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| Ernest Spacey with Betty Marshall |
Volunteers who record a talking newspaper for the blind are celebrating their 300th edition.
The special tape is winging its way through the letterboxes this week of 2,000 listeners across the Bradford district.
When the first Bradford Cassette was made in 1982 by a team of six punk rockers, it had just seven listeners.
"The punk rockers have moved on but we've still got a team just as small who come and give up their time free to make the cassettes happen," said its managing editor Sue Crowe.
The Bradford Cassette is one of five tapes now produced by the Talking Media project based at the city's Cathedral Centre.
It also makes tapes in Punjabi and Urdu, and produces Livewire for younger listeners.
The project is part-funded by Bradford Council, while the scheme earns the rest by producing audio-work for other organisations and groups wanting to get information out to the visually impaired.
Veteran volunteer Ernest Spacey, who is 87, has been one of the voices behind the Bradford Cassette for the last decade.
"Getting to our 300th edition has been a massive achievement. The time has just flown but we've really pulled out all the stops out for this one," he said. "We know we're appreciated. We get lots of thank you cards from our listeners, who we think of as friends."
Partially-sighted listener Betty, who has been getting the cassettes through the post for more than 20 years, said it was the highlight of her month when it arrived. She said: "I don't think I've missed any of them. I always look forward to it coming through the post and hearing all the stories.
"I especially enjoy the music and hearing about places that people visit; I can just imagine being there."
Mrs Crowe said: "We've had a wonderful 300 editions so far and here's to the next 300!"
All the talking magazines are free. To find out more call them on (01274) 848150.
1:35am Tuesday 25th March 2008
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