THE art of communication is something most of us do not even think about.

But for those who are deaf and hard of hearing, communication takes on a whole new meaning, so sign language and lip reading become increasingly important.

Now, Bury Metro Deaf Society has started new classes for people learning sign language.

The society already runs classes for people who are taking, or are about to take, the British Sign Language course - nationally recognised qualifications.

The new sessions at the society's headquarters on Tenterden Street are designed for people who already know sign language and want to improve their receptive skills.

The weekly sessions are being run by Whitefield pensioner Mrs Margie Newman (pictured) who was left profoundly deaf after she contracted meningitis as a toddler.

Margie, 69, has been a member of the deaf society for more than 30 years and is determined to help others learn the deaf language.

"I wanted to do this class because I think deaf awareness in Bury needs to be improved. It is better than it was but more needs to be done," explained Margie.

"When I went to the hospital for my appointment I told the receptionist that I was deaf and I was told to sit down. I waited for two hours, apparently the nurse had been calling my name but there was no answer. It was then that I thought I must do something to ensure more is done to help deaf people." Margie, who is the only deaf person in her large family, was taught sign language when she was sent to boarding school during the war.

Miss Margaret Butters, chairman of the deaf society, said: "Learning sign language is the easy part, but trying to understand someone signing to you is much harder.

"Sign language is not just about learning the signs, it is also about facial expressions and reading the other person's body language."

Miss Butters explained that it takes about three years for a person to complete the two-stage BSL course which is run at Bury College.

"After about three years you reach a decent standard but the receptive skills are still very difficult to acquire. When you know someone well, it is easy to read their facial expressions and body language but if you are communicating with a person from a different area it can be problematic."

British sign language originated from a French system in the early 19th century.

Now, nearly 200 years later, signing is being used by more and more people all over the world - and not just by those who are unable to hear.

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