equipment and cables. Remove slippery algae from paths and decking. As the weather becomes milder try fish with a little food but if they ignore it remove the food and wait another fortnight. VEGETABLES: Sow broad beans and plant onion and shallot sets if there is a mild spell in February; otherwise wait a few weeks. Sow peas, carrots and beetroots in March. FRUIT: Prune gooseberries and redcurrants if you missed them in the autumn, aiming to produce a goblet shaped bush on a single stem. HERBS: In March, sow a few herb seeds in pots in a greenhouse or indoors on a windowsill. Start with chives and tarragon. GLASS: Greenhouses and cold frames containing plants need a good airing on sunny days but make sure they are closed by late afternoon. The temperature can zoom up very quickly yet the nights are still cold and, if you don’t trap daytime warmth, plants could rot. HOUSEPLANTS: Remove fading flowers and dying leaves. Give plants as much light as possible but in most cases only water when the compost surface is starting to dry out. Exceptions include azalea, cyclamen and maidenhair fern, which prefer more moisture.
Disabled and need advice on gardening? Contact national charity THRIVE. Tel. 0118 988 5688. www.thrive.org.uk or www.carryongardening.org.uk
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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
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1. 2. 3. 4. 6. 7. 8. 13. 14. 16. 18. 20. 21. 23. 25. 28. 29. 31.
Inhabitant (8) Incentive (4) Well-liked (7) Great pain (5) Move quickly (3) Small cave (6) Perfect (5) Long-necked bird (4) Former Spanish currency (6) Against (6) Florence’s river (4) Opponent (5) Respond (6) Small barrel (3) Slack (5) Courageous (7) Stitch (4) Extra material (8)
Stringy (4) Outstanding (5) Dutch pottery (5) Slender (6) Series of actions (7) Monarchist (8) Eye-tooth (6) Poem (3) Russian ruler (4) Glittered (8) Bristol’s river (4) Redeemer (7) Speaker (6) Quarrel (3) Worried constantly (6) Ointment (5) South African antelope (5) Stalk (4)
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Each question has four possible answers and is worth from one to 15 points. Circle your chosen answers and keep a record of your points total. Maximum total points 120. QUESTION 1 – for 1 point: Which craft was piloted by the animated puppet Colonel Steve Zodiac? A Stingray B Thunderbird 2 C Red Dwarf D Fireball XL5 QUESTION 2 – for 2 points: How many squares are on a Scrabble board? A 64 B 144 C 225 D 324 QUESTION 3 – for 3 points: Which of the following might use a jess? A Shepherd B Carpenter C Falconer D Angler QUESTION 4 – for 4 points: What are courgettes known as in the USA? A Cucumbers B Marrows C Squashes D Zucchini QUESTION 5 – for 5 points: What are Codling, Braeburn and Russets? A Young fish B Apples C Marbles D Moths QUESTION 6 – for 6 points: Which 1960s TV comedy show featured a character called Uncle Fester, played by former child star Jackie Coogan? A The Addams Family B Bewitched C The Munsters D I Dream Of Jeannie
QUESTION 10 – for 10 points: Where in Great Britain is the 15th century cannon Mons Meg displayed? A B C D
The Tower of London Dover Castle Donegall Quay, Belfast Edinburgh Castle
QUESTION 11 – for 11 points: How far away from Earth must an object be to go into orbit? A B C D
125 miles 220 miles 355 miles 525 miles
QUESTION 12 – for 12 points: Of which country is Rupert Murdoch a citizen? A B C D
Media mogul Rupert Murdoch. See Question 12
QUESTION 7 – for 7 points: When was the first successful manned balloon flight over the Atlantic Ocean? A 1878 B 1923 C 1953 D 1978 QUESTION 8 – for 8 points: Which 19th century novelist is credited with designing the first Post Office pillar box? A Anthony Trollope B Rudyard Kipling C Arthur Conan Doyle D H.G. Wells QUESTION 9 – for 9 points: What do the initials TGV refer to in France? A National sales tax B The stock exchange C An express train service D Computerised voting system
SUDOKU
The United Kingdom Australia The USA Canada
QUESTION 13 – for 13 points: Which nuts are used to make pesto? A B C D
Almonds Walnuts Chestnuts Pine nuts
QUESTION 14 – for 14 points: Which French playing card is represented by the letter V? A B C D
Queen Jack Ace King
QUESTION 15 – for 15 points: Who was the first Welsh-born actor to win an Academy Award for best actor? A B C D
Anthony Hopkins Hugh Griffith Edmund Gwen Ray Milland
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
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4 7 8 8 3 2 1 5 6 9 8 1 4 4 1 7 6 9 2 7 1 4 9 6 8 5 2
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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.
