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2 All Together NOW! August/September 2014 www.alltogethernow.org.uk

What’s inside

Editor: Tom Dowlingemail:[email protected]

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All Together NOW! is published by All Together Now! Ltd, The Bradbury Centre, Youens Way, Liverpool L14 2EPRegistered Charity No.1106387

n All Together NOW! is aregistered charity set up toprovide a tip top news servicefor anyonewhose life isaffected bydisability,long-termhealthcondtions orage.n The charity – the only one ofits kind in the UK – reliesentirely on support from itssponsors, advertisers,subscriptions and donations.n If YOU can help, pleasecontact us on

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NEWS p2-6

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NEWS


THE Government’snew BusinessChampion for OlderWorkers is determinedto get more peopleover 50 back into work– and change outdatedperceptions.

Consumer champion andeconomist Dr RosAltmann is a former headof Saga and independentexpert on later life issues.She said: “A big part ofmy role is to work withemployers to understandthe significant benefits ofretaining and recruitingolder workers.

“This fast-growingsection of society has somuch experience andtalent to offer and couldplay a vital role in futuregrowth. Everyone canbenefit from ensuring theirskills do not go to waste.”

There are currentlyaround 2.9m people agedbetween 50 and statepension age out of work inthe UK. While the UKemployment rate for thisage group is around 60per cent and growing,many other countriesachieve rates of around70 per cent or higher.

In the next 10 years,there will be 700,000fewer people aged 16-49in the UK labour marketbut 3.7m more peopleaged between 50 andstate pension age.

Baroness Greengross,chief executive of theInternational LongevityCentre-UK, said: “We areliving longer than everbefore, yet far too manypeople fall out of theworkforce early.

“Without more olderworkers active in theworkplace there aresignificant risks for UK plcthat we will not have theworkforce or skills weneed to be a competitivenation.

“Businesses must wakeup to the challenge ofextending working lives.”

HOMES have becomehouses of horrors formany thousands of

disabled people who find itdifficult to get throughtheir own front door or usetheir own kitchens andbedrooms, says a leadingcharity.

A new housing report fromLeonard Cheshire Disabilityhighlights the lack of action tobuild more accessible homes,which is leaving many disabledand older people unable to livecomfortably, as well as the low-costchanges that could be made.n The Hidden Housing Crisisreport says that around three-quarters of people reportingmobility problems (72%) say thatthe door to their property is notaccessible (for example, because ithad steps or no ramp).n Around two thirds (63%) ofpeople reporting mobilityimpairments say they do not havea bathroom large enough to copewith a wheelchair, and half say thatthey do not have stairs wideenough for a stair-lift to be fitted.n More than one in twenty (6%)say they find it very difficult tosleep in their own beds, becausetheir bedrooms are out of reach.

Sue Frier, who uses a wheelchair,has been living in a two-storeyhouse for two years. She said: “Mylife has become impossible. I havebeen unable to go upstairs for twoyears and have to be washed inthe kitchen sink.

“ If people come to visit they haveto leave the house when I use thetoilet as it has no door on so I canget my wheelchair in. I have beentold I will have to wait years to geta disabled friendly home.”

The charity is calling on allhouse-builders and political parties

to commit to building moredisabled-friendly homes andspecifically:n Make sure all new homesare easily adaptable, whichcosts only £1,000 extra pernew homen Build at least 10% of homesin new large developments tobe fully wheelchair accessible,which costs £13,000 extra pernew home

Clare Pelham, chief executiveof Leonard Cheshire Disability,

said: “It is truly shocking that in2014 disabled people are living inconditions reminiscent of theVictorian era.

“A strip wash at a kitchen sink issomething that belongs in a perioddrama not Britain today.

“This is a hidden housing crisiswhich we must tackle head on. Ourreport shows that instead of homebeing the haven it should be, manythousands of disabled people areshut out of their own kitchens,bathrooms and bedrooms.

“We must make sure that thenext generation of homes are builtwith the future in mind.

“For a very small investmenttoday, we can make sure that thehomes of tomorrow give disabledand older people freedom andcomfort rather than despair.”

pledgeto olderworkers

Ros: My

Home truths

Our homes arebecoming no-goareas for many

FRIENDS and family of the late BaronAshley of Stoke unveiled a bust of thetireless campaigner for disabled peopleat Widnes Library.

For more than 40 years Jack Ashleyfought for the rights of theunderprivileged and the disadvantaged.

He was born in Widnes on 6December 1922 and left school at 14 tobecome the family’s chief breadwinneras a factory worker and crane driver.

He soon became a leading tradeunionist, and won a scholarship toOxford.

When Jack died in 2012, LabourLeader Ed Miliband led the tributes.

He said: “Jack was a pioneer as thefirst deaf MP to sit in parliament, but hedid much more than that.

“There are many millions of men andwomen with disabilities who will havebetter lives thanks to Jack Ashley. Hesucceeded in changing the law and inchanging attitudes. Anti-discriminationlegislation for people with disabilitieswould not have happened when it didwithout his tenacity, his campaigningand his support.”

FOND MEMORIES: Family and friends of Jack Ashley at the unveiling ceremony

Tribute to Widnes campaigner, JackTribute to Widnes campaigner, Jack

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3www.alltogethernow.org.uk August/September2014 All Together NOW!

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Lottery boost forhistory projects

Travel grants

This is more than just a newspaper – itis the key that opens a thousand doors‘ — SIR BERT MASSIE, BRITAIN’S LEADING DISABILITY CAMPAIGNER

DAREDEVIL Betty Lyons, 90, walked out ofher care home – and took to the skies in aglider!

“It was one of the most exhilarating experiences Ihave ever had,” said Betty, who was given the chanceto fly above Loch Leven by the Scottish War Blindedcharity.

“You should never be too scared, or old for thatmatter, to try new things.

“I have trouble with my vision nowadays but I stillmanaged to see a lot of sights and the wonderfulScottish countryside was breathtaking.

“I didn’t feel at all nervous before take-off - I was justexcited to be given the chance to do such a thrillingexperience.”

Betty, who lives in one of Bield’s care homes inUphall, near Edinburgh, has now signed up for her nextthrill-seeking adventure – acoustic shooting where shefires a gun at a target every time a whistle blows.

TWO national organisations have beenhanded Heritage Lottery Fund grantsworth £128,000 to highlight the historyof disability.

The Accentuate History of Placeproject will tell the story of disabledpeople’s history through the designand use of historic sites from the1100s to the late 1970s, includingexamples of early provision fordisabled people and the first examplesof purpose-built architecture.

Accentuate has secured more than£75,000 from the HLF to develop theproject, and hopes to submit a bid foranother £800,000 at a later stage.

Meanwhile, Leonard CheshireDisability has received £53,000 for a‘Disability Archive’ project that willcreate a new website containingmaterial and interviews with disabledpeople.SAD TO report that our hopes of

getting Big Lottery support to funda vibrant Mental Healthzone within

All Together NOW! have taken anosedive.

More than 300 avid readers affected bymental health who responded to our in-depthsurvey told us what we already knew – thatthere is an appalling lack of relevant news andinformation to help them with their lives.

Among a list of other frutsrations, they alsostressed the importance of reducing thestigma attached to mental health illnesses.

All this is something we are confident we canhelp address within All Together NOW!

But in order to do it properly we need morefunding. However, the Big Lottery say wewould have great difficulty “measuring theimpact the paper is having on people’s lives.”

It’s all hugely disappointing, but we’re notgiving up on the plan . . .n ANOTHER sad note . . . my long time pal,Chris Groves – who has been such a keyplayer in the success of All Together NOW!– has decided to call it a day.

Chris has just celebrated his 70th birthdayand is now eagerly looking forward to devotingmore time pursuing his other many interests.

A very BIG thanks, Chris – and here’swishing you a very long and happy retirement.

TOM DOWLING, editor

OCTOBER 10 is World Mental HealthDay and Merseycare NHS Trust isworking with Liverpool Mental HealthConsortium and partners to make it ahuge success.

Plans include setting up a Liverpoolcity centre hub for health and wellbeing,as well as staging events in WilliamsonSquare, Liverpool Central Library andthe World Museum.

ANYONE working with older people inthe field of arts are being invited toapply for a new round of travel grants.

The Winston Churchill Memorial Trustwill be awarding another 10 TravellingFellowships in the Arts and OlderPeople / Creative Ageing category.

Successful applicants will receive anaverage grant of over £6,000, coveringreturn airfare, daily living costs,insurance and travel within thecountries being visited forapproximately six weeks.

A Trust spokesperson said: “We areinterested in people who are providingcommunity activities and opportunitiesfor older people in all aspects ofmusic, dance, drama and fine arts. Weare also interested in projects that areaimed at the training of care staff.”

Successful applicants mustdemonstrate the commitment, thecharacter and the tenacity to travel inpursuit of new and better ways oftackling a wide range of currentchallenges facing the UK.

The deadline is 23rd September.n Tel, 020 7799 1660 www.wcmt.org.uk

EX-Corrie actor StevenArnold sang the praises ofyour FREEAll Together NOW!newspaper at Warrington’sDisability Awareness Day.

“This paper is just brilliant,”said Steven, who was helpingto promote Apex Healthcare atthe event.

“All Together NOW! isgetting so many key messagesto so many people who wouldotherwise never know what’sgoing on and what help isavailable.”

Warrington-born Steven, whoplayed Ashley Peacock in theStreet for 14 years, is nowlooking forward to the pantoseason when he will bestarring in Aladdin at Woking’sNew Victoria theatre.

Make it a day to remember

Mental health blowMental health blow

High flier Betty

LET’S HAVEA NATIONALDAD – p16-17

4

NEWS

Why we love this paper

All Together NOW! August/September 2014 www.alltogethernow.org.uk

BBC jobs promise


MANY OF the nation’smost popular attractionsare falling short when it

comes to accessibility.National charity Vitalise rated 85

of the top 100 attractions by factorsincluding wheelchair access,numbers of disabled toilets anddisabled parking spaces anddisability and carer concessions.

Over half the attractions did nothave full wheelchair access, whilealmost half had fewer than twodisabled toilets per 100 visitors.

And as the nation prepares for thegreat summer holiday getaway,seven out of 10 people withdisabilities have so little confidencein accessibility claims that theywould rather not bother trying tovisit tourist attractions at all.

The National Railway Museum inDurham came out on top of theleague table.

Fifteen of the top 20 attractionswere housed in historic buildings,demonstrating the imagination withwhich barriers to accessibility canbe overcome and setting anexample for less accessible venuesto follow.

But 65% of disabled people havedecided against visiting a touristattraction because they found theiraccessibility information to beinsufficient, confusing or difficult toobtain. More than half said theyfound tourist attractions’accessibility claims to beexaggerated.

Four out of 10 said they had beenphysically unable to get into avenue they had previously beeninformed was accessible.

Over half said they just do nottrust the accessibility info provided

by attractions and venues.Not surprisingly, 70% of those

polled said a lack of confidence inaccessibility information sometimesheld them back from visiting touristattractions at all.

An overwhelming 95% of the

respondents said UK touristattractions could do more.

Vitalise chief executive ChrisSimmonds said: “Many venues arestill only paying lip service toaccessibility.

AN autism “passport” has just been launchedto help hospital staff working with disabledpatients.

Backed by the Department of Health and NHSEngland, the passport contains personalisedinformation about an individual and vital details aboutthe condition.

Leo Capella has Asperger syndrome and wasinvolved in the development of the passport. He said:“I believe that the autism passport has the potential tohelp a lot of people on the autistic spectrum be treatedwith respect and accuracy in hospital.

“The passport provides the right combination ofpersonal information and wider information aboutautism, including our right to be treated as havingcapacity until proved otherwise.”

Baroness Angela Browning, a National AutisticSociety Vice President, said: “This will make a realdifference to people with autism.

“We can all find it difficult to communicate well withdoctors, nurses and other professionals at times whenwe feel vulnerable and confused. But these difficultiesmay be magnified for people with autism, many ofwhom can find even day-to-day activities such asshopping or using public transport overwhelming.

“There is emerging evidence that people with autismhave poorer health outcomes than the generalpopulation, so it is vitally important that their use ofhealth services is made as straight-forward aspossible.”n NAS Autism Helpline: 0808 800 4104 n www.autism.org.uk/hospital-passport

ACTRESS June Brown, best known forplaying Dot Cotton in Eastenders, isencouraging older people who are beingabused, to ring the free Action on ElderAbuse hotline.

Over 500,000older peopleexperienceabuse each year,with the majoritysuffering insilence,according torecent dataanalysisproduced byAction on Elder Abuse. Almost 90 percent of elderly victims never reach theattention of adult protection systems.

Most older people being abused live inthe community, not in care homes orother institutions.

June said: “It is frightening that somany older people endure appallingneglect and abuse without ever gettingthe support and help that they need. It’salmost like a silent scream from ourfriends and neighbours that we have tohear. That’s why I’m encouraging peopleto talk to Action on Elder Abuse. Help isat hand, we just need people to reachout and grasp it.”n Helpline: 0808 808 8141.n www.elderabuse.org.uk

You need not sufferin silence, says Dot

Autism ‘passport’ to help hospital staff Two-ticksnonsense

1. National Railway Museum,Shildon2. Imperial War Museum,Manchester3. World Museum, Liverpool4. National Railway Museum,Yorkshire5. Lady Lever Art Gallery,Liverpool6. People’s Palace, Glasgow7. Riverside Museum, Glasgow8. International Slavery Museum,Liverpool9. Kelvingrove Art Gallery &Museum, Glasgow10. V&A Museum of Childhood,London

11. Oxford University Museum ofNatural History, Oxford12. National Maritime Museum,London13. Gallery of Modern Art,Glasgow14. Imperial War Museum, London15. National Media Museum, WYorks16. Merseyside Maritime Museum,Liverpool17. Royal Botanic Garden,Edinburgh18. Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool19. Pitt Rivers Museum, Oxford20. National War Museum,Edinburgh

The top 25 accessible venues

THE number of disabledpeople living in poverty isabout one million higherthan official figures,according to a new report.

The authors of the reportfor the Joseph RowntreeFoundation (JRF) told theall-party parliamentary groupon disability that the truenumber of people in povertywho were living inhouseholds with a disabledmember was at least fourmillion, rather than threemillion.

This is because officialfigures include cash paid todisabled people throughdisability living allowance(DLA) and attendanceallowance (AA) (and nowalso PIP).

The report’s authors – TomMacInnes of the New PolicyInstitute and independentconsultant Declan Gaffney –argue that this money isintended to cover some ofthe extra costs of disability,so should not be counted asincome when trying to countthe number of disabledpeople in poverty.

THE BBC is planning to improve itsrepresentation of disabled people, bothbehind and in front of the camera.

The broadcaster said its ambitiousplans would “radically changerepresentation on air”, and make theBBC a top employer for disabled people.

Among the plans, it promises toquadruple on-air representation andportrayal of disabled people by 2017 –from 1.2 per cent to five per cent – andwill appoint a pan-BBC disabilityexecutive to champion disabled talentand projects.

There are also plans to add to theBBC’s award-winning Extend schemefor disabled people who want to work inproduction.

Tony Hall, the BBC’s director-general,said: “It is vital we reflect the public weserve – both on and off air.

“While the BBC has some goodschemes in place, we must and can dosignificantly more.”

THOUSANDS of firms withthe UK Government’s “twoticks” symbol for ensuringequality for disabledworkers have been foundto be no better thancompanies without it.

Just 15% of organisationsawarded the symbol adheredto all five of its commitments,a study showed.

The research was led byKim Hoque, of WarwickBusiness School, and NickBacon, of Cass BusinessSchool.

Professor Hoque said: “Wefound there was nodifference in the support andcommitment to disabledworkers between companieswho had the two tickssymbol and those who didnot have it.

“We also found nodifference between the publicand private sector, ifanything the opposite wastrue.

“There is no regulatorypressure on firms to adhereto the two tickscommitments, it is donethrough employer goodwilland self-enforcement,” saidProfessor Hoque.


Poverty shame

Tourist venuesblasted Many are paying

only lip serviceto accessibility‘

All Together NOW!was passed on tome by a friend. Ihave found outabout things that Iwould otherwisenot known about.Mrs C Brock, Gt Sankey

All Together NOW! never everdisappoints and is a very helpful andenjoyable publication. Mrs K Parr,Orrell, Wigan.

GOOD access WITHIN Liverpool’s Walker Art Gallery and theWorld Museum. But cobbles in William Brown Street are a realhassle for wheelchair users and others with walking problems


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ALL you have to do to stand a chanceof winning your dream hamper isanswer these two questions:1) How long has Park been operating?2) How many people are currentlybudgeting for Christmas with Park?

The first correct entry drawn out ofthe hat on Friday, November 7, willwin the hamper.

Send your answers on the back of apostcard – telling us where youpicked up your copy ofAll Together NOW! AND what youthink of the paper – to: Park HamperCompetition, All Together NOW!The Bradbury Centre, Youens Way,Liverpool L14 2EP.

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THE countdown toChristmas has started!And for one very lucky

All Together NOW! reader it’s goingto be the best Christmas they’ve hadfor ages!

For the FOURTH successive year we’veteamed up again with one of our keysponsors, Park, to give you a fantasticchance to win their top-of-the-rangeChristmas hamper.

The Empire hamper is worth £553.50– and it will be all yours if you win oursuper competition.

This monster hamper contains a hugerange of Christmas food and drink goodiesto keep even the biggest family fed overthe festive period.

It’s filled with top brandconfectionery, desserts, soft drinks, beers,wines, spirits, pasta, soups, vegetables,freezer foods and the finest quality meat.

And, as an extra gift, you will also get aChristmas table decoration – perfect foryour Christmas table.

For 46 years Park has been providing topquality hampers for hundreds of thousandsof customers across the country. Morethan 400,000 people from all over the UK

are currently budgeting for Christmaswith Park.Park CEO Chris Houghton said:“We are delighted to offer readers

another chance to win our top-of-the-range Christmas hamper. It’s a fantastichamper – the perfect Christmas prize forany family.

“Our previous competitions inAll Together NOW! have all beenextremely popular. We are confident thatthis one will attract even more interest.”

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WIN this £553 hamper!WIN this £553 hamper!

