Witney Talking News
During my recent visit to Witney Talking News, I had the pleasure of meeting Jenny, Adam, Peter, Eric, Byron, and Valerie. They’re an inspiring team of volunteers who bring local news to life for visually impaired people across West Oxfordshire. Their dedication, warmth, and community spirit left a lasting impression.
Connecting others to their community
For over 40 years, Witney Talking News has been a lifeline for listeners, delivering weekly audio recordings of local news. But this service is about much more than headlines – it’s about connection. Hearing familiar voices and references to local places helps listeners feel part of their community, even when daily news might otherwise feel out of reach.
A service of dedication
Each week, the team curates and records news updates – local, national and international – and distributes them via USB memory sticks and specially designed ‘plug and play’ players. These players are loaned out, collected, and reused, showing the group’s strong commitment to both accessibility and sustainability. It’s a thoughtful, multi-platform approach that ensures everyone, regardless of age or tech ability, can stay informed.
Behind this service is a small committee, six editors, and a phenomenal group of 45 volunteers, who give their time week in, week out. Their commitment is nothing short of extraordinary.
Thanks to support from the Connected Communities Fund, the group has been able to replace ageing equipment and ensure their service can continue without interruption. This funding is helping sustain a trusted, familiar voice in the lives of people who need it most.
The impact is best captured in the words of the listeners themselves:
“We look forward to the memory sticks each week. Keep up the good work.”
“My grateful thanks for the pleasure my mother has obtained from your service over the years.”
“It’s really something to look forward to every week. Thank you so much.”
Witney Talking News proves that connection doesn’t always require the newest technology. It requires people who care. In an increasingly digital world, this project stands out as both innovative and deeply human.
If you know someone who would benefit from this free service, the team would love to hear from you.
Phone: 01993 444 986
Or visit their website.
Jaime Hewett, OCVA Development Officer
The Connected Communities Fund, is being delivered in partnership by OCVA and Community First Oxfordshire and has been made available by Oxfordshire County Council.