Winter 2011/2012

A Message from the Chairperson

Happy New Year from the Chairperson of CDA and all the Trustees. We now have a
new Treasurer who was appointed in December. His name is Trevor Weedon, we are
very happy to have him as one of the Trustees to join Godfrey, Chalky, Dawn, David,
Sue, Anastasia and I. 2012 is going to be an exciting year for CDA and we really
want to know what you think about CDA. Please can you fill in the questionnaire and
hand it in at one of the drop ins or at CDA. We are also going to hold a meeting in
February when you can come and meet some of the trustees and ask questions and
tell us what you think. If you aren't a member of CDA then please consider joining to
show your support. It only costs 1.
JANIE ANDERSON

Merry Christmas
and a Happy New
Year to all our readers
Newsletter by email?
We would like to send the newsletter by email. If you are happy for us to do this,
then please fill in your email address and also your name.
Or you can let me know by email:
office@cambsdeaf.org
Your Name ______________________________________________________
Email address___________________________________________________
Many thanks

Cambridgeshire Deaf Association, 8 Romsey Terrace, Cambridge CB1 3NH

Fax: 01223 411701 Voice: 01223 246237
Email:
office@cambsdeaf.org
Skype: cdassociation

CDA NEWS

Deaf Club
Dates for your Diary.......

Cambridge Deaf Club

Cambridge Deaf Club is held on the 3rd Saturday of each month. The club meets at
8 Romsey Terrace, Cambridge and is open from 7.30pm to 10.30pm. For more
information please contact CDA (details on the front page)
Jan 21st , Feb 18th, Mar 17th , Apr 21st
March and District Deaf Club
March and District Deaf Club is based at St Peters Church Hall, High Street, March,
Cambs. PE15 9JR We meet on the 1st Friday of every month at 7.00pm to 11.00pm.
All are welcome more information from Godfrey Palmer, 47 Creek Road, March,
Cambs. PE15 8RE Fax 01354 658111 SMS 07801705659
Jan 6th , Feb 3rd , Mar 2nd , Apr 13th (not 6th )
Peterborough Deaf Club
The club meets at the Kingfisher Centre, The Cresset, Bretton, Peterborough. PE3
8DX on the 2nd Saturday of each month at 5.00pm to 9.00pm More information
from Simon Richardson email: simon.richardson593@btinternet.com Msn email
address: poshdeafclub2011@live.co.uk
Jan 14th, Feb 11th, Mar 10th, Apr 14th
Huntingdon Deaf/Hearing Club
All Deaf and Hearing people who are learning to sign or want to polish up or practice
their signing skills are very welcome. This is an informal social evening. at St
Barnabas Church, Medway Road, Huntingdon, Cambs, PE29 1SF on 2nd Friday of
each month from 7.30pm to 9.30pm. For more information, please contact CDA
(details on front page)
Jan 13th, Feb 10th, Mar 9th, Apr 13th
NEW Greek Dancing Group
Welcome to the first Greek Dancing Group for D/deaf and hard of hearing people in
the UK! Hearing people can join as well. We will meet every last Friday of the month
starting
from
January
at
Cambridgeshire
Deaf
Association.
For more information contact Anastasia: angiagkoudi@gmail.com - 07707 312233
Thank you all for your support!)
Jan 27th, Feb 24th, Mar 30th, Apr 27th

