CDA AGM September 5

th
2012
My name is Janie Anderson and I am the new chairperson of CDA. I took over from
Godfrey but he is staying to help and is now Vice chair of CDA. I'd like to say a big
thank you to Ann Radcliff and Stuart Watt who have now stopped being trustees for
CDA at the AGM as they have done a lot to help. We now have three new trustees
joining the team.
We are going to put our photographs on the website so you will be able to recognise
us. We are looking for a new Treasurer so if anyone knows someone who might be
interested ask them to contact Jamie at CDA. We want to know what ideas you have
about CDA so we have included a questionnaire with the newsletter. Please fill it in
and send it back to us by e-mail or to the office.
JANIE ANDERSON
Thank you Anna
Fenland Deaf Drop-in presented Anna Snell
with a bunch of flowers as a way of saying
thank you for her non stop commitment to
looking after the Fenland Deaf Drop-in. She is
photographed with Christine Tarrant who gave
a speech on the day when Romford Deaf club
visited and more than 90 Deaf people were
there. Also in the picture is Michael Pape
(Fenland DDI Co-ordinator) in the background
and Godfrey Palmer on the left with his
Grandson, William.

Fiona Tran receiving
Computer training from
Brendan Casey
Fiona Tran really enjoys computer
training sessions with Brendan and it is
really wonderful to see this happen. Also
a big thank you to Jan Smith for
volunteering her time to drive Fiona to
the training
sessions at CDA.







Autumn 2011
Cambridgeshire Deaf Association, 8 Romsey Terrace, Cambridge CB1 3NH
Fax: 01223 411701 Voice: 01223 246237
Email: office@cambsdeaf.org
CDA NEWS

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



Cambridge Deaf Club
Cambridge Deaf Club is held on the 3
rd
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)

Oct 18
th
, Nov 19
th
, Dec 17th

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

Oct 7
th
, Nov 4
th
, Dec 2
nd
, Jan 6
th
2012

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

Oct 8
th
, Nov 12
th
, Dec 10th

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)

Oct 14
th
, Nov 11
th
, Dec 9th

Cambridge 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
Cambridgeshire Deaf Association on the last Friday of each month from 7.30pm to
9.30pm. For more information, please contact CDA (details on front page)

Sept 30
th
, Oct 28
th
, Nov 25
th
, Dec 30
th
(closed)





CDA NEWS
March Deaf Club
On Friday 1
st
July 2011 we played a game called Ace Chase. Lots of people joined
in the game. We played on four tables together and used two sets of playing cards
for a total of about one and a half hours. The winner was Dennis Pope, and Godfrey
Palmer was runner up.
Michael Manchett organised a game called Holy Beetle on Friday 2
nd
September
2011 but instead of drawing a beetle we drew a church instead. 12 people played
and Elaine Heath was the winner. Afterwards we all had a chat.
Michael Manchett said the money raised was 22.00 for St Marys Church
restoration.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS: At St Peters Church Hall, High Street, March PA15 9JR.
Friday 7
th
October 2011 Social Evening
Friday 4
th
November 2011 Crazy Putter
Friday 6
th
January 2012 Billy Rodwell Singing in Sign

Christmas dinner will be held on Friday 2
nd
December 2011 Doors Open at
7pm for 7.30pm
Ticket cost 13 memberships and 15 for non memberships.

The menu will be vegetable soup, roast beef, Yorkshire pudding and vegetables
with wine or soft drinks, Christmas pudding or trifle (your choice) and cheese &
biscuits followed by coffee or tea.

Tickets are on sale from Friday 7
th
October 2011 at Deaf Club or Fenland Deaf
Drop-in or Post your payment to March and District Deaf Club with S.E.A. please.
Tickets must be bought no later than 21
st
November 2011. No tickets available at
the door and no refunds
FORTHCOMING SERVICES: At St Peters Church, High Street, March PE15 9JR.
Services for Deaf people will be on the following Sundays
Sep 25 2011 4pm Harvest Festival
Dec 18 2011 6.30pm Carols & Readings
GODFREY PALMER

