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A Heartfelt Plea from our Chair of HTN – Peter Loveridge

We are in dire straits with regard to Producers.  We now have only two, and there are no ifs and buts – we cannot function with just two.

I am using this platform to make a direct appeal to our current Volunteers. Whilst I cannot thank you enough for what you already do as a Volunteer, and for the vital contribution you already make, I do feel the need to put that contribution into context: with our present number of Readers, a recording slot will come around for an individual Reader roughly once every three months, which is four times a year.  For Editors it is one half-week once a month.  These are certainly positive contributions, but not too onerous – I am not belittling what you are giving in any way – just asking for a little more.  Whilst I know that may not be feasible for some, for a few it must be a possibility.

We do continuously advertise for new Volunteer Producers, but it is of considerable help to have someone with a little understanding of our newsgathering and recording procedures.  Clearly existing Editors and Readers have that understanding.

Keith Burnett is our most recent Producers.  Keith joined us in 2022 as an Editor and last year took the plunge to become a Producer.  I asked Keith for his thoughts on the experience, both its travails and its joys.  Here are his words, paraphrased a little by me:

The Producers’ work really takes place before the Tuesday recording.  Once in the studio, the Engineers pretty much run the show and all I do is press two buttons:  one for “Standby” and one to begin reading.  That’s easy, although I have made a few slips – because I wasn’t paying attention!

The work really begins when the Editors send in their scripts, which I filter out for relevance, accuracy and duplication – some stories develop in the course of a few weeks and have to be up-dated shortly before recording.  Some stories are just too long and the Producer needs to take time to shorten them (without  losing their impact).  Producers also change the format so the articles are consistent and reasonably easy to read.  I also include phonetic spellings – our perennial favourite is Lido – is it lie-doh or lee-doh?  Regardless, we insist on lie-doh.

So I like to give three clear days to filter, edit and then submit the articles for printing, and, once packaged off – that’s a great feeling!

What do I get out of it?  Well, a sense of accomplishment – knowing that the work the team has put in is reaching such an important audience.  It’s great to hear the articles on Angel Radio and it also improves my own knowledge of local news.  I’m frequently the butt of many jibes from family and friends because I’m regularly heard saying “Did you hear about ….  What happened in Havant, Hayling Island or … The Lido… the other day?”

Thank you Keith.

Please, please do have a serous think about following Keith’s path and help keep the Havant Talking News on the road.

Allied to this urgent need to keep us going, is the age of the committee:  we have one 90-year-old and at least three aged 80+.  We need new blood – ours is becoming thinner each passing day!  Quite simply, without new blood – both on the Committee and, more immediately, as Producers – we will, in the not-too-distant future simply cease to function.  A little light will then be taken from the lives of many of those who cherish the blue wallet’s arrival in the post. PLEASE DO NOT LET THIS HAPPEN.

Thank you.

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Pat Nunn Award

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

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Keeping blind people in touch with what’s going on in our area

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Talking News Says Goodbye to Effe

Effe kindly agreed to write a short article on her experience of being a Producer with HTN. These are Effe’s Words: 

“I feel needed and fortunate to help our blind and visually impaired neighbours in the Havant Borough. Through this work, I found purpose and inspiration to give my best each time we record audio news.

I am a Filipino-American broadcast journalist. In 2019, I moved from Los Angeles, California, to the U.K. with my English husband. We currently live in Waterlooville with my daughter, who is turning six in January.

It’s been a year since I began volunteering as an audio news producer for HTN. Time truly flies! And now I am at a new crossroads as we are moving back to the States for good. As I prepare for our move, I reflect on what has been the most fulfilling work of my life. Each fortnightly recording was full of joyful memories; the laughter sometimes mixed with tension, but it was always satisfying and rewarding.

Working for HTN made me realize that producing audio news stories for the blind is not like working at a regular television or radio. The stories that we produce are carefully crafted to meet the unique needs of people without sight. 

As a former TV presenter at a multilingual channel in Los Angeles, I have undertaken a wide range of roles in the broadcast journalism industry, from working in radio to serving as a master control operator, correspondent, researcher, host, and producer for KSCI TV LA18, Southern California’s premier Asian television channel.

Reporting news stories of natural disasters such as hurricanes, volcanic eruptions, wildfires, mass shootings, or even business developments to the general public is far easier than reporting them to visually impaired audiences. Unlike television, where you have videos to help convey the story. However, audio news reporting demands more descriptions, and you have to carefully read and enunciate the words in a way that listeners can understand.

HTN is not just a regular news outlet or another non-profit organization supporting a cause — it is truly a community. Each edition is carefully organized with stories selected for listeners who rely on our news to navigate their surroundings, warn them of potential hazards, guide them to bus routes and schedules, inform them which stores are open and closed, and tell them how to get involved and make their voices heard on issues that matter to them.

This experience has sharpened my storytelling, attention to detail, and increased my empathy. Knowing that my work has made a difference gives me deep satisfaction. I will carry this sense of purpose with me when I return to the U.S., along with wonderful memories of HTN.

Now, as we move back to the States, I will surely miss working with my colleagues, but I will also carry with me the lessons and sense of belonging that I found here. This may be farewell, but it is not an ending — only a gentle turning of the page.”

The Talking News is also made available on our website and through Alexa

Give yourself an enjoyable and rewarding challenge.  You can reach us on 02392 480101 , by leaving a message; or complete an application form.

Go on, give it a go!  You too can ‘produce’.

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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.

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