CDA NEWS

March Deaf Club

Hilda Follows
Who passed away peacefully on Thursday
6th October 2011. Aged 87 years.
She and her husband Sid moved to March
from London 9 years ago because of Sids
health problems and he died 7 years ago.
We became friends and I helped her,
taking her to the club, visits, fetching
prescriptions, hospital appointments etc. I
had her bungalow key for 7 years. On
Thursday 6th October I went to visit her in
her home. I unlocked the front door, rang
the flashing door bell and looked into the
kitchen. I walked into the kitchen and
found her dead on the floor. So I went to
see her sister (Sylvia Chiverton), in the
bungalow just opposite to ring for help.
Sylvia was terribly upset. On Tuesday 25th
October we had a Funeral service at St
Peters Church, at 1.30pm. Rev. Anthony
Chandler took the service with Rev.
Charles Dixon interpreting. This was
followed
by
cremation
at
Fenland
Crematorium. Then we had the wake at
March Evangelic Fellowships Christian
Centre.
See photo on top left taken by Catherine
Palmer at Anglesey Abbey on 6th August
2011.
th
On Friday 7 October 2011 we had a Social Evening at the club with only 20
people because lots of our members were away on the EDDJ holiday. But
David Cook brought a playing cards game. It was called Navy. It was good
and the person with the highest points wins the game. Valarie Forge was the
winner.
John Uren organized a game called Crazy Putter on Friday 4th November
2011. Everyone was very close but Nigel Frisby won. It was a good game and
there was lots of laughing.
35 people came to the Christmas dinner on Friday 2nd December 2011. See 2
photos on left. It was a lovely 4 course meal with very good food. The menu
was vegetable soup, roast beef, Yorkshire pudding and vegetables, Christmas
pudding or trifle and cheese & biscuits and coffee or tea by Housedens of
Chatteris. There was also free soft drinks and wines. John Uren organized a
Christmas game asking what year famous people were born. Janice Floyd was
the winner. Catherine Palmer organized a Guess the Name of the Doll game
and lots of people played. Ann Ratcliffe won. Afterwards there were lots of
raffle prizes. Chairperson Christine Tarrant would like to say thank you to
everyone who brought prizes for the raffle and the committee for all their
help.

CDA NEWS

March Deaf Club (Cont)

FORTHCOMING EVENTS: At St Peters Church Hall, High Street, March
PA15 9JR.
Friday 6th January 2012
Billy Rodwell Singing in Sign
rd
Friday February 3
Talking about the Sky at Night by David Kettle
Friday March 2nd
Sid Follows Shove d Trophy
th
th
Friday April 13 (not on 6 ) 29th Annual General Meeting & Election of
Officers
FORTHCOMING SERVICES: At St Peters Church, High Street, March
PE15 9JR.
Services for Deaf people will be on the following Sundays
Dec 18 2011
6.30pm Carols & Readings
GODFREY PALMER

Peterborough Deaf Club

Sept 10th
Memorable old school day, enjoy see old photo and some history book about deaf
school and it was very interesting and meet people and tell us about old time day.
Sept 25th
Cycling around Rutland Water for 25 miles to raise money for the deaf club. We all
really enjoyed the ride and we were so lucky with the weather. One person had a
broken bike and we tried to fix it but we can't and so lucky there were staff
around Rutland Water who
kindly gave her a lift back to the
car park. Unfortunately Qadeer
was knocked over by a sheep
but he is ok. We stopped at the
pub for a break, it was a lovely
pub. We all really enjoyed
cycling with lovely fresh air and
lovely views. We raise 334.66
and thank you to all the people
who were cycling and those who
sponsored us.
Oct 8th
Our Voice gave a talk and we
found this very interesting.
Nov 12th
We had quiz game, and we had to guess who the famous person was? Emma
Lipton and Samiya Hussain got most right and they got 41/42 right. Well done.

CDA NEWS

Peterborough Deaf Club (Cont)

Dec 10th
We had a Christmas party and with plenty of food, a game of bingo and a raffle and
games. Jason Sharpe won the bingo and he received a 50 voucher from John Lewis,
congratulation to him! Also we played pass the parcel with a clue inside each
wrapping paper and we had to do what it said! e.g stand on one leg for 30 seconds!
Great fun! Dean Connelly won tickets for a family of 4 to watch Cinderella at the
Bretton Centre theatre. We all really enjoyed the night and there were 7 raffle
winners. Thank you to everyone who came to the party. We wish you a Merry
Christmas and a Happy New year from Peterborough Deaf club.
Jan 14th
Guess Whats in the Socks!
Feb 11th
Normal
March 10th
Games
SIMON RICHARDSON

Cambridge Deaf Club

Deaf Club was cancelled on October 15th as Malcolm and Helen Perry were away and
nobody was able to open the Deaf Club.
We had a good mini party on December 17th and
everybody brought food and drinks which we shared.
We had good fun and talking. Next year please do
bring a game so we can play even if it is something
new.
Happy 60th birthday to Phil Knight on 17th November
2011 (see picture on right)
Also Happy Birthday to Steve Cooper as he will be 70
on 30th December
There will be a special Quiz night on 18th February
2012 which Sally Clelland will organise.
Happy New Year
HELEN PERRY

