Grant boost for Angus Talking Newspaper Association

Operating across the county, the Angus Talking Newspaper Association is run solely by volunteers.

For almost 40 years they have recorded local news, mainly from Angus County Press and before that from its predecessor newspapers, on to CDs for distribution to visually impaired people across the area.

The grant of £4900 will now allow the association to update some of its aging equipment and to expand its service to include the option of USB memory sticks as well as CDs.

A spokesperson for the group said: “As well as giving our listeners more choice, this boost should help our service run efficiently for a few more years in a climate where Talking Newspapers in some other areas have recently had to close down for financial or organisational reasons.

“The improvements we are making would not have been possible without the Lottery money as the Association depends for funding on very rare donations and bequests.”

Kate Still, the National Lottery Community Fund Scotland chairperson, commended the association for its work.

She said: “This project, delivered by Angus Talking Newspaper Association, is a great example of community activity in action, showing just what can be achieved when people come together for a common cause or to help others. It’s all thanks to National Lottery players that we can help give charities and community groups throughout Scotland greater certainty during challenging times.”

The assocation spokesperson added: “ As well as thanking the National Lottery Angus Talking Newspapers would also like say a big thank you to Brechin City Football Club which as part of a wider community involvement program has provided us free of charge with a base for our activities.

Further information about the association and its activities can be found on its website, www.angustalkingnews.co.uk or by emailing chair@angus talki ng n ews.co. uk.