TWO months after Solihull Methodist Church was awarded makaton friendly status, the form of communication was used to inaugurate two new members of a borough Beavers group.
Makaton, a language used to help children and adults with communication difficulties, was put to good use on Wednesday (January 20) as Christopher Bailey and Christopher Shore joined the group.
Christopher Bailey, aged 21, proudly held the union flag before signing his promise to serve as an assistant leader in the Beaver colony.
Christopher has a long association with 11th Solihull Scout group after making his Cub Scout promise in 2004.
The 21-year-old will be working alongside two young leaders and five scouters with a group of seventeen boys and girls – aged six to eight, including Christopher Shore.
Aged eight, Christopher – who attends Reynalds Cross School in Solihull, was supported by a makaton signer when he made his promise.
As part of the welcome, the whole Beaver colony learned about different ways to communicate.
Group leader, Katie Shinner, showed all the children how to sign the Beaver promise.
Katie said: “It was a very rewarding night, both Christopher’s love being a part of the Beaver’s group and are enjoying it immensely.
“It’s not something we do on a regular basis, they were both really proud and enjoyed themselves.”