CDA NEWS

Deaf & Hearing Clubs (Huntingdon and Cambridge)

Huntingdon Deaf & Hearing club is still doing well. Big thanks go to Matthew Faupel,
Brett Chitty, Kathy Glover/Sue Hills and Janie Prince for organising games for the past
four months. All the games were great fun. Also thanks to Marian Gossland for doing
tea/coffee/washing up every month! Much appreciated. Average attendance was 23
people.
The Cambridge Deaf & Hearing Club, has average attendance of 16 people and
November 25th was the last session we had. We are not doing it anymore in the New
Year. The reason for this is that there are various Pub meets in Cambridge such as
Tram Depot on Thursday and another one on Saturday in Regent Pub etc. Instead we
are setting up a new project Greek dancing. Please see a comment from Anastasia
below and I hope you will be able to come and join the fun.
Welcome to the first Greek Dancing Group for D/deaf and hard of hearing people in
the UK! Hearing people can join as well. We will meet every last Friday of the month
starting from January at CDA.
For more information contact Anastasia: angiagkoudi@gmail.com - 07707 312233
JAMIE BILLAM

BSL Pub Meeting in Cambridge (Thursday)

We are now meeting every first and third Thursday of the month. We will be meeting
7.30pm at the Tram Depot pub just off East Road, Cambridge (opposite Anglia Ruskin
University on East Road). We meet just to relax and chat using BSL. Everyone is
welcome whether youre Deaf or hearing, a beginner or a fluent signer. We hope to
see you there! For more details, contact Matthew Faupel on 07779 355983 (SMS) or
matthew@faupel.org (e-mail).
MATTHEW FAUPEL

Cambridge Deaf Pub (Saturday)

We changed the group description to "Welcome to Cambridge Deaf
Pub. I would like you to come along to meet new people who are
deaf and hard of hearing or hearing who can use BSL (British
Sign Language) at any levels to warm up or get practice or just
have fun. You're welcome to join and meet up in the Cambridge Deaf
Pub and also you can bring your friends.
EVERY MONTH to meet up at 18:30hrs in The Prince Regent, Cambridge.
Dates:
26th November
7th January
4th February
3rd March
14th April
Where:
The Prince Regent
91 Regent St, Cambridge CB2
ADAM LINDSELL

Peterborough Deaf Pub(Tuesday eve)

Meet at The Hampton (near McDonalds/Tesco) Every 1st Tuesday of every month
from 7pm until closed. Invite your friends.
DEBBIE POWELL

CDA NEWS

Secret Window a free London exhibition by two young deafblind

artists
Secret Window exhibition
Reading Room Gallery
65-66 Frith Street
Soho, London W1D 3JR
Monday 12 December to Friday 20 January, 9am to 6pm
After the success of running two national art exhibitions,
Sense is proud to launch the Secret Window a free
London exhibition displaying the highly visual work of two
young artists, both of whom have Usher syndrome, a major
cause of deafblindness in the UK.
This exhibition is the aspiration of Senses vision to celebrate
the achievements of deafblind people and promote their
creative talents. Secret Window is the logical progression for
artists Lloyd McCullough and Ian Treherne to showcase their
individual yet complimentary work.
Lloyd McCulloughs fantasy images are testament to the richness of his imagination.
His artwork takes its viewers into a beautiful and mystical world. Lloyd was born
profoundly deaf with Usher syndrome. His love of art began as soon as he learnt how
to hold a pencil and he has a BA (Hons) in Illustration.
Ian Treherne also has Usher he was born partially deaf
and has limited vision. After discovering in his teens that
his eyesight would gradually deteriorate, Ian picked up
the camera and began to document those places that
people walk past everyday without a second glance.
Finding art in areas that most people take for granted,
Ians work spans urban wastelands, city-scapes and
scenes from nature.
The exhibition is open to the public from the 13 December 2011 to 20 January 2012
(Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm) and is free to enter.
Works from both artists will also be on sale to buy so do come along and take a look.
We hope you enjoy the view into the Secret Window.

