Wymondham and Attleborough Talking Newspaper (W A T N) hosted a regional conference of similar groups from across the Eastern Counties, in collaboration with the Talking News Federation (TNF).

The meeting began with a welcome by Wymondham’s Deputy Mayor, Councillor Annette James and was followed by a presentation by TNF President, Peter White MBE, who is also the presenter for the BBC Radio Four “In Touch” programme.

The all day event was timely, as it coincided with the local groups 25th anniversary, which provides an audio digest of local news and information and a quarterly audio magazine, for more than 30 visually impaired people, in and around the two towns.

The delegates heard talks from TNF Trustees, on a range of topics related to producing a Talking Newspaper and a number of associated organisations involved with supporting people with sight loss were present. These included Vision Norfolk, RNIB, British Wireless for the Blind and Deafblind UK, whose CEO lives in Wymondham.

There was a display in Wymondham library throughout the week leading up to the event, to raise awareness of the services available to visually impaired library users. The day also allowed time for networking with the different groups and organisations.

Ian Gorst, a Trustee and Team Leader representing Chatterbox Norwich said, “It was a great opportunity to meet with other groups and listen to how they are dealing with some of the difficulties associated with running a talking newspaper, including recruiting new listeners and how to source suitable articles for talking newspapers and magazines. As there will only be 5 of these roadshows held nationally it was great for Wymondham to be able to host the event”.

Tony and Georgette Vale from the Wymondham and Attleborough Talking Newspaper were instrumental to the successful event, in arranging the venue, refreshments and general setting up of the day.

W A T N is looking for more volunteers to help collate material and to do sound recording for their fortnightly production. Full training will be provided. Contact the Chairman, Tony Vale, via tony@valemail.uk for more information.