Newsline provides a weekly audio memory stick of local news read from the Chard & Ilminster News with the occasional magazine items of local interest.

Local talking newspapers have been around since 1970 with over 500 groups in the UK.

Newsline started in its present form in 1986 taking over from the Chard & District Round Tables who had been producing a local talking newspaper since 1977. We have a great team of volunteers who come together each week to record the news. These include the editors, readers, recorders, pouch preparers and memory stick copiers who also fill the pouches and take them to the Post Office. Without the dedication of these people, Newsline would not be possible.

The audio memory sticks (USBs) are put into yellow labelled pouches and sent to listeners by post (free of charge for the blind or visually impaired) or delivered by hand. Listeners will need a Sovereign player to listen to the news, and these are supplied to new listeners, who are shown how to use them.

They are very simple and straightforward to use and can be plugged into the mains, or run from the rechargeable battery, which means they can easily be moved around. These players cost us £30 and, if possible, we would be grateful for a donation to cover the cost of these, or whatever is affordable. This is a one off donation and the player remains the property of the listener.

We are always on hand to help should any problems arise.