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SAY THAT AGAIN . . .
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Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can’t help them, at least don’t hurt them — Dalai Lama
Good friends are like stars . . . You don’t always see them, but you know they are always there — Epicurus
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I’d rather regret the things I’ve done than regret the things I haven’t done — Lucille Ball
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Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever — Mahatma Gandhi
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ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ EACH number in our Cross Code grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. You have three letters in the control grid to start you off. Enter them in the appropriate squares in the main grid, then use your knowledge of words to work out which letters should go in the missing squares. As you get the letters, fill in other squares with the same number in the main grid and control grid. Check off the alphabetical list of letters as you identify them.
2 ABC
3 DEF
4 GHI
5 JKL
6 MNO
7 PQRS
8 TUV
9 WXYZ
Spaces and any punctuation marks are represented by 1.
634 878 278 452 635
4. Metals 258 646 486 194 771 745 837 126 528 468 612 766 664 861 262 258 791 739 837 184 153 23
5. Famous military sieges 6. Insects 272 252 661 536 464 723 173 262 576 224 137 717 227 867 651 582 566 918 912 422 321 782 247 531 472 774 677 769 196 758 696 126 678 728 784 861 928 371 268 466 753 179 722 873 766 615 239 247 315 147 362 321 537 872 536 522 538
621 773 931 163 614
631 763 487 685 782
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 22 wedding anniversaries.
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 8?
3. Herbs 446 736 416 734 266 473 331 767 362 791 451 627 567 261 724 277 539 184 963 125 267 426 337 133 663 277 246 6
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In which year did all three of these significant historical events take place?
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1. The first steam-powered passenger lift is patented by Elisha Otis.
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MISSING LINK Each pair of words has a missing word between them that acts as a link to both (e.g. FRONT – DOOR – MAT). The initial letters of the six answers (reading downwards) will spell out a hand tool.
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WITHIN
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R E I A M D W O TRANSFORMER
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Add the given letter to the first word to make a new word.
RESULT
NOW
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PETASUS 1) A skin inflammation commonly affecting the lower limbs but occasionally found on the arms;
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2) A hat with a low crown and broad brim, worn in ancient Greece;
2. Queen Victoria’s husband, Prince Albert, dies of typhoid at the age of 42.
C M U
3. Abraham Lincoln takes office as President of the United States.
Clue: Turn rascal into a shoe.
3) A small bone found in the inner ear.
WAS IT? a) 1837; b) 1843; c) 1849; d) 1855; e) 1861.
_____ +B=B_____
635 338 667 862 437
Here is an unusual word with three definitions, only one of which is correct. Can you identify the right definition?
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246 412 371 262 328
126 227 317 631 518
WORD WIZARD
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2. Zealand cities 737 841 282 552 722 631 635 268 363 912 474 782 327 946 137 362 335 243 317 686 623 772
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1. Film actors 276 653 172 492 793 437 127 231 748 813 461 463 362 618 661 473 164 242 351 368 717 424 273 143 731 144 276 6
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Telephone dialling pads combine several letters on one key. Here we have encoded several sets of words or items by using numbers rather than letters. Then we have divided them into groups of three characters and run all the names one after another to make your task a little more difficult. Can you crack the codes?
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CROSS CODE 20
All Together NOW!