Your chance to makeit a Christmas you’llremember forever!

6

NEWS


Do YOU want a say

Copying easy now

TV guides for blind

in new products?


MOVES are being made to get moredisabled people to take part in paid-forqualitative market research events suchas focus groups or user testing.

Maya Middlemiss, marketing directorat Saros Research, urged delegates atthe Worldwide Conference onQualitative Research to identify andremove the barriers to researchparticipation.

“Disabled people are practicalinnovative problem solvers, who haveto apply creative thinking to everydaymovements in a world not designed fortheir needs,” she said.

“Even if you may not see yourself as atypical participant for a typical researchproject, such a focus group in a centralvenue, please do enrol with SarosResearch - and tell us about any accessor support needs you may have,”

Saros Research is the UK’s leadingportal for the recruitment of paid marketresearch participants, such as usertesting, focus groups, product tests,in-depth interviews and onlinediscussions. You can enrol atwww.sarosresearch.com/participate/join-saros-research

Superman Swasie

MORE disabled people will be able tomake accessible copies of books, filmsand music, thanks to reforms tocopyright law.

Exemptions to copyright previouslyallowed visually-impaired people, andtheir organisations, to make accessibleversions of certain types of material,such as books, and allowed someorganisations to produce sub-titledcopies of broadcasts.

Thanks to the reforms, exemptionswill apply to anyone with an impairmentthat prevents them accessingcopyrighted work.

The law will also allow individuals,educational institutions and charities toreproduce all types of copyright-protected content in accessibleformats, as long as an accessible-format copy is not alreadycommercially available.

And the law has been simplified tomake it easier for organisations toprovide sub-titled copies of broadcasts.

Among the acts that are now legalare: making sub-titled films for deafpeople; adding audio-description totelevision programmes for visually-impaired people; and makingaccessible copies of books for peoplewith dyslexia.

THE TV industry is being asked whether‘speaking TV guides’ could helpBritain’s two million blind or visuallyimpaired people - and if it would befeasible to introduce them across theUK.

Ofcom want to hear from pay TVproviders such as Sky, Virgin Media,TalkTalk and BT TV and from free-to-view TV services.

SCIENTISTS have givenfresh hope to the one in10 people in the UK

who suffer with tinnitus – acontinual ringing or buzzingin the ears.

A new study suggests that thecondition can be eliminated byblocking signals between the earand brain, offering hope to suffersthat a cure is within reach.

Researchers at the University ofWestern Australia treated guineapigs with a drug calledfurosemide one week aftertinnitus had been triggered byexposure to loud noise.

The treatment lowered theactivity of the auditory nerve,

reduced neural hyperactivity in aspecific part of the brain thatprocesses sound, and theanimals treated with the drug nolonger displayed signs of tinnitus.

Dr Helmy Mulders, who led theresearch, said: “Studies in humantinnitus sufferers are still neededto confirm our results and toestablish whether or not thisapproach will be effective for

people who have had tinnitus fora long time, but our researchshows that lowering the activity ofthe auditory nerve may be apromising approach to treatingrecently triggered tinnitus.”

Dr Ralph Holme, from charityAction on Hearing Loss, said:“There are practical steps peoplecan take to manage their tinnitus,but what people want the most isa cure to silence the noise.

“The research we have fundedtakes us a step closer to thisgoal.

“We will continue to fundresearch into treatments, andoffer support to people whosuffer.”

The buzz word

FOUR out of five disabledstudents say they are morelikely to leave university ifthe Government pressesahead with reforms to thesystem of disability-relatedhigher education support.

A new poll of disabledstudents, carried out bythe disability supportspecialist RandstadStudent and WorkerSupport, found that morethan a third woulddefinitely not haveattended university withoutState support.

Under the Government’scurrent plans, according toRandstad, 92% of disabledstudents – or 48,000 - arelikely to be affected bycuts to funding.

Maddie Kirkman, disabledstudents’ officer, said:“The Government can’t saythat 50% of school leaversshould go to university andthen make this impossibleto achieve.”


Disabledstudents‘will quit’

CHAMPION fundraiser SwasieTurner is determined to makethis summer one of his best.

In May he pushed his “bogstandard NHS chair” aroundAnglesey’s Parys Mountain, thencompleted an 80-mile gruellingcircuit of the Isle of Wight - and inbetween time launched his thirdcartoon book, If It Was Up To Me.

Next on Swasie’s list wasclimbing the Rock of Gibralta – inhis sturdy chariot!

“This time I raised funds for theRoyal Marines Association andCOPS (Care Of Police Survivors)charities,” he said.

Swasie, from Saughall Massie,has been raising money forcharities since the death of hiswife, Marjorie in 1997.

The ex-policeman, who wasinjured on duty, has travelled theworld to complete gruellingchallenges for the cause,including 110 miles fromWinchester to Eastbourne acrossthe South Downs Way, 98-miles ofHadrian’s Wall in his wheelchairand climbed Ben Nevis.

He received an MBE in theQueen’s birthday honours in2005.CALL FOR ACTION: Swasie Turner on Parys Mountain. Inset: the Isle of Wight push

Fresh hopefor tinnitussufferers

7


FAMILIESFAMILIES

FOOTBALL boss Rafa Benitez and wife Montse armed themselveswith spades and started work on a fabulous home for peoplewith autism.

The new North-West facility wil include numerous state-of-the-art featuresspecially designed to aid eight adult residents.

They will move in to the centre, being built at Wirral Autistic Society’s RabyHall complex in Bromborough, early next year.

Montse, whose charitable foundation is supporting the project, said theywere proud to support “the exceedingly good and dedicated work of WirralAutistic Society.

“Autism has such a huge impact onall the family. Wirral should be veryproud to have such a fantastic facilityon its doorstep.”

Robin Bush, chief executive ofWAS, said: “Good quality residentialaccommodation for people withautism is in incredibly short supplyright across the country.

“We want to create a home for life,where carers can help the residentsbuild their confidence and self-esteem, achieving the best possiblequality of life in an environmentwhich can be adapted to theirindividual needs.

“We see this is a lasting legacywhich can be passed on to futuregenerations in Wirral.”

Features will include:n Mood’ lighting, which can be usedto “paint’ rooms” different coloursand help calm or stimulate aresident. Pink and purple have beenfound to be positive colours and greyto be calming, although all peoplerespond differently. n Wide corridors to reduce feelingsof claustrophobia and crowding.n www.wirral.autistic.org

PARENTS of disabledchildren are helping tochange health services forthe better in their local area.

A report from Contact aFamily shows how involvingparent carers in the design anddelivery of health servicessaves money and improves thequality of the service.

Sheila Davies, healthmanager at Contact a Family,said: “Parents have helped findpractical solutions to commonproblems about the healthservices their children need anduse.

“We know from calls to ourhelpline and from our researchthat these are problems thatmany families with disabledchildren face.

“The result of thiscollaborative working is thatthere have been improvementsto local health services andmoney saved.

“We urge others to see thevalue of this way of working.Take these examples andreplicate them in your area.”

Children with autism often findvisiting hospital extremelystressful, which leads to themrefusing medical treatment.

Parent carers in Manchesterworked with the RoyalManchester Children’s Hospitalto introduce procedures sovisits are less stressful.n Contact A Family Helpline:Tel. 0808 808 3555www.cafamily.org.uk

THE magical world of HarryPotter has opened up to blindchildrenCharity Blind Children UK has just

produced the world’s largest everversion of the JK Rowling collection.

And there was something extraspecial in store for eight-year-oldKayleigh Ann who was presented withthe complete series in a font largeenough for her to read – and signedby the author herself.

Kayleigh only has 10% vision due tocongenital bilateral cataracts andmicrophthalmia – a condition wherethe eyes fail to develop.

Kayleigh said: “I think it’s brilliantthat my Harry Potter books have beensigned by the lady who wrote them.

“She also sent me a nice lettersaying she was delighted I can read

them for the first time and that shehopes I like them.”

Mum Debbie said: “Kayleigh wasdelighted when she heard that shewas getting the Harry Potter series ina font large enough for her to read.

“We were all thrilled they had beensigned by JK Rowling. We can’t thankBlind Children UK enough!

“Lots of Kayleigh’s friends are intoHarry Potter, so she has been sayingfor ages that she would like to readthem.

“She can now sit in bed and readwith a torch, like any other child might,which is wonderful.

And she loves to write stories so I’msure that reading by herself willimprove her writing.”n Blind Children UK Support line:Tel. 0800 781 1444.

NEW HORIZONS: Rafa and Montse Benitez and, above, how thefabulous complex will look by the time it is completed next year

Parentalguidance

The big read

Rafa andMontsedig deepfor autism

8


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TV sports commentator Rob Palmer and some famouspals helped raise £28,000 for North West children’scharity, Stick ‘n’ Step.

Rob, the Wirral-based charity’s ambassador, was joinedby ex-soccer stars including Kevin Ratcliffe, Jason McAteer,Alex Stepney and Arthur Albiston and Frank Stapleton at agolf fundraising day.

Comedian Stan Boardman and singer-songwriter BernieFlint also took to the greens at the Pryer Hayes club.

Rob said: “I am constantly overwhelmed by the generosityand support we get from so many people..”n Stick ‘n’ Step tel 0151 638 0888, www.sticknstep.org

NEW support materials to raiseawareness of the aspirations ofchildren with complex health needsand highlight opportunities toimproves their lives is available.

The materials are the result of a three-year project, An Ordinary Life, by charitythe Foundation for People with LearningDisabilities.

It is estimated that over 6,000 childrenin the UK have complex health needs,with a growing number living intoadulthood.

As part of the project, almost 40children and families from acrossEngland shared the obstacles hinderingtheir quality of life, and the Foundationsupported many of these families to trynew approaches.

Many needed help with practicalissues, including accessing leisureopportunities, transport, having a voiceand making adaptations to the home,and described the difference that asuitable home, personal budgets andperson centred planning can make.

Jill Davies, at the FPLD, said: “It isclear that children in this group are notonly fighting to stay alive, but they alsohave to fight for the opportunities to doordinary things that others take forgranted – from the exercising of basicchildhood rights, like communication,independence and friendships, to morespontaneous aspects of life, like goingon a school trip.”n FPLD tel 020 7803 1100.www.learningdisabilities.org.uk

DISABLED youngsters arebeing failed by every aspectof the childcare system, an

inquiry has revealed.Serious faults at the heart of the

system has led to thousands ofdisabled children – from toddlers toteenagers – missing vital educationand social opportunities, it shows.

Now MPs and Peers are calling forthe problems to be urgently addressed.

The politicians’ inquiry into Childcarefor Disabled Children found that:n 41% of families with disabledchildren aged three and four areunable to access the full 15 hours freeentitlement to childcare and earlyyears education due to a chronic lackof appropriate settings or lack offunding.n 86% of parent carers whoresponded to the Inquiry’s surveyreported paying above averagechildcare costs, with 38% paying £11-20 and 5% paying more than £20.n 72% of families with disabledchildren have cut back or given up

work because of childcare problemsn The childcare situation gets worseas a disabled child gets older – thecost increases and availability getseven more limited as mainstreamholiday and after school clubs areoften not inclusiven There is confusion among localauthorities, nurseries and schoolsabout what their duties are in providingchildcare for disabled children.

To begin to tackle some of these keyissues, the inquiry is calling on allparties to commit to developing acoherent policy to improve access toaffordable, accessible, and appropriatechildcare for all children.

Robert Buckland, MP and co-chair ofthe cross-party inquiry said: “We needone coherent policy to improve accessto childcare for disabled children andthis is the time to take action.

“Ahead of the next general electionall political parties must commit totackling the lack of affordable andquality childcare for disabled childrenonce and for all.”

HANNAH Postgate and her seven-ear-old daughter Rosymade a gruelling train journey to tell the Inquiry of theeveryday challenges they face.

Rosy has autism and complex learning difficulties andneeds one-to-one care.

“But finding high-quality, affordable childcare issometimes an insurmountable challenge,” saidHannah,.

In an attempt to regain her work life and help otherfamilies like hers, Hannah has started her own website.

Named after her daughter, RosyandBo.com sells toysand gifts designed for families with special needs.

From left, Alex Stepney, Lee Martin, Frank Stapleton and Arthur Albiston Ex-footballer Jason McAteer, left, and Rob Palmer

Kids put on‘life support’

Putting in an effort

MPs demanda better lifefor children


To advertise call0151 230 0307

www.morganfoundation.co.uk Tel. 01829 782800


www.morganfoundation.co.uk Tel. 01829 782800

HERE at the MorganFoundation we want tohelp organisations

who share our philosophy– Making aDifference.

Over the past decade wehave helped hundreds oforganisations across theregion, committing over£14 million.

This year we will be givingaway a whopping£2 MILLION to good causes.

Created in 2001 by

businessman Steve MorganOBE, founder and chairmanof Redrow plc, chairman ofthe Bridgemere Group ofCompanies andWolverhampton WanderersFC, the Morgan Foundationsupports charities acrossNorth Wales, Merseyside,West Cheshire and NorthShropshire.

Our aim is to providefunding for small tomedium-sized organisationswho are addressing specificneeds in these regions.

We are particularly keen tosupport those who havealready begun to make animpact, but need a helpinghand to expand their workand increase theireffectiveness.

We focus our help mainlyon those who work directlywith children and familiesbut we recognise that manywider issues may also affecttheir welfare, so we areinterested in any projectwhich contributes to thequality of life in our region.

How we can help . . .

HELP is at hand for vulnerablechildren across the whole ofMerseyside, thanks to a major

grant from The Morgan Foundation.The work of Merseyside’s Listening Ear

charity has been recognised with athree-year grant of £91,800.

The funding will extend the charity’sgeographical reach for the ‘Butterflies’programme for four to 10-year-olds, andhelp pilot an innovative pre-bereavementservice.

The ‘Butterflies’ programme is now ableto provide its award winningbereavement and loss emotionaltherapeutic service to ANY child or young

person aged four to 25 ANYWHERE inMerseyside.

In addition, the charity will launchMerseyside’s first pre-bereavementemotional support service for childrenand young people whose parents/guardians have been diagnosed asterminally ill.

Listening Ear currently operates fromHalewood, Huyton, Kirkby and Wirral, butthe charity is now planning to expand intoLiverpool, St Helens, and Halton.

Young People’s manager Tracy Allen-Lea said: “This service will be anextension to our current support and willenable families to access age

appropriate, individual therapy in a safe,child friendly environment.

“We are grateful to the MorganFoundation as we can now deliver amuch needed and requested servicespecifically aimed at the issues childrenand young people may face when livingwith a family member who has a terminaldiagnosis.

“The team are excited to be able tooffer innovative, activity based therapy tosupport children and young people alongthis journey.”

Mr Steve Morgan, chairman of theMorgan Foundation, said: “For the pastseven years we have consistently

provided the project with financialsupport, with lump sums at keydevelopment stages.

“Regular monthly payments haveenabled the project to grow, while capitalfunding allowed for the children’s projectto move from shared rooms with theadult service into its own space with asuite of bespoke rooms.

“The Foundation is delighted with thepositive impact Butterflies is making onthe lives of so many children and youngpeople. We are excited to be supportingthis latest development.”n Listening Ear, tel 0151 488 6648n www.listeningearmerseyside.org.uk

A VITAL LISTENING EARA VITAL LISTENING EAROur funding ishelpingchildrenthrough themost difficultof times

Thanks to the Morgan Foundationwe can now do so much more . . .‘


GETTING ON . . . Life is fragile, handle with care . . .

SENIOR MOMENTS . . . with FRANK HARRIS

Cut the costof summer

HOSPITALS who prevent olderpeople from having access to life-saving surgery have been heavily

criticised by the Royal College ofSurgeons.

An analysis of surgery rates in EnglishNHS hospitals shows there was widespreadvariation in the rates of surgery for peopleaged over 65 and 75, depending on wherethey live.

The six types of operations surveyedinclude life-saving procedures to removecancers of the breast and colon, hip andknee replacements, hernia repairs and gallbladder removal, all of which, say thesurgeons, have the potential to transform aperson’s life by alleviating pain, allowingthem to regain their mobility andindependence and by relieving stress.

Almost a fifth of 211 ClinicalCommissioning Groups (CCGs) in Englandrecorded a decline of more than 25 per centin at least three procedures betweenpatients aged over 65 and patients agedover 75.

The President of the Royal College ofSurgeons, Professor Norman Williams, said:“This report raises important questionsabout how we treat older people on the NHSand whether they have access to the type ofsurgery they need.

Safer surgery“ Every patient must be treated as an

individual and, when a decision is madeabout their treatment, they must be judgedaccording to their physiological age – howhealthy they are – rather than theirchronological age.

“Many older patients with common healthproblems – such as a very painful hip - needcostly drugs to alleviate the pain and socialcare to help them live. ClinicalCommissioning Groups could actually savemoney by commissioning operations whichwould help a patient to regain theirindependence and mobility.

“This is why it is crucial that surgeons andGPs refer people for an operation on thebasis of their clinical need and not their age.

“It is also important for the public andcommissioners to realise how much safersurgery is than it used to be – we now haverobotics, minimally invasive techniques andanaesthetics which mean patients canrecover much quicker.”

The report makes clear that there may belegitimate reasons why a patient may notundergo surgery, including if a patient optsnot to, for example.

It urges commissioners to explore theirdata and understand why they may havehigher or lower rates of surgical interventionto make sure they are providing the besthealth service possible for the populationthey serve.

MEMO to the head of thehousehold: come cleanabout how much you’ll

have to live on in retirement –otherwise your family couldsuffer.

The advice comes after a surveyrevealed that money is often seenas a taboo subject within thefamily, leading to importantdecisions being brushed underthe carpet.

Millions of over-55s are failing toinclude their family in importantdecisions about their retirementincome with potentiallydevastating consequences.

The research by the insurancefirm Aviva also highlights thatpeople are failing to get the basicsof a will in place.n More than a third of thoseinterviewed say leaving someinheritance to make sure their

family are provided for when theyare gone is important to them. Yetonly 59% of over-55s have put awill in place, rising to 76% in theover-75s.n Many of the over-55s withfamily want to keep their financialposition private with more than aquarter of those with family sayingthey have not had a conversationwith either their spouse or theirfamily about their retirementfinances.n Nearly two-thirds say they haverevealed their financial retirementplans to their spouse, but only afifth have updated both theirspouse and family on their plans.n Less than a quarter havechosen options that provide someincome to their spouse shouldthey pass away. Although theywish they could provide somefinancial support to their family,

15% say they cannot afford to doso.