Images: colour tree by Lloyd McCullough (top); photograph by Ian Treherne.

CDA NEWS

A night at the opera

I went to the cinema last night for the first time in years. A friend invited
me to the opera, which turned out to be a recording of Faust, from
the Metropolitan Opera House in America! It seems that they
network recordings all around the world, and in the UK you can see
some of these productions at your local cinema if they are taking part
in it. My local cinema in Huntingdon is taking part, as is the cinema in
Cambridge. My ticket cost twelve pounds, but some cinemas may charge
more.
I got to the venue a little late, having fallen asleep in my armchair, so I went in just
as it was starting, with the lights already dimmed. So I sat near the front, which is
where a wheelchair user would have to park (and as a disabled person that suited me
fine in many ways, as I would not have liked to have negotiated the stairs). The down
side is that you are close to a massive screen, and you can get a pain in the neck
looking up, more than you would from further away.
I found the experience of watching the drama and hearing the music a tremendously
exciting experience. I could hear the music with my cochlear implant with no
problem. But unlike hearing an opera on the radio, or even watching a production on
the television, the large screen and close-up shots made you feel you were there at
the Met. There were also interviews during breaks, and so more than you would have
got if you had been to a real live performance in some ways.
It seems that these productions offer more than just opera- the Swan Lake ballet is
next in Huntingdon. It may be worth going to something just to see how well you can
hear the music - and of course there were subtitles to the opera (but not to the
interviews and introductions). You can find details at the following website www.picturehouses.co.uk.
I am now an addict and I will go to all the productions I can fit into my diary!! They
do go on a long time (some experienced hands had come with sandwiches and
drinks). This recording of Faust lasts four hours and ten minutes). There are breaks
when you can go to go out and visit the loo and the refreshment area.
MICHAEL SEARLE

Supporting Deaf People Service

We work with D/deaf, hard of hearing, deafened, deafblind people living in
Cambridgeshire. We aim to ensure that people are enabled to live as independently
as possible.
We can help with:
Day to day issues Budgeting Correspondence Developing social skills
Accessing a wide range of services Emotional support Welfare benefits
Equipment advice
One of the Team is usually available at the Drop-in sessions across the County. The
workers are sign language users.
Camsight, 167 Green End Road, Cambridge. CB4 1RW
Phone
Mobile
Fax

01223 420033
07565910971
01223 501829

CDA NEWS

Our Voice Advocacy Services

Our Voice provides confidential, independent and free advocacy support to D/deaf
people in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.
What is advocacy?
Advocacy is about enabling people to have a REAL SAY in what happens in their
lives. Not everyone can express their needs easily this is where an ADVOCATE
can help. Advocacy aims to give people the skills and confidence to make informed
choices and the power to make their voices heard.
Do you feel some things are too much to deal with on your own?

Do you feel that no one is listening to you?

Going through a difficult time in your life, and dont know how to deal with it?
We can support with disputes or problems:Benefits
Employment
Discrimination
Health choices
Police/courts
Family
Financial e.g. Debts, claims, budgeting
Complaints

Everything you tell us will be kept confidential. We do not tell anyone else about
your problems without asking you first.
Changes at Our Voice There are a few changes happening at Our Voice! Firstly
we have moved offices from Swavesey back into Cambridge. We are sharing
offices with another charity, VoiceAbility, to help save money so that we can focus
on providing services to clients. We are not part of VoiceAbility but we are very
grateful to them for letting us share their offices. Secondly, and sadly, Ruth
Godden and Doris Hill are both leaving Our Voice at Christmas. They have done
great work at Our Voice for their clients and for the charity and they will be very
much missed! We wish them good luck for the future, Ruth in her new job and
Doris in her retirement. From January 2012 we will have two advocates, Jude
Caldwell who has been working for Our Voice since May and Anna Baker, who
many of you will know as Our Voices volunteer project co-ordinator. Both of our
advocates know all about Deaf culture and issues and are able to use Sign
language to a high standard.
How to contact us. There is usually an Our Voice advocate present at the dropins in Peterborough, March and Cambridge. You can text us on 07553 349430 or
email us on our_voice@btconnect.com. Our address is, Our Voice, c/o VoiceAbilty,
Mount Pleasant House, Huntingdon Road, Cambridge, CB3 0RN Our web address is
www.our-voice.org.
RUTH KERN

