Sign Circle Camping

Deaf BSL Camping Festival 2009

Longridge, Lancashire - Friday 28th - Monday 31st May

Sign Circle 2010 a BIG SUCCESS

June 18th, 2010

Sign Circle would like to thank all the volunteers; performers; entertainers and of course the important people – the campers for coming and making it such a fun and happy festival!

It is official, 420 people were at the festival making it the biggest ever! And we would still like to make it bigger so encourage all your friends and family to come next year!

The weekend was fun packed non-stop with a wide range of workshops; activities and entertainment for all ages.  The weather was not so good to us on Saturday but that did not stop most of us having fun as luckily quite a lot could be done in the big marquees! But for the rest of the weekend the weather was dry thankfully!

Sign Circle will be returning in 2011, but whereabouts we have not yet decided! It will definitely be in the North West for sure! Once a decision is made, we will inform you as soon as possible so you can book your tickets!

In the meantime, keep an eye out on www.signcircle.org.uk for photographs and videos of Sign Circle 2010.

Finally, a very big THANK YOU to everyone who made it happen and look forward to seeing you next year.

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Let the fun and games begin!

May 20th, 2010

Sign Circle 2010 is soon becoming a reality! The tickets have been selling really well and there are 400 of you coming!  Sign Circle Crew is really pleased about this as it shows that it is a place for friends and families to go and have fun!

Just a few reminder points for those who are coming!

Register at the Information Tent upon arrival (don’t forget to bring your tickets!) – you will then be given a wristband to wear all weekend.

NOTE: We will only accept people who have registered and won’t accept people turning up at the last minute.

  • Camping stuff! Tent; sleeping bag; cooking equipment; chairs; food & drinks
  • All the activities are free so only need to bring little money for refreshments (Sign Circle Cafe has light refreshments & there will be a mobile food caravan onsite for those who do not want to cook!)
  • Weather – we can’t guarantee the weather but it has been really nice and warm lately – hope this continues till next weekend! Fingers crossed!
  • Bring change of clothes as there will be some muddy activities like Mud Wrestling!
  • Why don’t you get a Sign Circle Challenge team together? Need 10 people per team – we have heard that teams are getting together already!
  • Deaf Battle is back! This is a rap competition on Friday evening – get your name down!
  • Start thinking about chilling and relaxing with our activities in the Peace Tent
  • Get your children to think of games to play and put in a request to our Activity Supervisors

Most importantly – do you know how to get there? Click on this link for map and directions.

SEE YOU THERE!

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Programme updated!!!

May 10th, 2010

Tickets sales will be extended till Monday 17th May – be quick and grab your tickets now!

Ticket price includes:

Festival Pass which includes Activities/Workshops; Entertainment; Shower & Toilet facilities; Camp Fires  & plenty of volunteers to look after you and the site

We have lots of things booked! Read below some of what will be happening!

Children’s Programme
It’s going to be so much fun to be a kid at Sign Circle! Goo pit, foam slide and mud wrestling! Tutu making for the crafty kids, plus face paint every day! Not to forget the inflatable play zone, big rubber legos and giant games… Groovy!

Deaf Talent Show
On Sunday evening, Deaf Talent Show will kick off! You can do your show alone, grab a friend for a duet, or perform in a group! Who is the bestest of you all? Let the audience decide – winners will be awarded! (Best start planning your performance now!)

Workshop with Jacob Casselden
Not sure what to do for Sunday’s Deaf Talent Show? No worries! This workshop will bring out the best of you, and make you shine in the spotlight!

Mud Wrestling
Hooyah!!! Come and show off your wrestling skills in the mud pit. Beat opponent by opponent and become the ultimate Sign Circle Mud Wrestling Champion 2010!

Reiki with Bridie
Reiki is a form of therapy that improves the flow of life energy in a person. Reiki means “universal life energy” in Japanese and it works on energy flow on the physical, emotional, and spiritual level. It’s simply beautiful!

Relaxation with Sharon
Sharon offers a small range of massages and beauty treatments – go see her in the Peace Tent and book your treatment!

Special Guest: Wicked! (www.bslbt.co.uk/wicked)
The Wicked campervan will drive all the way to the Longridge Showground, where the 4th Sign Circle Deaf BSL Camping Festival takes place. The presenters Nadia and Lee are already getting very excited about the festival, and we’re thrilled to have them visit us! We heard they may be staying for the whole weekend, so prepare to see yourself on telly when the programme comes out!

