Signed carol services at Everton Nurseries in Christchurch Road in aid of charity Hearing Dogs for Deaf People

SIGNED carol services in aid of charity Hearing Dogs for Deaf People will take place at a New Forest garden centre tomorrow (Saturday).

The event at Everton Nurseries in Christchurch Road will feature two performances from the Everton Village Voices Choir at midday and 1.30pm.

The group is led by local resident Pat Hood, who is a keen advocate of signed song.

The idea for the event came from Scrappy Moodie, who works as a supervisor at the garden centre.

Originally christened David Moodie, Scrappy changed his name by deed poll during the pandemic, raising £1,500 for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People by doing so.

He said: “I support a local group for deaf people called Achieve Together, and I help at three supported living homes in Hordle, which are rich with deaf culture.

“Some time ago, Achieve Together did a signed singing performance, and I felt it was a really fun way for people with hearing loss to get involved with the Christmas celebrations.”

Community fundraising manager for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, Jordan Chamberlain, added: “I’m so grateful to Scrappy for taking the time to organise the carols.

“Being deaf can be incredibly isolating, particularly at traditionally sociable times like Christmas, so this will be a great way to allow people with hearing loss to join in with their friends and neighbours.”