CDA NEWS

Fenland Deaf Drop-in

It was with sadness that we learnt that Hilda Follows had passed away on 6th
October 2011. She always came along to March Deaf Club and the Fenland Deaf
drop in. We will always remember her.
Peter Chapman had an accident after falling into hot bath and was taken to
Chelmsford hospital. He had been in hospital for several weeks. He will be
transferred to Kings Lynn hospital soon but is very much better.
On 24th November, 11 deaf people travelled in a mini-bus driven by Godfrey
Palmer to Romford Deaf club for the Christmas Grand Bingo with raffle prizes.
Godfrey Palmer won the top bingo prize of 200!! And 3 March Deaf people won
bingo prizes too, after that we had a nice cup of tea and mince pies.
We left Romford Deaf club at 4-15pm, arrived at March at about 5.30pm, after a
very good time.
On 15th December, Christine Tarrant, John and Sue Uren and I arrived at
Fenland Deaf drop in at 10.30am and prepared for the Christmas party - food,
raffle, and the bingo all ready for 12pm. At 12.30pm everyone enjoyed their
sandwiches, Cornish pasties, sausage rolls, and Catherine Palmer made a lovely
coffee cake. After lunch, Godfrey Palmer did the bingo, some Kings Lynn Deaf
people won bingo prizes especially Carol Knott - she won twice!! After that
several raffle prizes and thanks to everyone who brought items for the raffle.
Many thanks to Anna Snell for letting us use the rooms, and thanks to Christine
Tarrant, John & Sue Uren, and Godfrey Palmer for working so hard. And also
Catherine for making good cakes. Next Fenland Deaf drop in will be on 12th
January 2012. Everyone is Welcome!
MICHAEL PAPE

Cambridge Deaf Lunchtime Group

We have ramps available for Wheelchair users and you can come either
through the main entrance (front) or go through the back way. We
have a Support worker from Supporting Deaf People services available
for the drop-in & also a Deaf Advocate from Our Voice.
Please do let me know if you have any questions or queries.
JAMIE BILLAM

Peterborough Deaf Drop in

Hello everybody. Hope you are all well.
Things are still going well at the Drop In. Numbers are quite high every week.
As you may already know, Debbie had her operation a couple of weeks ago.
She came to the Drop In today (14/12/11) and she looked really well. It was
lovely to see her.
Im sad to say that Ruth from Our Voice is leaving. She is moving on to another
job.
She has worked very, very, very hard supporting Deaf people as an
Advocate.
We will miss you Ruth. Good luck in your new Job and you are
more than welcome to pop in whenever you are around.
Jude and Anna, who both already work for Our Voice, have been given Ruths
working hours.
Well thats about it for now. Theres only one thing left to say Merry
Christmas and A Happy New Year.
SUE, ELAINE and DEBBIE

CDA NEWS

Huntingdon Deaf Lunchtime Group

The new Drop-in has certainly made an excellent start. We have 16 people in
October, 14 in November and 17 in December which is most encouraging.
We are expecting the group to be small but now we do know there is a real
need for this new Drop-in and we are happy to say we can make this
permanent. A small room has been booked every month on the 1st floor of the
new Huntingdon Library. Tea and coffee will be provided. The time is 12.30pm
to 2.30pm every first Thursday of each month at the Huntingdon Library,
Princes Street, Huntingdon. PE29 3PA
There is access for wheelchair users and they can access the 1st floor by using
the lift.
We all agreed that we will make a small charge of 50p per person for every
session to help CDA to run this Drop-in. Big thanks go to Ron & Angela Watson,
Fiona Tran and Ann Ratcliffe for all their help which is greatly appreciated
JAMIE BILLAM

