MEMBERS of a 'talking newspaper' for the blind gathered at a social centre to hear about its work over the past 12 months.

The AGM of the Pendle Voice 'newspaper' was held at the social centre for the blind, Derby Street, Colne.

Members record newspapers and magazines on to audio tapes for the blind and visually impaired.

The meeting was told that a computer-based bar coding system used to handle the distribution of tapes and records was to be extended to cover an extra magazine.

Details of more than 1,500 listeners and their requests have been logged on to the computer. The Pendle Voice committee told the meeting it had decided not to follow other 'talking newspapers' elsewhere in the country in applying for a lottery grant.

There was not enough time to research and make out a good case for the money and the criteria laid down for applications did not suit the group's needs.

The Voice is looking for a new secretary as Margaret Cockroft has stepped down from the post after 12 years.

She was thanked for her efforts by chairman Alan Sadler. Anyone interested in becoming secretary is asked to contact Mr Sadler on 01282 613787.

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