Sign language Santa to meet deaf children

A sign language Santa will be visiting a church centre to chat to special needs and deaf children in the run-up to Christmas.

A grotto is being set up at the Wesley Centre for All, in Spring Head, Wednesbury on 14 December.

Rotarian Glenn Edwards organised the special visit after he saw two children using sign language to chat to Father Christmas at a Christmas lights switch-on last year.

A school in the area has already booked a slot for its pupils to visit, he said.

The Rotary Club of Wednesbury has contacted all schools in the area to let them know about the event, which will have gifts, toys and lollipops.

A friend of Santa's, Joshua Gallagher, said British Sign Language was a first language for deaf children and others, including children who lived with deaf parents.

He is a deaf support worker at Sandwell Deaf Community Association, which supports people who are deaf and hard-of-hearing.

Mr Gallagher, also an acting teacher with Thespian Arts, said children using sign language could visit the grotto and talk about what they wanted, rather than make a list.

"Deaf children might write a list to Santa - but they might prefer to use their own language," he said.

"It adds to the magic of Christmas that Santa knows their language.

"You definitely see more of an interaction. For some it's the first time they have properly engaged with Santa.

"It's a lovely thing to see."

Mr Edwards, who lives in Wednesbury, said the grotto would open at 10:00 GMT, with the first hour being for special needs and deaf children. From 11:00 GMT, it will be open to everyone.

A signed video by Santa, posted on social media, said: "Hello, how are you all, I'm Father Christmas, and I wish you all a merry Christmas.

"My friends at the rotary club want to let you know I'll be at the Wesley church in Wednesbury on 14 December between 12 and 3pm.

"Make sure to come along and queue up. It's free, which is fantastic. Make sure to bring your Christmas list to me so I can give it to my elves, who will sort it out.

"Take care and goodbye."

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