Sound Out Honiton
After six years of running Sound Out (Honiton); a local hearing support group for people with hearing problems and their partners, Christopher and Patricia Clow are retiring in April 2011. It is sincerely hoped that someone can be found to take on the role of coordinating and with the help of the committee continue to run this friendly and lively group. The group is in a sound financial position and has as their home the Methodist Church in Chapel Street Honiton where they meet on the third Tuesday of each month. There is a hard working committee who each have their roles to play, who will be very willing to support someone new. If anyone feels this is something they would be interested in considering please contact the current chairman by email on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it by text on 07702504701 or telephone 01404 549328.
When we first started Sound Out in April 2005 we didn’t know if anyone would come to our inaugural meeting, In fact we had eight people turn up, some are still with us! We both have had hearing problem for many years. We found that our social life had become virtually non-existent and when we looked for a hearing support group, found none.
We meet once a month always on the third Tuesday morning, and have speakers, outings, quizzes and finger spelling games, also a Birthday card scheme, a Christmas Tea and about twenty members. Many friendships have sprung up over a cuppa. The Methodist Church is an ideal venue for us because it has a good loop system, so everyone can hear what’s going on. There is full disabled access for people with physical disabilities. There is limited adjacent parking.
Our routine is that we get there around 9.30am to set up the room and test the loop system and look out for our guest speaker (we generally give a small gift to those who don’t charge) we have a member who takes care of the refreshments, we offer decaffeinated and ordinary Teas & Coffees for those who have tinnitus and find this beneficial. We still only charge 50p for this. The biscuits are set out on plates with dollies on to make it more of an occasion. At Easter and Christmas we serve appropriate refreshments. (Easter biscuits and mince pies etc.) We have a member who sends Birthday cards; from Sound Out to every member, also every member gets a small gift and card at Christmas these have been funded by Pat and Chris and not from the clubs resources. We have a Christmas tea every year which in recent years we have been able to pay for from funds. We get unsolicited donation most years which helps provide these little extras.
The local newspaper (Midweek Herald) is very helpful in advertising events and activities the group has. Also the local library, Honiton Council Office the Sensory Department of Social Services, as well as the Royal Devon & Exeter Audiology unit steer people who could benefit towards Sound Out. We were also asked to take part in consultation into advances in their services. We have had mentions in the past in Devon link magazine, and Positive Devon Living a new magazine for people with disabilities.