The Forth Valley Talking Newspaper Association (FVTNA), known to its listeners as Newsline, has been operating in the Falkirk area for 35 years this year.

Their team of twenty volunteers record an audio version of the Falkirk Herald 50 weeks of the year for nearly 200 blind and visually impaired listeners in the Falkirk area. A popular audio magazine is also produced, plus an audio version of the quarterly Falkirk Council Newspaper. The recordings are distributed to listeners on USB sticks, and new listeners are provided with an appropriate player. The service is completely free of charge to blind and visually impaired listeners.

To celebrate their anniversary and assist with the costs of this free service, the Association is launching a new donation scheme called Friends of Newsline.

To equip each new listener with a player, mailing wallets, and memory sticks costs around £60 per listener.

The Association’s annual running cost of £4,200 is met by grants, donations from listeners and other supporters, and through fundraising. Anyone wishing to support the Association through the new scheme, and become a Friend of Newsline, is invited to take out a monthly Standing Order, donating the sum to support their work. Any regular donation is greatly appreciated.

For further information about the Friends of Newsline scheme, or to participate, please contact the Association with your name, phone number and address and leave a message by phone: 01324 228313, or email: info@newsline.org.uk

Alternatively, you can write to FVTNA, PO Box 42, FALKIRK, FK1 1AA.