Lewisham Talking Newspaper

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“Welcome to the Lewisham Talking Newspaper. We provide a free service to blind or partially sighted people who live, or used to live, within the London Borough of Lewisham. You do not have to be registered as visually impaired with Social Services to use our service, just unable to read print the size of large newspaper writing. The service consists of a weekly 90-minute audiotape containing local news on side one, and articles, recipes, gardening hints and an entertainment guide on side two. Periodically there is an additional colour supplement and/or magazine tape.”

Where we came from to where we are now

Back in the last century, well in 1977 a Social Worker, one Celia Tickner, who was attached to the team then known as the blind and partially sighted department, arranged a meeting of people who were on the Blind Register. At the meeting she proposed the introduction of a talking newspaper.

In December 1979 the first edition was sent out to 30 listeners, some of who are still receiving the tapes! We are proud of our record of producing a weekly tape continuously despite power cuts, postal strikes, studio moves and one occasion when the Royal Mail lost all the wallets!

Blind people have always played a prime role in the L.T.N, both as officers, committee members and in the actual production of the tapes. Most of the Chairmen and Vice Chairmen during the newspapers existence have been blind.

Our circulation has gradually increased. Additional tapes have been introduced. We have a Colour Supplement (Supplement), a Magazine tape (Supplement) and Today's World (TodaysWorld) all with the intention of informing and entertaining the listeners.

The L.T.N DOES NOT gets funding from local or national government! It is a self-funding organisation, having to find the finance to maintain the regular cost of providing the service, and replacing expensive recording and copying equipment, and loan tape players for the listeners. The fundraising volunteers are often seen at fetes and shopping malls throughout the borough. Fortunately we have many friends and organisations that give us donations. The L.T.N has a policy of not paying salaries or expenses! Therefore, all income goes directly to maintain the free service to the listeners.