Peterborough Deaf Club
On June 11th we changed the price at the door to 1.50, we are doing this because
we need to raise money to buy a new pool table for Peterborough Deaf Club. We also
played UNO and everybody enjoyed it.
On July 9th we had a flag day, and had to guess 20 different flags and Qadeer won
this game. He managed to get 17/20 right - well done Qadeer!
On August 13th the Kingfisher centre was closed but we went to Ferry Meadows for a
BBQ and played rounders - it was good fun and we were lucky with the weather. I
thought that only a few people would come along but I was wrong - 32 people turned
up!
On September 10th it will be a Memorable old school day.
September 25th - is a charity cycling event around Rutland Water, a 25 mile bike
ride to raise money for the Peterborough Deaf club, hopeful we will raise lots of
money!
October 8th Our Voice will be doing a presentation. (advocacy service for deaf clients)
November 12th is Quiz Night (famous faces and baby faces)
SIMON RICHARDSON
CDA NEWS


Cambridge Deaf Club
We still enjoy meeting and chatting at Cambridge Deaf Club.
Some people find it relaxing without any games which enables
us to catch up on any news. But some people like to play
games, and there is plenty of choice i.e. darts, card games etc.
Do come along to the next one and join in the fun.
HELEN PERRY

Deaf & Hearing Clubs (Huntingdon and Cambridge)
Both Cambridge & Huntingdon clubs are still going strong. A big thankyou to Matthew
Faupel for organising the Murder game. That was good and we really appreciated
this as we know it is not easy explaining how to play the game, let alone doing it in
sign language. Excellent BSL practice!
Apart from these two regular clubs meetings, we also organise BSL walks which are
very popular. A great way of meeting different people in sign language in a relaxing
socialable way.
The list of dates for future events can be found elsewhere in the newsletter.
JAMIE BILLAM

BSL Pub Meeting in Cambridge(Thursday eve)
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 eve)
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 level to warm
up or get some practice or just to have fun. You're welcome to join
us and meet up in the Cambridge Deaf Pub and also you can bring your friends.

LAST SATURDAY OF EVERY TWO MONTHS to meet up at 6.00pm in Prince Regent,
Cambridge.:- Prince Regent, 91 Regent Street, Cambridge. CB2 1AW
24
th
September 2011
26
th
November 2011
ADAM LINDSELL

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



CDA NEWS
GCSE in BSL
To promote the GCSE in BSL Signature needs your help. They would
really appreciate it if you could visit www.signature.org.uk/gcse and
complete the form to show that you support the development of a
GCSE in British Sign Language.
Please can you help? Many thanks.
JAMIE BILLAM

Supporting Deaf People Project
Cam Sight is very pleased to have this opportunity of writing in the CDA newsletter
about recent developments that have taken place. As you may know, changes in
funding have meant that the Supporting Deaf People Project has moved to the Cam
Sight premises in Green End Road, in Chesterton. Mary, Sally and Helen continue to
work with members of the Deaf Community however, and we are trying to make sure
that people still receive the support they need. Mary, Helen and Sally will attend the
Drop-ins at Romsey Terrace and around the County and we are delighted that Deaf
people are beginning to visit us at Cam Sight. All the Cam Sight staff are keen to
learn about Deaf issues - one person has signed up for the CDA BSL Level 1 course
and we are arranging for Jamie to give a Deaf Awareness course to our whole team.
Despite the recent changes we hope very much that members of the Deaf Community
continue to feel supported. For our part, we look forward to meeting you and to
finding out more about the work and life of CDA.

The AGM will be held at Chesterton Methodist Church on Wednesday 12
th
October at
2.00pm, to be followed by refreshments next door at Cam Sight. Cam Sight is looking
to its centenary in 2012 and the AGM provides a lovely opportunity to launch our
centenary year, to celebrate Cam Sights history and to focus on our vision for work
with local blind and partially sighted people in the future.
ANNE STREATHER, CEO CAMSIGHT


Golden Anniversary (Christine
& Nick Cansdale)
On 13
th
June, Nick and I have been married for
50 years. We went to have lunch with family at
the Sheen Mill Hotel in Melbourn, near
Cambridge for our Golden Wedding anniversary
(50
th
)
CHRISTINE CANSDALE








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
Our advocates
We have three advocates working at Our Voice, Ruth Godden, Doris Hill and
Jude Caldwell.

Our advocates know all about Deaf culture and issues and are able to use Sign
language to a high standard. Everything you tell us will be kept confidential. We
do not tell anyone else about your problems without asking you first.