Pony Riding with the Groovy Hooves (www.groovyhooves.com)
On Saturday, two riding ponies and two Falabella (miniature) ponies will visit the campsite! They love kids, and kids love them! The Falabella ponies love to be pampered by kids – that’s why they will bring with them pretty pink, purple and blue grooming kits which are perfect for tiny hands. The pampering is completed with glittery hoof oil, sparkly mane and tail spray and plenty of ribbons for plaiting. Oooh! For more macho action, hop on the riding ponies. Yee-haw!

The art of living Mindfully by the Dancing Phoenix (www.thedancingphoenix.co.uk)
This workshop uses mindful approaches to meditation to reduce stress, manage pain and reclaim peace. A practical workshop that teaches you ways of slowing down, unwinding and remaining relaxed no matter what.

Mega Slide
On Saturday, there will be a Mega Slide on the campsite! This HUGE slide is 30ft high, suitable for brave kids and adults only!

Dragon Obstacle Course
On Sunday, don’t panic when you see a massive 70ft long Dragon on the field! Enter through the Dragon’s mouth, climb his scales and slide down the other side. Then fight your way through the obstacles, and slide down a final giant slide to your doom… Or victory!

Sign Circle Challenge
It’s BACK! On Sunday, build your team and enter the Sign Circle Challenge! There will be eight different activities, and completing each one of them will give points to your team. How well you do depends on your team! The winners receive their well deserved awards later on Sunday evening. Yoo hoo!

Caro Sparks, Actress & Comedienne
Caroline Parker will be performing well known recorded songs such as Queen’s ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ in sign, dance and mime! In the daytime, there will be a workshop where you can explore how to portray songs in a visual way by using different skills. Woo hoo!

Mr Tippy, The Magic Clown (www.mr-tippy-magic-clown.co.uk)
Mr Tippy comes to Sign Circle to make all the children giggle and laugh – keep your eyes open for his fantastic magic acts! Pssst, Mr Tippy has appeared on TV in BSLBT’s ‘Wicked’, so we think he’s quite famous!

Signdance Collective: Dances For A Lost Traveller – ‘Listen’ & ‘Travelling’ (www.signdancecollective.co.uk)
Sign Dance Collective will perform several plays in artistic forms that will make you think! It will be a visual play with film and sign language. The performers have travelled all over the world so will have lots of cultural experience. Sit back and experience a bit of culture!

DeafDrumma & DeafTappa
Deaf musician playing on the drums. Using different styles that HOH & Deaf can feel to use as music or to simply create a story in the minds with the audience eyes closed. Evening performance by a Deaf tap dancer, flowing with BSL and mime, creating a visual story. Not to be missed!

Chloe Reynolds, Henna Artist
Choose from a range of designs in the henna books. Choose where on your body you would like the design. Then sit back, relax, and let the henna artist create your beautiful temporary tattoo. Want to have a go yourself? Create your own henna design with a friend, and tattoo each other!

Martial Arts workshop with Carol Ferguson
Fitness workout with martial movements. Carol is a multitalented woman who is going to do Indian Head massage as well! Aren’t we lucky!

SignForward: International Sign workshop (www.signforward.com)
This workshop by Gavin Lilley & Kabir Kapoor will enable participants to think more visually and use sign language in international contexts – suitable for these who often meet foreign deaf people either in professional or social settings. It’s full of practical exercises! You will have fun and your skills in BSL will also increase – that’s a promise!

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Programme Update

April 2nd, 2010

Special Guest: Wicked! (www.bslbt.co.uk/wicked)
The Wicked campervan will drive all the way to the Longridge Showground, where the 4th Sign Circle Deaf BSL Camping Festival takes place. The presenters Nadia and Lee are already getting very excited about the festival, and we’re thrilled to have them visit us! We heard they may be staying for the whole weekend, so prepare to see yourself on telly when the programme comes out!

