THE latest community news from Penygroes.

Music competition

A PROFOUNDLY deaf Penygroes teenager has performed at a major arts centre after winning a UK-wide competition for her musical talents.

Megan Angharad Hunt, 17, has performed on her beloved flute in a bid to ensure everyone has the opportunity to enjoy music.

Megan took to the stage at mac Birmingham on 19 June after winning Raising the Bar, a competition developed by the National Deaf Children’s Society to drive expectations of what the 45,000 deaf children in the UK can achieve.

Along with 23 other deaf young people, Megan won a weekend masterclass with acclaimed deaf professionals - Deaf Men Dancing choreographer Mark Smith, Music and the Deaf musician Danny Lane, accompanied by Ruth Montgomery and Deafinitely Theatre director Paula Garfield accompanied by deaf actor William Grint - from the arts industry, developing her exceptional talents before performing in a live showcase for family and friends.

Raising the Bar was launched by deaf actress Sophie Stone, of Doctor Who fame, at the beginning of this year.

She said: “I was so impressed by the high standard of competition entries.

“Having attended RADA I know how vital it is for deaf children and young people to be in an environment where they can build confidence, gain skills and make new friends.

"Deaf children are just as capable as everyone else; we just need to make sure they get the right support.”

Bryony Parkes, Inclusive Activities Implementation Manager for the National Deaf Children’s Society, said: “We were absolutely bowled over by the talent and enthusiasm of the deaf young people at the showcase.

“Raising the Bar is all about raising expectations to show that deaf children and young people can perform to the same standard as their hearing peers and should get the same chances to take part in activities.

“It was great to hear that so many of the deaf young people feel their confidence and aspirations have grown since taking part.”

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