How to contact us.
There is usually an Our Voice advocate present at the drop-ins in Peterborough,
March and Cambridge.

You can text us on 07553 349430 or email us on our_voice@btconnect.com.

Our phone number is 01954 230862 and our fax number is 01954 230270.

Our address is, Our Voice, The Grange, Market Street, Swavesey, CB24 4QG.

Our web address is www.our-voice.org.
RUTH KERN




CDA NEWS
Fenland Deaf Drop-in
On 21st July, Christine Tarrant and her two friends from Mansfield and Michael
Pape arrived at March deaf drop in 9.30am and prepared for the large number
of deaf people expected to attend that day. Christine Tarrant had a painful right
shoulder, but was very brave and carried on working at the drop in. She was
expected to go to hospital on 8
th
August for an operation.
54 Romford deaf people arrived at
March Deaf Drop in at 11am and this
included other people from Kings Lynn,
Ipswich, Wisbech and Peterborough,
Altogether there were 87 people! At
12pm everyone enjoyed sandwiches,
Cornish pasties, Sausages rolls, and
Catherine Palmer made a beautiful
variety of cakes, such as Coffee Cakes,
Sponge Cakes, etc,. After lunch, we
held a raffle with money prizes in 11
envelopes ranging from 5 to 30.
After that Godfrey Palmer called Bingo, David Kettle won the Jackpot of 221 for
a full house. Well done to him. There were also two hampers as prizes too.
Sorry, I dont know who won the 2 Hampers! Thanks to everyone who helped
Christine Tarrant and everyone who brought items for Raffles and thanks to
Catherine Palmer for making such good cakes. And also thanks to Christine
Tarrant for working so hard. Christine Tarrant & Catherine Palmer each received
bunch of flowers. And Anna received money for letting the Drop In use the
rooms, Kitchen, etc. Romford has invited everyone at Fenland Drop In to go to
the Great Bingo on 24th November 2011. Romford deaf people left the Drop In
at 4.30pm. I would like to say thanks
Christine T; she made very good job,
Thanks Godfrey P for doing with Bingo.
Thanks also to Catherine P, who made
beautiful cakes far better than a cake
shop!!! Thanks so much to Gillian
Thorburn, Margaret Ashwell and Ann
Radcliffe for helping out. During August,
Christine Tarrant was not at the Drop in
because on 8th August, she had an
operation (keyhole surgery) on her
shoulder. Four weeks later (1st
September), her shoulder is recovering well. On 1st Sept, Only 12 deaf people
turned up at Fenland deaf drop in because some of the regulars were away on
holiday.
MICHAEL PAPE




CDA NEWS
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 problems or queries.
JAMIE BILLAM
Peterborough Deaf Drop in
We are very happy to report that June, July and August have been busy
months. We were surprised as these months are usually quiet. Its fantastic so
please carry on coming.
Ruth from Our Voice and Sally from Social Services gave a talk recently to
explain how they support Deaf people. Hopefully, everyone now knows who to
ask if they have a problem. If youre still not sure, thats ok please ask any
member of staff and we will make sure you get help from the right person.
Someone will be giving talk about counselling Oct 5
th
. This should be very
interesting. The lady who will be giving the talk can sign fluently and she is a
trained counsellor. Please come and find out more. If this date changes, we will
let you know.
You may have noticed that Debbie Powell has not been at the Drop-in for a
while. At the moment, Debbie is having treatment for cancer. She is very
positive about it and is doing really well.
Hope to see you at the Drop-in soon, Debbie. Love from everyone.
SUE, ELAINE and DEBBIE

NEW! Huntingdon Deaf Lunchtime Group
CDA has set up a new drop-in for the Huntingdon District area. A small room
has been booked on the 1
st
floor or the new library.Tea and coffee will be
provided. The time is 12.30am 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 1
st
floor by using
the lift.
We are expecting the group to be small, however if the group is popular and we
get more people attending, then I can arrange to a bigger room next door.
If you have any questions or queries, then please do let me know,
Hope to see you at the new place on October 6
th
!
JAMIE BILLAM








CDA NEWS
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)
Sept 2
nd
, Oct 13
th
, Nov 3
rd
, Nov 24
th
, Dec 15
th