With retirement promising moretime and freedom away from theworkforce, over-55s are mostpreoccupied with pursuing alifestyle of interests and hobbies.

Top of the over-55s list of thingsto enjoy in retirement are: moretime to do what I want (66%),spending time on hobbies (45%)and traveling (41%).

An interest in pursuing individualinterests only accelerates withage, with the over-75s appearingmost keen on having more time todo what they want (70%) andspending time on hobbies (53%).

Family is important to the over-55s. Some 44% said they want tolive close enough to their family tospend time with them. Yet this is ahigher priority for women (48%)than men (40%).

YOUR

AGE UK is warning of a growing risk ofscams following the Budgetannouncement that pensions will nolonger have to be converted intoannuities from April next year.

With a growing number of older peopleconsidering alternative ways of investingtheir savings, there is likely to be anaccompanying increase in bogus investmentschemes.

Regular financial check-ups for the retiredand people approaching pension age arecritical to help the growing number of peopleaged 60 and over navigate later life, say thecharity.

Ill health, divorce, care needs and thedeath of a partner can derail financial plans

overnight. Combined with retirement, whichnow routinely lasts 30 or 40 years for agrowing number of people, the report sayswe need a new approach to financialplanning that concentrates on buildingresilience rather than developing a single‘plan’ for retirement.

These ‘road-checks’ are particularlyimportant for those with modest savings,many of whom will not have used traditionalfinancial advice. Latest figures show thattwo thirds of people in the UK do not takeprofessional financial advice.

There is widespread concern aboutfinances in later life. Almost two millionpeople in England (20 per cent) agedbetween 50 and 64 show very low

preparation for old age in terms of financialresources and health.

Age UK found that while some people inthis age group do not know where to go forsound, impartial financial advice, many ofthose who are less financially secure areopting for a “fingers crossed” attitude to thefuture.

While the introduction of automaticenrolment into a workplace pension hasbeen a vitally important step forward, thecurrent generation coming up to retirementwill not fully benefit.

One fifth of men and two fifths of womenhave no private pension. And half of allwomen have a private pension worth lessthan £22,000 – that’s just £1,300 a year.

Beware of these ‘pension deal’ scams

SUMMER has arrived, theschools are out and thechildren are in need ofentertaining.

I am sure some of youwill be taking them toattractions like Legoland,Spaceport, children’sfarms, Cheshire’s icecream and candlefactories, and ChesterZoo, to name but a fewNorth West attractions.

But It can be veryexpensive for families.So how can you cutcosts?

Firstly, visit theirwebsite wheresometimes ticketsbooked in advance canbe cheaper.

Then visit sites offeringdiscount vouchers, likemyvouchercodes.co.uk,daysoutguide.co.uk,moneysavingexpert.com.

It can also pay togoogle “discountvouchers for BluePlanet” and see whatcomes up.

Don’t forget, too, thatNational Rail offers twofor one at someattractions anddiscounted rail fares.

Sometimes you get twofor one on packets ofKellogg’s or Quavers.

Finally, if you haveTesco ClubcardVouchers, these can beredeemed at double ortreble face value forvouchers to hundreds oftop visitor attractionsthroughout the UK.

Just visit their websitefor details. Hope youenjoy the summer.

Gordon Viner FCACTA

MONEY MATTERSLet’s talk aboutcash

So why aren’tSo why aren’twe gettingwe gettingfair hospitalfair hospitaltreatment?treatment?


A helping hand for customers with extra needs

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A helping hand for customers

We offer a range of free services to help customers who:

Our services include:

We also offer a free password scheme for all our customers.

Need a little ExtraCare?

To find out more call 0845 746 1100. If you have hearing or speech difficulties and use a textphone, please dial 18001 followed by the number you require.

Beat the bogus caller

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the door

0845 746 2200

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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 will often call at your door claiming there is an issue with the water and they need to check your taps; they will use this as an opportunity to trick themselves into your home claiming to be from United Utilities or ‘the water board’. Once inside, they will distract you while they or an accomplice help 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 enter your home and will be happy for you to phone United Utilities to check their identity. And our 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 bogus callers!

To help you, we operate a ‘password protection’ scheme. Joining our 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 from your door.

Most gas, electricity and telephone companies will operate a similar scheme – see a recent bill for further details and contact numbers.


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WHEELCHAIR user Rory Moss was given the VIPtreatment when he went to his local dealership topick up the keys to a new Motability car.

Greeting him at TrustFord, Wilmslow were the Chancellor GeorgeOsborne, Lord Sterling of Plaistow, chaiman of Motability, and localdignitaries.

Rory, 54, has multiple sclerosis, and can only walk a few paces.His new Ford Kuga has been fitted with an electric hoist to store

his wheelchair.Rory said: “My car provides me with a lifeline. Without it I would be

completely stuck indoors, especially as my wheelchair is so bulky.“Although I am unable drive anymore, my carers can drive me

wherever I need to be.”Mr Osborne, MP for Tatton, said: “It is a great pleasure to be here

and present Rory with the keys to his new car. I am also delighted tomeet those who work for Motability and others associated to thisfantastic scheme, which supports many people with theirindependence.”

Lord Sterling of Plaistow, chairman of Motability, added: “We aredelighted that George Osborne could join us for this specialpresentation.

“We have supported more than three and a half million disabledpeople and their families with their personal mobility since 1978 andlook forward to assisting many more in the decades to come.”

John Leeman, Operations Director at TrustFord, added: “Motabilityis an extraordinary initiative and we are very proud of what we havebeen able to accomplish through the scheme.

“Over the years our dedicated team of Motability specialists haveprovided thousands of customers with vehicles tailored around theirindividual requirements, such as Mr Moss.”

Rory gets VIP treatment

KEYS TO FREEDOM: Rory gets his new car from Chancellor George Osborne at TrustFord, Wilmslow

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GOOD NEWS for older drivers who want toensure their driving is up to scratch.

The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) has launched itsMature Driver’s Assessment – a way for drivers over 70 togain a trusted second opinion on their driving.

The assessment, which costs £35, consists of an hour’sdriving with a qualified instructor.

At the end of the assessment, drivers are given immediatefeedback and a confidential written report.

A certificate is given to those judged ‘Excellent’ or‘Competent’ and there is expert advice for those whose drivingneeds to be improved.

IAM chief executive Simon Best said: “This assessmenthelps keep older people driving for as long as it is safe to doso.

“It’s worth remembering that many older people actually giveup too early, simply because they lack confidence.

“It also gives elderly drivers and their families the informationthey need so that they can choose the right time to give updriving.”

IAM research shows that 42% of the population is worriedabout an elderly relative driving, yet they are unlikely to doanything about it.n The IAM has more than 200 local volunteer groups and over100,000 members in the UK and Ireland.It is best known for the advanced driving test and theadvanced driving, motorcycling and cycling courses.n Tel 0300 303 1134, www.iam.org.uk

New assessmentsNew assessmentsfor older driversfor older drivers

14

READERS’ LETTERS . . . OPINION . . . COMMENT . . .

LETTERS/ARTICLES PLEASE TO:All Together NOW! The BradburyCentre, Youens Way, Liverpool L142EP. email:[email protected]


OFF! withSir BERT MASSIE

SOUNDING

IT WAS disappointing to read Sir BertMassie’s comments about a citymuseum’s “dark age attitude” with lackof wheelchair access.

To their credit some of our smallermuseums, and I speak as museumofficer at Englesea Brook Chapel andMuseum, Crewe, have persevered overmany years to comply with the equalitylegislation, and have finally achieved agreat degree of success.

It has not been easy raising the moneyor getting the plans passed but bycommitment and hard work we areproud to have opened our new accessfor all and we look forward to manymore people visiting us.

The new ramp gives an impressiveentrance to the site, and is alreadyattracting new visitors, as well asproviding safer access from the car parkfor the many school children who cometo take part in a wide range ofprogrammes, including the VictorianSunday School.

Our new exhibition relating to WorldWar I and conscientious objectorsopened in April. The museum is openuntil October, though opening days andtimes vary.

Admission is free. Groups arewelcome to book by appointment.Tel.01270 820836Margaret Veal (email)

ON 25 APRIL 1954, Randy Kerr, a six-year-old American boy, became the firstperson to receive the polio vaccine.

It followed a successful drug trialwhich saw the vaccine become massproduced and kick started theeradication of the deadly virus.

Sixty years on, I would like torecognise the heroic work of thesemedical pioneers. However, with 120,000people in the UK still suffering from thelate effects of polio and post poliosyndrome (PPS), more work is needed.

Between 1947 and 1958 polio claimedmore than 3,000 lives and disabled over30,000 people.

Many who survived polio were leftwith, in the worse cases, total paralysisand at best wasted limbs and severemuscle fatigue.

If that wasn’t enough, many survivorsnow have to struggle with PPS, adebilitating neurological condition thatup to 80% of people who contractedpolio in earlier life can develop, bringingwith it new or increasing muscleweakness and pain, swallowing andbreathing problems and chronic fatigue.

The British Polio Fellowship, currentlycelebrating its 75th anniversary, offerssupport to those suffering from the lateeffects of polio and PPS in the UK.

Call 0800 018 0586 or visitwww.britishpolio.org.ukTed Hill, CEO, The British Polio Fellowship

Our museumOur museumis accessible is accessible

Polio: The factsPolio: The facts

IN THE mid-1980s I served on acommittee chaired by Sir Richard(now Lord) Attenborough, which was

concerned with the arts and disabledpeople.

We sought to address two issues:The first was to improve access to artistic

venues so disabled people could enjoy thearts like anybody else. Thirty years ago veryfew theatres were accessible to wheelchairusers. No plays were signed to enable deafpeople to enjoy them and there were no audiodescriptions for visually impaired people.

There were no laws requiring museums tobe accessible and cinemas frequently turnedaway disabled people on the bizarre claimthat we were a fire risk.

Mythical “health and safety” regulationswere cited to ensure that disabled peoplewere kept out.

The report resulted in increased pressure toenable disabled people to enjoy the arts inthe same way as others could.

Today the position is much changed andorganisations seeking Arts Council grants ormoney from other organisations are requiredto ensure they have appropriate facilities fordisabled patrons.

Of course, things are not perfect: I wonderwhy so many spaces for wheelchair users incinemas have to be on the front row and so

near to the screen – the whole experience israther disagreeable.

The other issue the AttenboroughCommittee addressed was the unwillingnessof the entertainment industry to employdisabled people.

Non-disabled people usually played disabledcharacters in plays or television dramas. Atthe time it seemed as though casting directorsfeared that the sight of disabled people on thestage or on our television screens wouldresult in viewers running away, screamingwith terror!

Theatre groups of disabled people such asGraeae and arts organisations such asShape, based in London, and Da Da, basedin Liverpool, have done much to promotedisabled actors and there are encouragingsigns that disabled people are breaking intothe entertainment industry.

It might seem a contradiction to define awheelchair user as a stand up comedian buthow else can Lawrence Clark be described?

This Liverpudlian comedian will be featuringat the Edinburgh Fringe during August.Francesca Martinez, who is disabled, appearsincreasingly on quiz shows that allow her witto sparkle.

In our TV soaps an increasing number ofdisabled people are being featured.

Eastenders at one time featured only non-

disabled people some of whose charactershad accidents and became disabled. But bypower known only to television companieseven people who had broken their back werecured and running around a few weeks later.

Now greater realism prevails. In 2009 thecharacter Adam Best was introduced, playedby wheelchair user David Proud. The feistymarket trader Donna Yates, played by GrangeHill actress Lisa Hammond, is the latestnewcomer. I should not leave Eastendersbefore commending the decision to includepeople with learning disabilities.

In Coronation Street we have IzzyArmstrong, played by Cherylee Houston, andanother disabled person is due to beintroduced this autumn.

The important point is that these and thecharacters in other soaps are roundedcharacters rather then paper cut-out people.Perhaps one of the best is Liz Carr playingforensic scientist Clarissa Mullery in SilentWitness.

There are many more examples I could givebut I think we are now seeing the results ofdecades of work to give greater visibility todisabled artists.

The world of thearts andentertainment ismuch better for it.

FOUR years into the life of the current Government and thefourth Minister for Disabled People has been appointed.

This seems to suggest that the Government does not think thepost is very important.

First we had Maria Miller, who declared that the IndependentLiving Fund was unsustainable and must be closed, while at thesame time being creative with her claims for Parliamentaryexpenses.

Then came Ester McVey, who continued to press with vigourthe Government policy of removing benefits from disabledpeople while presiding over the chaos of the work capacitytests.

Last year came Mike Penning who continued theGovernment’s policies but understood the problems with them.He worked behind the scenes to find better ways of doing thingsand his transfer to other duties is a loss to disabled people.

The new minister, Mark Harper, was a shadow disabilityminister before the election so should have some knowledge ofthe issues. Let’s hope he proves to be a minister for disabledpeople and not against us.

IN JULY an important debate took place in the House of Lords.It concluded by agreeing to allow a Parliamentary Bill to go forward that

will make legal a doctors assistance to people who are assessed as beingterminally ill to kill themselves.

Assisted suicide is a controversial issue and many disabled peoplebelieve that if the Bill became law it could result in the right to die turninginto the duty to die, because they would not wish to be a burden to theirfamilies.

Of course, some disabled people support assisted suicide. It is an issuethat divides caring and humane people. So what is the way forward?

The Bill being considered by the Lords will not become law before theGeneral Election.

The debate will continue and now is the time for a calm anddispassionate look at the issues. Parliament does have a role to play, asdo the many others with an interest in this issue.

One way forward would be for Parliament to establish a SelectCommittee to look at all the evidence from this country and abroad,consider all the various views and present their conclusions.

Such an important issue should be considered with great care before anychange to the law.

The world isnow our stage

At long last,disabled actors are

seriouslybeing taken

Fourth time lucky for us? Don’t rush into right to die law




INDEPENDENT LIVINGINDEPENDENT LIVINGRobots take anotherstep inside the home

n FED UP havingto ask others to putsun cream on yourback?n Well here’s a newdevice that may letyou do it yourself.n The BackblissLotion Applicator isthe latest inventionfrom CarolineWagstaff, who wasfeatured in BBCTV’s Dragons’ Den.n “Sun care hasimprovedenormously overthe years but it isstill difficult to getall this good stuffin the right places,”says Caroline.n They come insingle packs,£11.99, and doublepacks, £19.99.www.backbliss.com

ROBOT vacuum cleaners maysound like appliances fromthe 22nd Century.

But far from science fiction, theycould soon be enabling disabled andolder people to live independently.

The robot cleaner and other devicesare controlled with a tablet computer,allowing the user to clean the carpet,order shopping and switch the lightson and off, without leaving their chair,wheelchair and bed.

Nearly 200 disabled and olderpeople are using the equipment intrials lasting three years.They are partof an EU-funded independent livingproject, I-stay@home, which isexamining the potential of informationand communications technology to

support people to live independently,and address challenges such asisolation, security, and financialhardship.

Volunteers in the UK, France,Germany, the Netherlands andBelgium. are trying out gadgets andjudging them on their usefulness,reliability and value-for-money insupporting independent living.

The project’s UK partner, HabintegHousing Association, a specialist inaccessible housing, is working with22 tenants across London.

Research from phase one of I-stay@home in 2013 found that three-fifths of disabled and older peoplewere open to using new technology tohelp them in their homes. Bill

Smalley, one of the Habinteg tenantstesting products, said: “I’m reallypleased – the vacuum cleaner isexcellent and already saving me andmy wife time with jobs around thehouse.

“This was certainly more difficultbefore so we’re already seeing thebenefit.

“I’m all for this project and I knowthat other tenants would be helped bythese new ideas. If we can help otherpeople in future with this testing thatwould be fantastic.”

Habinteg and its partners aim to usethe research to promote the use ofeffective high-tech equipment fortenants both in and outside socialhousing.

Ooh, sheer bliss . . .

16 All Together NOW! August/September 2014 www.alltogethernow.org.uk August/September 2014 All Together NOW!

RUTH Adorian is a woman whoknows – and who usuallygets – what she wants.

A mother of three, she’s travelled theworld, played an influential role withsome of Cumbria’s public and privatesector organisations, and is a lover ofthe great outdoors.

Now, aged 82 and living with motorneurone disease, which has taken awayher speech and the ability to walk, Ruthhas set herself another target.

She’s already set up a new charity –The Association for the Independence ofDisabled People – and is nowdetermined to help create aGovernment-backed national DisabilityDay.

Speaking through a voice-enablingcomputer, Ruth said: “I woke up one dayand wondered why I was still here,having long outlasted the initial threeyear life expectancy given to me byneurologists.

“And then the idea came to me – weneed a lobbying association and adedicated Disabled Day to draw muchmore attention to people’s needs.”

For the past 22 years Warrington’sannual Disability Awareness Day hasbeen firmly in the calendar of NorthWest.

But Ruth wants similar events takingplace all over the UK – and all on theSAME day.

“I want to see a day in the calendarrwhere people in every town and villagetake part in activities to recognise theneeds of the disabled and hopefully tobring changes.”

Ruth contracted MND six years ago.Now requiring round the clock care, shefought to retain as much independenceas possible, but experienced first-handthe lack of facilities available to thedisabled in hotels, restaurants and ontransport.

“I found easy access to be a majorproblem,” she says. “My family and Ihave had issues with hotel websitesoffering ‘disabled bathrooms’ which areentirely unsuitable for a disabled personrequiring two carers.

“There needs to be enforcement ofproper standards for disabled bathroomsand toilets in hotels and public buildings.

“A few misplaced handles or anemergency pull cord shouldn’t constitutea disabled bathroom.

