That this House celebrates Torbay & District Deaf Society, founded on 8 September 1929 when deaf residents first met in Plainmoor, Torquay, to establish a vital community organisation; notes its early development through collaboration across Torquay, Paignton, Brixham, Newton Abbot and Dartmouth, and its first premises at the Ginger Café later that same month; recognises the Society’s resilience and growth, including the purchase in 1938 of premises at Fore Street, St Marychurch, and its continued service through the challenges of the Second World War; further notes its move in 1958 to Abbey Hall, where, with civic support, it became a cornerstone of a wider disabled community hub in Torquay; commends the Society’s longstanding role in providing social, cultural, sporting and spiritual opportunities for deaf and hard of hearing people, including the Chapel of St Bede, sports facilities and modern community spaces; welcomes recent investment, including the refurbishment of facilities such as the Abbey Café and Rock Lounge; applauds the registration of its charitable arm in 1963 and the leadership of its current deaf trustees in promoting inclusion, dignity and safeguarding; and congratulates all members, past and present, on their contribution to nearly a century of community life, further welcoming the Open Day on 6 June 2026 as an opportunity to celebrate its rich history and inspire future generations.
