From Green Fingers to Finger-Spelling – TV Gardener Inspired to Learn BSL During Visit to Royal School for the Deaf Derby
By Community Correspondent
TV presenter and celebrity gardener Lee Connelly has pledged to learn British Sign Language (BSL) after visiting Royal School for the Deaf Derby as part of his national School Gardening Tour.
Best known as the Skinny Jean Gardener from CBBC’s Blue Peter, Lee stopped by the Ashbourne Road school to help pupils sow wildflower seeds to take home, as part of his mission to inspire 10,000 children across the UK to get growing.
During his visit, Lee learned more about the gardening projects the school’s primary-aged pupils are involved in, and what motivates them to get their hands dirty.
But while he was there to inspire, he found himself equally inspired.
“I really want to learn BSL, and when I next come back, I want you to test me!” he told staff and pupils—many of whom delighted in watering both their plants and Lee himself with water pistols during the fun-filled session.
Eight-year-old Rehina and nine-year-old Karolina shared their hopes of seeing their school garden bursting with colourful blooms, while parent Iryna Diug spoke about her gardening experiences with daughter Elvira, a pupil at the school.
“In Ukraine, we used to grow everything,” Iryna told Lee. “Since moving here, we’ve tried to keep gardening, but pests keep getting to our plants!”
The visit was filmed by Lee’s team, and highlights will feature in a short film to be released during National Children’s Gardening Week (May 24 – June 1), for which Lee serves as ambassador.
Sipcam Home & Garden, a Derby-based company, proudly sponsored the tour, donating their child- and pet-safe ‘ecofective’ garden care products to every participating school.
Lydia Grayston of Sipcam Home & Garden said: “As a Derby-based business, it was a real privilege to join Lee at the Royal School for the Deaf Derby. It was wonderful to see the children so engaged in gardening—planting seeds, getting their hands dirty, and having fun with Lee. It was also fantastic to see Lee embracing the experience and even learning some BSL. We hope to welcome him back soon!”
Paul Burrows, Head Teacher at the Royal School for the Deaf Derby, added: “We’re extremely grateful to Lee and his team for visiting. Encouraging children to connect with nature through gardening has so many benefits, and Lee’s enthusiasm really helped bring that message to life.”
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