A pioneering deaf club has celebrated its 10th Anniversary.
Harrow and Brent United held the event at the Conference Hall, Brent Civic Centre.
The event was hosted by Asif Iqbal, President of the Club.
Speaking on the night he said, “Welcome Harrow and Brent United Deaf Club 10th Anniversary Celebration.
"The deaf club is open to all especially deaf, hearing, all faiths and LGBT to integrated become strong diversity community and provide to support deaf community to lead deaf people lives and more deaf leaders to show positive role model to our diversity society.”
“In the 10 years of the Club, we are proud to have so many wonderful people coming through our door, enjoyed so many of our successful events."
In attendance were Councillor Arshad Mahmood, The Mayor of Brent; Mei Sim Lai OBE, Deputy Lieutenant for Brent; Barry Gardiner MP, Shadow Secretary of State for International Trade & Shadow Minister for International Climate Change; Councillor Pervez Ahmed, Former Mayor of Brent (2017); Councillor Krupesh Hirani, Cabinet Member for Public Health, Culture and Leisure; and Councillor Ernest Ezeajughi, Deputy Mayor.
Guests were treated to two cakes. The first was made by Hasnain Somji of Caketastic, a loyal supporter of the Club and who had previously produced a special cake for the Club’s 5th Anniversary and the Club’s celebration of Her Majesty the Queen’s 90th birthday.
The second cake together with mini cakes was kindly donated by The Polish Bakery, in support of the Harrow & Brent United Deaf Club.
The Mayor of Brent, Councillor Arshad Mahmood said, "I am pleased to be here, sharing the special day with you. Thank you to Asif iqbal, President of Harrow and Brent United Deaf Club for inviting me to open this special occasion of the Deaf Club's 10th Anniversary Celebration.
"The Deaf Club are well-known for their work, bringing deaf and hearing communities together every month and this is a perfect opportunity to celebrate Harrow and Brent United Deaf Club's 10th Anniversary.”
The Mayor closed his speech with a key message about the BSL Charter, ”I wanted to mention that Harrow and Brent United Deaf Club have been working closely with Brent Council to look at signing up to a BSL Charter, raising awareness as part of the Deaf Awareness Week May 2017 and being involved with the Brent Culture 2020.
"It is crucial for Brent Council to have your views on what works well and what areas is in need of improvement, we value your feedback and I hope we will work together more. Many congratulation to Harrow & Brent United Deaf Club for reaching their 10th Anniversary and wishing them many more years to come."
Barry Gardiner MP, Shadow Secretary of State for International Trade & Shadow Minister for International Climate Change, shared his experiences of growing up with family members who are deaf and use lipreading.
He regretted that he didn’t learn to sign but because of his role as local MP, he is keen to learn BSL to engage with deaf residents in his constituency.
The celebrations included a fantastic Gospel Sign Song performance by Georgina Atori, "The Power of Love”.
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