From Social Distancing to Social Gathering by Ineke Doesburg

M&S Thurmaston Sign Club
This month club visit is a tad different to the previous ones. I am leaving Syston and travelling up to Thurmaston to pop into Marks and Spencer’s café for Sign Club. (Sign Club was initiated by myself so I might be a bit prejudiced about this club.) The club welcomes deaf and hearing individuals and allows people to brush up on their skills, with attendees encouraged to practice and learn to help bring the community together whilst enjoying food and drink at the M&S Café.
I’m usually working when Sign Club runs and try to join the conversations as much as possible, but this week I finished my shift early and could finally be a proper part of it all. I order my decaf latte and instantly notice a different atmosphere in the café. It feels more vibrant in a way, more animated? I wonder if this is a result of having a club in or because I am now a customer instead of a Customer Advisor. 
At the moment there are four members in our club and we start thinking about how to grow these numbers. One member suggests putting up flyers in neighbouring towns and plans are in place to make this happen and help grow the Sign Club.  
During our time at the Sign Club we have a little tasting of treats from the In-Store Bakery. Time flies and before we know it the Café closes for the day. I have really enjoyed this afternoon and I know soon the Sign Club will grow. Sign Club runs every Thursday afternoon from 3pm to 5pm and whether you stay for the full two hours or just for a cuppa, it would be lovely meeting you. 
Do you know British Sign Language or do you know someone who does? Spread the sign!  
Get in touch with Ineke at 23351306@mnscorp.net or just drop in to M&S Thurmaston on Barkby Thorpe Lane.