Guildford Talking Newspaper celebrates its 50th anniversary
Guildford Talking Newspaper has recently celebrated 50 years of producing recordings of items from the Surrey Advertiser and latterly also from The Guildford Dragon News. To mark this milestone an Afternoon Tea was held at The Waterside Centre attended by visually impaired local residents who take advantage of the recordings, volunteers who read or assist with the admin, the Mayor of Guildford, Councillor Jane Tyson, the President of Guildford Lions Club Andrew Henwood, Paul Withers representing Cranleigh Lions Club and the President of Rotary Club of Guildford Wey, Chris Shorter – both organisations having given the service support over the years.
Brian Watts, a member of Guildford Lions Club, who celebrated 50 years of being a Lion last year, hosted the event as Chair of Guildford Talking Newspaper and a past Chair of the Talking Newspaper Federation.
Brian gave a brief history of the service, which used to be recorded on cassettes but is now recorded on memory sticks, and are sent out and returned free of charge by Royal Mail under their concession ‘Articles for the Blind’.
A large selection of cakes had been made and donated and all enjoyed an excellent afternoon tea.
A celebration cake had been made and donated by Georgia from Gilly’s Yard and was cut by The Mayor and Mike Field.
