A PARTY for people who receive memory stick copies of Crediton Talking News each week gave them a chance to meet those they hear reading the news when they were guests at a cream tea party at the Boniface Centre in Crediton on Sunday, August 21.

For some it was the first time they had met the voices they hear so often.

For so many the Talking News had been a much-welcomed connection with the world during the long period of lockdown because of covid.

Crediton Talking News, which took over from the Talking Newspaper which had run for many years until it folded, is sponsored by the Lions Club of Crediton and District.

Lions members worked in the kitchen and acted as waiters and waitresses.

Scones, 150 altogether, had been made by Lions Peter Bryan and Ann Whitehouse, the jam in individual pots and the cream had been donated by Rodda’s of Cornwall.

People from Tiverton, Exeter and North Tawton joined those from all around the Crediton district. Music was provided by Dave Simms at the organ. Dave is treasurer of South Molton Keyboard and Light Music Club. He played a wide selection of tunes.

Crediton Talking News has been going for eight years.

As well as the weekly reading of the “Crediton Courier”, the memory sticks include recordings from the Talking News Federation of various topical magazines.

At present there are about 60 clients who receive a memory stick, some of whom have moved away but still like their weekly local news.

Karen Todd is the person who logs in the red wallets, delivered free by post, checks if a wallet has not been returned for a while, whether there is a problem and whether the Lions can help in any way.

People need to be blind or partially sighted to receive the Talking News. A new client will be visited, shown how to use the memory stick and player.

Anyone who would like to know more should contact either 01363 82878 or 01363 773437.

Eric said they were indebted to Newcombes Housing Association for making the Armstrong Room available each week for recording and to the volunteers who help each week. “I sincerely thank you all for your interest and dedication in helping this important service,” said Eric.

He pointed out that the service is totally free to all its clients.

Sue Read