VOLUNTEERS are continuing to work hard to bring local news to blind and partially sighted people via their talking newspapers.
Chippenham & District Talking Newspapers, which produces the Melksham Talking Newspaper using all the latest stories from Melksham News, has continued to adapt its service to observe changing Covid-19 guidelines and restrictions.
Volunteer Brian Heath, explains, “Social distancing recommendations still totally preclude a return to our tiny studio in Chippenham, but I’m pleased to say that Margaret and Gwyn Rees are continuing to record and send out a weekly roundup of news for listeners in the Chippenham and Malmesbury areas, while I am keeping up the production of a fortnightly edition based on the Melksham News.
“The Rees’ started their recordings in their kitchen but had to move to the dining room while work was under way to fit a complete new kitchen; the installation was, I understand, a great success, but I’m not sure whether Margaret and Gwyn have moved back to the kitchen or are still working in the dining room!
“I, meanwhile, continue my own productions in my loft, which until retirement 15 years ago was my office – and yes, I was working largely from home even then, having started as long ago as 1994 to try (unsuccessfully!) to persuade various employers to allow me to do so; the technology available even back in the 1990s made remote working perfectly possible, and it seemed stupid to me that I had to drive 45 miles each way, in a company car using fuel paid for by the company, five days a week, to sit in an office for 8 hours doing computer work that I could have done just as well and with far fewer distractions at home!”
If you know somebody who would like to receive a Talking Newspaper, or would like to help the service, contact Brian on 01249 814005 or 07944 818971.
