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50 Years of Service: Talking Newspaper's Joy
4 Oct
Summary
- Janet Graham volunteers for 50 years with a talking newspaper.
- The service delivers news on memory sticks to over 400 listeners.
- The charity offers its entire service to listeners for free.
Janet Graham marks five decades of dedicated volunteering for the Redditch and Bromsgrove Talking Newspaper, a milestone that reflects the service's enduring impact. Since October 1976, Graham has been an integral part of the weekly production, finding immense fulfillment in her role.
The Talking Newspaper Federation will honor Graham with a long service certificate as the service itself commemorates its 50th anniversary on October 4, 2026. Graham's commitment is deeply personal, stemming from family connections to visual impairment, making her service feel like an honor and privilege.
Initially distributed on cassette tapes, the service has evolved, now delivering its audio newspaper on memory sticks and enabling online access via smart speakers. With a weekly audience exceeding 400 listeners, the service also reaches over 20 care homes across North Worcestershire.
The charity's reach extends beyond the visually impaired. Ronald Hedley Brook-Carter, chair of the trustees, noted that individuals with disabilities like arthritis, which hinder newspaper page-turning, also benefit. Importantly, the entire service, including the players and USB delivery, is provided to listeners and care homes completely free of charge.