February/March 2012
ALL THE ANSWERS CROSS CODE Pathwords ivory; copper; gold; paper; crystal; pearl; wool; ruby; 1 2 3 4 B L J E leather; fruit; emerald; lace; silver; china; cotton; 14 15 16 17 sapphire; steel; diamond; wood; silk; platinum; coral. C P I V
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SUDOKU EASY
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KAKURO MEDIUM
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ADVERTISE HERE 0151 230 0307
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Accumulator Quiz 1 – D; 2 – C; 3 – C; 4 – D; 5 – B; 6 – A; 7 – D; 8 – A; 9 – C; 10 – D; 11 – B; 12 – C; 13 – D; 14 – B; 15 – D. Starspot Crossword Across – 1 Resident; 5 Spur; 9 Popular; 10 Agony; 11 Run; 12 Grotto; 15 Ideal; 17 Swan; 19 Peseta; 22 Versus; 24 Arno; 26 Rival; 27 Answer; 30 Keg; 32 Loose; 33 Gallant; 24 Darn; 35 Addendum. Down – 1 Ropy; 2 Super; 3 Delft; 4 Narrow; 6 Process; 7 Royalist; 8 Canine; 13 Ode; 14 Tsar; 16 Sparkled; 18 Avon; 20 Saviour; 21 Talker; 23 Row; 25 Nagged; 28 Salve; 29 Eland; 31 Stem. Star Name: DORIS DAY
Word Wizard No 2 is correct. A petasus is a hat worn by the ancient Greeks. Dialling Codes 1. Arnold Schwarzenegger; Brad Pitt; Dustin Hoffman; Tom Cruise; Michael Douglas; Richard Gere; Mel Gibson. 2. Perth; Auckland; Brisbane; Melbourne; Sydney; Christchurch; Darwin; Fremantle; Adelaide; Rotorua; Canberra. 3. ginseng; oregano; aniseed; rosemary; basil; marjoram; sage; parsley; thyme; aloe; coriander; fennel; tarragon. 4. aluminium; zinc; brass; silver; copper; platinum; bronze; chromium; cobalt; mercury; pewter; tin; iron; lead.
5. Alamo; Leningrad; Sebastopol; Lucknow; Troy; Yorktown; Constantinople; Syracuse; Grenada; Jerusalem. 6. cockroach; dragonfly; cicada; stag beetle; grasshopper; mosquito; water boatman; ladybird; leatherjacket. Spot Check A = 3; B = 4; C = 6; D = 2; E = 5; F = 1. Missing Link wash; reason; end; note; clear; how. Tool: wrench. Make a Date The year was 1861. Transformer Rogue + B = Brogue.
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February/March 2012
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THE TEN lucky winners of our super Christmas gardening competition are:
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Tel 01539 726613 DOGS Tel 0118 983 5555 n HENSHAW’S 0161 872 1234 Tel 0151 227 1226 n LIVERPOOL: Bradbury Fields.Tel 0151 221 0888: Action for Bind Tel 0151 298 3222 n MANCHESTER: Action for Blind Tel 0161 787 9252 n PRESTON: Action for Blind People Tel 01772 320550 n OLDHAM Tel 0161 682 8019 n ROSSENDALE Tel 01706 873256 n SIGHTLINE (North West) Tel 0800 587 2252 n WIGAN Tel 01942 242891 n WIRRAL Tel 0151 652 8877 n GUIDE
ORGANISATIONS FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE DEAF 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 n MERSEYSIDE Society for Deaf Tel 0151 228 0888 n ST HELENS: Deafness Resource Centre Tel 01744 23887 n WOLVERHAMPTON Centre for Deaf Tel 01902 420904 n N WALES Deaf Association, Tel 01492 542235
CARERS’ CENTRES n ACCRINGTON Tel 01254 387 444 n BLACKBURN with DARWEN Tel 01254 688 www.bwdcarers.org n BLACKPOOL Blackpool Borough Council, Tel 01253 477 716 n CUMBRIA Carlisle. Tel 01228 542 156 Penrith. Tel 01768 890 280 Barrow-in-Furness. Tel 01229 822 822 Kendal. Tel 01539 732 927 Whitehaven, Tel 01946 592 223 n CHESHIRE Helpline: 0800 085 0307 n KNOWSLEY Tel 0151 549 1412 n LANCASTER Tel 01524 66475 n LIVERPOOL 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 456 2808 n WARRINGTON Tel 01925 644 212 n WEST LANCS Tel 01695 711243 n WIGAN & LEIGH Tel 01942 683711 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 n DOLGELLAU Tel 01341 421167 n FLINTSHIRE: NEWCIS, Tel: 01352 751436 n WREXHAM: NEWCIS, Tel: 01978 310414.
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All Together NOW!
February/March 2012
Jamie leads the way . . .
