Emma Turl
Born in Shrewsbury 1946, grew up in Stamford, Lincolnshire. Educated at Stamford high School and Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford. Graduated in 1968 in English language and Literature. Taught in Uganda for 2 years with Voluntary Service Overseas. Married John in 1971, and spent the next 10 years in Ghana. They finally returned to the UK with their two children in 1981. By this time she was blind, having experienced deteriorating eyesight since the age of nine.
Paraphrased the psalms in metrical verse 1983-85. Has subsequently produced some alternative versions of these and other Bible passages as well as writing hymns and songs, often inspired by a talk, Bible study, prayer etc. Published ''Treasures Old and New' in 1989 (an anthology of verses based on Scripture), and 'Time to Celebrate' in 1999 (a collection of hymn and song texts, with music by Gill Berry and John Turl). 9 of her texts appear in "Praise!" (2000) and a few in other books and magazines.
Emma and John live in Essex and attend the abbey church at Waltham Abbey.