Dogs for the deaf

Filey Ladies Monday Club members were busy grabbing bargains at the February sales table before the formal start of the meeting when a new member and a visitor were made especially welcome and several forthcoming club happenings were discussed.

There was time to hear of and comment on the usual bits from history. On this day, February 6: in 1918 women over the age of 30 were given the right to vote (there were many astonished quips for this one); in 1952 King George VI died and his daughter Princess Elizabeth came to the throne. Queen Elizabeth II is now the longest reigning monarch. What were you doing on February 6, 1952?; in 1965 the Righteous Brothers’ record ‘You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling’ reached number one in the charts.

Paul and Rosemary Harrison were waiting to tell the story of Hearing Dogs for Deaf People and they introduced their dog Hanson who was on working duty, but taking a rest under the table.

Paul explained the causes and statistics of deafness and the history of the charity. He went on to describe the work in the two training centres - how dogs are chosen and taught to respond to important sounds and danger signals and how to alert the deaf person.

Rosemary lost her hearing through illness and said that Hanson had changed her life and saved it more than once. With anecdotal evidence she listed the problems and the funny incidents that happen because deafness is not easily recognised, and pleaded for extra patience from others for social acceptance.

The couple and Hanson stayed for refreshments and to answer questions from their interested listeners.

The next meeting will be on Monday February 20 in the community centre at 7.45pm. Betty Burr will explain why ‘They couldn’t keep her quiet’. All welcome.