Drop-In Dates for your Diary

Peterborough Deaf Drop-In
Need help or advice with anything? Are you bored, lonely or have nothing to do?
Why not come to the Drop-In? We have a Co-ordinator and one Support
worker who are able to use BSL. The Deaf Drop-in will also be attended
occasionally by a representative of the Sensory Service and an Advocate from
Our Voice.
Open every week on Wednesday 12.15 pm to 2.15pm
Room Three (Ground Floor), Peterborough College of Adult Education, Brook
Street, Peterborough. PE1 1TU

Fenlands Drop-In
12pm to 2pm every three weeks (not always) at The Christian Centre, Upwell
Road, March, Cambs. PE15 9DT. For further information please contact
Christine Tarrant using CDAs address or Tel no; (details on front page)
Jan 12th, Feb 2nd,Feb 23rd, Mar 15th Apr 5th

Cambridge Deaf LunchTime Group

11.30am to 2.30pm every third Wednesday of each month at The Deaf Centre,
8 Romsey Terrace, Cambridge. For further information please contact Jamie
Billam using CDAs address or Tel no: (details on front page)
Jan 18th, Feb 15th, Mar 21st, Apr 18th

Huntingdon Deaf LunchTime Group

12.30am to 2.30pm every first Thursday of each month at the Huntingdon
library, Princes street, Huntingdon. PE29 3PA
For further information please contact Jamie Billam using CDAs address or Tel
no: (details on front page)
Jan 5th, Feb 2nd, Mar 1st, Apr 5th

CDA NEWS

Editors News
The last three months have been very busy. Brendan Casey, yet
again has done an awful lot of volunteering time for us with
Computer training by meeting many different deaf clients. Also we
have managed to recruit some new volunteers for the Befriending Service and I
am looking forward to seeing them meeting new clients soon. Please do let me
know if you are willing to give some of your spare time to volunteering. We
need volunteers for various things and transport is one of them.
It is good to see the new Huntingdon Deaf Drop-in going very well and I am
hoping other the other new projects in the pipeline e.g. Greek Dancing and Yoga
will also do well in the New Year. You can see information about the Greek
Dancing on the Deaf & Hearing club page. Good luck Anastasia.
It is really good to see an almost new Trust Board of Trustees for CDA and I
really look forward to working with them and for the future of the Deaf
Community.
Please take a look at the Questionnaire at the back of our newsletter, and make
an effort to fill it in and send it back to CDA. Please let us know if you need
some help filling in the form.
On behalf of all the Trustees of CDA, we wish everyone a very Happy Christmas
and a Happy New Year
JAMIE BILLAM

Cambridgeshire County Council Sensory Services

Sensory Service Team, Admundsen House, 18b Compass Business Park, Stocks
Bridge Way, St Ives, Cambridgeshire PE27 5JL
Tel (Voice) 0345 045 5221 Fax 01480 498066 Minicom 01480 376743
SMS (text) 07766 898 732
Email sensory.services@cambridgeshire.gov.uk

Referrals to the team

For calls to the Sensory Services Team to go via Cambridgeshire Direct the
Contact Centre via 0845 045 5221 The advantage of this change is that
contact can be made to the team over extended hoursfrom 8.00am to 8.00pm
Monday to Saturday as opposed to the current weekday office hours, and that
there will be advisors will be able to provide simple advice or signposting where
appropriate
The Sensory team can still be contacted as above

Sensory Support Team, Peterborough Social Services

The Sensory Support Team contact details are:
Voice:
01733 747474
Minicom:
01733 746141
Fax:
01733 746140
SMS:
07917 133170
Email:
ask@peterborough.gov.uk
Ask for a referral to the Sensory Team.

CDA NEWS

Deaf Church News

DIOCESE OF ELY: MINISTRY AMONG DEAF PEOPLE

Christmas Day 2011:

