EDEN DISTRICT TALKING NEWSPAPER (EDTN)

A very special edition of the Cumberland and Westmorland Herald with The Keswick Reminder is prepared every Friday evening to enable blind and partially sighted people to listen to a recording of the newspapers’ main contents.

History:

The introduction of the Eden District Talking Newspaper was suggested by Beryl Richardson when she moved into the area from Congleton, where a similar news service was already provided.

Members of the Penrith Lions Club took up the idea and have been the dominant force in putting out the talking newspaper every week since its introduction in 1986. As well as the Penrith Lions, enthusiastic teams of readers, producers and helpers have been provided by Appleby and Upper Eden Rotary clubs, Penrith Soroptimists and friends, the Edensiders and formerly by Penrith Inner Wheel and the Round Table clubs.

Working on a rota basis, our 5 teams record top stories along with births, marriages and deaths, the weekly editorial and other interesting articles from advance copies of the newspapers supplied free of charge by the Herald and the Keswick Reminder.

The volunteers get much satisfaction from the many expressions of appreciation received from listeners to the talking newspaper, some of whom help the finances by making donations or leaving bequests.

Our Service:

Our usual base was at the Edington Centre in Penrith but because of Covid, we had to temporarily find an alternative venue. Christ Church in Penrith have been really supportive and we now meet there every Friday evening to record and prepare the memory sticks in special postal wallets for delivery by the Royal Mail, who deliver the recordings free of charge as quickly as possible.

Anyone in the Eden area who is registered blind or visually impaired may receive the recordings free of charge. We also loan the equipment to play back the recording. If anyone needs or has a relative who needs our service, they can contact our secretary Janis Young who will arrange a visit and demonstration.

Janis can be contacted by phoning 07443 528991 or get in touch with the Herald office who will send her the details.

EDTN are planning to have a stand at Penrith May Day to demonstrate our service in Penrith. We want to let people discover how we can help any of their friends and relatives who have eyesight problems.

Besides attracting more people to use our free service, we are also hoping to increase our number of volunteers for reading, recording, distribution and technicians.