Lesley-Anne Harris – Administrator
HI, I am Annie Harris, I live with my husband, Sam, who I met while we were both mature university students. We have 3 cats, which keep me very busy with their constant demands for strokes and food!
My role is Administrator, so I am responsible for responding to emails, so it may be me you are talking with! I also keep track of all the people, such as volunteers, businesses, performers, and stallholders – so basically, lots of spreadsheets are involved!! I also will be posting some information about BSL Festival on Facebook so you know what is happening and can begin to plan your journey to Southampton.
I am genuinely excited about working with BSL Celebration, as its an amazing opportunity to educate communities that have not been introduced to sign language as well as bringing deaf people together to celebrate solidarity and inclusion.
Paul Leonard – Website Developer
Paul fell into the Deaf world completely by accident way back in the 1990’s and learnt BSL way back when CACDP was still a thing. He quickly made friends within the Deaf community and loved his place in his new “world”.
Paul has very quirky hobbies which includes collecting Thunderbirds memorabilia. He also has a keen interest in maps and the London Underground although not a train spotter … or so he says! Paul also enjoys taking photos of nature, architecture and other items of interest.
Paul’s aim is to empower Deaf charities and small businesses using technology enabling two way conversation between the Deaf customer and him without the need for an interpreter.
Tim Mitchell – Digital Media
Tim is passionate about bridging the gap between the Deaf and Hearing worlds.
Tim draws on over 30 years’ marketing experience and specialises in working with Deaf businesses and organisations. He has secured work for Deaf clients including with Heathrow, Lloyds of London, SCOR, vmWare, SpecSavers, Dept of International Development, Tottenham Hotspur, NHS Recovery College and Willmott Dixon to name just a few.
Tim is delighted to be involved with BSL Celebration.
Tracie Redshaw – Lead Interpreter and Comedy Night Organiser
I am the Lead Interpreter responsible for co-ordinating the team of interpreters for BSLC. I am also delighted to be involved in supporting the entertainment night.
I have worked the Deaf community for almost 30 years. I am passionate about equality and access, as such, I have been involved in campaigning at both a local and national level with my deaf colleagues and friends.
Watching the impact and developments of Rose on Strictly, alongside the passing of the BSL Act (which has certainly grabbed the attention of a wider audience) has been captivating. It feels like we are no longer discussing the barriers within a closed community, but out in mainstream arenas, where the improvements need to happen. This is an exciting moment, a real time for change and I am thrilled to be a part of the movement.
I love to swim in the sea and feel the sun on my face. I enjoy travelling. I am usually the first person on the dance floor and the last person off!
Lucy Riding – Operations and Finance
I re-connected with Claire when I became the liaison point for Manchester Deaf Centre who were one of the partners in the Manchester BSL Fest 2024.
I say ‘re-connected’ as we went to the same deaf school in the juniors (7-11 years)! Many old memories are coming to the forefront and old photographs will be next!
Manchester BSL Fest 2024 was a resounding success and I was thrilled when Claire asked me to be part of the Core Team going forward.
I work for Manchester Deaf Centre as their Finance Manager, as well as overseeing other areas. In my spare time, I enjoy music and love going to live concerts and festivals, gardening and I have a huge love of dogs!
Laurie Thorpe – Public Relations
I began learning BSL to help reduce the gap between hearing and Deaf communities. I discovered the heart of BSL, the historical and existing inequalities experienced within the Deaf community and the emotion carried within each sign.
I work at Manchester Deaf Centre with a wonderful team of staff who advocate and facilitate empowerment within the Deaf community. We proudly support local and national campaigns.
I met Claire Cummings whist supporting the Manchester BSL Fest 2024. It was a magnificent celebration of BSL. Joyous, informative and inclusive, bringing people together. BSL is a beautiful indigenous language, an educational and cultural right for deaf children, young people, adults and their families. BSL has enriched my life and I look forward to BSL uniting people of all communication methods. I am delighted to support Claire and the core team to deliver an amazing Southampton BSL Festival 2025!
My favourite moments are usually admiring the colours of the sky and the beauty of nature. I love watching the seasons come and go, and I never refuse a cup of tea!
Christine Wright – Stage Director
I was delighted when Claire asked me to get involved with BSL Celebration and be one of the MC’s at the Manchester BSL Fest in 2024. I overcame my nerves for this role due to the huge audience! The whole week of events including the BSL Fest was phenomenal.
It is very exciting to be part of the Core Team for the BSL Celebration and I look forward to getting my BSL hands stuck in for Southampton, April 2025.
I attended a Deaf school until I was 7 years old and then I went to mainstream schools. I now work as a Specialist Teaching Assistant for Hearing & Vision Service in Stockport. I also do a day a week as a Project Support Officer at Manchester Deaf Centre.
For the last 20 years I have organised Deaf balls in the North West – the biggest one held 750 guests! I do a lot of voluntary work – North West Deaf Sports Council, Preston Deaf Club, Stockport Deaf Club and Manchester Deaf Club, to name a few!
During my rare and spare time(!), I like to go on long walks with my husband and have a cheeky pint at the end. Oh, I also love my holidays – It’s Spain…Spain….and Spain!!