9.30am Family Communion Service at the Parish Church of St Mary, in
Godmanchester (sign supported by Revd Charles and the local sign team).
All our signers wish you all a VERY HAPPY CHRIST-MAS, and a Healthy & Happy
2012.
To all those of you who have faithfully attended all the signed or sign-supported
church services around the Diocese of Ely THANK YOU for your support, you
really are valued.
Our prayers go out to any who will be on their own at Christmas time, please
believe that you are in our prayers.
If you want to surf a few Christian sign web-sites, try any or all of these three.
http://www.signsofgod.org.uk/
http://www.christiansigns.co.uk/
http://www.deafchristian.org.uk/
Regular Church Services for the Deaf are held in Cambridge, Godmanchester,
March and Soham as follows:
Cambridge Deaf Church [CDA Centre for Deaf People] in sign language
On the 1st Wednesday of the month we have Bible Study at 11am, followed by
a Holy Communion Service at 12 noon. The next bible study and church
services are January 4th, February 8th [Note: not 1st], March 7th.
Godmanchester [sign supported]:
The 4th Sunday each month a service in St Marys Parish is sign supported,
either:
Sign interpreted Parish Eucharist services at 9.45am: [at St Marys Church,
Chadley Lane], or
Sign interpreted Praise Service at 10.30am [at St Anne's School, London Road].
Next Services are: January 22nd [10.30am],February 26th [9.30am], March 25th
[10.30am].

CDA NEWS

Deaf Church News (Cont)

Hemingford Grey [sign supported]
On the 1st Sunday each month at St James Church the Family Praise Service is
sign supported.
Next services are January 1st, February 5th, and March 4th.
March Church Services [sign supported]:
The next service dates are 4pm on February 26th, June 24th.
Soham Parish Church [sign supported]:
The 2nd Sunday each month, St Andrews Parish Church 10am service is sign
supported for deaf people joining the local hearing congregation for worship.
Next services are January 8th, February12th, March11th.
Please note the new service start time 10am.
For further information email: c.dixon41@btinternet.com

SMS 07749 702924

CHARLES DIXON

Sign Post
Deeping Baptist C hurch, 42 Bridge Street, Deeping St James, Peterborough,
PE6 8HA
We warmly invite you to our monthly Sign Post meetings. Doors open 5.30pm
close around 10pm. If you do come, please bring your sandwiches for tea at
6pm we provide tea and coffee free. After tea - a time to socialise, games or
demonstration talk. After this a short talk from the Bible followed by with
tea/coffee and social time. Sign language supported also loop system and live
typing available.
Programme 2011/2012
Saturday 31st December - OPEN! Games and free food!
Saturday 28th January - 'Your Favourite Photo' evening. Show us your
favourite photo and tell us why!
Saturday 25th February - 'Your School Life' evening
Saturday 31st March - Paper Flower Arranging.
Saturday 28th April - Special Meeting - April Rally (Details in next CDA
Newsletter)
See Sign Post website for information about Sign Post, also of summaries of
Bible talks. www.sites.google.com/site/signpostdeeping
NIGEL FRISBY

Computer Training
Please do let me know if you need any help with understanding
how to use a computer and I can arrange a training date with you
to meet Brendan Casey who has skills in using computers as well
as being able to use a variety of different communication
methods to meet a wide range of communication needs.
The best time to meet him is on Wednesday, Thursday or
Friday. (Wednesday and Thursday are the best days.)
JAMIE BILLAM

Deaf Astronomy Day

Malcolm and I went to Greenwich on December 3rd as it was Astronomy day for
Deaf people. There were 40 people and we
watched the life of star 360 degree film with
subtitles and BSL signing in the Planetarium
for 45 minutes.
After a break Dr Ed Bloomer, an astrophysicist
lecturer explained the functions of Galaxies
for 30 minutes with 2 BSL interpreters. In the
afternoon we attended the workshop, Derek
Rowley, Chris Hurren and David Kettle
demonstrate how the planets and stars
worked. A very interesting display.
See Hear TV filming crew filmed the day
which will shown in January.
We had a look around the rooms and some of the photographs are very good.
There are a lot of displays and brief films with BSL signs and subtitles showing
how the stars and planets work.
Did you know that the sun is a star?
If you want know more about stars and planets there is a website for deaf
astronomy www.bdaa-uk.org
HELEN PERRY

