Joan Tucker, who recently retired from working in a school where she taught signing to the children, started this group in September 2024. It is a very relaxed, friendly and enjoyable group where members have a lot of fun learning this unique language. The group also practises signing songs that help with learning sign language. Tea, coffee, biscuits and chocolate also help too.

Why is Signing important?

BSL (British Sign Language) is a hugely important, relevant, and accessible way to communicate for many deaf people. Knowing some basic BSL would go a long way in bridging the gap between deaf and hearing communities. People with hearing impairment can feel isolated if they cannot communicate spontaneously. As a society, our responsibility is to address this issue and encourage the widespread use of an effective means of communication that can be employed.

Teaching in schools

Signing is a skill recently introduced to the school curriculum, and in December the Government announced it will soon be available as a GCSE subject. Parents, teachers and organisations from the deaf and hearing communities have provided overwhelmingly positive support, recognising the importance of children learning valuable life skills that will enable them to communicate effectively in work, social and academic settings.

Will it be of any use to you?

One of our members recently suggested that some grandparents might enjoy the opportunity to learn this skill, as a subject they can share with the younger generation in their families, and learning any new language in older age is recognised as useful for maintaining memory skills. Learning to sign in a group could also be a lot of fun, as well as acquiring a new skill, the importance of which is becoming more and more widely recognised in our society.

How do I join?

If this is a group you would consider joining, please register your interest by sending a message via the blue envelope link at the top of this page, and please mention Signing Group in your message.