About Us

History

The first edition of Richmond Talking News was recorded on Friday April 20th 1979 and arrived on the doormat of a small number of blind people on Monday April 23rd – St George's Day.

Since then there have been a regular 50 weekly editions each year plus a special Christmas recording.

The Talking Newspaper contains articles from a variety of different sources which are local, topical, timely and relevant to the residents of the borough.

This unique source of local and community news in audio form comes free of charge to anyone who would like to have their paper read for them.

Although the talking newspaper was originally set up for those who were blind or partially sighted, anyone who finds difficulty in handling newspaper – perhaps after a stroke, or who has arthritis, or any other condition – is welcome to subscribe to the service.

Members of the Committee/Trustees

Chair - Jackie Venus

I have been an RTN listener for many years. I joined as a trustee as I felt more direct links with local organisations could expand the reach of RTN.

I was also keen to help RTN with increasing listener interaction so that it could produce more user-friendly items.

Vice-Chair - Valerie Munro

I joined RTN in 2001 when I saw an ad in our local paper for more recording technicians. As a broadcast journalist, the technical side held little fear..

I also felt it was a good way for me to repay all those efforts that others had made to keep my visually impaired mother in touch with her local and community news in Southampton.

Treasurer - Alick Munro

I think it is important that people maintain their local connections and sense of local community.

I do think that Richmond Talking News goes a long way to achieving this.

Trustee and Reader - Howard Gooder

I have been reading articles for Richmond Talking Newspaper since 2020. I enjoy reading aloud as it allows me to inject feeling into the printed world.

Previously I read with year 6 pupils in the Tower Hamlets Education Business Partnership Reading Scheme. Now I've retired, I'm pleased to be able to support sight impaired people in my local community.

Listeners' Representative - Alison Kelly

I have worked in primary education – first as a teacher and then a lecturer – for more than 40 years. A major part of my work has been ensuring access to reading for everyone so it was with huge pleasure that I realised a role on the Richmond Talking Newspaper allowed me to continue to ensure that the written word is accessible for everyone including the visually impaired.

I’ve been on the team of readers for three years now. Reading aloud to children and to student teachers is a vital part of my job so it’s great to be able to read aloud from the newspaper for a different audience. I have really enjoyed getting out and about as a ‘roving reporter’ doing pieces of local interest.

Liz Herbert

I was born in Yorkshire and spent my early years in Kenya, as my father was in the RAF. My career began in the airline industry, and I then spent ten years in HR for oil and gas exploration, followed by roles in commercial property and as an estate agent.

I've lived in St Margarets for 40 years with my spouse. I have a passion for gardening, which allows me to connect with nature and find peace. As a volunteer at Ham House, I enjoy contributing to the preservation of local heritage and engaging with visitors. Additionally, traveling has always been a favorite pastime, providing opportunities to explore new cultures and landscapes.

Digital Strategy - Barry Donovan

I'd wanted to volunteer locally for some time before coming across an advert asking for someone with a vague technical competency, and having a visually impaired grandmother made the opportunity to help out a perfect fit for me.

I drive the technical side of things for RTN with a desire to increase the availability and the reach of our recordings.