For most people who can see to read, a daily or weekly newspaper is part of their way of life. For those with a visual handicap, one alternative is --------

A TALKING NEWS SERVICE -----

"ROUNDABOUT" is a local news service and information for the registered blind and partially sighted. It was first produced in March 1977, when it was sent to sixteen recipients. The organization was originally

established by the Nidderdale Round Table, and is now run by the Harrogate and District Talking Newspaper Association. Originally on tape, but now on memory sticks, it is sent to over 200 readers within an area roughly bounded by Harrogate, Knaresborough, Wetherby, Boroughbridge, Masham, Pateley Bridge and Ripon. In addition, we also send sticks to a number of listeners who have moved to other parts of the country.

The memory sticks, are recorded once a week at the 'Roundabout' studio in Ripley, near Harrogate. Each week the Editor selects items from the local newspapers, consisting of local news, births, marriages and deaths, entertainment items, court reports and letters to the Editor. We also have a weekly quiz and mention recipients' birthdays.

Every Friday evening a team of readers and a producer record all these items on to a computer which is converted to mp3 files on a master memory stick. The stick is then copied and each copy is placed in a special pouch and posted direct to the recipient. After reversing the address label, and hearing the program, the recipient returns it in the pouch, post free.

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