Our Deaf OAP Club meet every Wednesday afternoon and the Social Club on Saturday nights with good numbers attending every week.They’ve had a lot to celebrate this year. In July Father Robert was honoured for more than 40 years of service to the Deaf Community, offering signed masses every month in the Chapel.
In February they celebrated 75 years in the Deaf Centre with a party and Mega Bingo Session. Then just to top everything off, there was great excitement when Newcastle reached the final of the Carabao Cup. Several members made the trip to Wembley and were overjoyed to watch them win.
The National meeting of the CDA Catholic Deaf Association took place at the Deaf Centre in September. Fr. John Fisher SJ, a Chaplain to the Deaf Community in England, co-celebrated a mass with Fr. Robert. We opened our Cafe at lunchtime, helping the CDA raise funds for their worthy cause. The event was televised for the National Deaf Community, with Bishop Stephen Wright signing a letter thanking the SVP Newcastle Deaf Centre for precious support to the deaf community.
It’s wonderful to see the group go from strength to strength with new members continuing to join. They really enjoy their weekly meetings, outings and holidays. Having a safe and supportive space to socialise in boosts their mental health and helps them maintain friendships many of which go back to their school days.
