On Tuesday the Academy hosted a wonderful Christmas event for some of our valued partners and supporters at the Bishop’s Palace in Exeter. The fully inclusive evening was brimming with Deaf culture, language, celebration and pride as we marked the historic launch of our 200th anniversary celebrations, as one of the oldest Deaf education providers in the UK. 

We were especially proud of our inspirational Deaf students who signed or voiced their personal stories – not just about how they have gained confidence and excelled at the Academy, but how they continue to overcome barriers that still exist as they strive to fulfil their dreams in a world that is not designed for them.  

Our Chair of Trustees Dame Angela Pedder DBE extended thanks to guests who attended and all our wider partners and supporters, past and present, who have bolstered the charity and helped ensure it continues to innovate and be leaders in education for Deaf young people with additional needs.

It was a fantastic evening and really insightful to hear about the barriers deaf people face and how the Deaf Academy has had such a positive impact on students’ lives. I’m really looking forward to working with the Deaf Academy next year as one of our charity partners.

We wish to especially thank Bishop Mike for allowing us the use of his splendid Palace for our special festive evening on Tuesday night. Thanks also to Trowers Solicitors whose staff volunteered their time to help the evening run smoothly, and to Educatoring, Luscombe Drinks and Regency Wine and for supplying the food and drinks. 

We are also very grateful to so many incredible local businesses who have generously donated prizes for our Christmas raffle this year. Your support truly reflects the heart of our community and helped make our special event a huge success.

Please join us in thanking and supporting these wonderful businesses:

Budleigh – Georgie Porgie’s Puddings, Rockfish, Pebble, Unwrapped, Seaside, Fifty Degrees, Pets and Pawz Dog Grooming, True Reflections, SPAR, Barbers, Rolle Podiatry, Fifty Degrees, Orchard Wholefoods, 18g Coffee Roasters, SJ’s Fish and Fix, Mercado
 
Exmouth – The Grapevine, Let’s Talk Mobiles, Wilsons Paints, Kirsties Hair Studio, Computers, Cherie’s Beautique, Inkanation, Dos Santos, Beauty Room, Star Coffee, Black Maple, Mrs G, Lily Nails, Co-op.

But most importantly, thanks to our incredible School and College students who also gave fantastic signed choir performances that were filled with Christmas joy. We could not have wished for a better countdown to our Bicentenary celebrations in 2026.

Your continued support will make a real difference. To find out more about our 200th anniversary celebration activities and to pledge support for our Bicentenary Legacy Appeal for Deaf young people, email marketing@thedeafacademy.ac.uk  

I found the evening inspirational and the spirit of togetherness and community touched me deeply.