Honours for sports heroes ONE of the UK’s top disability experts - currently working to ensure the best possible access for disabled fans at the UEFA Euro 2012 tournament – has received an OBE. Joyce Cook, chair of Level Playing Field, a UK charity representing disabled sports fans and providing guidance to football, cricket, rugby and other sports including the Olympics and Paralympics 2012. Joyce is also the founder and managing director of CAFE, (Centre for Access to Football in Europe), which promotes and delivers inclusive football stadiums across Europe and ensuring that all can access the game. In addition, she is a board member at FARE (Football Against Racism in Europe) and sits on the board of The Football Association Disability Equality Advisory Group, Women In JOYCE COOK Football and Kick it Out’s Equality Advisory Group. Joyce said: “I am deeply honoured to have received an OBE but the award is really a reflection of the hard work shown by everyone at Level Playing Field and the Centre for Access to Football in Europe as well as our supporters and partners who are helping us change the landscape for disabled fans. “While we have made a lot of progress we still have much to do before we can claim true inclusion and equal access for all disabled fans.” Former Paralympic table-tennis gold medallist Neil Robinson was also awarded an MBE. Neil, who retired after the Beijing games in 2008 and is now a national GB disability table-tennis coach. He first represented GB in 1981 and competed at six Paralympic games, winning seven medals, and is a former world number one and European champion.
HOT SHOTS!
THEY’RE OFF . . . Above, Nigel Holland’s prize-winning entry in the first national On the Move competition for disabled photographers and right, Ann Hulme’s great shot of carriage riding. Nigel, who has Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease - a condition that affects the nerves in his legs and arms won the over 18s category with his Top Fuel Bike action shot. “This is the first competition I have entered so I am especially thrilled to win,” said Nigel, from Wellingborough, Northamptonshire. “Drag racing is a big passion and I was trying to get a good panning shot. But this is not easy to achieve with my disability so I am delighted it pleased the judges.” Ann’s dramatic picture also impressed the competition organisers, the Disabled Photographers’ Society and Mobility Choice,
Superleague 11/12 : Owls v Steelers. 11/12: Rhinos v Capital City. 25/26: Owls v Capital City. 25/26: Steelers v Rhinos. 17/18: Steelers v Capital City. 17/18: Owls v Rhinos. 24/25: Steelers v Owls. 24/25: Capital City v Rhinos.
1st Division North Feb 11/12: Owls 2 v Steelers 2.
Feb Feb Feb Feb Mar Mar Mar Mar Mar
18/19: Lothian v Steelers 2. 18/19: Percy H v Steelers 2. 25/26: Owls 2 v Lothian. 25/26: Mavericks v Lothian. 10/11: Mavericks v Spiders. 17/18: Owls 2 v Mavericks. 17/18: Steelers 2 v Spiders. 24/25: Spiders v Owls 2. 24/25: Knights v Lothian.
2nd Division North Feb 11/12: Wheelblazers v Vikings. Feb 18/19: Bulls v Percy Hedley 2.
MERSEYSIDE’S Jamie Burdekin took the quad sigles wheelchair title at the Melbourne Open on a day when British players picked up three titles on the NEC Wheelchair Tennis Tour. World No. 6 Burdekin, playing in his first tournament of the season, won the points that mattered to edge out South African world No. 10 Lucas Sithole 6-3, 6-4. It was Burdekin’s fourth ITF 2 singles title of his career - and he did it without dropping a set throughout the tournament. Louise Hunt and Jordanne Whiley also came through a tough match to claim the women’s doubles while Marc McCarroll and Gordon Reid won the men’s doubles title courtesy of a walkover. Australian Open PETER Norfolk had another memorable time in Australia, winning his fifth Australian Open quad singles title, and taking the quad doubles event with Andy Lapthorne. Norfolk came from a set down in the singles final to beat defending champion and world No. 1 David Wagner of the United States 4-6, 6-4, 6-2. It was Norfolk ‘s sixth singles Grand Slam title, adding to his first Australian Open Wheelchair Tennis Championships crown in 2004 before the event was classified at Grand Slam level.
the charity behind the annual Mobility Roadshow. Wheelchair-user Ann, from Birmingham, has multiple sclerosis and operates her camera with her mouth. She has been fanatical about cameras and horses since she was 11. www.disabledphotographers.co.uk www.mobilitychoice.org.uk
Great Britain Wheelchair Basketball . . . www.gbwba.org.uk Feb Feb Feb Feb Mar Mar Mar Mar
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Feb 18/19: Vikings v Percy H 2. Feb 18/19: Wheelblazers v West of Scotland. Feb 25/26: Vikings v Greenbank. Mar 10/11: Warriors v Bulls. Mar 17/18: Warriors v West of Scotland. Mar 17/18: Greenbank v West of Scotland. Mar 24/25: Bulls v Greenbank. Mar 24/25: Warriors v Wheelblazers.
3rd Division North Feb 11/12: Spiders 2 v Whirlwinds.
