Miss-Delectable
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Deaf man given an MBE for his services to deaf people in Bath
A deaf man who has used his own experiences to help other hearing-impaired people in Bath has had his work recognised by the Queen.
Philip Saunders has been presented with an MBE for his voluntary service to deaf people in the city.
He went to Windsor Castle last week to receive his award, which was part of the Queen's Birthday Honours.
Phillip, who lives in Bristol, said: "I didn't expect to be awarded an MBE this year, but it's nice to be noticed for the work I do. I hope it raises awareness for the need to have social activities for the deaf community."
The 63-year-old was born profoundly deaf, and has been on the committee at Bath Deaf Club, helping others to cope with hearing loss.
He continued to drive lorries until 2004, when his vehicle was hit from behind when another driver fell asleep at the wheel.
As a result Philip suffered injuries that prevented him from working, and so he left his job and focused on volunteer work.
When the deaf club closed, Philip set about organising activities to bring deaf people together and support them.
Philip said: "I have been very aware of the huge gap in the deaf community in Bath.
"There was nowhere for people to go and meet each other. So I hired a room in the city so members could meet."
Through his new group, he organised day trips and activities, and supports committee members.
Philip said: "The club has given many deaf people who live alone the opportunity to come along and have a good time."
Some hearing people come along to learn sign language, and Philip says it is lovely to see how communication barriers come down. Philip has raised money for young deaf people in Bath by growing a beard and being sponsored to have it shaved off.
The money raised went towards setting up Bath Deaf Youth Club, which has helped hundreds of youngsters with hearing difficulties.
Phillip said: "Once you start, the news will spread by word of mouth. This will help deaf culture and sign language stay alive."
A deaf man who has used his own experiences to help other hearing-impaired people in Bath has had his work recognised by the Queen.
Philip Saunders has been presented with an MBE for his voluntary service to deaf people in the city.
He went to Windsor Castle last week to receive his award, which was part of the Queen's Birthday Honours.
Phillip, who lives in Bristol, said: "I didn't expect to be awarded an MBE this year, but it's nice to be noticed for the work I do. I hope it raises awareness for the need to have social activities for the deaf community."
The 63-year-old was born profoundly deaf, and has been on the committee at Bath Deaf Club, helping others to cope with hearing loss.
He continued to drive lorries until 2004, when his vehicle was hit from behind when another driver fell asleep at the wheel.
As a result Philip suffered injuries that prevented him from working, and so he left his job and focused on volunteer work.
When the deaf club closed, Philip set about organising activities to bring deaf people together and support them.
Philip said: "I have been very aware of the huge gap in the deaf community in Bath.
"There was nowhere for people to go and meet each other. So I hired a room in the city so members could meet."
Through his new group, he organised day trips and activities, and supports committee members.
Philip said: "The club has given many deaf people who live alone the opportunity to come along and have a good time."
Some hearing people come along to learn sign language, and Philip says it is lovely to see how communication barriers come down. Philip has raised money for young deaf people in Bath by growing a beard and being sponsored to have it shaved off.
The money raised went towards setting up Bath Deaf Youth Club, which has helped hundreds of youngsters with hearing difficulties.
Phillip said: "Once you start, the news will spread by word of mouth. This will help deaf culture and sign language stay alive."