Epsom Egghead and Radio 2 presenter Jeremy Vine gave a Christmas message of thanks to a team of dedicated volunteers who bring the news to life for blind and partially-sighted residents in the borough.
September 2014: Jeremy Vine takes part in 2,000th recording by talking newspaper service for blind in Epsom and Ewell
Mr Vine, 50, praised more than 30 volunteers who broadcast and distribute the Epsom and Ewell Talking Newspaper to 126 visually-impaired listeners every week.
Volunteers at the Epsom and Ewell Talking Newspaper celebrate Christmas at their recording studio in Swail House in Ashley Road, Epsom
The team held their Christmas party on Thursday, December 17 and are taking a well-earned break before resuming normal service in the New Year.
That week Mr Vine, who was voted out of Strictly Come Dancing last month, was taken off the air after he lost his voice, but took the time to thank all at the Epsom and Ewell Talking Newspaper.
Mr Vine said: "I know what the Talking Newspaper means to its listeners cannot be over-estimated because it has such a place in all our hearts.
"I thank you for all you do to ensure ours is a society where people don’t get left out."
The Epsom and Ewell Talking Newspaper compile a weekly selection of news from national papers and local sources - including your Epsom Guardian - and distribute them to blind and visually-impaired people on their mailing list.
Left to right: Volunteers Penny Dearing, Jan Collier, Angela Sargent and Liz Howgill in the recording booth
Liz Howgill, 80, from Longdown Lane South, Epsom, is now the honorary secretary of the newspaper having first become involved after developing her love for helping blind people.
Ms Howgill began volunteering at the newspaper after recording books to tape for blind patients at the old Epsom Hospital.
She explained: "On my half-days off I used to take the books and tapes out of the library for the blind people in the hospital.
"They loved these books, and I enjoyed it too."
Ms Howgill now leads a team of more than 30 volunteers from across the borough and beyond.
Roger Stockwell mans the recording desk at the Epsom and Ewell Talking Newspaper
Sue Hoyle, 57, splits her time between Epsom and Singapore, but still finds time to manage the newspaper’s social media and web presence.
She said: "It's really rewarding to do this."
Jane Wheeler, 62, from Chartwell Place, Epsom started volunteering after retiring from her teaching job and now handles the newspaper’s supplement.
She said: "Our listeners recognise us in town by our voices, and they always have a smile on their faces.
"It’s quite humbling when you find out what blind people can do."
For more information on the Epsom and Ewell Talking Newspaper, please visit: http://eetn.org.uk/ or https://www.facebook.com/eetalkingnewspaper/ or follow them on Twitter: @epsomandewelltn
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