Issue 1194

31 Jul 2017
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About this issue: Overview

To help you and your family escape summer lethargy, we round up the best and most unusual summer activities happening in the north. From learning about chariot racing in Scarborough to a witch treasure hunt in Lancaster, there’s something to keep everyone happy this summer.

Next up, we chat with Dr Waheed Arian, a Chester-based doctor who is constantly working to help patients in Afghanistan and Syria. He talks about his experiences as an asylum seeker in the UK and his pioneering use of telemedicine.

Fifty years on from the decriminalisation of homosexuality in England and Wales, we reflect upon the significance of the 1967 Sexual Offences Act and consider the state of LGBT rights today.

On our news pages, we focus on a new charity sending letters to cancer patients and report on fears of an NHS property fire sale.

Crime writer Mark Billingham tries to talk some sense into his younger self, sculptor David Mach discusses his contribution to a new exhibition at Chester Cathedral, and Arcade Fire’s new album falls under our critical eye. And, as always, there’s our devilish crossword, Sudoku and more.