Talking Newspaper AGM this Thursday and appeal for volunteers

It’s been a valued institution in Llanelli for more than 40 years.

Now the Llanelli and District Talking Newspaper Association is searching for more volunteers.

The association produces a comprehensive CD local news and information bulletin for blind and partially-sighted members of the community once a fortnight – having never missed a deadline in 42 years.

“There’s a great sense of pride in Llanelli as we were one of the first towns in Wales to introduce a talking newspaper service,” said Llanelli and District Talking Newspaper Association chairman Robert Lloyd.

“The service was founded during 1976, with the first edition being issued to nine listeners in December of that year.

“The inspiration and driving force behind the project was the late Mr Harold Owen, Manager of a Painting and Decorating shop situated in Stepney Street, Llanelli.

“The team of volunteers involved in the production and distribution of the newspaper numbers about 25 people at present and it is a credit to them, and their predecessor volunteers that the service has never once missed an edition.

“No volunteer receives any payment or remuneration whatsoever, and all income is applied solely to the provision of the service itself, i.e. Water rates, electricity, and insurance of the recording studio, and purchase of CDs and postal wallets and other necessary equipment.

“In particular, we are looking for volunteers with technical and computer skills to help with the recording of the fortnightly CD programme and the duplication of CDs.

“Training will be given and the role of technical engineer would suit young students eager to gain knowledge of working in a well-equipped recording studio. The role would also suit retired members of the community eager to put their technical skills to good use.”

The AGM of the Llanelli and District Talking Newspaper Association is being held at the St Barnabas Community Centre in Llewellyn Street, Llanelli SA15 1BD, on Thursday, February 22 at 6.30pm.

There is a vacancy on the association’s management committee which will be filled at the AGM.

Association chairman Mr Lloyd added: “We are always looking for new faces to bolster the hard-working team at the talking newspaper. Anyone interested in lending a hand is welcome to pop along to the AGM to find out more about the service.

“Alternatively, anyone interested in volunteering can email me at rlloydpr@btinternet.com or phone me on 07777 6835637.”