Mayor thanks Talking Paper

THE MAYOR of Calderdale, Coun Dot Foster visited the Calderdale Talking Newspaper at their HQ at the Halifax Society for the Blind to congratulate them for forty years of service.

The charity recently issued their 1580th weekly edition. Their team of 50 volunteers record stories from the Courier and our sister titles Brighouse Echo, Todmorden News and Yorkshire Post.

Councillor Foster said: “It’s incredibly important to have a resource like this, it’s a way of connecting people with the outside world that might not be there at all otherwise.

Roger Simpson is the chair of the Talking Newspaper, he is also edits the sports section.

“It keeps people in touch. People also get a bit of company from it, as we’re aware that a lot of our listeners live alone,” said Mr Simpson.

Jennifer Pell has volunteered as a reader for the charity since its beginning.

“We live in a lovely area and its treated me well over the years, so I think it’s really important to put something back into the community,” said Mrs Pell.

The Calderdale Talking Newspaper currently supply nearly 200 people with news every week.

Dorothy Barker has received a copy of the Talking Newspaper every week for four years.

“It’s like having a load of friends come through the letter box.

“It’s a lovely treat for the weekend that makes the world of difference when you live alone.

“I buy the Halifax Courier, but I’m only able to read the headlines. I listen to the Talking Newspaper to fill in the gaps,” said Mrs Barker.

In the new year the charity hopes to reach more listeners, recruit more volunteers.

If you would like to volunteer at or receive a copy of the Talking Newspaper get in touch at calderdale.talking.newspaper@ gmail.com or call 0798 3888 408.

It’s like having a load of friends come through the letter box.