Pony Riding with the Groovy Hooves (www.groovyhooves.com)
On Saturday, two riding ponies and two Falabella (miniature) ponies will visit the campsite! They love kids, and kids love them! The Falabella ponies love to be pampered by kids – that’s why they will bring with them pretty pink, purple and blue grooming kits which are perfect for tiny hands. The pampering is completed with glittery hoof oil, sparkly mane and tail spray and plenty of ribbons for plaiting. Oooh! For more macho action, hop on the riding ponies. Yee-haw!

The art of living Mindfully by the Dancing Phoenix (www.thedancingphoenix.co.uk)
This workshop uses mindful approaches to meditation to reduce stress, manage pain and reclaim peace. A practical workshop that teaches you ways of slowing down, unwinding and remaining relaxed no matter what.

Mega Slide
On Saturday, there will be a Mega Slide on the campsite! This HUGE slide is 30ft high, suitable for brave kids and adults only!

Dragon Obstacle Course
On Sunday, don’t panic when you see a massive 70ft long Dragon on the field! Enter through the Dragon’s mouth, climb his scales and slide down the other side. Then fight your way through the obstacles, and slide down a final giant slide to your doom… Or victory!

Sign Circle Challenge
It’s BACK! On Sunday, build your team and enter the Sign Circle Challenge! There will be eight different activities, and completing each one of them will give points to your team. How well you do depends on your team! The winners receive their well deserved awards later on Sunday evening. Yoo hoo!

Caroline Parker, Actress & Comedienne Caro Sparks will be performing well known recorded songs such as Queen’s ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ in sign, dance and mime! In the daytime, there will be a workshop where you can explore how to portray songs in a visual way by using different skills. Woo hoo!

Mr Tippy, The Magic Clown (www.mr-tippy-magic-clown.co.uk)
Mr Tippy comes to Sign Circle to make all the children giggle and laugh – keep your eyes open for his fantastic magic acts! Pssst, Mr Tippy has appeared on TV in BSLBT’s ‘Wicked’, so we think he’s quite famous!

Signdance Collective: Dances For A Lost Traveller – ‘Listen’ & ‘Travelling’ (www.signdancecollective.co.uk)
Sign Dance Collective will perform several plays in artistic forms that will make you think! It will be a visual play with film and sign language. The performers have travelled all over the world so will have lots of cultural experience. Sit back and experience a bit of culture!

DeafDrumma & DeafTappa

Deaf musician playing on the drums. Using different styles that HOH & Deaf can feel to use as music or to simply create a story in the minds with the audience eyes closed. Evening performance by a Deaf tap dancer, flowing with BSL and mime, creating a visual story. Not to be missed!

Chloe Reynolds, Henna Artist
Choose from a range of designs in the henna books. Choose where on your body you would like the design. Then sit back, relax, and let the henna artist create your beautiful temporary tattoo. Want to have a go yourself? Create your own henna design with a friend, and tattoo each other!

Martial Arts workshop with Carol Ferguson
Fitness workout with martial movements. Carol is a multitalented woman who is going to do Indian Head massage as well! Aren’t we lucky!

SignForward: International Sign workshop (www.signforward.com)
This workshop by Gavin Lilley &Kabir Kapoor will enable participants to think more visually and use sign language in international contexts – suitable for these who often meet foreign deaf people either in professional or social settings. It’s full of practical exercises! You will have fun and your skills in BSL will also increase – that’s a promise!
All this will be included in the festival ticket with no extra charge, and there will be a whole load of other activities and fun, too! Make sure you book your tickets now – www.signcircle.org.uk

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Coordinators Wanted!

March 15th, 2010

Coordinators wanted!
 
If you are interested we are looking for co-ordinators to join our team. The responsibilities include managing a team of volunteers and supporting the management team and the roles available are: 

    First Aid Coordinator

    Security Coordinator

    Recycling and Cleaning Cordinator

    Stage Coordinator

    Activity Supervisor Coordinator

If you are interested in one of the coordinator roles please email: marie@signcircle.org.uk for more information.
Fill in the attached volunteer application form, print it, sign it, scan it and email to: volunteers@signcircle.org.uk. Or, send it to our postal address on the website.
www.signcircle.org.uk/volunteers
Remember the deadline for the Volunteer application is 28th March 2010!

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Information Packs for Campers & Volunteers

March 6th, 2010

Information Packs for Campers & Volunteers available to download now


The packs will provide you with information on what to expect around the campsite and some guidelines on what you should and should not do.  Click on Camper Pack or Volunteer Pack to download.

