MEMBERS' AGM
Taking BSL & ISL Forward
The BDA's Members' AGM will be held in the beautiful Guildhall in Derry City, Northern Ireland on Saturday 22nd November.
Doors will open at 10am for registration and refreshments, and the AGM will run from 11am to 1pm. Following this, workshops will run from 2pm to 4.30pm.
Please confirm your attendance at this year's meeting using the registration link below.
Please note: We will also be livestreaming this year's AGM for Members who are unable to make it to Northern Ireland. More details on this will follow soon.
BOOK YOUR PLACE
Register Now
Attendance to our AGM is free, but you’ll need to book your space in advance. Everyone is welcome to join us at the AGM. If you are a BDA member, you will have the right to vote.
Non-members are warmly invited to attend and learn more about our work, although voting will only be open to members.
You can also become a member on the day with our support. If you’d like to join before the AGM to ensure your right to vote, please note the membership deadline is 12 October 2025.
Workshops
Following the AGM, there will be a series of workshops running throughout the afternoon. Presenters will explore themes such as history and Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH). These sessions are designed to be interactive, and we welcome your feedback. Workshops will run from 2pm until 4.30pm.
Where to eat
Please note that food will not be provided at the AGM. However, Derry offers a wide choice of cafés, restaurants, and pubs, many of which are only a short walk from the venue. Find out more about food and travel options here:
RECOGNISING ACHIEVEMENT
BDA Awards: Nominate Now
As you may be aware, we have a tradition of hosting award ceremonies during our AGM weekend, and this year is no exception. What makes this year even more special is that we are inviting members of BDA only to nominate deserving individuals for certain awards!
Please take a moment to nominate individuals for the following awards by Friday 20 October 2025 at 12pm (noon)
Francis Maginn Award
Named after the BDA's founder Francis Maginn, this award recognises remarkable achievements by Deaf individuals in the UK who have broken new ground in their fields through determination and perseverance. The Francis Maginn Award is exclusively open to Deaf individuals who are residents of the United Kingdom. These individuals must have achieved significant, groundbreaking accomplishments that represent a first in their respective fields.
Certificate of Merit
The BDA Certificate of Merit are intended to acknowledge and honor individuals who have made substantial and invaluable contributions to the British Deaf Association (BDA) over an extended period, often working diligently behind the scenes without seeking or receiving widespread recognition. Eligible individuals are those who have significantly furthered the goals and mission of the BDA but have not been the public face of the organisation.
BDA AWARDS & CELEBRATION EVENING
BDA’s 135th Anniversary Celebration
On 24th July 1890, the BDA was born – and this year we turned 135! We’re so proud to reach this milestone, and we’d love for you to join us as we celebrate. The evening will include a hot buffet where you can choose your own table and sit with friends (10 people per table), performances from poets, and some surprise entertainment to make the night unforgettable.
To make sure everyone can enjoy the party, we’ll have BSL and ISL interpreters, as well as live captioning on screen. If you are deafblind, please contact kiran.allcock@bda.org.uk so we can arrange any extra support you may need.
GETTING THERE
Plan your visit to Derry
Whether you’re travelling from Belfast, flying into Derry, or already local, we’ve put together useful information to help make your trip to the AGM as smooth as possible.
From travel tips and directions to nearby hotels and restaurants, you’ll find everything you need to plan your stay and enjoy your time in Derry.
Travel from Belfast Airports to Derry
From Belfast International Airport (Aldergrove)
- Bus (Aircoach 705X): Direct service to Derry Foyleside Coach Park, approximately 1 h 25 min
- Train: Requires a transfer from the airport to Antrim station, followed by a train to Derry—total travel time around 2 h 17 min
George Best Belfast City Airport
- Taxi/private transfer: Direct to Derry in about 1 h 25 min
Travel from Derry Airport (LDY) to Guildhall
- By Car/Taxi: The Guildhall is about 7 miles (11 km) from City of Derry Airport. A taxi takes around 15–20 minutes
- By Bus: Local bus services (Ulsterbus/Translink) run between the airport and Derry city centre.
- Route 234 connects the airport to Foyle Street Bus Station, which is only a 5-minute walk to the Guildhall.
- Journey time: around 25–30 minutes
Travel within Derry
Once in the city:
- The A6 road connects Belfast to Derry over 71 mi, passing intermediate towns—great road access.
- Public buses (Foyle Metro) run extensively throughout the city, including frequent connections from the Derry-Londonderry railway station (Waterside) to the city centre.
- Train: The Belfast–Derry line runs hourly services between Belfast Grand Central and Derry, operated by NI Railways
Lunch
Here are some great dining options near Guildhall, Derry, including restaurants, fast food, and cosy cafés — perfect since you'll be managing your own lunch:
- Shipquay Restaurant – Stylish contemporary Irish/European restaurant just ~0.1 mi from Guildhall.
- Mekong – Asian/Thai/Vietnamese, highly rated, ~0.1 mi away.
- Spaghetti Junction – Italian/Mediterranean, coeliac-friendly, ~0.2 mi from Guildhall.
- Guildhall Taphouse – Irish bar/pub with food served 12:00–18:00, craft beer/cocktails, right beside the Guildhall.
- The Scullery Café – Café, great for breakfast/lunch, ~0.1 mi away.
- The Warehouse (café/bistro) – Café/bistro good for a quick lunch, very near Guildhall.
Pub
- Guildhall Taphouse – Right by the Guildhall, serving food from 12:00–18:00 daily. Great for casual dining, with craft beers and cocktails.
Cafés & Bistro
- The Scullery Café – A popular café ideal for breakfast or a light lunch, approximately 0.1 mi away.
- The Warehouse – A cosy café/bistro known for quick, tasty lunches, also very close to Guildhall.
ORGANISATIONS
Become a Sponsor
Our AGM and Party event will gather over 100 members of the British Deaf Association (BDA) and supporters from across the UK for an evening at NI Derry, Guildhall. The evening will begin with a surprise entertainer and a hot food buffet. The main focus of the event is to celebrate outstanding BDA members through awards that recognise their efforts in improving the lives of Deaf individuals and promoting inclusivity and acceptance of British Sign Language (BSL).
Sponsorship opportunities are available, offering branding, recognition, and the chance to address the diverse and engaged audience. Customised sponsorship arrangements can be discussed to align with specific goals and objectives. For more information or enquiries about sponsorship, please contact kiran.allcock@bda.org.uk Your support will not only align your organisation with a noble cause but also provide valuable exposure to a diverse audience.