“If our new charity makes just a smalldifference initially it will be worth it.However, with the right level of supportwe believe it will grow quickly, helping togreatly improve the quality of life ofthose who are currently confined to theirhome because facilities elsewhere arewoefully inadequate.”n Contact Paul Adorian,tel 015394 48459n www.disabledday.org

Let’s make it a NATIONAL ‘Disability Day’

FIGHTING SPIRIT: Ruth Adorian ready for action MAN ON A MISSION: Dave Thompson, founder of Warrington Disability Partnership and their annual Disability Awareness Day

17hernow.org.uk August/September 2014 All Together NOW!

ORGANISERS of the NorthWest’s biggest annualdisability event have already

set the wheels in motion for nextyear’s show!

“This year’s Disability Awareness Daywas another huge success,” said DaveThompson, founder and chairman ofWarrington Disability Partnership. “We’renow determined to make next year’s DADeven bigger and better.

More than 24,000 people from all overthe country turned up at Walton HallGardens to find out about all the wide-range of services and products availableto help people with their independence.

“Our influence continues to grow,” saidDave. “On the same day as our eventMilton Keynes staged its first DAD and ourfriends over in Cameroon were holdingtheir second.

“I can honestly say it’s all just gettingbetter and better – and it’s thanks to somany people.”

Brian Cronin, chief executive YourHousing Group, principal sponsors, said:

“Disability Awareness Day continues to gofrom strength to strength and is a fantasticevent that showcases the achievementsand talents of people with disabilities.

“As an organisation we have a strongcommitment to people with disabilities -both as a housing provider and as anequal opportunities employer.”

Special guests included formerCoronation Street actor Steven Arnold,Warrington mayor, Councillor TedFinnegan, Warrington Wolves star RyanAtkins and Elizabeth Harrison, fromGibraltar’s Ministry for Equality.

The date for next year’s DAD is Sunday,July 12.

n WINNERS of this year’s Positive ActionAwards - which recognise exemplarypractice in the North West - were TheA.L.E.X. Project, Lawrence Smith,Knowsley Parents and Adult Carers(KPAC) and Penny O’Hare.

n WDP, tel 01925 240064n www.disabilitypartnership.org.uk

IONAL ‘Disability Day’It’s getting betterall the time . . .

under of Warrington Disability Partnership and their annual Disability Awareness Day

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SHOPMOBILITY CARERS’CENTRES

Email your news to us at [email protected] .uk

HELP AT THE END OF A PHONE

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Council,Tel 01253 477 716

nCUMBRIACarlisle. Tel 01228 542 156Penrith.Tel 01768 890 280Barrow-in-Furness. Tel 01229 822 822Kendal. Tel 01539 732 927Whitehaven,Tel 01946 592 223

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NORTH WALESn ANGLESEY

Tel 01248 722828n BANGOR

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Tel: 01352 751436n WREXHAM CARERSSERVICE

Tel: 0800 276 1070

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MIDLANDS

n BIRMINGHAM. Snow HillRailway Station. Tel 0121 2368980. Level 2, Centre CarPark, Bullring. Tel 0121 6162942n STAFFORD. Tel 01785619456n STOKE ON TRENT. Tel01782 233333n SUTTON COLDFIELD. Tel0121 355 1112n TAMWORTH. Tel, 01827709392 n WALSALL. Tel 01922 650781n WEST BROMWICH:Sandwell. Tel 0121 553 1943n WOLVERHAMPTON. Tel01902 556021

nANGLESEY: TARAN Tel 01407 721933

nBLACKPOOL Disability Information and Support. Tel 01253 472 202. Textphone 01253 476 450

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nLANCASTER DISCTel 01524 34411

n LIVERPOOL Association of Disabled People. Tel 0151

263 8366. Text 0151 260 4076nMERSEYSIDE Coalition ofInclusive Living.Tel 0151 260 4001nNEUROSUPPORT Centre

Tel 0151 298 2999nMANCHESTER (GTR)

Coalition of DisabledPeople

Tel 0161-273 5154nMOLD Flintshire Disability

Tel 01352 755546nNELSON: Pendle Pakistan

Welfare Association. Tel 01282 603 616

nPRESTON DISC: Tel 01772 558 863. Textphone 01772 204 787

nRHYL Tel 01745 350665nSTOCKPORT: Disability

Stockport. 0161 480 7248nWARRINGTON Disability

Partnership. 01925 240064nWIRRAL WIRED

Tel 0151 670 1500nWEST LANCS HELPLINE

Freefone 0800 220676n ST HELENS DASH

Tel 01744 453053nWREXHAM Tel 01978262955MIDLANDSBIRMINGHAM DisabilityResource Centre Tel 0121789 7365Disabled People’s NetworkSolihull Tel 0121 788 1544STOKE: Disability SolutionsTel 01782 683800WOLVERHAMPTON Elderand Disabled Group Tel01902 448552

ORGANISATIONS FORPEOPLE WHO ARE BLINDnACCRINGTON

Tel 01254 233332nBARROW Tel 01229 820698nBIRMINGHAM Action forBlind Tel 0121 665 4200nBLACKBURN

Tel 0125 554143nBLACKPOOL: N-Vision

Tel 01253 362696nBURY Tel 0161 763 7014nBURNLEY Tel 01282 438507nCARLISLE: Action for Blind

People Tel 01228 595121CHESHIRE & N WALES:Vision Support. Tel 01244381515nCUMBRIA (West)

Tel 01946 592474nCUMBRIA (Sth Lakeland)

Tel 01539 726613nGUIDE DOGS Tel 0118 983

5555nHENSHAW’S 0161 872 1234

Tel 0151 708 7055nLIVERPOOL: BradburyFields.Tel 0151 221 0888:Action for Bind Tel 0151 2983222n MANCHESTER: Action for

Blind Tel 0161 787 9252nPRESTON: Action for Blind

People Tel 01772 320550n OLDHAM Tel 0161 682 8019nROSSENDALE

Tel 01706 873256nSIGHTLINE (North West) Tel0800 587 2252nWIGAN Tel 01942 242891nWIRRAL Tel 0151 652 8877

ORGANISATIONS FORPEOPLE WHO ARE DEAFnBIRMINGHAM Institute forDeaf Tel 0121 246 6101nCHESHIRE Deaf Society

Tel 01606 47831nCUMBRIA Deaf Society

Tel 01228 606434nLANCASHIRE (EAST)

Deaf SocietyTel 01282 839180

nMANCHESTER Deaf CentreTel 0161 273 3415

Genie Networks. Tel 0161 9414549. Text 18001 0161 9414549 nMERSEYSIDE Society for

Deaf Tel 0151 228 0888nST HELENS: DeafnessResource CentreTel 01744 23887nWOLVERHAMPTON Centrefor Deaf Tel 01902 420904nN WALES Deaf Association,

Tel 01492 542235

WINNERS of our recent gardeningcompetition were:

Laura Goodwin, Sylvan Avenue, Timperley(Picked up her copy at WythenshaweHospital)Susan Cannon, The Copse, Liverpool(Broadgreen Hospital)Tony Nuttall, Canberra Avenue, St Helens(St Helens Central Library)Ann Brown, South Avenue, Prescot (RoyalLiverpool Dental HospitalMs Kapa, Caldicot Way, Poulton-Le-Fylde(Wilkinson’s, Blackpool)Sarah Jane Jones, Chapel Close,Comberbach, Northwich (entered online)

All winners will receive a super pack offour new varieties of streptocarpus –launched this year – PLUS two beautiful,longer-established kinds.

The plants come from Dibleys Nurseries,the leading breeder and grower ofstreptocarpus and other indoor plants,based at Llanelidan, Ruthin, North Wales,who have won no fewer than 24 goldmedals at the world-famous Chelsea FlowerShow.

Are YOU one of our winners?Are YOU one of our winners?


NEVER mind paracetamol – the powerof reading great literature to easechronic pain is being put to the test

in a pilot study.Research is already showing a positive link

between attending a weekly reading group andthe relief of severe pain.

The results are so encouraging that TheReader Organisation – a charity dedicated tochanging lives through literature – has beencommissioned to run the weekly readingsessions on Merseyside for the next three years.

Dr Andrew Jones, a pain specialist at LiverpoolBroadgreen Hospital, which is involved in theresearch, said: “Early indications show thereading group is making a difference to peoplein our hospital. But there is something intangible,

a deeper impact beyond that, which we can’tmeasure using existing research methods.

“People with chronic pain have three times theaverage risk of developing psychiatric symptomssuch as mood or anxiety disorders.

“And depressed patients have three times theaverage risk of developing chronic pain.

“While there is already evidence of the mentalhealth benefits of shared reading, little is knownabout the benefits for physical health, but thelink between chronic pain and psychiatricsymptoms indicate it could help.”

The success of the project so far means itcould be expanded into dialysis wards and otherareas of physical health at Broadgreen and thecity’s Royal Hospital.

During the sessions, stories and poems are

read aloud by a trained facilitator and patientsare free to take a turn reading, respond to thework, or just sit back and enjoy it.

The group is currently reading The Pearl byJohn Steinbeck, led by Kate McDonnell fromThe Reader Organisation.

Kate said: “Everyone in the group has adifferent pain story to tell, but in the session thefocus is on the book or story we share togetherand on the wider lives and experience of thepeople who come, rather than just the pain.

“Group members say that the sessions givethem something new and interesting to talkabout to people who know them.

“They’re also able to forget their pain whilewe’re reading,” she added. “It gives them aweekly lift.”

PAINBUSTERS: KateMcDonnell from theReader Organisation (farleft) with patients (left toright) Sally Woodall,Pauline Jones, AlexanderParry and Helen Cook

AS Tour de France stars prepared fortheir sortie to the UK, seven North-Westcyclists were suffering through one ofthe grimmest challenges the famousFrench race has ever thrown up.

But the pain of riding over 600 milesthrough France, and then up MontVentoux – considered the hardest of allTour de France climbs – brought a majorgain for The Walton Centre, a leadingbrain hospital on Merseyside.

The keen amateur cyclists raised£30,000 for the Liverpool hospital’s Homefrom Home Appeal after completing one ofthe world’s most gruelling routes.

One of the riders, solicitor Rob Fletcher,said: “We averaged 110 miles per daywhich is extremely good going. Although Ihave climbed in Europe before I havenever experienced anything like MontVentoux

“It is completely unremitting pushingyou hard all the way up with absolutely noplace to rest. By the end you have to digvery deep indeed.”

The team endured pouring rain andscorching sunshine on their six-day cycleto the infamous Tour de France stage but,despite a few falls, no one was seriouslyinjured.

SUMMITMEETING:The team

pictured atthe top of

MontVentoux

Brain power gets cyclists to the top

HELEN COOK, 35, from Tuebrook,has a tumour in her pelvic boneand pain in her pelvis, legs andback. Diagnosed two years ago,Helen had to give up her job as asupply teacher in Widnes. Shesaid: “You can feel isolated withyour condition so it’s nice to bewith people who are in pain butdon’t talk about it. If we didn’t havethe reading and just met andtalked, it could become verynegative – we could all bring eachother down.”

RETIRED civil servant AlexanderParry, 72, of Bowring Park has hadpain in his feet and hands for 24years. It forced him to take earlyretirement and often stops himsleeping. He said: “One of theproblems of having chronic pain isyou tend to get depressed, whenyou’re up all night and can’t sleep.Coming to the reading group islike therapy. When I go home fromhere I have a spring in my step. Ifeel much better mentally.”

PAULINE JONES, 58, from Everton,has cerebral palsy and suffersfrom severe back pain. Dr Jonesrecommended she go to the groupand she hasn’t looked back. Shesaid: “I enjoy coming here – itkeeps us occupied and takes awaythe pain away.”

SALLY WOODALL, 57, fromWoolton, had a stroke on the busto work in 2008. Since then, shehas had two mini strokes. She nowhas neuralgia in her back and is nolonger able to drive or work fulltime. Sally, who works weekendsas a nurse at the Royal in the out-of-hours service, said: “When Ifirst came I was in a right state.Within six to eight months I wasback in work again. The readinggroup certainly played a part in myrecovery.”

WHAT THEPATIENTS SAYHospital

reading easingthe pain

Novel a day keepsthe doctor away!



MEDICAL NOTES


Retail therapy

So, just how muchsleep do you need?

Dementia know-how

DEVICES that give you a check-upwithout the need to call a doctorand phones that reward you for

behaving in way that’s good for you willbe available on the high street in future.

Retailers and charities will be among themain providers of digital healthcaretechnology, according to a new study.

The current system’s inability to cope withour ageing population and increasing lifestyle-induced illness will mean that some services– particularly those relating to the elderly,mental health and obesity - may becomeover-subscribed or lose priority, it says.

Tthat will in turn create opportunities forretailers and organisations such as charitiesand housing associations to bridge the gap.

“Most of us have heard about apps thatreward people for performing beneficialbehaviours, web portals that enable patientsto book appointments or order prescriptionsand devices that track and monitor patientsremotely,” said Dr Steven Dodsworth, head ofD Health, who carried out the research.

“Despite the potential of such technology toreduce costs, increase efficiency andempower patients, success has largely beenlimited to short-term pilots and sparseavailability depending on your financialposition or postcode.

Dr Dodsworth added: “Chronic disease,mental health, obesity and isolation arealready significant issues for many citizensand their prevalence will increase markedlyover the next 20 years.”

As demand for health and care servicesgrows, people will be increasingly willing toadopt new, unconventional approaches tomeet their needs, he believes.

“Our new research shows that leadership inthe digital healthcare marketplace will comefrom unlikely sources such as the third sector,the high street and even the general public.

“Until now, the healthcare industry expectedstate providers to lead innovation andadoption in digital healthcare technology, butit’s clear that new players will enter this spaceand take the lead.

“The third sector will adopt a greater role inthe provision of health, care and wellbeingwithin the communities it serves.”

This is already starting to happen, he says.

An organisation in the north of Scotland isdeveloping a smart phone app that willenable elderly and vulnerable people toaccess basic support services, helping themto maintain an independent home life.

Supermarkets and high street pharmaciesacross the UK have started to introduce drop-in facilities and self-help kiosks.

“We anticipate that a new wave of low cost,effective and digitally-enabled products andservices will become available to the generalpublic,” said Dr Dodsworth.

“Innovations such as this show that newways of delivering health and care arepossible and can support the move towardssustainable models for the future that havethe users at their heart.”

Check-ups atthe check-outas health hitsthe high street

DEMENTIA training will be available toall NHS staff by 2018, according to theHealth Education England body.

The training will support staff to spotthe early symptoms of dementia,understand how to interact with peoplewith the condition and signpost the mostappropriate care and support.

As well as extending training for NHSstaff, HEE has agreed to work withprofessional bodies to ensure that allNHS undergraduate courses includetraining in dementia by September 2015.

FORMER Girls Aloud star KimberleyWalsh, left, is heading a campaign totackle a chief cause of birth defects inUK children.

The killer CMV virus affects one in1,000 newborn babies in the UK eachyear but simply washing your handscan prevent its spread, especiallyamong pregnant women.

Now Kimberley has launched the“Wash Away CMV” campaign.

She is asking people to post picturesof their hands with the words WashAway CMV written on them.

“For me, it’s personal, especially nowbeing pregnant myself. The CMV virusaffected my friend’s son, which meanshe has permanent disabilities.”n CMV Action: Tel. 0800 467 9590,cmvaction.org.uk

Kimberley backschildren’s charity

OLDER people who have trouble sleepinghave a worse memory.

Researchers analysed sleep and brainfunction data from over 8,500 men andwomen.

The study showed a link between boththe quality and length of sleep and brainfunction - which changes with age.

In adults aged between 50 and 64, shortsleep – fewer than six hours a night -–and long sleep – more than eight hours anight – were associated with poorer brainfunction.

By contrast, in older adults, aged 65 to89, worse brain function was onlyobserved in the long sleepers.

Dr Michelle Miller, at the University ofWarwick, said: “Six to eight hours ofsleep per night is particularly importantfor optimum brain function, in youngeradults.”

The results of the research back upprevious research, which showed that sixto eight hours of sleep per night wasideal for physical health, including thelowest risk of developing obesity,hypertension, diabetes, heart disease andstroke.

“Interestingly, in the younger pre-retirement aged adults, sleep quality didnot have any significant association withbrain function scores, whereas in theolder adults (over 65), there was asignificant relationship between sleepquality and the observed scores.”

“Sleep is important for good health andmental wellbeing,” added ProfessorFrancesco Cappuccio. “Optimising sleepat an older age may help to delay thedecline in brain function seen with age, orindeed may slow or prevent the rapiddecline that leads to dementia.”

HOSPITALS are no fun for children butthere is one room at Wirral Women andChildren’s Hospital that 10-year-oldJoseph Francis always enjoys visiting.

Joseph’s mum Chrissie, who helpedcreate the hopsital’s sensory room, said:“Joseph has no awareness of danger and itis difficult to keep him entertained.

“This new sensory room means he cantake his mind off being in a hospital. It alsohelps with any pain he is feeling because ofthe sensory interaction this facility creates.

“I can already see the difference it ismaking.”

Equipment in the room includes an LEDprojector which casts colour onto the walls,floor and ceiling, a fibre optic light andcurtain which shines beautiful coloursaround the ceiling, and a special floor and

wall cube which is used to change thecolour of a large tube of bubbles.

A sensory music system plays soothingsounds, and there are stimulating andreflective toys and padded safety matsthroughout.

The hospital’s play specialist EmmaDeakin said:

“The environment we’ve created giveschildren and young people, many withdifferent sensory needs, the opportunity torelax and escape from some of the worriesand anxieties that a stay in hospital canbring.

“Not only is the new sensory roomrelaxing for our younger patients, it alsohelps them to enjoy their time while theyare staying with us and receivingtreatment.” FUN TIME: Joseph and mum, Chrissie

Sensory room is plain good sense

All Together NOW!is a brilliant idea.Older and disabledpeople can’t alwaysuse a computer to getnews and advice.They need all the helpthey can get. JeanetteDavison, Wedgewood Crescent, Ketley,Telford

THIS paper is encouraging,informative and NEVER lets youdown. Ken Gallop,Woolston, Warrington

To find out more, visit . . . www.liverpoolcommunityhealth.nhs.uk


STAFF at Liverpool Community Health NHS Trust werehonoured for their hard work over the last year at thetrust’s 5th annual Staff Awards ceremony.