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
Sept 21
st
, Oct 19
th
, Nov 16
th
, Dec 21
st


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
Oct 6
th
, Nov 3
rd
, Dec 1
st


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.plus.com


Your Name ______________________________________________________

Email address___________________________________________________

Many thanks
JAMIE BILLAM


CDA NEWS
Editors News
I hope you all had a good summer. Next summer will be an interesting one as
you all know the London Olympics will be around so there will be a lot of action
going on. I am sure some of you will have tickets to go there. I hope Team
Great Britain will have their best ever total for medals.
It was very sad to see the Supporting Deaf People services staff (Mary Godden,
Sally Skeldon and Helen Money) moving from CDA to work under Camsight. On
behalf of CDA, we wish them all the best of luck. Please see the poster in
newsletter that says that Camsight is having an AGM on October 12
th
. It would
be nice if you could please make an effort to go along.
I am pleased to say that we have set up another new Drop-in for Deaf People,
this time in Huntingdon. It will be called the Huntingdon Deaf Lunchtime Group
and is based in Huntingdon Library. For more information see this newsletter.
On July 23
rd
, CDA held a Jumble Sale here at CDA. Big thanks to all those
volunteers who supported us and also those who donated clothes, household
goods and items for the tombola. We managed to raise about 300 which was
good. Thanks once again. Soon in future, we will be looking at doing more
fundraising in different ways. If you have some ideas or would like to support
this then please do let me know.
During the summer, two BSL Walks were enjoyed by all who took part, and you
can see the articles in the newsletter. It would be great if this could continue as
they have become very popular!
CDA now has a Facebook page and you can go there and have a look at it.
Brendan Casey is the co-ordinator for the Facebook page.
Just to remind you that there are still places available for Friday morning BSL
Level One course which starts on Friday September 23
rd
10am to 12 noon
Also please see poster about Counselling for Deaf People. If you think you need
someone to talk to or know any Deaf people (BSL Users) who need Counselling,
please do get in touch.
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


CDA NEWS
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.

Hi everyone
Our mission is to enable people with a sight and hearing loss to learn new skills,
develop existing skills, gain access to their community and existing services
with dignity, respect, control and choice.
The company was set-up by Debbie James and the team consists of:
Debbie, Director, who has nearly 30 years experience working in the field of
dual sensory loss, assessing, advising and teaching deafblind people with an
enablement focus. Over the years Debbie has been a University Lecturer and
teaches on the Diploma in Deafblind Studies and other courses. Experienced in
setting up and managing services for a National Charity including working in
partnership with social care. Debbies qualifications include: Diplomas in
Management and Rehabilitation in Visual Impairment; BSL Level 2; Deafblind
Manual Interpreter.
Nicola Clark is Services Development Manager. Nic has over 10 years
experience working with dual sensory impaired people. Nics qualifications
include: BSL Level 2; NVQ Level 4 Health & Social Care; Certificate in
Rehabilitation, Nic is working towards her Degree.
Lynn Sargeant is Services Co-ordinator. Lynn has NVQ Level 3 Business
Administration and having worked in an admin support role within this field for
nearly 5 years has an understanding of, and empathy with, the needs of
deafblind people.
We also have an elite team of personally selected, fully trained freelance
professionals with many years experience working with and for deafblind
people.
All staff are trained to a minimum CACDP Level 2 or 3 and have a current CRB.
Please see our attached flyer for information. We look forward to hearing from
you to discuss tailor-making our service to match your requirements; you can
contact us on 01733 746538 or email us at lynn@deafblind-enablement.co.uk

With all best wishes

Debbie, Nic and Lynn
Deafblind Enablement Ltd

Deafblind Enablement Ltd

CDA NEWS

Deaf Church News

DIOCESE OF ELY: MINISTRY AMONG DEAF PEOPLE

Autumn greetings and blessings to you all

Sincere thanks to each member of the team of signers who continue support the
regular monthly services in Cambridge, Godmanchester, Hemmingford Grey,
and Soham together with the quarterly March service. Also many thanks to all
those of you who support them by attending these services.
Discussions continue with senior members of Ely Diocese concerning the future
provision of chaplaincy support throughout Cambridgeshire. We hope to be able
to share more positive information in the new year.

