News & Events

On Thursday 26 October 2023, Talking News held its Annual General Meeting in Oving Village Hall. There was good attendance from Listeners, Carers, Volunteers and other supporters to hear an address by the Chair of Chichester District Council, Clare Apel, and our President, Councillor Anne Scicluna. At the meeting the Chairman, Ken Pritchard, outlined the achievements of Talking News over the past 12 months and thanked all concerned for their enthusiasm and hard work throughout the year. Tom McInulty, who lost his sight as a young man, gave an inspirational address emphasising how being visually disabled doesn't stop people from leading full, exciting and satisfying lives. Also at the meeting, a presentation was made to Geoff Porter, who has been the Treasurer for the past six years and is now standing down from that role but remaining as a Trustee. After the business of the AGM, a light lunch was served and a very successful raffle was held before everyone settled into their seats to enjoy a delightful musical performance by the Get Vocal group.

The 'Vicky Meets' charity column in the Chichester Observer series of newspapers featured CATN on Thursday 29 September 2022, giving some welcome (and much-needed) publicity to the team who produce audio recordings of local news for blind and visually impaired people in West Sussex. Vicky Edwards interviewed Bob Money in the studio at St Richard's Hospital and her column showcased CATN's regular recordings, distributed free of charge to those who value local news.

Fifteen Chichester Area Talking News Volunteers, both those who keep in touch locally with our Listeners and the dedicated ones who keep the Studio office running smoothly, met on 28 September 2022 in Lavant Village Hall to exchange ideas, swap stories and enjoy some tea and cakes baked for the occasion. This regular event keeps everyone aware of what's happening around the areas and sparks many good ideas for how the service can be updated and improved.

The SUMMER 2022 edition of TEAM TALK - the newsletter for all Chichester Area Talking News Volunteers and Supporters is now available online.

Fond tributes to the Chichester piano tuner who “lit the hearts of many”

Popular Chichester piano tuner and repairer Anva Luc – father to a remarkable musical family – has died at the age of 60.

Every year the Talking News AGM offers something different to both inform and entertain a large audience of listeners, carers and volunteers. This year, after the formal meeting, our Chairman, Dick Bunker, pointed out that 2021 was even more special: our AGM was being held on 21st October, which as all history buffs will know is the anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. So, once the necessary business was complete, the afternoon’s entertainment began with a sketch about ‘Health and Safety aboard HMS VICTORY’, with Richard Plowman as Admiral Nelson and Dick Bunker as Captain Hardy.