Outstanding tribute to deaf campaigner Bob

BOB McCullough, the former Belfast Telegraph columnist who wrote the weekly Deaf Talkabout column for 27 years, has been celebrated at an event in Jordanstown School for Deaf and Visually Impaired Children.

The Evening of Remembrance and Celebration was hosted by the British Deaf Association (BDA), in partnership with the Ulster Society for Promoting the Education of the Deaf and Blind. The event was timed to coincide with and mark International Week of the Deaf.

Bob passed away in June 2016. His widow, Evelyn, a former teacher at Jordanstown, unveiled a memorial bench in Bob’s name. Her daughter, Janet, acted as interpreter as moving tributes were made on Bob’s life and achievements.

Bob was a passionate campaigner for the highest standards of education for deaf children and adults. His heart also beat strongly for justice, empowerment and equality for the underdog.

As an adult, he graduated with a BA in English from the Open University. He was instrumental in establishing the Ulster Deaf Sports Council and the Northern Ireland Workshop for the Deaf.

Among his many achievements was the setting up the first essay competition for deaf children — sponsored by the Belfast Telegraph and the National Deaf Children’s Society for many years. He was also the recipient of numerous awards.

A former chair of BDA (NI), the organisation recognised his achievements and he was presented with their highest award — the Medal of Honour — in 2004.

BRIAN SYMINGTON By email