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 October 5
th
, November 2
nd
, and December 7
th
.
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: September 25
th
[10.30am],October 23
rd
[9.30am], and
November 27
th
[10.30am].
Hemingford Grey [sign supported]
On the 1
st
Sunday each month at St James Church the Family Praise Service is
sign supported.
Next services are October 3
rd
, November 7
th
, and December 5th.
March Church Services [sign supported]:
The next service dates are 4pm on 25
th
September [Harvest] and 6.30pm on
18
th
December [Carols & Readings by Candlelight]
Soham Parish Church [sign supported]:
The 2nd Sunday each month, St Andrews Parish Church 9.30am service is sign
supported for deaf people joining the local hearing congregation for worship.
Next services are October 9
th
, and November 13th.

For further information email: c.dixon41@btinternet.com SMS 07749 702924
CHARLES DIXON





CDA NEWS
Sign Post
Deeping Baptist C hurch, 42 Bridge Street, Deeping St James, Peterborough,
PE6 8HA

We would like to invite you to our monthly Sign Post meetings. Doors open at
5.30 pm - close about 10 pm. If you do come, please bring your sandwiches -
we provide tea and coffee free. After tea - a short time to socialize, games or
demonstration talk. Afterwards a short talk from the Bible followed by with
tea/coffee and more social time.
Sign language supported also loop system and live typing available.

PROGRAMME:-
Sat 24th September - Outing to Peckover House, Wisbech followed by with
fish'n'chips at Sign Post meeting.
Sat 29th October - A history talk about a boy called Jack.
Sat 26th November - Craft evening (Christmas hats).
Sat 31st December - Fellowship party with buffet (free).
Sat 29th January 2012 - Your favourite photo.
Sat 26th February 2012 - Your school life.

For more information - see on Sign Post website
www.sites.google.com/site/signpostdeeping.
NIGEL FRISBY

Computer Training
We have had many deaf people visiting CDA for Computer
training. Brendan Casey has been brilliant and we have received
excellent feedback from Deaf clients. The most popular feedback
was mainly that is was about being able to communicate on a
One to One basis using BSL. The two most requested types
of training is how to deal with facebook issues and
downloading photos. We have been very lucky to have
Brendan as it is very difficult to find someone who has his 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! I hope
he will stay with us for as long as possible!
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.
The best time to meet him is on Wednesday, Thursday or Friday. (Wednesday
and Thursday are the best days.)
It would be great if all Deaf people understand how to use a webcam and have
access to one so that we can all sign to each other over the internet!
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: Friday 23rd September 2011
Time: 10.00am-12.00noon

Monday 9
th
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 11
th
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@ambsdeaf.plus.com





CDA NEWS
BSL ramble held in March on 19
th
June
Thirty ramblers turned up at Mill
View car park in March.
Although the weather was dull
but it was better than the day
before when we had downpours
all day long. The day began
with cheerful greetings, hugs
and natter which made us all
the more eager to join the walk.
Being born and bred in March,
Godfrey was the best person to
show us the interesting points
together with his usual wry
humour. The market town with a long history of trading going back to the reign
of Elizabeth the First was full of remarkable information. The opening of the
railway station in 1847 expanded the town. Godfrey said when he was 9 years
old, the population then was 9,000 and now 21,000 people live in March.
The first point of interest was a fairly new building of flats named after the
heroic airman called Jim Hocking who managed to avoid a terrible crash in the
town and landed in a nearby field where sadly he was killed.
We went past a building that used to be a cinema, there were in fact three
cinemas in March, one was called the Regent which caught fire and burnt down.
The monument in the middle of the street was in honour of Queen Victorias
Diamond Jubilee, it looks a very pretty sight as you come into the centre of the
town. Further along was the war memorial which was erected after the first
world war and then the monument itself was lifted from the ground to add a
section underneath to remember those who died in the second world war.
We took a right turn into a lane called West End there was a large white house
with Flemish (Dutch style) features which was a Government house but it
looked sadly neglected and appeared empty but Godfrey said there were in fact
two people living there. We walked alongside the river over to the Leisure
centre where the swimming pool is. Near there I had a clumsy fall and twisted
my ankle but felt ok to carry on. Chris Tarrant jokingly offered me a zimmer
frame, very funny! After that we came to a spot called Little London with old
houses, some

