the newspaper that talks

Q. What are we about?

A. Local newspapers recorded on cassette tape for the Blind & Partially Sighted people living in the Surrey Heath area.

Q. Who can receive the Talking Newspaper?

A. The Royal Mail delivers a free, first class mail delivery to all blind & partially sighted people of N12 or worse sight quality (ie. people who cannot continually read newsprint).

Q. What does it do for blind or partially sighted people?

A. They can HEAR on our weekly cassettes what everybody else can READ in the local papers. Each weekly edition - recorded on a 90 minute cassette tape - covers the local newspapers

Q. How is it produced?

A. Each week one of 9 reading groups, in rotation, edits & records the talking newspaper on a Friday evening. Using high speed copiers the duty technician produces 80 or more copies for distribution in special posting wallets. We deliver a bag of tape wallets to the local Royal Mail sorting office late in the evening & they deliver the wallets to reach each of our listeners the next day.

Q. How much does it cost?

A. It is all free. All our helpers are volunteers. Our costs are funded by donations from the public & supporting bodies. We are a registered charity.

Q. Do I need a cassette player?

A. Yes. If you haven't got one we can lend you one free of charge & keep it in working order for you.

Also, each of our listeners receives a seasonal 90 minute cassette Magazine tape containing original articles of general interest - all part of our free service. We are continually looking for contributors to the Magazine tape. If you have a story to tell, or know of someone who might, how about sharing it with us. It could be about your hobby or interests, work or vacation, funny or serious, visits or experiences . The subjects are endless & are yours to choose. We can record you or read your article for you.

If you, or someone you know, would like to join as a listener, please contact:

Membership Secretary
Surrey Heath Talking Newspaper for the Blind
'Redbricks', Pilgrims Way, Bisley, Surrey, GU24 9DQ