News
Pat Nunn Award
This award is named in honour of Pat Nunn, one of the earliest members of Havant Talking News. Pat was Chair and President, and was tireless in her commitment to, and enthusiasm for Havant Talking News. She gave talks to local groups, organised fund raising events, and so much more.
The award is presented annually to a volunteer who ‘goes above and beyond’ what is expected of him or her. The 2026 Award goes to Janet (known to us as “Jan”) Turner.
Jan has been with the Havant Talking News since the start in 1993.
For Meritorious Service to HTN
In Memory of Pat Nunn, 1926-2016
When Havant Talking News started there were not many volunteers and from the beginning we were producing an edition every two weeks. By default the limited numbers meant that most of the Volunteers were working on every edition. There were no Producers in those days, but Jan, with her background as a Librarian, was instrumental in setting the tone of the Havant Talking News in terms of its content and running order. At that time we included a section on local sports teams and results, and Jan insisted that these were always included on Side Two (because sports news is always on the back pages of newspapers!). Jan also trained the initial cohort of Editors on the basics of editing to ensure that the product was for our Listeners rather than for our Readers. Jan was always keen to maintain a high standard in our productions and this bore fruit when HBTN won the Best Talking Newspaper of 2001.
Previous Pat Nunn Award Winners
Jan was a member of the committee from the start and over the years was active in many fields. She was part of the team that set up the quarterly “Talking News Magazine”; this covered items of general interest not necessarily news-related. The Magazine ran for many years. When the magazine closed Jan took on Publicity and her dynamic and proactive style was used to great effect.
Her professional approach was always evident in committee meetings and her influence is reflected in the productions of today.
Founding Member – Trainer – Magazine Producer – Publicity – Committee Member – Jan’s contribution has been immense.
The Pat Nunn Award is deserved and a small token of the contribution Jan Turner has made to the Havant Talking News over 30-plus years. We are very grateful, Jan.
Peter Loveridge, Chair of Havant Talking News
Keeping blind people in touch with what’s going on in our area
Irene, one of our listeners, is seen here using a special player loaned by Havant Talking News. Do YOU know someone like Irene, who would love to listen to the local news?
Recordings are sent out regularly, free of charge.
Can YOU help us to continue to produce the Talking News?
You can call us on 023 924 80101 or you can email us at admin@hbtn.org.uk. There is more information on this website.
Leisure Accessibility for Those Living With Sight Loss
West Sussex is fortunate to have a wealth of high quality theatres and cinemas, but for those living with sight loss, such a trip can be daunting, and the performance presents challenges in terms of appreciating everything that is happening on stage and screen. Thankfully, many venues support accessibility for the visually impaired with audio descriptive tours/performances, touch tours, bespoke times to visit and concessions.
For example, the nationally acclaimed Chichester Festival Theatre (CFT) offers audio description on certain performances and free bookable Touch Tours prior to an audio described performance. All seats have Braille signage, and Festival Season brochures are provided in large print, audio or a CD, plus cast lists in large print or braille. It also offers a Buddy Scheme with trained volunteers to meet you on arrival, help collect tickets and headsets; guide you to your seat, refreshments and toilets; and sit with you during the show.
01243 828 555
Enquiries
4sight.org.uk
The Hawth Theatre in Crawley, and Worthing Theatre and Museum offer an audio description service for selected shows, and the Hawth brochure is available online (audio), in large print, braille, and CD. The Chequer Mead Theatre in East Grinstead operates an Essential Companion Scheme for people who without the support of a Carer would not be able to visit, when you register you are entitled to a free Carer’s Ticket. Chequer Mead also operates a Buddy Scheme similar to the CFT. For cinema-goers, all Odeon cinemas offer a good selection of films with audio description and a free companion ticket.
These venues (which all welcome assistance dogs), are just some examples of the support available. It is important to contact your chosen venue to plan a visit, as the booking process, logistics and concessions all vary. Please visit the venue’s website where phone and email contacts can be found.