Become a listener

If you cannot read N12 print, please get in touch, we would love to hear from you.

 

 

Picture of a person holding their hand to their ear
Picture of USB memory stick postal wallet and Boom Box

Ways to Listen

There are different ways to listen to the Swindon Talking Newspaper

  1. We will send you the recording on a USB memory stick
  2. Using your smart speaker: Alexa
  3. Via the TNF Web Player

Receive our news in the post

To receive the news by post, you can request this service by phone (01793 522511) or email: stan@swindontalkingnews.org.uk. 
Anyone who is unable to read N12 script is welcome, a member of our team will contact you as soon as they can to give you further information.

A referral is not necessary.

How does it work?

1. STAN gathers the news

One of our Volunteers will go through the Swindon Advertiser to choose suitable articles, as well as other local magazines (e.g. Link Magazine etc.)  

2. The Fortnightly recording is made

Several Volunteers will come up on a Wednesday evening to read out the articles to be recorded by the Volunteer Engineer in the Studio.  Once a master recording is made onto a USB memory stick, the Volunteer Readers will copy it onto as many USB memory sticks as are required.

3. We’ll arrange postage to you

The Volunteers will then send one USB memory stick in each wallet and this will be sent in the post (free of charge) to all the Listeners registered with STAN.

4. Listeners return wallets to STAN

Once a Listener has heard the recording, they send their wallet back (again free of charge) to STAN ready for the next fortnightly recording.

Other ways to listen to our news

Listen via Alexa

To add "Talking Newspapers" to Alexa, just say "Alexa, enable my Talking Newspaper"

Listen via the TNF Web Player

Listen Now
Picture of Ruth Volunteer Administrator

Once you’re a listener you can become a member

As a Listener you are welcome to become a free member of STAN, but it is not a requirement.  

Membership allows you to become more involved in the organisation, attending meetings (AGMs etc.) and voting as appropriate.

Please contact us for more information.

Ask about membership

Frequently asked questions

How can someone access this service?

Please contact us via the website or by telephone 01793 522511.  Your enquiry will be dealt with by one of our Volunteers who will explain the services that we are able to offer.

Who can use this service?

Anyone, of any age, who is unable to read N12 script is welcome to use our free service.  You do not need a referral. 

What is the Talking News?

It is a free fortnightly recording onto a USB memory stick and features local news, quizzes, short stories and other articles of interest.  It is posted to Listeners, who are also provided with a Boom Box to play the USB memory stick.  All equipment is provided free of charge.  It is also available via our website and through Alexa.

MD, Relative

Thank you for this, Mum really enjoyed listening and very much appreciates the service.

MD

CC, Listener

Thank you for sending STAN to me.  I enjoy listening to the information provided and it's a godsend as otherwise I would not know what is happening in Swindon.  I'm donating some money as a thank you and appreciation.  Many thanks.

CC

Tokuma Jeczalik, Audio Editor

I began volunteering here as part of my Bronze DofE (Duke of Edinburgh award) and I was unsure what to expect.  Luckily it is an extremely friendly environment and I feel very fulfilled as I am helping people in our local community.  I have now started college and I am continuing to volunteer each fortnight for my Gold DofE.  I highly recommend STAN, whether you are a prospective Listener or a Volunteer; everyone is so kind and everyone works to provide the best experience possible for our Listeners.

Tokuma Jeczalik

DJ, Listener

Many thanks for my first edition of the memory stick from the Talking News, which I enjoyed listening to all the items very much.  Looking forward to the next one.

DJ

Jane Jones, Volunteer Reader

I am Jane Jones and I am 68.  I retired from my job as a primary school teacher in 2015. I am married with 2 grown up daughters and 1 grandson and 1 granddaughter.  I also volunteer in a charity shop, as well as listening to readers in the reception class of my grandchildren's primary school and announcing at swimming galas.

Reading for STAN was something I had wanted to do for a long time, but couldn't fit it in whilst teaching.  I wanted to do this because of my paternal grandfather, who lost his sight when my mum was pregnant with me, so he never saw me but I used to read to him as soon as I was able.

 

Jane Jones

Contact us

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