Sing and sign choir brings joy to Cornwall

In Cornwall, there is a unique choir called the At The Park Sing and Sign Choir. This group stands out because its members sing popular songs while also using sign language. The choir has around 30 members, ranging in age from seven to people in their seventies. Most of the members have a learning disability, but that does not stop them from coming together to make music and share happiness. The choir was started by Lisa Drake, who is a senior support worker at Bowden Derra Park, a residential community for adults with special needs near Launceston. Lisa wanted to teach keyword signing, which means using signs for the most important words in a sentence to help people communicate better.

Lisa attended a course to learn about keyword signing and tried to teach it to the residents and staff at Bowden Derra Park. However, she found that it was difficult for people to learn just by practicing the signs. Then she had an idea: what if they sang songs and signed at the same time? This new approach made learning much easier and more enjoyable for everyone. Lisa said, 'It was a bit of a revelation. We suddenly found: Ooh! This is a really easy way to learn the songs, to learn the different signs, and that took over. ' The choir started meeting every week for rehearsals, and soon they were ready to perform for others.

The At The Park Sing and Sign Choir now gets regular bookings to perform at local events, schools, and even carnivals like the upcoming Launceston Carnival. When they perform, they wear grey t-shirts with the choir's name and sing and sign in front of audiences that include both standing people and those in wheelchairs. Their performances are very moving, and people often say they feel uplifted or even moved to tears. Penelope, a choir member, said, 'It makes me feel really happy. I'm proud of myself. ' She explained that it is challenging because you have to practice both the signs and the songs at the same time. Luke, another member, said he enjoys seeing how the audience reacts and that it makes him feel proud and relaxed. The choir also includes staff members and their children, making it a true community effort. Lisa said, 'People who live here just feel really empowered by it. It's brought them immense joy; a sense of belonging and that they can give something. ' For Lisa, the most important thing is that the choir brings joy to everyone involved, and that is the true meaning of their work.