CDA NEWS
BSL ramble held in March on 19
th
June (Cont)
windows were boarded up. We noticed several buildings in the town closed
down, maybe we could buy a property cheap to set up a Deaf club??
St. Wendredas church was the next place that we visited. It is a very old
church and is well known for the magnificent double-hammer beam roof with
120 carved angels.
We went past the registry offices, it was a nice building with carrstones which is
sometimes known as gingerbread because of the colour. Half a mile away, we
came to a monument called Stone Cross but Godfrey informed everyone that it
was a mystery, no one ever knows why or when it was set up. Directly,
opposite was the new and very modern Community College. We went back up
the same road to the Griffin Pub where some of us planned to have lunch. Im
sure everyone enjoyed the walk.
Many thanks to Godfrey Palmer for the interesting talk and leading us all the
way. Also thanks to Jamie Billam for the publicity as well as encouraging people
to come. The next ramble will be organised by a jolly couple Pam and Dennis
on 3
rd
September so come along and join the fun!
ELAINE HEATH
The Famous Three Colleges BSL walk in Cambridge
on 3
rd
September 2011
The Famous Three College BSL
Walk was organised by Pam and
Dennis Pope. They spent a lot of
their volunteering time in preparing
which was greatly appreciated. Also
Rebecca Andro, another popular
volunteer, did the interpreting,
alongside Pam and Dennis. She did
it remarkably well and was very
easy to follow.
We started off by touring Kings College and
its chapel, then to Gonville & Caius College,
then Trinity Hall and finally The Round
Church visitors centre. All free of charge!
The weather was sunny and warm which
was perfect. At each place, Dennis did all
the talking and Rebecca interpreted. The
Kings College Chapel was well worth a visit
as it is really beautiful especially with all
those beautiful colourful windows high up in
the building. The highlight for the day for
me was a very rare visit to Trinity Hall
library as it is usually not open to the general
public. Wow! We can see lot of very old big books on the shelves and we walked
on creaking sloping floorboard. I might be deaf but I can hear creaking noises!


CDA NEWS
The Famous Three College BSL walk in Cambridge on
3
rd
September 2011 (Cont)
If a student wants to borrow a book, he/she will need a special big black key
with a chain to open it and also they will have to wear special gloves to open
the books.
It was a brilliant day for all of us and we are very thankful that all Dennis and
Pams effort were very worthwhile. And thanks also to Rebecca too for her
interpreting.
JAMIE BILLAM
Next BSL Walk
The next BSL Walk will be on Sunday October 30
th
and I am planning for it to be
around the Houghton/Hemingford area which is near St Ives. It is likely to be in
the morning. I have not got the chance to practice first but I will do that soon
and I will let you all know by email, in the CDA Facebook and CDA website. This
time it will be a real Autumn walk with little stoppages and hopefully we will
finish at the Pub!
Will keep you informed.
JAMIE BILLAM
Relay Services (Text Relay and Video Relay)
Ofcom are currently doing a review of Relay Services. We all know that Communication
services are very important for all citizens (including Deaf people) for many reasons:-
Participation in civil society, to learn and develop new skills, to connect with family,
friends and community, searching for work and to contact and be contacted by
business
BUT voice communication can be a barrier or those with hearing and/or
speech impairments
Ofcom consultation proposes introduction of restricted Video Relay Services (VRS)
Service would only be available 9am to 5pm and use restricted to just 30 minutes per
month.
These proposed restrictions are an insult to the BSL Community.

Comments from people
1) Ofcom has absolutely failed to listen to the thousands of BSL Users who are calling
for access to a 24/7 service. The proposal for a restricted VRS service available for
only 30 minutes per month is an insult to the UKs BSL Community. Deaf people
should have equal, unrestricted access to telecommunications and we will continue
the campaign for the introduction of universal VRS
2) This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for Deaf people to finally catch up with the
hearing people in terms of telecommunications. We are not seeking special
treatment, we are asking for equality. Deaf sign language users should be able to
call colleagues, friends and relatives in the same way that hearing people take for
granted every day.

If you would like to comment on anything about VRS, we would like to hear from you
and if possible, I can pass your comments on to UKCOD. The deadline for UKCOD
responses to Ofcom is 20
th
October 2011 which is not really a lot of time.
JAMIE BILLAM

CDA News
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