Hold the front page for dedicated Burnley volunteers who are helping to keep the community updated on all the latest news

A publicity campaign, to help spread the news about a group that provides a vital service for blind and partially sighted people, has helped it to hit the headlines.
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The Burnley Talking Newspaper has now been running for an amazing 43 years, bringing up to date news and topical stories to people across the town.

Funded by donations from organisations and generous individuals four members recently attended a conference organised by the Talking News Federation where they took part in workshops, listened to inspirational speakers and networked with other talking newspaper representatives.

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As the main focus was on fund raising members returned armed with some fresh ideas to bring in new funds including raising the profile of the talking newspaper with a series of letters to businesses and companies.

Marjorie and Alan Dunderdale receive a cheque from Tesco along with Ann Kay and her guide dog Dixie.Marjorie and Alan Dunderdale receive a cheque from Tesco along with Ann Kay and her guide dog Dixie.
Marjorie and Alan Dunderdale receive a cheque from Tesco along with Ann Kay and her guide dog Dixie.

As a result the group, which focuses on stories from the Burnley Express and a variety of magazines, was invited to have a stand at Burnley's Tesco store and also take part in a bag pack project with Lancashire Fire and Rescue cadets.

Volunteer Marjorie Dunderdale said: " Both events were very successful with people coming to ask about how our talking newspaper worked and we even recruited a few volunteers and, of course, we shared the proceeds of the bag pack with the cadets."

Store community champion Billie-Jean Horne nominated the Talking Newspaper to receive the proceeds from a book stall at the Centenary Way store and members were stunned and delighted to receive a cheque for £549!

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Marjorie added: "I thought it would be around £30 so imagine my delight when it was over £500.

"Together with the bag pack and awareness day, we have raised over £1,000 for Burnley Talking Newspaper through Tesco alone.

" I would like to say a huge thank you to the shoppers who donated to our local charity and generally to the generosity of the people of Burnley."

Burnley's Asda store has also stepped in to help the group with Annette McGowan inviting volunteers to hold an awareness day there and the group is now one of the three named charities on the green token scheme.

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The profile of the group has been raised even further because, as a result of the numerous letters sent out, they have given talks and received support from a variety of organisations including the Rotary Club of Padiham, Burnley Lions, Briercliffe Ladies, Burnley and Pendleside Rotary, Burnley Masonic Fellowship, St. Cuthbert's W.I and Burnley Cantenians.

And the work of the talking newspaper continues during the lockdown despite the fact the majority of the workforce of volunteers are mostly over 70 and now confined to their homes.

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper.

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Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspaper.

Thank you

HOW TO SUBSCRIBE: You can subscribe for delivery by contacting us at [email protected] or calling us on 0330 4033004 for details of a participating newsagent near you.

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