The Hidden Army of SNJ Readers

EVERY week, in a tiny studio in Minchinhampton a group of volunteers from Five Valley Sounds (5VS) meets to edit, record and distribute the SNJ to people throughout the five valleys with sight difficulties.

“We’re a bit like an underground movement” commented Clive Hook from 5VS – “no-one really notices us come and go but, like magic, the USB keys appear in the post every week for a whole load of people who want to know what’s going on but can no longer read the SNJ for themselves”.

On Wednesday night, up to four readers and a technician create the programme of news from the pages of the SNJ selected by two editors.

“This is literally cut and paste” explained Clive “We have news stories cut out of the paper and stuck on to cards for us to read from”.

Then on Thursday morning a duplicator makes copies and posts them out to the customers – nearly 50 people in the area.

Five Valley Sounds were delighted to welcome a rare visitor to the studio in Minchinhampton.

Mike Smith had presented a cheque for £250 from the Stroud Vintage Transport & Engine Club in recognition of the contribution the talking newspaper was making to blind people’s lives in the Stroud district.

Mike said “My mother was an avid reader of the Stroud News and Journal before her eyesight failed…now this is her lifeline. Without 5 Valley Sounds she’d feel isolated from the community”

..and some of the Five Valley Sounds “underground” made a rare appearance above ground at a social event last Saturday where Bill Hicks, the chairman, thanked them for their continued work and devotion.

Five Valley Sounds currently mails out to nearly 50 listeners in the area.

The service is completely free and a great way for blind and partially sighted people to feel part of what’s going on in the area.

If you know someone who could benefit from the service please let Lesley Partington, the secretary, know on 01453 832 034 or via the Five Valley Sounds’ website on 5vs.co.uk