Deaf Academy ‘overwhelmed’ by support for Exmouth Deaf AWareness Week

PUBLISHED: 13:40 28 September 2018 | UPDATED: 14:36 28 September 2018

Daniel Wilkins

Tommy, Olly, Jack andFred from Exmouth RFC under 9s. Picture: Deaf Academy

Archant

BSL Bear with Charlie and Poppy from Seal Class at Withycombe Raleigh Primary School. Picture: Deaf Academy

A British Sign Language (BSL) bear, a ‘flash mob’ and silent rugby were among the attractions taking place at part of Exmouth Deaf Awareness Week.

The events were organised as the Deaf Academy launches its fundraising campaign and breaks ground on creating a new ‘world class’ academy on the former Rolle College site.

Events ranged from mayor Jeff Trail and deputy mayor Bruce De Saram welcoming the BSL bear off the Stuart Line Cruise all the way through to Exmouth Town Rugby Club players ‘switching off’ their hearing in silent rugby sessions.

There were also BSL demonstrations in the town centre and two Deaf Academy students, Molly and Leah, joined a flashmob – a spontaneous public dance routine – performed by Exmouth-based Freestyle Fever.Sarah Shaw, fundraising appeal manager said they have been ‘overwhelmed’ by the support they have received from the town.

Cllr Jeff Trail, Exmouth Mayor, BSL Bear, Antonio's owner and Bruce De Saram Deputy Mayor. Picture: Deaf Academy

Bruce De Saram, deputy mayor, BSL Bear, cllr Jeff Trail Exmouth Mayor outside The Savoy Cinema. Picture: Deaf Academy

Bella and Zach with all of dolphin class from Withycombe Raleigh Primary School with BSL Bear. Picture: Deaf Academy

Thumbs Up welcome messages in Exmouth town centre windows. Picture: Deaf Academy

The Deaf Academy teaching Gary from The Savoy Cinema fingerspelling in Exmouth. Picture: Deaf Academy

Thumbs Up welcome messages in Exmouth shop windows. Picture: Deaf Academy

The Deaf Academy teaching shoppers fingerspelling in Exmouth. Picture: Deaf Academy

Steve Morton, of the Deaf Academy with cllr Jeff Trail Exmouth Mayor and Ian Stuart. Picture: Deaf Academy

Mandy from Exmouth Land Train with Bruce De Saram, deputy mayor, BSL Bear and cllrJeff Trail Exmouth Mayor. Picture: Deaf Academy

Mathilda and Nathaniel and Otter Class from Withycombe Raleigh Primary School with BSL Bear. Picture: Deaf Academy

Exmouth RFC Under 9s with BSL Bear. Picture: Deaf Academy

Jonathan from The Deaf Academy reading 'Thumbs Up' welcome messages in shop windows. Picture: Deaf Academy

Exmouth parkrun - British Sign Language by BSL teacher Fiona Drummond. Picture: Deaf Academy

Fred and Jack from Exmouth RFC under 9s fingerspelling at silent rugby day. Picture: Deaf Academy

Exmouth parkrun turns purple for Exmouth Deaf Awareness Week. Picture: Deaf Academy

Cllr Jeff Trail Exmouth Mayor, George Nightingale owner and staff from Spoken, BSL Bear, Bruce De Saram deputy mayor, Picture: Deaf Academy

Deputy Mayor Bruce DeSaram, Mrs Snuggles, BSL Bear and Cllr Jeff Trail, Exmouth Mayor. Picture: Deaf Academy

Exmouth RFC Under 9s with BSL Bear. Picture: Deaf Academy

Tommy, Olly, Jack andFred from Exmouth RFC under 9s. Picture: Deaf Academy