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| The Mayor and William Palmer |
The society celebrated it's 40th anniversary on Saturday 5th February 2011 with almost 200 friends at Marshfields School in Peterborough. The celebration, which began at 11am and lasted until 10pm incorporated an exhibition, children's activities including clay modelling, jewelery making, cooking and two performances from Olli the Monkey.
With no space left for more exhibitors, the exhibition hall was bustling throughout the day with representatives from Medel, RNID, Addenbrookes, Audilogy, Police, Fire, Lions International, CDA, Hearing Support Service and NDCS. The event was enjoyed by many from the local adult deaf community as well as deaf children and their families. Peterborough Mayor, Councillor Keith Sharp, spent hours with the children and families and had his face painted as a clown. Peterborough MP Stewart Jackson also mingled with the families and visited many of the exhibition stands.
Chairperson of the society, Nicola Epathite, addressed all the guests as she officially opened the party and spoke of the good work that has been carried out by the society, the current activities on offer to local deaf children and their families and the society's hopes for the future. Nicola also thanked all the volunteers for helping to make the day a success. Nicola's speech was met with enthusiastic applause.
Emotional moments followed as the society honoured two of it's most dedicated servants and the founder of the society. Commemorative plaques for outstanding contribution were presented to current president John Cheetham and former chairperson Sheila Lever for over 20 years service to the city's deaf children. Then, society secretary, Andy Palmer, presented Betty Hay with a special award for outstanding contribution to recognise her four decades of dedication to the city's deaf children, their families and for founding the society back in 1971.
To recognise their contribution in the organisation of the 40th celebration, presentations of commemorative clocks were also made to Sally Walker, Headteacher of Marshfields School, vice chairman and committee members Dean and Liz Monaf and chairperson Nicola Epathite - without their tireless hard work, the party would not have been possible.
From 7pm, the disco began and prize raffle took place. Mr Will Peacock winning the star prize of a signed picture of England rugby captain Martin Johnson lifting the world cup in 2003.
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