BSL ramble held in March on 30th October

Twenty seven people turned up for the walk. We
started the walk from the Clock Tower (see picture
on the right) and we went through Houghton
Water Mill, then over the river to the meadow. We
reached part of Hemingford Abbott and then
continued to Hemingford Grey walking by the
riverside. When we arrive there, we went back
exactly
the
same way and
the walk was
very pleasant and easy, some by the
riverside, some through the meadow, some
through the villages and we passed some big
houses where all the wealthy people live!
The walk was approximately 3 miles and it is
very picturesque. Most of us finished up at
the Three Horseshoes Pub for drinks and a
meal. It was a very pleasant day
The next walk will be on Sunday March 18th
10.30am in Burwell. More information will be announced later and Ron Allen has
kindly agreed to organise the walk. It is hoped that the walk will be longer than
before, possibly 5 miles. Please make a note in your diary.
JAMIE BILLAM

CDA NEWS

CDA Training Courses

BSL LEVEL ONE
One year course leading to the nationally accredited
Signature Level One Certificate.

Venue:- 8, Romsey Terrace, Cambridge CB1 3NH

COMMENCING:
Monday 9th January 2012
Time: 7.00pm to 9.00pm

BSL LEVEL TWO

One year course leading to the nationally accredited
Signature Level Two Certificate.
COMMENCING Wednesday 11th January 2012
Time: 6.00pm to 9.00pm
To reserve your place of the above course, contact CDA

Tel: 01223 246237 (voice)

Fax: 01223 411701
Address:
Cambridgeshire Deaf Association
8 Romsey Terrace, Cambridge, CB1 3NH

Email: office@cambsdeaf.org

Questionnaire
You can find BSL signed videos of all these questions on our website at
http://www.cambsdeaf.org/questionnaire
We would be very grateful if you could spare a few minutes completing this questionnaire. This will help us to improve
the future of CDA. Your input is valuable to us and helps us to support the Deaf community around Cambridgeshire. We
treat this as confidential and will not share this information with anyone.
Name (optional) _____________________________________________
What level of hearing do you consider yourself to be? Please tick
Deaf
Deafened
Hard of Hearing
Other

Membership

Please circle

1. Are you a member of the CDA?

YES

NO

2. Do you know what being a member involves?

YES

NO

3. Would you like to become a member?

YES

NO

If yes, please leave your contact details here:

If no, why not?

Services at CDA
4. Please tick the ones you have attended or used

Peterborough Deaf drop in

Huntingdon Deaf drop in
Any Deaf/hearing club
Computer training
Walks in BSL
Counselling in BSL
Support from community manager

Fenland Deaf drop in

Cambridge Deaf drop in
Befriending project
Deaf youth club
BSL classes

5. At present, what do you think of the services that CDA provides?

6. Are you satisfied with the services that CDA provides?

If no, please explain:

YES

NO

7. If you dont use our services who or what do you use?

8. What would you like to improve for the future of CDA? Would you come to these new sessions if we started them?

Home cinema at CDA with subtitles

Cooking lessons
Yoga
Zumba classes

Greek dancing
Parenting classes
Weight loss club
Stopping smoking sessions

9. Please suggest other ideas:-

10. Every year, we have AGM, what would you like in the AGM? (for example, guest speakers, cheese/wine, information
displays, what is happening in our community etc)

Interpreting Service
11. We hope to set up the interpreting service, what is your view on this?

12. Would you use it (It wont be for NHS but it could be for everything else)? Tick what you would book

Speech to text
Lip reader interpreter
Website

Note taker
BSL interpreter
Please circle.

13. Are you aware that we have a website?

YES

NO

14. Are you able to access to all the information on the website?

YES

NO

15. What would you like to add on the website?

Supporting Deaf People Project

The Supporting People Project is for people who are Deaf/deaf or deafened who need help to be independent.
16. Have you ever been helped by the supporting people team (Sally, Mary, Helen)?

YES

NO

17. How do you prefer to communicate?

18. Can you tick the things they have been able to help you with?

Booking interpreters for health

Help with the council
Help with bills

Booking interpreters for other reasons

Help with Benefits
Help with carers

19. Have they helped you with other things? Please list

20. Do you know of any other places or people where you get help from?

21. How does the supporting people project help you to be independent?

Thank you for your time.

The Team at CDA wishes you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
If you would like to join the raffle to win a 25 Sainsburys voucher please put your name below and hand this
st
questionnaire back to our member of staff before 31 January 2012.

Name: ___________________________________________________________