Almost 300 staff and special guests attended the ‘Strictly LCH’themed evening at the city’s Anglican Cathedral – and wereentertained with a dazzling display of wheelchair ballroom dancingfrom Paula Molton and Gary Lyness, and local dance companyMovema.

BBC Radio Merseyside presenter and community figure headRoger Phillips led the celebrations which recognised theachievements of staff across a variety of award categoriesincluding the trust’s five organisation values: Care, Community,Courage, Collaboration and Commitment.

Twenty-three staff – each with more than 40 years service to theNHS – received Long ServiceAwards.

The Trust’s deputy chiefexecutive Gary Andrews said: “Weare incredibly proud of our staffand the roles they provide insupporting patients andcommunities across Liverpool,Sefton and Knowsley.

“Despite the backdrop of anincreasingly challenging NHSenvironment, they show greatdetermination and commitment totheir roles, and I’m delighted to be

Roll of honour:Award for Care: CommunityIntermediate Care Team, SeftonAward for Community: NaamahWilson, Smoking CessationSupport WorkerAward for Courage: Bed BasedIntermediate Care ServiceAward for Collaboration (jointwinners): The AnticoagulationService; Collette O’Loughlin, Outof Hospital Lead for NorthLiverpool and SeftonAward for Commitment: DistrictNursing ServiceLearner of the Year: RebeccaMcLean and Laura MacleanAward for Creativity andInnovation: CommunityEquipment Nurse SpecialistsTeamEmployee of the Year: SarahGibson, Integrated Care ClinicalFacilitator, Virtual Ward Leader of the Year: VeronicaBellis, Manager for Bed BasedIntermediate CareChair’s Award for Health andWellbeing: Children’s Speech andLanguage TeamVolunteer of the Year: RobOtten, Liveability ServiceAward for Equality andDiversity: Beverley Nwosu,Community Matron and Chair ofBME NetworkAward for Quality: Jo Nash,Clinical Nurse ManagerTeam of the Year: Practice NurseDevelopment Team for Sefton andLiverpoolMembers Choice Award: RobOtten, Liveability Service

Strictly for the staff who go the extra mile

OH WHAT A TEAM!TEAM OF THE YEAR: The Practice Nurse Development team and Gary Andrews, LCH deputy chief executive

HELPING HAND from Andrea Friday,left, at the Liveability sports day

THERE was plenty of fun for the over50s at the annual Liveability SportsDay.

Diane Singleton, Liveability ServiceLead, said: “It was great to see somany older people taking part inactivities on the day, and maintaininghealthy active lifestyles later in life.”

Activities and games were designedto improve coordination, balance,strength, and flexibility.

Liveability’s oldest volunteer, JoycePrince, who celebrated her 88thbirthday in June, opened the event.n Liveability Team tel 0151 234 1660or email:[email protected]

Having a ballat Liveability

National recognitionNational recognitionfor speech servicefor speech service

A NEW city-wide service to helppeople with blood clots has been setup in Liverpool.

The anticoagulation service letspatients get treatment from 21different GP practices and cliniclocations across Liverpool.

Anticoagulation services monitorpatients who take a drug to slow therate at which their blood clots andreduce the risk of strokes in patientswith irregular heartbeats orreplacement heart valves.

LCH medical director Craig Graddensaid: “This new service offers patientsfar more flexibility, convenience andchoice about when and where theycan access anticoagulation services.We hope it will make a significantdifference to thousands of people’slives.”

At your service

LCH’s Children’s Speech and Language Therapy Serviceare in line for a second award of the year.

Having been recognised in the LCH Staf Awards, theservice has been shortlisted in the HSJ Value in HealthcareAwards 2014 for its use of mobile devices and technology.

The regional hearing impairment speech and languagetherapy network, which is part of the service, undertook apilot study with Liverpool John Moores University, loaningtablet computer devices to children and families to enablethem to have ‘virtual sessions’ with therapists via Skype.n Winners will be announcedy on 23 September at theGrosvenor Hotel, London.

CONGRATULATIONS, too, to Pauline Jelliman, SpecialistHIV Nurse for LCH, who has just received the NationalHIV Nurses Association (NHIVNA) and Gilead NursingAward.


Beatrice Fraenkelchair, Mersey Care NHS

The perfect tonic . . . HALF A MILLION

Liverpool leads the way

Sobering thoughts

THE downside of older mentaking medication to reducecholesterol levels has beenrevealed.

One of the longest studies ofits type has found that usingstatins results in older mendoing less physical exercise.

The research did not identifywhy men who took statinsexercised less – only that theydid.

But possible causes couldinclude the muscle pain that canbe a side effect of statin use,and the disruption of themitochondrial function in cells,

which may contribute to fatigueand muscle weakness.

“Physical activity in older adultshelps to maintain a properweight, prevent cardiovasculardisease and helps to maintainphysical strength and function,”said David Lee, who led the USstudy.

“It’s a fairly serious concern ifuse of statins makes people lesslikely to exercise.”

Muscle pain is found in five to30% of people who take statins,Lee said, and some people alsoreport feeling less energetic,weak or tired.

A NEW league table showsLiverpool hospitals are helpinglead the way in the drive forbetter treatments for all NHSpatients.

The Royal Liverpool andBroadgreen University HospitalsNHS Trust increased their numberof clinical research studies from140 in 2012/13 to 160 in 2013/14.

Evidence shows that patients dobetter in hospitals and surgeriesthat do research.

Dr Richard Fitzgerald, director ofthe Royal’s clinical research unit,said: “We have over 400 clinicaltrials running in the hospital at

any one time, in 40 differentdepartments. We’re alwayslooking for more volunteers totake part in clinical trials to helpimprove the future of healthcare.”

Over half the NHS Trusts inEngland increased the number ofclinical research studies they arecarrying out.

Clinical research is a vital part ofthe work of the NHS, andprovides evidence about whatworks so that treatments forpatients can be improved.

n www.nhsresearch.org,www.crn.nihr.ac.uk/annualstats

Statins make men static!

BRAIN surgeons of the future havebeen “operating” on water melons.

Pupils from secondary schools acrossthe North-West went to The Walton Centreto find out what goes on at the leadingbrain hospital.

Clinical director Paul May, said:“Neurosurgery is a highly skilledoccupation which some may think isbeyond their reach as a possibleprofession.

“We wanted to show young people that itis not as mysterious or unattainable asthey might think– and perhaps theyshould aim to join the next generation ofneurosurgeons.”

Hundreds of visitors from across the

North West attended the event to meetstaff and see behind the scenes of theUK’s only neuroscience trust.

Chief executive Chris Harrop said: “Wetake a huge amount of pride in what we dohere and we wanted to give people aglimpse of the work our wonderful staff doday to day.”

The event also marked the centenary ofthe First World War and Armed ForcesDay by offering a rare chance to see thepriceless Captain Noel Chavassecollection, kindly loaned by Liverpool’sArmy Reserves 208 Field Hospital,featuring the sword, letters and otherpersonal effects of the only soldier to wintwo Victoria Crosses in World War I.

Getting to the fruit of the problemGetting to the fruit of the problem

BRITAIN’S methods for cuttingheavy drinking among the mostvulnerable are all wrong,

according to a scathing new report.Advertising bans, licensing restrictions and

higher taxes not only fail to help problemdrinkers, but punish the majority ofresponsible consumers, says the Institute ofEconomic Affairs.

These policies are blunt instruments whichjust don’t work for the complex problem ofdealing with heavy drinkers, says the report,Punishing the Majority, by John Duffy andChristopher Snowdon.

The report examines how a relatively smallnumber of drinkers consume adisproportionately large amount of alcohol,with close to 70% of alcohol drank by onefifth of the population.

The report calls for politicians andcampaigners to wake up to the complexreasons behind problem drinking.

Instead of favouring political interventionson price, availability and advertising, thehealth lobby should pursue harm-reductionand rehabilitation, it says.

Among other findings were:n Heavy drinkers are less price sensitivethan moderate drinkers and restrictions onavailability and advertising have very littleeffect on anybody.n A lack of complexity in current policies – inthe UK the poorest socio-economic groupshave the lowest average consumption, yethave the highest rates of alcohol-relatedmortality, while the richest groups drink themost and suffer the least harm. n Between 1980 and 2000 alcoholconsumption rose only slightly in the UK (9.6-10.4 litres per person) while liver cirrhosismortality nearly doubled. In Sweden, livercirrhosis more than halved while drinking fellby just 15%. So it all depends on whichdrinkers are increasing or reducing theirintake.

Snowdon said: “The UK’s alcohol policyfails to help the most vulnerable. It’s hightime campaigners recognised that the realreasons why some people drink todangerous excess are complex and varied.”

BRAINWORK:Paul May, left,

with students AvaniSoin, Alex Fleet,

Dishi Sihdar,Rachael Phillips,Lydia Seed and

India Seavor

CONNECTION to nature, skies andoutdoor spaces is an essentialpart of our physical and mental

health and wellbeing all the year round.However this time of year, with longerdays, is our opportunity to make themost of good weather and connect withnature and the outdoors.

We don’t have to live in the countrysideeither to enjoy nature, as there are manybeautiful parks and public open spaces aswell as access to so much gloriouscountryside and seaside close by.

It’s really about finding an oasis personalto us where we can take time out, let usfeel and smell the air, sun and rain andnotice the seasons. The size of the spaceis less important than having it available,so it can be a garden or a small back yardwith a window box. How we use ourspaces is up to us, but having somethingthat connects us to nature and help ustake notice is important.

I use the terms ‘connect’ and ‘take notice’deliberately as these are two of the corevalues of the ‘Five Ways to Wellbeing’ -scientifically recognised principles thatcontribute to our feeling better and livinglonger.

In my home city of Liverpool the greeningof the city is regarded as highly important.Fields of poppies and wild flowers haveemerged in Toxteth on so-called ‘wasteland’ and small spaces previously left tocollect litter along main roads are nowplanted up, thanks to community support.This makes everyone feel better and is aninvestment in our health.

A BRILLIAN example of using space forwellbeing is The Mersey Forest, whichis a growing network of woodlands andgreen spaces across Merseyside andCheshire.

Mersey Care is supportive of its recentmoves to practise mindfulness in forests,particularly beneficial because of the well-documented health benefits associatedwith our spending time in woodlands andforests. (Mindfulness refers to theheightened awareness of what is going onwithin and around you, in the presentmoment, in a non-judgmental way.)

I’m also passionate about the value ofallotments and growing things and pleasedthat many garden and allotment projectsexist across Mersey Care’s services. It’swonderful that Ashworth Hospital staff andpatients won a bronze medal for theirshow garden at the latest RHS FlowerShow at Tatton Park.

Open space, and access to it, is integralin the design for our new Clock ViewHospital due to open next year in Walton,Liverpool, and our service users and staffhave been totally involved with the designto ensure it is the best.

I hope you have the chance to enjoy thesummer and the outdoors in a way thatworks best for you.

2233wwwwww..aallllttooggeetthheerrnnooww..oorrgg..uukk AAuugguusstt//SSeepptteemmbbeerr22001144 AAllll TTooggeetthheerr NNOOWW!!

people are reading these pages . . . 0151 230 0307

MEDICAL NOTESParkinson’s and the

Check YOUR health

Jewish connection


MAN’S oldest metal, copper, wasfirst used more than 10,000 yearsago.

But is it also the metal of the future - and setto play a vital role in keeping people well.

As health experts warn of the “major globalthreat” from diseases becoming resistant toantibiotics, copper’s value in fighting infectionhas already been proven.

Now the biggest ever trial of its kind couldproduce a major leap forward in the fightagainst bacteria.

Copper is inherently antimicrobial – whichmeans it kills the tiny organisms that causedisease – and shares this benefit with manycopper alloys including brass and bronze.

MRSA, Influenza A and the highly-infectious“sickness bug” norovirus, outbreaks of whichfrequently shut down hospital wards and carehomes, are just a few of the diseases thatcopper can destroy.

The trial, involving 600 nursing homeresidents in France, will involve 1,000 doorhandles and 1,000 metres of hand rail beingreplaced with antimicrobial copper versions.

Dr Vincent Stoeckel, who is leading thestudy, said: “According to the World HealthOrganisation, we are heading towards a post-antibiotic era, where common infections couldbecome increasingly dangerous to at-riskpopulations, such as the sick or elderly.

“Copper is a proven solution, and if thisexperiment gives positive results, it could pavethe way for a significant advance in the fightagainst bacteria in health facilities.”

In the UK, copper’s ability to reducecontamination by 80% is acknowledged in thelatest NHS guidance on infection control.

Copper surfaces are already being installedin hospitals across the world to improve patientsafety, and can also be found in care homes,schools, train stations and airports.

SCIENTISTS believe they may beclose to a new treatment toimprove and extend the lives of

motor neurone disease suffereres.And they are hopeful that experiments with

a copper compound that’s been known fordecades will also help people withParkinson’s Disease.

Human trials will now be carried out but, intests, the compound has already beenshown to imporove the locomotor function –or body movement – of mice. They also livedlonger.

So far, no treatment has been found thatwill help extend the lives of people withmotor neurone disease by more than a fewmonths.

But researchers from the UK, Australia, andthe United States say the copper compoundhas the potential to change this.

“We believe that with further improvements,and following necessary human clinical trialsfor safety and efficacy, this could provide avaluable new therapy for ALS and perhapsParkinson’s disease,” said Joseph Beckman,a distinguished professor of biochemistry andbiophysics Oregon State University.

MND was first identified as a progressiveand fatal neurodegenerative disease in thelate 1800s and gained internationalrecognition in 1939 when it was diagnosed inAmerican baseball legend Lou Gehrig. In theUS it is often called Lou Gehrig’s disease.

It’s known to be caused by motor neuronsin the spinal cord deteriorating and dying,and has been traced to mutations in copper,zinc superoxide dismutase, or SOD1.

“The damage is happening primarily in thespinal cord and that’s also one of the mostdifficult places in the body to absorb copper,”Professor Beckman said.

“Copper itself is necessary but can be toxic,so its levels are tightly controlled in the body.The therapy we’re working toward deliverscopper selectively into the cells in the spinalcord that actually need it. Otherwise, thecompound keeps copper inert.

“This is a safe way to deliver amicronutrient like copper exactly where it isneeded,” added Professor Beckman.

The procedure has already extended thelifespan of affected mice by 26%.

The study has been published in theJournal of Neuroscience.

Metal magic!How copper maylengthen lives of

...and its vitalrole in battlewith diseaseMND sufferers...

HE MIGHT have some way to go to match the Queen’stime in the job. But hospital porter Paul Yates’ 40-plusyears of service were more than enough to earn him aspecial date at Buckingham Palace.

One of the longest serving members of staff at StHelens and Knowsley Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust onMerseyside, Paul was invited to join the Queen at aPalace Garden Party.

Paul, from Whiston, works as a porter at WhistonHospital and received his invite in recognition of, and tocelebrate, his loyal service to the NHS. While there heshoulders with HM the Queen, Duke of Edinburgh andnumerous other members of the Royal Family.

Paul said: “It was a fantastic honour to represent theTrust at such a prestigious event and I feel privileged tohave been chosen. I have truly enjoyed helping patientsand staff each and every day.”

Paul the porter’s proud day at the palace

PROUD MOMENTS: Paul Yates at Buckingham Palace

RON Morris reckons he would not bearound now if he hadn’t undergone anNHS Health Check.

The “midlife MOT” showed Ron, 48,had dangerously high blood pressure

He recalls: “The nurse looked at meand said: ‘You’re a walking heart attackor stroke. You’re not going to work today– you’re going to hospital’.”

Ron, of Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire,is now urging others to take advantageof the free Health Check available toover-40s.

A new improved guide to the HealthCheck features advice for the elderly onhow to improve and maintain quality oflife and encourages users (men inparticular) to have a Health Check.

Launched in 2009, the scheme is nowdelivered by all 152 local authoritiesacross the country.n www.nhs.uk/nhshealthcheck

RESEARCHERS seeking a cure forParkinson’s Disease are looking forvolunteers – but not just anyone!

UK experts are appealing veryspecifically for people of Ashkenazi(Eastern European) Jewish descent tohelp with a study sponsored by theMichael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’sResearch.

A team at Imperial College London willbe studying individuals with geneticmutations that are associated withParkinson’s disease.

Previous research has shown thatpeople of Ashkenazi Jewish background,who have a particular genetic mutationare more likely to develop Parkinson’sDisease. The same applies to people ofBasque and North African Berber descent.

Nicola Pavese, who is helping to leadthe study, said: “Although known geneticmutations currently account for only fiveto 10% of all Parkinson’s cases, thispopulation can provide invaluableinformation about the intricacies of thedisease for all patients.”n Anyone interested in helping with thestudy can visitwww.michaeljfox.org/ppmi/genetics or call020 3311 1714

I ALWAYS pick upAll Together NOW!from Sainsbury’sCheshiore Oaks. I loveit. It has lots ofinteresting informationand always picks me up.N Davies, Upton, Chester

THE All Together NOW! e-newsletterand website are a great resource fordisabled people and their families. MyDad uses a wheelchair and hasasphasia, following a stroke. It’s so hardto find information and services that arerelevant. Debbie Mulloy, Whatley


ARIES March 21st - April 20thYou won’t get much sympathy from familymembers as July turns to August. The firsthalf of August is ideal for having fun in thesun. Head off to a festive city by the sea.The Full Moon on the 10th puts strain on anintimate relationship. The third week ofAugust will turn out to be very productive.Negotiations go smoothly in September. TheFull Moon on the 9th prompts you to retreatfrom public view, enjoying the company of aclose friend or lover. Watch your temperwhen dealing with a muddled governmentofficial near the 22nd. The New Moon on the24th is ideal for launching a businesspartnership or taking a romance to the nextlevel.

TAURUS April 21st - May 21stResist the urge to borrow money from afriend in early August. The Full Moon on the10th will force you to choose betweenspending time on a relationship or yourcareer. Domestic pursuits will be especiallyfulfilling throughout the second half ofAugust. Beware of taking a buddingromance too far, too fast and don’t let yourrelatives interfere with your private life asAugust turns to September. The New Moonon the 24th brings a job offer, along withimproved health. You may be inspired tomove to a bigger place as September turnsto October.

