Looking for new premises

Volunteers from Monklands Talking Newspaper are looking for new premises so that they can resume providing their much-valued service.

Group members are unable to access their home at the Buchanan Street resource centre in Coatbridge, as the council-run building is currently closed to all but the most essential staff.

Having temporarily stopped making audio recordings of the Advertiser for blind and partially-sighted people, they are now seeking a new base which will allow them to restart their recording sessions and continue the work of the 35-year-old organisation.

They are seeking a space able to accommodate their recording equipment and computers, providing storage space such as filing cabinets, and which is large enough to allow their rotating teams of five readers and technicians to socially distance.

Monklands Talking Newspaper president John Lennox told the Advertiser: “The council have been excellent with us, but it doesn’t look as though we’ll be back in there soon.

“We hope to restart within the foreseeable future so we’re asking the community if there are any businesses or organisations which can help us by offering an alternative venue.”

The organisation’s previous home was provided free of charge.

John added:“We’re a charity and if we don’t need to spend money on a let, that would help us.

“Ideally we’d love to have the option of using any new space on one evening a week so that people who work can volunteer – but we’d love to hear from anyone who can help.”

Monklands Talking Newspaper has a total of around 40 volunteers, and is also supported by the Rotary Club of Coatbridge, Airdrie and Monklands.

Its website explains:“The Advertiser is essential to keep in touch with what is happening in and around the area.

“Every week, volunteers produce a digital recording with about 90 minutes of local news and features for blind and partially sighted people in Monklands – the programme is recorded onto USBs, which are posted free to listeners.”

Anyone who could provide premises for the group is asked to contact secretary John McGill by emailing jjmcgill@blueonder.co.uk, or alternatively contact the Advertiser by emailing judith.tonner@reachplc.com for details to be passed on.

Visit www.monklandstn.co.uk for more.