A festive farewell to a much-loved venue was held by Harrow United Deaf Club (HUDC) as many gathered to celebrate Christmas with the charity.

Bentley Day Centre, in Uxbridge Road, Harrow Weald, has been the home of HUDC (formerly known as the Harrow Asian Deaf Club) and many other local groups for many years, and held its last event for the deaf charity on Saturday as charity members, politicians and community activists gathered to enjoy HUDC’s annual Christmas party.

They are currently looking for a new home.

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President of the HUDC, Asif Iqbal MBE, invited Gerry Hughes – the first deaf person to sail solo around the world – and his wife Kay to attend the event and address an audience and share his inspirational story.

Mr Iqbal said: “It was pleasing to have Gerry and Kay with us for the day. Gerry is one of the most inspirational people I have ever met – humble and yet so powerful in showing us how he achieved such an amazing feat.

“For many deaf and hearing people, they were in awe of how independent Gerry was and determined in achieving his long-life dream and we applaud him for being a very positive role model.”

Mr Iqbal was honoured last month at the GG2 Leadership Award ceremony, winning the 2013 Achievement through Adversity award for his campaigning work for the deaf community.

Video courtesy of Husain Akhtar.