THE Radlett, Elstree, Borehamwood and Shenley Talking Newspaper held its Annual General Meeting at St John’s Church in Radlett last night.

The meeting was attended by the Mayor and Mayoress of Hertsmere, Cllr Peter Knell and June Knell, and the chairman of Aldenham Parish Council, Cllr Ron Worthy.

After the business of the meeting the 40 strong audience was entertained by local performers the Shades of Blue Singers.

The chairman of the talking newspaper, David Clout, said: “The listeners of our weekly recording greatly appreciate being kept in touch with the news from the Borehamwood Times but I am sure there are many more people with visual problems who could benefit from our service.

“Obviously if people cannot see they cannot read our publicity material and so it is up to friends, relatives and neighbours to tell their visually impaired friends about the service.”

The talking newspaper service is free to blind and visually impaired people living in the local area.

The weekly recordings are made on USB memory sticks and are sent out in special yellow padded envelopes - return postage is free. Each listener is supplied with a play back device called a ‘boom box’.

Also attending last night’s AGM were Pam King and Kathy Rose of the Borehamwood Blind Club.

Numbers attending the blind club are down and it is believed more people could benefit from its monthly meetings that provide opportunities for games, socialising and refreshments.

Mr Clout said it became clear at the meeting that the club is not as well known as it might be and therefore help is sought to set up a website for the club. Additional volunteers are also welcomed.

The Blind Club meets at Brookside Boys Club, in Buckton Road, every first Tuesday afternoon of the month.

Mr Clout said: “We hope that more visually impaired and blind people will benefit from these two services but is there anything else they might like to have? If there is, do let me know and we’ll see what can be arranged.”

For more information about both services, contact Mr Clout on 01923 854403 or at david.clout@btinternet.com.