Since the Deaf Academy, Exmouth is celebrating its bi-centenary in 2026, we have been researching its history and also contacting former staff, students and trustees for their memories so that a book could be produced for that momentous occasion.  

Originally known as the Royal West of England Institution for the Deaf and Dumb, Exeter, it moved to the former Rolle College site in Douglas Avenue, Exmouth in 2020.  Since Daphne had already written books about the site – "Exmouth's ROLLE" in 2015 – and a celebration of 200 years of her own Primary School – "So many Hearts make a School" (2007) and "This is our School” (2011) – this is a fitting sequel.  Interestingly, George Palmer School in Reading, Berkshire had a Partially Hearing Unit from 1956, which she studied for her Education thesis at Rolle College while training for teaching in the early 1960s.

17 people have now contributed their reminiscences either as a student, trustee, member of staff (teaching or residential care) or a member of their family and "Signing on and off for 200 years" is now ready for publication during this bi-centennial year.  Memories range from Margaret Rundle's photographs of her deaf parents meeting in the 1920s as they travelled by train from St Austell to Exeter to recent or present day staff and students describing how they have been inspired to be the first Duke of Edinburgh award winner to sign a speech at Buckingham Palace or volunteering to deliver hearing aids to teenagers who need them in Ukraine.

Teachers who have devoted decades of service to the Deaf Academy have written of their experiences as have the families of others, including the three daughters of John and Barbara Stark who all lived on site throughout his time as deputy head thus enabling this story to be told by both deaf and hearing participants. 

The controversy as to whether signing should be encouraged in schools for the deaf is dealt with by those who have experienced both systems and is linked to the present gradual recognition of BSL as a GCSE subject and its use for all age groups, including the elderly and very young.

Watch this space for details of the Launch and other events when you will be able to buy copies of “Signing on and off for 200 years”.