The Talking Newspaper, a vital service for visually impaired individuals, has received a prestigious accolade in celebration of the King’s birthday. This award recognizes the organization’s longstanding commitment to providing accessible news since its inception in May 1976.
Chairman of Trustees, Mary Pascoe, expressed her delight at this recognition, stating, “We are so delighted and honoured by this award. The Talking Newspaper has been offering a service to visually impaired people and those who cannot otherwise access print since May 1976, so this is an early 50th birthday present!”
The Talking Newspaper operates on a completely free basis, relying solely on donations for its continued existence. It has no paid staff, which highlights the importance of its dedicated volunteers. Pascoe emphasized, “Our talented and loyal volunteers are a vital resource.”
Each week, the service provides a newspaper that covers local news and other items of interest specifically curated for the SY postcode area. In addition to the weekly publication, the organization also offers a speech version of the Shropshire Magazine, which can be accessed online or through a memory stick postal service.
The award will be formally presented in the coming months by Anna Turner, the Lord Lieutenant of Shropshire. Additionally, two volunteers from the Talking Newspaper will have the opportunity to attend a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace next summer, further highlighting the significance of this honour.
For more information about their services and to support their mission, interested individuals can visit their website at wstn.org.uk. The Talking Newspaper continues to play a crucial role in ensuring that visually impaired community members stay informed and engaged with local news.
