Ev 832 Central character

[copelander]

Is there a thread this week? If so, I haven't been able to find it and am very stuck on 12 a and 14a and would welcome any help. Both are thematic and my thinking is too woolly to cope.

[DocHH]

Even more surprising as the target audience is local blind people. We have about 400 people receiving a weekly local newspaper, on tape, about 50 who receive the extracts from the Sunday papers, and a number who receive a sports round-up, at no cost to them whatsoever. It costs around �5000.00 a year to run the whole thing. If the blind person is not able to afford a tape player we also provide that. It is run entirely by volunteers, only one person receives any money from the organisation, and that is just some mileage payments as he uses his car every day. Even the Post Office provide a free postal service, to and from our Centre. We receive donations from the listeners and local organisations, and from time to time legacies from our late recipients.
There are local Talking newspapers all over the country and a National Talking Newspaper Association in Heathfield in Sussex. They can provide most National Newspapers on tape (weekly round-up) and magazines ranging from Womens magazines to sports to Country Life. There is a subscription charge, but far less than the cost of a sighted person buying the magazine. You are obviously aware of the Talking Book Association, which is possibly still based in Mount Pleasance. Back in 1971 they had a section of a book go bad, so as my cousin was working there he suggested I could re-read it. It was a Nuclear Physics book, and that was one of my study subjects.
Sorry if this has bored you, but I find giving my time to this organisation very rewarding, and feel more passionate about it than crosswords!!

[devadolly]

DocHH, I have often wondered what the Recorder did. We have a very well used Talking Book/ paper programme for which our local choir often produces a fund raising concert - glad to know it is Countrywide.

Regards

[DocHH]

HelloDollydeva,
I thank you for your choirs contribution to any of the Talking Newspapers, you might find if you approach them they would invite you to their AGM, where you could meet the very people your efforts benefit, perhaps even perform. My attendance at those AGMs have left me feeling quite humbled and astounded at how they manage their lives, frequently with little help from family or Social Services. Others are so Independent it is unbelievable. Some of the tales I have heard of their past lives has left me quite saddened but impressed, and feeling I that I had lead a privleged life, which I have not. A simple Grammar School Boy from a working class family who did OK.
Have been off on my soap-box tonight!
Ciao ciao
Moi

[novalis]

Hi DocHH and Devadolly!

Told you both a couple of weeks ago there are many things you two can do which I can't!!

Recording a talking newspaper, which I think is brilliant, and singing. I once sang two words in tune --- and five people died of shock!!!! -- Credit and more power to both of you.

I've just posted this on the other thread. Question at last night's quiz:-
What sort of creature is an argali? --- We stole a point from the other team with that and it helped us win our first round match in the knock-out. I felt quite sheepish when I passed the answer to our captain!!

[devadolly]

Hello DocHH & Novalis

No, No! I don't sing - very nasty sound, too horrible to contemplate even when on my own! I am merely the choir archivist - even that is 'or was' as I have handed it over to an eager beaver who has some of that unknown commodity - spare time. I have heard of it but it seems to bye-pass this house - no point in muttering "What's doing crosswords and messing about on AB then?" Doing Xwords is better than either uppers or downers and sneaking a look at AB is respite from too much Word, Publisher and the rest, both necessary therapies to ensure good health!

Regards