Feb Feb Feb Feb Feb Feb Feb Mar Mar Mar Mar Mar Mar Mar
11/12: Maulers v Panthers. 18/19: Lothian 2 v Whirlwinds. 18/19: Panthers v Whirlwinds. 18/19: Steelers 4 v Spiders 2. 18/19: Cardinals v Mavericks 2. 25/26: Steelers 4 v Maulers. 25/26: Whirlwinds v Spiders 2. 10/11: Steelers 4 v Cardinals. 10/11: Maulers v Whirlwinds. 10/11: Panthers v Spiders 2. 17/18: Whirlwinds v Panthers. 17/18: Steelers 4 v Panthers. 24/25: Steelers 4 v Whirlwinds. 24/25: Spiders 2 v Mavericks 2.
Junior Masters ALFIE Hewett became just the second British player to win the Cruyff Foundation Junior Masters boys’ singles title as the world’s premier tournament for wheelchair tennis players aged 18 and under came to a thrilling climax in Tarbes, France. Hewett, 14, upset the Argentinean top seed Augustin Ledesma to take the title 2-6, 6-2, 7-6(7) in front of 3,000 spectators. The Tennis Foundation’s Wheelchair Tennis Camps for 2012 get underway at South Ribble Tennis Centre, near Preston, on February 18-19. Other camps are taking place later in the year at Swindon, Welwyn Garden City, Stirling, Edinburgh, Swindon, Nottingham and Sunderland.
Stay ahead of the game . . . www.alltogethernow.org.uk
TAKE ME HOME!
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All Together NOW!
February/March 2012
www.alltogethernow.org.uk
Boots on — and saddle up
TEAMING UP: Left, Karen Wallin (chief executive, Special Olympics), Lawrie McMenemy (president, Special Olympics), athlete Paul Fallon and Jeff Davis (disability officer, Football Association) Right: Special Olympic riders Katy Crouch and Hayley Tallentire with Bob the Horse and Ed Bracher, chief executive, RDA
£1 billion boost! Y
Strictly fun! fun! Strictly
Major plans to get more young people into sport
OUNG disabled people are set to benefit from a £1 BILLION national programme aimed at getting everyone – whatever level of ability – to play sport for life.
With the London 2012 Games fast approaching, the five-year youth and community sport strategy will deliver on Lord Coe’s promise to inspire a generation to get involved in sport. Barry Horne, chief executive of the English Federation of Disability Sport, said: “We will support Sport England and other partners to ensure this strategy delivers fully inclusive programmes to benefit everyone. “Young disabled people require a more positive, meaningful and
accessible experience of sport.” Three elements included in the new strategy should have a particularly positive impact on young disabled people’s participation. Firstly, there is the chance to tackle the significant post-16 drop off rate. The promise of fully inclusive school games will also make a difference – nearly half of the schools in England will offer competitive sport for disabled people for the first time. And the strategy will also place significantly greater expectation and responsibility on National Governing Bodies to increase the participation rates of disabled people in sport. www.efds.co.uk
SPOKES flew as Manchester’s own wheelchair ballroom dance group quickstepped a mile to warm up for the Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Mile on Sunday March 25. The Strictly Wheelchair dance group graced the Wythenshawe Forum Hall with a fantastic display of Strictly-style ballroom moves. Ray Bulpitt, the Strictly Wheelchair dance teacher, said: “It’s already been a fantastic year for Strictly Wheelchair Dancing. Roll on the Manchester Mile!” To enter the Manchester Mile, or one of dozens of Mile events happening all over Greater Manchester, visit www.sportrelief.com
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HE Football Association and Riding for the Disabled Association have promised to do even more for people with learning disabilities Both have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Special Olympics GB to encourage children and adults – regardless of ability – to put on their boots and get on their saddles! Jeff Davis, FA national disability development manager, said: “Both the FA and Special Olympics are committed to ensuring that anyone who wants to play CAN play, no matter of their ability level. “This understanding will help to create a player pathway from local to international competition for our current and future learning disabled footballers.”
All abilities More than 1,800 learning disabled footballers currently take part in the national programme which provides a clear player pathway from local to national and international competitions at all ability levels. Karen Wallin, Special Olympics GB chief executive, said: “The FA’s membership will create fantastic additional competition opportunities for people with learning disabilities. “Over the next three years we hope to double the number of footballers within our programme.”” Speaking about the partnership with the Riding for the Disabled Association, Karen Wallin added: “This is a fantastic opportunity for us to expand our equestrian programme.” The RDA currently has 500 member groups and more than 30,000 riders and carriage drivers – and more than half have learning disabilities.