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SignPost BSL promotes Sign Circle

March 2nd, 2010

SignPost BSL is an ITV website that provides news in BSL.  You can see the Sign Circle news by clicking this link -

SignPost BSL

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Whats happening at SC 2010

February 28th, 2010

Sign Circle is one of the biggest BSL outdoor camping festivals the UK and it will take place on the 28th – 31st May 2010 in Longridge, Preston, Lancashire.  There will be lots of activities & fun with your family and friends!

Ticket price includes:

Festival Pass which includes Activities/Workshops; Entertainment; Shower & Toilet facilities; Camp Fires  & plenty of volunteers to look after you and the site

We have lots of things booked! Read below some of what will be happening!

Caroline Parker, Actress & Comedienne

Caro Sparks will be performing well known recorded songs such as Queen’s ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ in sign, dance and mime! In the daytime, there will be a workshop where you can explore how to portray songs in a visual way by using different skills. Woo hoo!

Mr Tippy, The Magic Clown

Mr Tippy comes to Sign Circle to make all the children giggle and laugh – keep your eyes open for his fantastic magic acts! Pssst, Mr Tippy has appeared on TV in BSLBT’s ‘Wicked’, so we think he’s quite famous!

Signdance Collective: Dances For A Lost Traveller – ‘Listen’ & ‘Travelling’

Sign Dance Collective will perform several plays in artistic forms that will make you think! It will be a visual play with film and sign language.  The performers have travelled all over the world so will have lots of cultural experience.   Sit back and experience a bit of culture!

DeafDrumma & DeafTappa

Deaf musician playing on the drums. Using different styles that HOH & Deaf can feel to use as music or to simply create a story in the minds with the audience eyes closed. Evening performance by a Deaf tap dancer, flowing with BSL and mime, creating a visual story. Not to be missed!

Chloe Reynolds, Henna Artist

Choose from a range of designs in the henna books. Choose where on your body you would like the design. Then sit back, relax, and let the henna artist create your beautiful temporary tattoo. Want to have a go yourself? Create your own henna design with a friend, and tattoo each other!

Martial Arts workshop with Carol Ferguson

Fitness workout with martial movements. Carol is a multitalented woman who is going to do Indian Head massage as well! Aren’t we lucky!

SignForward: International Sign workshop

This workshop by Gavin Lilley &Kabir Kapoor will enable participants to think more visually and use sign language in international contexts – suitable for these who often meet foreign deaf people either in professional or social settings. It’s full of practical exercises! You will have fun and your skills in BSL will also increase – that’s a promise!

All this will be included in the festival ticket with no extra charge, and there will be a whole load of other activities and fun, too! Make sure you book your tickets now – www.signcircle.org.uk.

The tickets are running fast this year and its selling quicker than the previous years so grab your tickets before it’s sold out!!!

P.S. New stuff is added to the programme all the time! Keep your eyes peeled for our updated programme!

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Free Ticket Winner!

February 24th, 2010

A free ticket was given to Michelle Durant, Croydon as the lucky winner of our prize draw! Those entered for the draw filled in feedback forms last year, which has helped us to make Sign Circle Deaf BSL Camping Festival even better this year! Make sure you grab your tickets soon as they are selling fast!

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Call for Demonstrations!

February 16th, 2010

We have calls for volunteer applications from people who have skills in various relaxation methods – massage, energy healing, aromatherapy, Indian head massage… You name it! There are two conditions: your treatments must not include any health risks, and you must be fluent in BSL.

This ever growing festival will take place on Longridge Showground, Longridge, Lancashire; 28th – 31st May 2010. In the past we have had massage and Reiki, and the booking list was full before lunchtime! There was such a big demand for various treatments that this year we will have a whole marquee for this purpose only. The marquee will be divided into several small “rooms”, so that everyone will have a peaceful and private experience. Because there will be so many people and everyone wants to be pampered, we ask you to provide short demonstrations (max. 30 minutes) per person, instead of full treatments. We also ask you to have a 15-minute break between each 30-minute demonstration and a one-hour lunch.

The deadline for applications is Monday 5th April 2010 but don’t wait too long or you may miss the opportunity! For an application form, please contact the Programme Manager Heidi Koivisto.

Download: Application for Demonstrations (word doc: 542kb)

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