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July 8, 2003

MARRIAGE'S GOOD SIGNS

From: Nottingham Evening Post, UK - Jul 8, 2003

Deaf churchgoers were able to follow every part of the proceedings when their vicar tied the knot.

Attenborough reverend Sue Hemsley is also part-time chaplain for Southwell Diocese's Deaf Church, and so the ceremony was interpreted into sign language. At her wedding to Glyn Halls, the vows, prayers, readings and hymns were signed by Margaret Metcalfe to the St Mary's Church congregation.

Guests included the full-time Deaf Church chaplain, the Rev Cliff Bowman, who said: "The Deaf Church has been looking forward to this for a long time.

"They thought Sue looked wonderful and that the service was marvellous.

"The chaplains are not just pastors, we are friends as well."

Around 15 members of the Deaf Church in Nottingham and Mansfield were there.

Associate minister Canon Professor Anthony Thiselton was called upon to officiate.

The vicar, who has changed her name to Sue Hemsley Halls, said: "I have conducted dozens of weddings so I should know the lines. I just had to remember to say the bride's part and not the vicar's."

Church warden Sheila Rees said: "It was such a happy atmosphere and she looked lovely. Everyone was so thrilled about it."

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