GEMINI May 22nd - June 21stBeware of venting your anger on acolleague in the early days of August. TheFull Moon on the 10th could bringdisappointing news. Give yourself a periodto mourn and then move on to greenerpastures. You’re too intelligent to letdisappointment poison your heart.Overcoming a creative block will put a springin your step during early September. You’llsee pleasing results from a strict healthregimen during the third week of September.News of an engagement, a birth or even anew romance will reach your ears aroundthe 24th, setting off a chain of parties.

CANCER June 22nd - July 23rdAn exciting moneymaking opportunity willarrive during the first week of the month; beprepared to negotiate for a better rate thanyou are initially offered. The Full Moon onthe 10th forces you to dig deep to pay adebt. A powerful business or romanticpartner will get good news in the second halfof August, triggering a marvellouscelebration. Communicating with relativesbecomes easier as August turns toSeptember. A serious conversation with yourbusiness or romantic partner provesempowering. It’s time to make your wantsand wishes known.

LEO July 24th - August 23rdBeware of keeping secrets from a lover, oryou could be in for an embarrassingencounter. You’ll make a great impressionon everyone you meet during the first weekof the month. The New Moon on the 25thwill force you to adopt a more realisticattitude toward work. You’ll be in highdemand during the opening days ofSeptember. Keep your mobile charged andcheck your messages frequently. Amanipulative relative might ask for a loan

when they hear about some good fortunethat’s about to come your way; be preparedto refuse. Put this money toward a long-terminvestment instead. The New Moon on the24th brings good news concerning a creativeproject.

VIRGOAugust 24th - September 23rdA friend may fall back on a promise, which isdifficult to take. The second week of themonth brings fantastic news about abusiness or romantic partner. It looks likeyou’ll enjoy a share of their success.Spending time on your own throughout thesecond half of August will prove therapeutic.You’ll start getting the recognition youdeserve in the third week of the month.Financial discussions should bring goodresults in the early days of September. Berealistic about your best friend’s strengthsand weaknesses; embrace the good andoverlook their exasperating qualities.

LIBRASeptember 24th - October 23rdWho you know will be more important thanwhat you know during the first half ofAugust. Don’t be afraid to call in a fewfavours. A friend will invite you on aluxurious vacation on or around the 18th; besure to accept. The New Moon on the 25thmay prompt you to isolate yourself from thecrowd. Try not to alienate a colleague. Trustyour instincts throughout the first half ofSeptember, especially with regard to familymatters. The New Moon on the 24th isperfect for getting a new hairstyle orcosmetic procedure. Your best friend or loverwill have some exciting news.

SCORPIOOctober 24th - November 22ndYour expertise attracts plenty of romanticattraction. Resist the urge to come on strongwith an attractive newcomer; you’re betteroff playing hard to get with this superstar.The Full Moon on the 10th brings an end to

a difficult family matter. You’ll be angry whenthings don’t go your way, but that can’t behelped. Keep a creative project under wrapsduring the opening days of September; youdon’t need to hear any petty criticisms. TheFull Moon on the 9th marks an excitingturning point in a romantic relationship. Useyour influence to help a friend mid-month.

SAGITTARIUSNovember 23rd - December 21stThe Full Moon on the 10th brings an end toa stressful contractual agreement; you’llfinally be able to move on to greenerpastures. Schedule a glamorous vacationduring the second half of the month. Acolleague will confide some juicy secretsduring the third week of August. Workingwith a large group proves fulfilling as Augustturns to September. The Full Moon on the9th reminds you of the importance of family.Schedule some quality time with yournearest and dearest. The New Moon on the24th is perfect for attending a social event.You’re sure to make some dynamic friendsat this gathering.

CAPRICORNDecember 22nd - January 20thDon’t let your family have any input into yourlove life in early August. You’ve got to standin defence of your partner, even if it meansenforcing a temporary separation from ameddling relative. Good news from a friendwill result in a fun party on or around the 8th.Expect some money from an inheritance,refund, or dividend. You’ll get lots of fameand acclaim after promoting a brilliant ideain early September. You won’t be able tohelp someone who is disorganised andscatterbrained, so don’t even try. The NewMoon on the 24th is perfect for applying fora high-powered position or going on a jobinterview.

AQUARIUSJanuary 21st - February 19thCheck and double check your work, or youcould make an embarrassing mistake. Athoughtful business or romantic partner willbe eager to take some of the burdens fromyour shoulders. A difficult conversation willgo more smoothly than you expected on oraround the 9th. The Full Moon on the 10thforces you to come to terms with your anger.You can no longer use childhooddisappointments as an excuse for yourshortcomings. Entering a competition will bea good use of your time during the secondhalf of September.

PISCES February 20th - March 20thBuying a lover or child an expensive giftwon’t win their affection. The Full Moon onthe 10th will bring an embarrassing secret tolight. Beware of jealous former loversbearing grudges. Stand firm against peerpressure in the opening days of September.Going against the grain has always beenyour style. A Lunar Eclipse on the 8th bringsan abrupt end to a source of income. In astrange way, this will be liberating. A SolarEclipse on the 23rd allows you to makemoney from your expertise. Putting yourcreative talent to work will be stimulating. Itlooks like you’ll be working alongside someextremely accomplished people, too. .

RUSSELL GRANTCALLING . . . RUSSELL GRANTCALLING . . .

booksOne in a Million, by Steve Prescottand Mike Critcley, Vertical Editions,£17.99

THE life story of Rugby League legendSteve Prescott is emotional, powerfuland inspirational.

The ex-St Helens, Hull FC, WakefieldTrinity Wildcats, Lancashire, England andIreland full-back began writing hisautobiography in 2007 while battlingcancer and completed the manuscript afew weeks before he died in Novemberafter complications from a multi-organtransplant.

His wife Linzi has written the final twoheart-rending chapters of a book which,for the first time, will tell the whole story ofSteve’s brave battle with cancer.

In the book Steve describes growing upin St Helens, dealing with early rejectionbefore signing for his home town teamand the highs and lows of top level RugbyLeague.

Although Steve writes colourfully aboutthe ups and the downs of his career in thegame, One in a Million is much more thana sports book,with much spacedevoted to theway he testedhimself andinspired otherswith a series ofgruellingchallenges.

Linzi said: “Atfirst Stephen justwanted to tell hisstory after beingdiagnosed withcancer, but in the end it became sopersonal to him that he decided to tell thepeople what he was really going throughbehind closed doors, and that it wasn’t allabout endurance challenges and smiling.

“He is very open and honest about whathe went through. He really enjoyed writingit and he put a lot of time and effort into it.

“During his last course of chemotherapyat The Christie, he used the treatmenttime to work on his book, edit it and makesure he was getting it right – and it helpedhim take his mind off what he was goingthrough at that time.

“He worked on the book from 2007 andwas extremely passionate about it in theend; he really wanted to tell his own storyand wanted to make sure people got itfrom him.

“It is certainly not a normal sportingbook, it is the whole picture. As well as hisrugby career, it will tell the readers indetail what he has been through from thediagnosis in 2006 through to thepioneering transplant in 2013..”

All proceeds from the book go to the SPFund which has been set up for Steve’sfamily.n The book is being officially launchedat the Tetley’s Challenge Cup final atWembley on August 23.


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CHECKLISTFLOWERS: Plant autumnflowering bulbs such ascolchicum and autumn crocus.SHRUBS AND TREES: Cliphedges and topiary, removing allnew growth unless it is neededto fill gaps or add height. Take15cm (6in) cuttings of lavender inAugust from stems that have notflowered. Trim them below a leaf-joint, strip off all leaves exceptfour to six at the top. Make a V-trench in a shady spot and insertthe cuttings to two-thirds of theirlength. In heavy soil, fill thetrench first with a gritty mixturesuch as cuttings compost.PATIOS: Spend a few minutesevery day dead-headingcontainer flowers. Make sure thecompost does not dry out andgive a liquid feed once a week.LAWNS: Raise the mowerblades - grass can take weeks torecover if sheared too short inhot weather.PONDS: Remove dying bloomsand leaves of water lilies andother plants. If allowed to rot,they will use up oxygen neededby fish.VEGETABLES: Keep pickingcourgettes and beans as soon asthey are big enough. The moreyou pick, the more the plants willproduce. By mid-August, sowspring cabbages and finishplanting leeks for cropping earlynext year.FRUIT: Peg down strawberryrunners to produce new plants.Fix them into small pots ofcompost buried up to their rimsin the ground. This makes theyoung plants easy to plant outwith little disturbance to theirroots. If cherry or plum treesneed pruning, do it now.GREENHOUSE: Water tomatoesregularly. Splitting and blossom-end rot are caused by irregularwatering.HOUSEPLANTS: Plant hyacinthbulbs in pots to bloom indoors inwinter.

QI have a large trough filled withsweet peas growing up a fence andflowering well.

They are well watered and fed. However,one plant has begun to die. The leaves areturning brown from the bottom and movingup the plant.

AA trough is not ideal for sweet peas,which like a deep root run. In anycase, sweet peas, which were grown

fairly early in the year, will start to die now,with leaves fading from the ground up.

In future, try growing sweet peas in theground or deeper containers, sowing twice:late winter/early spring for early to mid-summer flowering, and late spring for latesummer flowering.

QIn spring we cut back some of thebranches of an overgrownbuddleia but there was no

regrowth on the lower parts.The branches we did not cut grew a few

flowers. Would it be better to cut it all back?

ABuddleia, the butterfly bush, is best cutback to about 30cm (12in) from theground in early to mid-April. It will then

grow strong new shoots, which will flower thesame year. If the shoots do not appear, rootdamage may be the cause.

QI have a large poinsettia plant fromlast Christmas with healthy foliageand in a 5.5in diameter pot. Should

I repot ? I hope it survives ‘til Christmas.

AThe best time to repot a poinsettia isin summer just when the leaves arestarting to regrow.

But it may not be too late. Knock therootball out of the pot and if the roots arefilling the pot, replant in a pot about 5cm(2in) wider and deeper.

To turn the bracts scarlet, put the plant incomplete darkness for 14 hours every dayfor eight weeks during October andNovember.

QWe have decided to attemptgrowing pumpkins in readiness forHalloween and have reached the

stage where about 12 flowers areemerging, some with what look to be thepumpkin growing behind the flower. What is the difference from those without a

pumpkin-like growth? Do I remove flowers inorder for the others to grow? Or is theresome pollinating to be done?

AThe flowers with mini-pumpkins behindthem are females, those with a thinstem the males.

Hand pollination is sometimes necessary inpoor weather, otherwise bees and otherinsects will do the job. Hand-pollinate byremoving a male flower, stripping the petalsand brushing the centre gently across thecentre of the female. Use two or three malesper female. Allow only two female pumpkinsto grow per plant for the best results. Oncefruits start to swell, feed with a tomato-typefertiliser weekly.

WHETHER summerbrings drought orflood, one kind of

shrub can be relied on toproduce eye-catching displaysof flowers.

The mallow or, to use its poshname, lavatera, has stems that canbe 2m (6ft 6in) long and the large,trumpet or funnel-shaped bloomscome in vivid pink, subtler shadesof red or, less commonly, tones ofwhite or purple.

Lavatera tolerates most gardenconditions except heavy shade andeven thrives on waste ground andrailway embankments - self-sownfrom gardens.

Various species grow all round theworld, from Australia to Scandinaviaand the Azores to Siberia, as wellas the British countryside.

One kind has been used as amedicinal plant and culinary herb atleast since Roman times and, in16th-century Britain, had thereputation of curing practicallyanything.

Today it is used moresparingly by herbalists andis also eaten by someenthusiasts.

Young leaves and shootsare consumed raw insalads or cooked invegetable dishes. Unripe seedcapsules, known as ‘cheeses’because of their shape, are said tomake an unusual addition tosalads. I must try them some time!

The spectacular lavateras grownin gardens are forms of the treemallow, a sub-shrub which isgenerally hardy and oftenevergreen in England and Wales.They are all free-flowering,producing blooms of five petals,each double-lobed like a butterfly’s

wing, and are similar to the flowersof the related plants hibiscus andhollyhock.

The sight of a small front gardenoverflowing with long, straightbranches and bright pink flowershas become increasingly familiar.Such displays are mainly producedby a single bush of the varietiesRosea or Kew Rose.

For smaller spaces there are lessvigorous kinds - and, for those whowould like a change from pink,

there are shades of white andpurple.

Choose from these...Barnsley - white petals turning

faintly pink, with a deep rose-pinkcentre and cream stamen. It isslightly less vigorous than Roseabut can revert to that pink species,from which it sprang as a sport - afreak shoot. If pink flowers appear,the branch bearing them should bepruned out completely. It is notnamed after the Yorkshire town butthe place where the sport arose,Barnsley House garden inGloucestershire.

Burgundy Wine was selected fromseedlings of Rosea found on aHampshire nursery in 1988.Although similar to Rosea in size,

shape and habit, Burgundy Winehas much deeper, purple-redflowers with darker veins.

Bredon Springs is also a beautifulintroduction, nearly two metres inheight and spread. Its flowers, intightly packed groups, are palepurple with a dusky-pink flush.

For smaller spaces, one lavaterais obviously suitable – Shorty. Thisis one metre tall and wide, like ahalf-sized Rosea with plentiful pinkflowers. Smaller still is BabyBarnsley, like Barnsley but petiteenough to grow in a large pot.

As well as shrubs, there are hardyannuals. Varieties of Lavateratrimestris include some fine flowerforms with deeply cut veins. Theyinclude a superb white, Mont Blanc.

MALLOW MOMENTS

SUMMER SENSATION: Lavatera Barnsley Baby and Lavatera Rosea

SWEET PEAS for all-summer displays: BUTTERFLY BUSH – the blue variety Buzz

Sweet peas, buddleia, poinsettia – and Holloween pumpkins


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One advert goesa long, long wayOne advert goesa long, long way

Until Sept 20: War Horse. SalfordLowry. Stage adaptation of MichaelMorpurgo’s wartime epic. CAPTIONED:AUG 23. AUDIO DESCRIBED: SEPT13.Aug 5-9: Annie Get Your Gun.Liverpool Empire. Irving Berlin’smusical.Aug 7-9: The Wall. New Brighton FloralPavilion. Tribute to Pink Floyd.Aug 7-9: The Wedding Singer. SalfordLowry. Musical comedy.Aug 8: An Evening of Dirty Dancing.Llandudno Venue Cymru. Tribute show.Aug 10: Jimmy Carr. NewBrighton Floral Pavilion. Stand-up comedy.Aug 15: An Evening of Dirty Dancing.New Brighton Floral Pavilion. Tribute toDirty Dancing. Aug 15: The Smiths Ltd. St HelensCitadel. Tribute to the Smiths.Aug 15: The Bon Jovi Experience.Rhyl Pavilion. Tribute to Jon Bon Jovi.Aug 16: Bullets and Daffodils. NewBrighton Floral Pavilion. The story ofwartime poet Wilfred Owens. Aug 16: BNBF NorthernChampionships. St Helens TheatreRoyal. Bodybuilding show.Aug 16: Roy Orbison and Friends.Southport Floral Hall. Tribute to RoyOrbison. Aug 17: The Magic of Motown.Blackpool Grand Theatre. Featuringloads of Motown hits. Aug 20-21: Peppa Pig’s Big Splash.Llandudno Venue Cymru. Kids’ TVshow live on stage. Aug 20-31: Blam! BlackpoolGrand Theatre. Action-packedcomedy. Aug 22: That’ll Be The Day.Llandudno Venue Cymru. Rock and rollvariety show. Aug 23: Milkshake! Live. St HelensTheatre Royal. Musical for kids.Aug 23: Ken Dodd. LlandudnoVenue Cymru. Stand-upcomedy. Aug 23: That’ll Be The Day. SouthportFloral Hall. Rock and roll variety show. Aug 23: Collabro. Blackpool GrandTheatre. Musical theatre boy band. Aug 24: In My Life. Liverpool RoyalCourt. Featuring the music of JohnLennon.Aug 25-30: One Man, TwoGuvnors. Stoke RegentTheatre. Comedy.Aug 26-28: Jimmy’s Hall. ClwydTheatr Cymru. Celebrating the life ofJimmy Gralton.Aug 26-30: West Side Story. LiverpoolEmpire. Musical.Aug 27: Cannon and Ball. RhylPavilion. Comedy double act. Aug 28: UB40. Llandudno VenueCymru. Reggae stars. Aug 28-29: Sense of Sound:Migration Music. Liverpool Everyman.Aug 29: Saturday Night Bee Gees.Llandudno Venue Cymru. Tribute to theBee Gees. Aug 29-31: Fawlty Towers DiningExperience. Salford Lowry. Tribute tothe sitcom. Aug 30: Marty MacDonald’s Farm. StHelens Theatre Royal. Children’s TVshow.Sept 1-6: One Man, TwoGuvnors. Liverpool Empire.Award-winning comedy.Sept 3: The Two Gentlemen ofVerona. Llandudno Venue Cymru. Live

screening from Stratford-upon-Avon ofShakespeare’s romantic comedy. Sept 3: The Two Gentlemen ofVerona. Clwyd Theatr Cymru. Livescreening from Stratford-upon-Avon ofShakespeare’s romantic comedy. Sept 3: Tig Notaro. SalfordLowry. Stand-up comedy. Sept 3-4. Dawn French.Blackpool Grand Theatre.Stand-up comedy. Sept 3-6: Les Miserables.Runcorn Brindley. Musical. Sept 3-7: What the Ladybird Heard.Salford Lowry. Based on the picturebook by Julia Donaldson and LydiaMonks. Sept 4-6: April in Paris.Manchester Opera House.Comic masterpiece.Sept 4-6: Oliver! New Brighton FloralPavilion. Britain’s best-loved musical. Sept 4-Oct 4: Journey’s End. BoltonOctagon. One of the greatest war playsever written. Sept 4-Oct 4: Jersey Boys.Manchester Palace Theatre. Musicalbased on Frankie Valli and the FourSeasons.

