Signs that show people care

A new club for the deaf and hard of hearing has been set up in Newark. About 40 people attend the monthly sessions.

Newark Deaf Club hopes to create a football team and offer drama and social activities.

It has been launched by Mrs Jane Entwisle (30) and Charen Dove (34) both of London Road, Balderton, who met through their children going to the John Hunt Nursery, Balderton.

Charen Dove, who is deaf and partially sighted, wanted to meet people with whom she could communicate and establish friendships.

Mrs Entwisle is a member of a sign language team at the Everyday Champions’ Church, Newark, which meets at the Magnus School.

She introduced Charen Dove to the Oasis toddler group at the church, where other people use British Sign Language.

A sign language team has operated at the church for 14 years.

Members have gained qualifications in sign language to allow them to interpret services.

As there had not been a group in the area for people with hearing difficulties for around 20 years, Mrs Entwisle and Charen Dove decided to team up to provide one.

Meetings are held each month at the Roman Way, Lincoln Road, Newark.

There is always a children’s play area with toys provided.

A pool table, darts and computer games could be provided.

A football team is to be set up within the club and the first match date is to be decided next week.

It is hoped that the club will meet in the new Everyday Champions’ Church when its new building opens on the Newark Industrial Estate later this year.

Charen Dove said: “The deaf community love coming together to have fun.

“Our club is accessible to all ages and backgrounds. It is something different because it is being set up by the deaf and hearing communities together.

“The club can help hearing people become deaf-aware and learn about deaf culture.

“It helped me become part of a local community, make friends and socialise as part of a supportive and caring group.”

She said that without such groups, deaf people could find themselves isolated.

The club invites hearing people to try sign language skills.

Mrs Entwisle said: “People don’t need to feel vulnerable if they have limited sign language because it is a very supportive atmosphere.”

Mrs Entwisle is completing her level two qualification in sign language.

She wanted to learn the skill because of her interest in communicating with the deaf community.

“I find the deaf community fun, welcoming and keen to communicate with the hearing community, but sometimes there is a language breakdown.”

Mrs Entwisle said staff at the Roman Way had also taken an interest in joining the group and learning sign language to use at work.

The next meeting is tonight at the Roman Way from 7pm.