Sept 5: Steve Knightley. SalfordLowry. Singer-songwriter. Sept 5: Palladium Nights. BlackpoolGrand Theatre. Duggie Chapman’s newvariety show. Sept 5: Danny Bryant. St HelensCitadel. Blues musician.Sept 5: T-Rextasy. Llandudno VenueCymru. Tribute to Marc Bolan and T-Rex.Sept 5-Oct 4: Noises Off.Liverpool Royal Court. Comedy.Sept 6: The Drifters. PrestonCharter Theatre. R&B stalwarts.Sept 6: Rhythm of the Dance. StokeRegent Theatre. Irish dance. Sept 6-7: Tom Stade. SalfordLowry. Stand-up comedy. Sept 7: Surfin’ USA. NewBrighton Floral Pavilion. Tribute to theBeach Boys.Sept 7: Don’t let the Pigeon Drive theBus. Salford Lowry. Kids’ show. Sept 8-13: The Kite Runner. LiverpoolPlayhouse. Based on the internationalbestselling novel.Sept 8-13: Blood Brothers. ClwydTheatr Cymru. Willy Russell’s musical.

Summernightsspecials

BLACKPOOLGrand Theatre: 01253290190.BOLTONOctagon: 01204520661.LIVERPOOLEmpire: 08444 999999.Everyman &Playhouse:0151 709 4776.Royal Court: 0870 7871866.LLANDUDNOVenue Cymru: 01492872000.MOLD:Theatr Clwyd: 08453303565.

MANCHESTERLibrary Theatre:SALFORDThe Lowry: 0843 2086000.Opera House: 0870401 9000.Palace Theatre:0870 401 3000.NEW BRIGHTONFloral Pavillion: 0151666 0000.PORT SUNLIGHT:Gladstone Theatre: 0151 643 8757.PRESTON:Charter Theatre: 0845344 2012.RHYL:Pavilion Theatre:

01745 330 000.RUNCORNThe Brindley: 0151 9078360.SALE:Waterside Arts Centre:0161 912 5616.STOKE:Regent Theatre:0844 871 7627.SOUTHPORT:Floral Hall: 0844 8472380.ST HELENS:Theatre Royal:01744 756000.Citadel: 01744 735436.WOLVERHAMPTONGrand Theatre:01902 429212.

BOX OFFICE NUMBERSBOX OFFICE NUMBERS

www.alltogethernow.org.uk August/September2014 All Together NOW! 27

450,000 readers. Call us NOW! . . . 0151 230 0307

Sept 9: An Evening With Tony Jacklin. NewBrighton Floral Pavilion. Professional golfer.Sept 9-10: Rhythm of the Dance. BlackpoolGrand Theatre. Irish dance. Sept 10-11: The Man Jesus. Salford Lowry.Featuring Simon Callow. Sept 10-12: Jesus Christ Superstar. St HelensTheatre Royal. Musical.Sept 10-13: Lord of the Flies. LiverpoolEmpire. Dance production of William Golding’snovel.Sept 11: The Bohemians. Preston CharterTheatre. Tribute to Queen.Sept 11: Ha Ha Hood. New Brighton FloralPavilion. Comic retelling of Robin Hood.Sept 11: Albert Lee and Hogan’s Heroes. SaleWaterside Arts Centre. Award-winning musician. Sept 11: Over the Rainbow. Llandudno VenueCymru. The Eva Cassidy story. Sept 11: Stand up & Rock! Rhyl Pavilion.Combining stand-up comedy with rock and roll.Sept 11-13: Double Death. Blackpool GrandTheatre. Thrilling play. Sept 11-20: The Full Monty. ManchesterOpera House. Play based on the film ofthe same name.Sept 12: The Rat Pack Vegas Spectacular.Llandudno Venue Cymru. Tribute to the RatPack.

Sept 12: A Night of Queen. Runcorn Brindley.Tribute to Queen. Sept 12: Bob Blakely. Salford Lowry. Singer. Sept 12: Bob Paisley - Reluctant Genius. NewBrighton Floral Pavilion. The remarkable story ofLiverpool FC’s most successful manager. Sept 13: Pete Firman. Salford Lowry.Comedy magician. Sept 13: Funeral for a Friend. St HelensCitadel. British heavy metal band.Sept 13: John Bishop. Stoke Regent Theatre.Stand-up comedy. Sept 13: The Real Thing. Runcorn Brindley.UK’s number 1 soul band. Sept 13: Pandora’s Box. Salford Lowry.Powerful drama. Sept 14: Joe Brown. Llandudno Venue Cymru.Rock and roll legend. Sept 14: Chris Martin. Salford Lowry. Stand-upcomedy. Sept 14: Flook. Sale Waterside Arts Centre.Distinctive music. Sept 14: Danny Bhoy. Salford Lowry. Stand-upcomedy. Sept 14: John Lill. Clwyd Theatr Cymru.Classical pianist.Sept 14: Sid’s Show. Salford Lowry. Sid Sloanefrom Cbeebies. Sept 14: Tosca. New Brighton Floral Pavilion.

Puccini’s opera. Sept 15: Joe Brown. Blackpool Grand Theatre.Rock and roll legend. Sept 15-20: Dangerous Corner. Clwyd TheatrCymru. Delve into a mysterious world of murderand conspiracy.Sept 16-20: The Hound of the Baskervilles.Runcorn Brindley. Chilling adaptation of theSherlock Holmes story. Sept 16-20: Agatha Christie’s Murder on Air.Salford Lowry. Three classic whodunnits fromthe Queen of Crime. Sept 16-20: Joseph and his AmazingTechnicolor Dreamcoat. Stoke Regent Theatre.Musical. Sept 16-Oct 11: Wicked. Liverpool Empire.Sequel to the Wizard of Oz.Sept 17: Ruby Wax: Sane New World.:Liverpool Playhouse.Sept 17: Definitive Bublé. Blackpool GrandTheatre. Michael Bublé tribute act. Sept 17-19: I Hate Shakespeare! SaleWaterside Arts Centre. Hilarious introduction tothe Bard. Sept 17-20: Show us your Tips. St HelensTheatre Royal. New comedy.Sept 18: Psychic Sally Morgan. New BrightonFloral Pavilion. An evening of mediumship. Sept 18: Chris Wood. Sale Waterside Arts

Centre. English folk musician. Sept 18: Paul Sinha. Runcorn Brindley. Stand-up comedy. Sept 19: Toast. St Helens Citadel. Tribute toOasis.Sept 19: The Simon & Garfunkel Story.Blackpool Grand Theatre. History of one of folkrock’s greatest ever double acts. Sept 19: The Heart of Everton’s Badge.Runcorn Brindley. History of Everton FC and thesurrounding area. Sept 19: Ultimate Eagles. New Brighton FloralPavilion. Tribute to the Eagles. Sept 19: Paul Sinha. Llandudno VenueCymru. Stand-up comedy. Sept 20: Aynsley Lister. St HelensCitadel. Blues-rock guitarist.Sept 20: Johnny Cash Roadshow. BlackpoolGrand Theatre. Tribute to Johnny Cash. Sept 20: Al Murray, The Pub Landlord.Llandudno Venue Cymru. Stand-upcomedy. Sept 20: The Fireflys. Runcorn Brindley. Britishalt-rock band. Sept 21: Forever in Blue Jeans. PrestonCharter Theatre. Relive the 50s and 60s.Sept 21: James Acaster. Salford Lowry.Stand-up comedy. Sept 21: Nik Kershaw. Salford Lowry.Intimate session with one of the finestsongwriters in the industry. Sept 21: LDN Wrestling. Runcorn Brindley.Spectacular wrestling show. Sept 21: The Osmonds in Concert. BlackpoolGrand Theatre. Featuring Merrill, Jay and Jimmy. Sept 23-24: The Man Jesus. Clwyd TheatrCymru. Moving account of Biblical storiesfeaturing Simon Callow. Sept 23-27: Annie Get Your Gun. BlackpoolGrand Theatre. Irving Berlin’s musical. Sept 23-27: Not I, Footfalls and Rockaby.Salford Lowry. One-woman Samuel Becketttrilogy. Sept 23-27: Puttin’ on the Ritz. ManchesterOpera House. Musical.Sept 24: Vikki Stone. Salford Lowry. Inventivenew musical show. Sept 24-27: April in Paris. New BrightonFloral Pavilion. Romantic comedy. Sept 24-27: Beauty and the Beast.Salford Lowry. Ballet. Sept 25: The Heart of Everton’s Badge. StHelens Citadel. History of Everton FC and thesurrounding area.Sept 25: Oysterband. Runcorn Brindley. Englishfolk band. Sept 25: Iolo Williams. Clwyd Theatr Cymru.Wales’s best-known naturalist.Sept 25-Oct 18: Ghosts. Clwyd Theatr Cymru.Fascinating and thought-provoking play.Sept 26: The Illegal Eagles. St Helens TheatreRoyal. Tribute to the Eagles.Sept 26: Led into Zeppelin. St Helens Citadel.Tribute to Led Zeppelin.Sept 26: An Evening with SportsPersonalities. Southport Floral Hall. FeaturingNeil Ruddock, Jan Molby and Natalie Sawyer. Sept 26: Patricia Routledge - Facing theMusic. Clwyd Theatr Cymru. An evening withone of Britain’s best-kept showbiz secrets. Sept 26: An Evening of Burlesque. LlandudnoVenue Cymru. Britain’s biggest burlesqueextravaganza. Sept 27: The Christians. Runcorn Brindley.Liverpool soul-pop legends. Sept 27: Just So. Clwyd Theatr Cymru.Featuring Robert Powell as Rudyard Kipling. Sept 28: Billy Elliot - the Musical. RuncornBrindley. Stage version of the hit film. character comedy. Sept 29: Michael Palin -Travelling to Work.Manchester Opera House.An evening with MontyPython’s globetrotter.

THE British Council has set up a newwebsite dedicated to creating moreinternational opportunities for deafand disabled artists.

The website allows disabled artistsand disabled-led companies fromaround the world to profile their workand find new international bookings.n www.disabilityartsinternational.org

THE LOWRY has pledged to make moreof its visual and performing artsprogramme more accessible to peoplewith dementia.

It has joined the Salford DementiaAction Alliance (DAA), the local arm of anational organisation committed totransforming the lives of people withdementia and those that care for them.

Plans include ‘dementia friendly’visiting productions - which will take anumber of factors into consideration,such as lighting, sound effects and seatallocation.

Tailored tours of the Lowry Favouritesexhibition are also being created forgallery visitors with the condition.n www.thelowry.com/access

EVER bitten a policeman? Made a waitercry? Laurence Clark has. And in his newone-man show at the Edinburgh Fringe you

can watch him squirm and sweat as he attemptsto justify these (and other) despicable deeds.

In Moments Of Instant Regret, Laurence turns thespotlight on our natural human instincts andeffortless ability to make stupid split secondmistakes.

The Liverpool stand-up comedian has had his fairshare of these moments over the years - largelydue to a combination of his personality and hiscondition (Laurence has cerebral palsy and is awheelchair user).

In addition to his TV credits, he was also awardedthe title of Shortlist magazine’s ‘Funniest NewComedian’, and he frequently performs and writessketches for Soho Theatre’s resident comedycollective ‘Abnormally Funny People’.In Moments Of Instant Regret, George SquareTheatre, Edinburgh, 30 July-24 August.n HOMECOMING SHOWS:26 Sept: Unity Theatre, Liverpool5 Dec: Dadafest, Bluecoat Arts Centre, Liverpool.

Laurence of Edinburgh!

Lowry’s dementia promise Artists site



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:On which continent were armadillos originally found?A Asia B South AmericaC AfricaD Australia

QUESTION 2 – for 2 points:In which London square is the National Gallery situated?A Leicester Square B Berkeley SquareC Grosvenor SquareD Trafalgar Square

QUESTION 3 – for 3 points:Which spirit is made from fermented grapes?A VodkaB WhiskyC CalvadosD Brandy

QUESTION 4 – for 4 points:How many pieces does a set of dominoes contain?A SixteenB Twenty-fourC Twenty-eightD Thirty-six

QUESTION 5 – for 5 points:Which designer clothing manufacturer has an alligator as its logo?A LacosteB BenettonC WranglerD Gap

QUESTION 6 – for 6 points:In which of these card games can a player score a grand slam?A WhistB CanastaC BridgeD Poker

QUESTION 7 – for 7 points:Which of these crops is attacked by the boll weevil?A CottonB MaizeC PotatoesD Sugar cane

QUESTION 8 – for 8 points:Which singer married the former Bee Gee Maurice Gibb?A Cilla BlackB Sandie ShawC LuluD Mary Hopkin

QUESTION 9 – for 9 points:Chelsea and Spain footballer Fernando Torres played for which club when he first moved to England in 2007?A Aston VillaB EvertonC Newcastle UnitedD Liverpool

QUESTION 10 – for 10 points:In which range of hills does the River Thames rise?

A ChilternsB CotswoldsC MalvernsD Mendips

QUESTION 11 – for 11 points:Who was christened Richard John Bingham?

A Lord Haw-HawB Lord SutchC Lord LucanD Lord Leverhulme

QUESTION 12 – for 12 points:The leaves of which plant form the staple diet of the silkworm?

A BambooB RiceC LycheeD Mulberry

QUESTION 13 – for 13 points:Which world snooker champion was nicknamed ‘Dracula’?

A Ray ReardonB Joe DavisC John ParrottD Cliff Thorburn

QUESTION 14 – for 14 points:Which stretch of water separates the north and south islands of New Zealand?

A Bass StraitB Investigate StraitC Cook StraitD Foveaux Strait

QUESTION 15 – for 15 points:In which children’s TV series did the wooden woodpecker called Professor Yaffle appear?

A The ClangersB BagpussC Postman PatD Roobarb and Custard

Footballer Fernando Torres. See Question 9

1. Fitting (8)5. Relaxing exercise (4)9. Egg white (7)

10. Establish (3,2)11. Vehicle (3)12. Hawk, sell (6)15. Distinctive fragrance (5)17. Exhort (4)19. Repaired (6)22. Assert, maintain (6)24. Deprivation (4)26. Rich cake (5)27. Seraph (anag.) (6)30. Compete (3)32. Dodge (5)33. Bravery (7)34. Close violently (4)35. Extremely forceful (8)

1

9

10

16

19

26

32

34

12

2

20

13

23

3

14

21

24

30

31

14

17

22

35

4

11

25

27

33

12

18

22

5

8

10

15

28

5

10

23

24

6

29

7

31

★★

★ ★★ ★

★★

★ ★

★ ★ ★ ★

1. Fly high (4) 2. Permeate (5)3. Having weapons (5)

4. Cavalryman (6) 6. Result (7) 7. Seemed (8)8. Jewish republic (6)

13. Performed task (3)14. Board game (4)16. Suffocates (8)18. Deep cut (4)20. Blissful state (7)21. Cricket team (6)23. Pasture (3)25. Coin money (6)28. Chosen path (5)29. Shovel (5)31. Chair (4)

Can you find the celebrity name hidden in this StarspotCrossword? Complete the crossword in the normal way thenmake a note of the letters contained in all the squares whichare marked with shaded stars. These letters will make ananagram of the name you are looking for.

ACROSS DOWN

The Accumulator QuizSTARSPOT CROSSWORD

SUDOKU

7 5 3 29 4 1 5 73 2 9 7 86 3 9 5

3 77 1 6

9 15 8 3

6 2 9

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

EASY DIFFICULT

FILL in the blank squares in the grid with numbers so that each horizontal or vertical line adds up to the total given in the box either to the left or above it. Horizontal totals are given in the top right corners of the shaded boxes; vertical totals in the bottom left corners.You can use the numbers 1 to 9, but may not use the same number more than once in any run. The number may be used again, however, in the same row or column but as part of another run.

7 6 27 173 15

1834

28 13

8

28

2619 8

47 10

531

4

MEDIUM

KAKURO

4 2 9 72 5 9 1

3 4 21 6 3

7 8 17 3

2 6 58 44 1 9


AADDVVEERRTTIISSEE HHEERREE00115511 223300 00330077AADDVVEERRTTIISSEE HHEERREE00115511 223300 00330077

RREEAACCHH 445500,,000000RREEAADDEERRSS .. .. ..RREEAACCHH 445500,,000000RREEAADDEERRSS .. .. ..


1 11 4 19 21 2 4 26 24 18

17 3 4 12 6 2 3 24 26

26 4 10 5 25 12 22 22 6

10 3 4 11 2 3 12 25 15

26 9 1 16 24 6 19 4 1 2

4 7 16 4 6 26 26 3 16 16 4 26

8 24 16 13 15 9

16 15 17 12 1 16 1 24 13 24 25 4

3 6 9 6 19 2 9 6 4 26

23 12 24 9 6 16 24 3 4

17 1 2 9 16 2 24 14 5

10 2 4 4 19 4 15 4 4

5 7 1 20 4 24 16 4 17 1

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 10?

A

B

C

D F

E

1 2

3 4

5 6

CROSS CODE

SPOT CHECK

L A J E S A L E M C K

A M O R U N E L L U N

I R G N I I N G N I O

L A D T L N W O E K W

O P I R A G R T F A M

C H R I T A A K R O Y

O C D A S L D O R L L

N O N A X E S N A E O

S I T N A Y T I S S P

T T I P L O R A V E O

A N N O E C A L A S T

Starting from the central shaded letter, move one letter at atime (up, down, right or left, but not diagonally) to find 15famous sieges.

PATHWORDS

DIALLING CODES

ROSALIA

Here is anunusual wordwith threedefinitions, onlyone of which iscorrect. Can youidentify the rightdefinition?

WORD WIZARD

1) A cordialflavoured withsundew juiceand variousspices;

2) A shrub of thehibiscusfamily foundin easternareas of India;

3) A series ofrepetitions ofa musicalpassage,each a tonehigher.

Telephone dialling pads combineseveral letters on one key. Herewe have encoded several sets ofwords or items by using numbersrather than letters. Then we havedivided them into groups of threecharacters and run all the namesone after another to make yourtask a little more difficult. Canyou crack the codes?

1. Ordnance survey mapsymbols

946 364 551 292 531 872 451 687 386 172 754 641 968 841 467 835 146 531 268 773 154 448 468 731 742 642 174 831 628 873

173 737 831 427 336

328 437 127 242 474 671 227 346 251 244 331 722 241 487 817 743 781 325 241 526 217 383 736 314 626 184 227 168 552 416

665 172 786 713 326

4. Religious roles and titles

2. Soft drinks

273 261 763 212 652 153 666 122 753 919 283 718 662 861 584 231 672 643 177 827 412 437 792 331 446 437 123 371 326 335

466 126 312 873 625

254 374 217 832 614 426 213 497 819 462 229 316 443 742 182 692 642 126 879 262 148 679 126 278 166 926 247 831 736 342

516 676 226 153 692

5. African countries

3. Canned foods

758 618 662 863 715 862 436 616 328 174 632 775 312 486 571 793 382 676 128 782 731 225 331 232 671 834 382 253 176 871

627 769 328 173 27

921 932 871 436 337 391 242 823 715 646 136 663 194 128 336 125 373 315 673 183 669 766 176 237 812 876 713 645 913 425

467 661 871 354 68

6. English language poets

1[ ] ’ –

2ABC

3DEF

4GHI

5JKL

6MNO

7PQRS

8TUV

9WXYZ

Spaces and any punctuation marksare represented by 1.

Each pair of words has a missing word between them that actsas a link to both (e.g. FRONT – DOOR – MAT). The initial lettersof the six answers (reading downwards) will spell out adimension.

STRANGLE – – – – TIGHT

SHARP – – – GAME

PACK – – – PICK

PINK – – – TRAP

SECOND – – – – MADE

SMALL – – – – SHOW

MISSING LINK

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

1. Emperor Hirohito of Japan dies at the ageof 87 after a reign of 62 years.

2. Television cameras are allowed into theHouse of Commons to broadcastparliamentary proceedings.

3. Playwright Vaclav Havel becomes thepresident of Czechoslovakia.

WAS IT?a) 1981; b) 1983; c) 1985; d) 1987; e) 1989.

MAKE A DATE

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

Clue: Look closely into reproductive body.

_ _ _ _ + S = S _ _ _ _

Accumulator Quiz1 – B; 2 – D; 3 – D; 4 – C; 5 – A; 6 – C; 7 – A; 8 – C; 9 – D; 10 – B; 11 – C; 12 – D; 13 – A; 14 – C; 15 – B.Starspot CrosswordAcross – 1 Suitable; 5 Yoga; 9 Albumen; 10 Set up; 11 Car; 12 Peddle; 15 Aroma; 17 Urge; 19 Mended; 22 Allege; 24 Loss; 26 Torte; 27 Phrase; 30 Vie; 32 Evade; 33 Courage; 34 Slam; 35 Vehement.Down – 1 Soar; 2 Imbue; 3 Armed; 4 Lancer; 6 Outcome; 7 Appeared; 8 Israel; 13 Did; 14 Ludo; 16 Smothers; 18 Gash; 20 Nirvana; 21 Eleven; 23 Lea; 25 Specie; 28 Route; 29 Spade; 31 Seat.Star Name: CAROL VORDERMAN

Word WizardNo 3 is correct. A rosalia is a repeated musical passage.Dialling Codes1. windmill; cycle trail; museum; parking; youth hostel; golf course; lighthouse; picnic site; nature reserve; garden.2. cream soda; cola; lemon barley water; tomato juice; orange squash; cherryade; ginger beer; dandelion and burdock.3. plum tomatoes; luncheon meat; pineapple chunks; sweetcorn; custard; baked beans; vegetable soup; marrowfat peas.4. father; archbishop; cardinal; Chief Rabbi; guru; priest; Dalai Lama; reverend; imam; vicar; mullah; monk; pastor; dean.

5. Algeria; Sudan; Ghana; Egypt; Zimbabwe; Nigeria; Tanzania; Botswana; Ivory Coast; Mozambique; Senegal; Morocco; Kenya.6. WB Yeats; Geoffrey Chaucer; John Donne; WH Auden; Alfred Lord Tennyson; Robert Burns; Emily Dickinson; TS Eliot.Spot CheckA = 2; B = 4; C = 1; D = 6; E = 5; F = 3.Missing Linkhold; end; ice; gin; hand; talk. Dimension: height.Make a DateThe year was 1989.TransformerPore + S = Spore.

S1

L2

O3

E4

Y5

N6

X7

B8

I9

F10

P11

U12

V13

Z14

H15

T16

R17

J18

C19

W20

K21

M22

Q23

A24

G25

D26

614523897825794163397186542159632478273845619468971325932468751586217934741359286

785134692941268357362597841613482975459376128827915463238749516596821734174653289

SUDOKU EASYSUDOKU DIFFICULT

CROSS CODE

762717315

1834

2813

8

28

26198

4710

531

4

1269

64987

73189

792171

162143

84739

31

KAKURO MEDIUM

Pathwords: Alexandria; Stalingrad; Tripoli; Alamo; Jerusalem; Lucknow; Mafeking; Leningrad; Orléans; Troy; Antioch; Constantinople; Calais; Sevastopol; Yorktown.

ALL THE ANSWERS

EACH number in our Cross Code grid represents a differentletter of the alphabet. You have three letters in the control gridto start you off.Enter them in the appropriate squares in the main grid, thenuse your knowledge of words to work out which letters shouldgo in the missing squares.As you get the letters, fill in other squares with the samenumber in the main grid and control grid. Check off thealphabetical list of letters as you identify them.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8I

9 10 11 12 13

14 15T

16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25D

26

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

30

Stay ahead of the game . . .

Everyone for golf


MERSEYSIDE’S Jamie Burdekin and theUSA’s world No.1 David Wagner won the quaddoubles title at the British Open WheelchairTennis Championships.

Burdekin and Wagner were in scintillating format the Nottingham Tennis Centre, securing a 6-0,6-1 victory over Australia’s quad singleschampion Dylan Alcott and last year’s quadsingles champion Lucas Sithole of South Africa.

“It is always important to do well here,” saidBurdekin. “This is our backyard, I have familydown here supporting me and this is one of thetournaments we all really want to do well at.”

Shingo Kunieda won his fifth men’s singles title,beating GB’s Gordon Reid for the second time intwo years.

London 2012 bronze medallists Lucy Shukerand Jordanne Whiley’s bid to add further Britishsuccess ended with a narrow defeat in thewomen’s doubles final.

Second seeds Shuker and Whiley led in boththe first and second sets, but top seeds YuiKamiji, of Japan, and Aniek van Koot, of theNetherlands, sealed a 7-5, 6-4 victory, with Kamijiending the tournament as both women’s singlesand women’s doubles champion.

TWO of cricket’s all-timebatsman gave disabled pupils atWallasey’s Mosslands School afew tips -– and some runs – atthe Lord’s Taverners NationalTable Cricket Finals.

Sachin Tendulkar and Brian Larawere special guests at the event,held at the iconic Nursery Pavilionat Lord’s Cricket Ground inLondon.

Mosslands was among tenfinalists in the annual competition,which attracted more than 500young people from 82 schools andwhich was won by VictoriaEducation and Sports College.

Table cricket is played on a tabletennis table with side panels andsliding fielders, a ball launcher,weighted plastic ball and a bat.

Paralympic chance

UEFA, the body that controls Europeanfootball, has imposed a partial stadiumclosure for one match on Paris Saint-Germain, after finding the club guilty ofdiscriminatory conduct towardsdisabled Chelsea FC fans.

This is the first time that UEFA hascharged a club with abusing disabledfans.

During a UEFA Champions Leaguequarter-final first leg, played in April inParis, disabled Chelsea fans had to sitbelow a section of home supporterswho they alleged abused, threatenedand threw bottles and spat at them.

Joyce Cook, managing director ofCAFÉ, the Centre for Access toEuropean Football, said: “We welcomethe determined decision taken by UEFAwhich sends a clear message to allclubs that abuse of disabled fans willnot be tolerated.

“It is discriminatory to provide adisabled person with a lesserexperience and fans naturally want tosit with their own fans as a part of thematch day experience.

“When that lesser experience leavesdisabled people vulnerable and subjectto abuse purely because they aredisabled, then it is discrimination. Ifthese fans had been non-disabled fans,they almost certainly wouldn’t haveeven been allowed into that part of thestadium.”

LIVERPOOL Paralympicmedallists David Devineand Abdi Jama want

people to get involved with aspecial day of activities tocelebrate National ParalympicDay.

A range of free activities areplanned for Chavasse Park inLiverpool One - and there will bemeet some of the Paralympicheroes.

David Devine, who claimed twobronze medals on the track atLondon 2012, said: “In 2012 wesaw a huge wave of support forParalympians during the Games,and I’m really pleased that twoyears on we can bring an eventlike this to Liverpool so thatmore people can get involved aswe prepare to supportParalympicsGB when theycompete in Rio.”

Abdi Jama, member of theWheelchair Basketball team thatclaimed bronze at the 2008Paralympic Games in Beijingand now captain of the GBmen’s Wheelchair Basketballteam, said: “It’s really excitingthat National Paralympic Day isbeing celebrated in Liverpoolthis year.

“It’s a great opportunity forpeople to find out more about allof the different Paralympic sportsand see what it takes to be aParalympic athlete, maybe evento test some of their own skills!”The event takes place on

Saturday August 30.

Jamie scoops top tennis title

DOUBLE ACT:JamieBurdekin, left,and DavidWagner withtheir trophies

Bowled overBowled over– with style!– with style!

TEST MATCH: Sachin Tendulkar passing on some useful tips to the Mosslands School team

Top Euro clubPUNISHED fordiscriminatingagainstdisabled fans

A FILM about disabled golf hascaptured the hearts of BBC bosses whoplan to showcase it to a worldwideaudience of millions.

Filmed by BBC Look East reporterTom Williams, it focuses on the ISPSHanda PGA Academy programmewhich is aiming to encouragethousands of disabled people to takeup the sport.

Screened during the BBC’s BritishOpen coverage from Hoylake, it mightalso be shown in the Ryder Cup andnext year’s Masters coverage.

It is also getting a permanent slot onthe BBC Get Inspired website.

Appearing in the film are one-leggedgolfer Chris Foster, short-armed golferRichard Saunders and autistic teenagerLewis Eccles.n Any PGA pros interested in enrollingin the ISPS Handa PGA AcademyProgramme can contact the PGATraining Academy on 01675 470333.n Check out the film athttp://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/27701984

31

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www.liverpool.gov.uk/lifestyles/find-an-activity/active-me/

MARK Allen knocked ‘em all for six atthe European Heart and LungTransplant Games in Vilnius, Lithuania.

For the sixth year running, Haltoncouncil’s media man returned as aEuropean champion.

Mark, 42, won table tennis golds in theoverall doubles, and in the age groupdoubles – and took silver in the singles.

Mark said the Games were more aboutraising awareness than the competition.

“If you get hundreds of athletes andsupporters with their country’s flag andsigns up saying they are living withdonated hearts/lungs in English andLithuanian it really has an effect.

“It is great to win medals but there arepeople who train every day, just to be fitenough to attend.

“And, sadly, there are people who will diethis month on the transplant list.”

THEY’VE only beenplaying a year, butEngland’s Wheelchair 7sRugby Union team havealready hit the heights!

Hosting the Four Nationstournament at IM MarshLJMU campus, the teamproduced somescintillating performances,beating Barbarians, Walesand Ireland to take thetitle.

Next on the agenda isthe Six Nations inSeptember.

“We’re ready for anyonenow,” saidplayer-manager MartinBeddis, who also runs theLiverpool Lions 7s.FIGHTER: Mark Allen at the Heart and Lung Transplant Games

Why Mark is a Why Mark is a England’sEngland’snew starsnew starstrue championtrue champion

AFUN sports scheme that helpsdisabled people in Liverpool toget fitter, healthier, and make

new friends is getting bigger andbetter.

And there’s now £250 up for grabs for theorganisation who can motivate the biggestnumber of disabled people to join in thefun during August and September.

“Our Active Me programme has been aresounding success – and we now wanteven more Liverpool residents to getinvolved,” says Nicky Yates, InclusiveSports Manager at Liverpool City Council.

“The Active Me sessions are all aboutbringing people together to become moreactive in a fun way, especially adults with alearning disability, or sensory impairment.

“The best things about the sessions arethey are fun and everyone is really

friendly.”Coaches from Everton in the Community

help people of all ages and abilities tohave fun and bring out skills they didn’tthink they had.

Basketball, handball, tennis and cricketare among the sports on offer at the citycouncil’s Lifestyles Centres acrossLiverpool.

Nicky added: “We realised that it’s quitehard for lots of people to be active,especially if they have different or

additional needs.“People face lots of barriers when they

try going to leisure centres or sports clubsand we want to change this.”

“Participants are also supported by ourteam of Activators who encourage peopleto try other activities.

“The great thing is that carers andsupport workers can join in for free. Weare also adding new activities such aszumba, cycling, swimming and yoga.”

Sessions cost £2 per person.The three-year Active Me programme has

been funded with a £334,000 grant fromSport England. Contributions have alsobeen made by Liverpool Mutual Homesand Your Housing Group.CALL Nicky Yates to register yourinterest - 0151 233 [email protected]

JOIN IN AND MAKE FRIENDS

– and there’s£250up for grabs!


PREMIER League footballclubs are ignoring equalitylaws by refusing to

improve access to theirgrounds for disabledsupporters.

The Level Playing Field charity -which promotes good access forsports fans - spoke out after peerscriticised clubs during a short debatein the House of Lords.

The disabled peer and retiredParalympian Baroness Grey-Thompson said that ManchesterUnited was one of the worstoffenders.

She claimed the club refused tosell season tickets to wheelchair-users and provided only 42 per centof the number of spaces forwheelchair-users that it should.

Guidance suggests that the clubshould have about 280 wheelchairspaces.

Baroness Grey-Thompson said itwas “impossible” to buy a seasonticket at some other Premier Leagueclubs because of the lack ofaccessible spaces.

The Labour peer Lord Faulkner, avice-president of Level PlayingField, said the situation was“woefully inadequate” and the timehad now come “for equality law tobe properly enforced”.

Lord Gardiner, the Conservativeculture, media and sport spokesman

in the Lords, said he would not ruleout introducing further legislation “ifit becomes necessary”, but headded: “Clearly, it is theresponsibility of each club to look athow it is dealing with access fordisabled people.

“We think that is the best way togo because legislation can veryoften be a blunt instrument.”

Joyce Cook, chair of Level PlayingField, said after the debate: “Howcan it be that the corner shop has toabide by the Equality Act to ensurethat disabled people are welcomedand not discriminated against, yetthe football club at the end of the

road seems to ignore disabilitylegislation?

“This shouldn’t be left to individualdisabled fans to have to challengeon their own - that can’t be right -football is our national game.”

She said Level Playing Field hadbeen calling for change for morethan 10 years, and had a “verystraightforward” and “very sensible”plan.

It calls for: a short-term footballstadium improvement fund tohelp poorer, lower-league clubs;working examples of good accessand expert guidance for clubs;and mandatory access audits.

Cook added: “The governingbodies should oversee these actionsas a part of their remit to ensure thatstadiums are safe and fit-for-

purpose for all fans and to ensurethat their member clubs are fulfillingtheir legal obligations.”

A spokesman for the PremierLeague refused to say whether itaccepted that some of its clubs werebreaching equality laws.

But it said in a statement: “AllPremier League clubs havearrangements in place to provideaccess and facilities for disabledfans.

“The highest standards of accessare generally at clubs with newgrounds but all clubs, even thoseworking within the constraints ofolder stadia, work hard to make surethat disabled fans can attendmatches and enjoy their football.”

n A Manchester United spokesmanrefused to say how many wheelchairspaces there were in Old Trafford, orto clarify whether the club allowedwheelchair-users to buy seasontickets.But he said in a statement that theclub provided season tickets for“disabled fans” in its “disabledaccess stand”, and that those fanshave access to the club’s AbilitySuite, which “houses the bestdisabled facilities in the country”. He said: “The club also providesover 280 parking spaces forwheelchair-users or those with otherdisabilities. “

FOUL PLAY!FOUL PLAY!

Stay ahead of the game . . . www.alltogethernow.org.uk

ONLY three top-flight PremierLeague stadiums currentlyprovide the required numberof wheelchair spaces,according to the BBC.

Of the 20 Premier Leagueclubs, Swansea,Southampton and Cardiff tickthe box, while eight fail tooffer even half of what theyshould under nationalguidelines - a situation thathas remained largelyunchanged for more than fiveyears.

Arsenal fan and wheelchairuser Anthony Joy saidguidelines on disabledfacilities were not beingadhered to “in any way,shape or form”.

“There are not enoughspaces,” he said. “Also interms of where you’re put,it’s sometimes anafterthought.

At three Premier Leaguegrounds - Upton Park, VillaPark and Anfield - a limitednumber of wheelchair spacesmeans Mr Joy is forced to sitwith the home fans.

“I don’t want specialtreatment,” he said. “I don’tthink any person with adisability wants specialtreatment, they just wantequality. They want a chanceto go and see the game, andideally sit with their friends.”

Current guidelines on howUK football clubs shouldcater for disabled spectatorshave been in place since2004 in the form of theAccessible Stadia Guide.

Old stadia are not exemptand, just like the local shopor parish church, footballclubs must continually make“reasonable adjustments” toensure everyone can accesstheir services.

Since the implementation ofthe Equality Act in 2010 andlegislation dating back to1995, it has been illegal forservice providers, includingfootball clubs, to treatdisabled people lessfavourably than othercustomers.

Only threeclubs havegot it right

BEST PERFORMERSTHE BBC survey revealed the following wheelchair spacesprovided as a percentage of Accessible Stadia Guide1. Swansea 121%2. Southampton 104%3. Cardiff 102%4. Arsenal 96%5. West Brom 89%6. Hull 89%7. Manchester City 88%8. Newcastle 73%9. Sunderland 70%10. Stoke 68%

11. West Ham 60%12. Everton 56%13. Norwich 49%14. Chelsea 47%15. Liverpool 45%16. Manchester United 43%17. Crystal Palace 40%18. Aston Villa 39%19. Tottenham 28%20. Fulham 24%

byJOHN PRING

It’s timefootballplayedfair . . .

TOPEURO CLUBPUNISHED

page 30

SIT DOWN! Wheelchairfans don’t always getthe best seat in theground . . .

Atn aug sep 2014 web

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