Advertiser Talking newspaper celebrate 25 years

Apr 25 2008 By Shirley Bartynek

THE Advertiser’s talking newspaper this week celebrated 25 years of operation.

Hamilton Sound is a talking newspaper which provides free weekly audio versions of the Advertiser to visually impaired people in and around Hamilton.

They are now looking forward to the next 25 years by developing more up-to-date methods of distributing their weekly news programmes.

In addition to the weekly cassette version which is distributed by post, listeners can also hear Hamilton Sound on the internet at hamiltonsound.co.uk and can also download the programme.

Hamilton Sound were recently awarded a grant by the National Lottery Awards For All Scheme to help fund the installation of state-of-the-art digital recording and editing equipment at their studio in Campbell Street, Hamilton where the production team meet every Thursday to produce the programme.

In addition to their studio upgrade, Hamilton Sound will be developing suitable alternatives to the current cassette tape, including CDs and USB memory sticks.

Jim Stewart, chairman of Hamilton Sound, said: “The plan is to introduce these alternative options to listeners who prefer to receive their programme by post by the end of 2008.”

Hamilton Sound is a registered charity which is run by volunteers and funded by contributions from various sources, including businesses, clubs and societies, churches and individuals.

They provide their service free of charge and people can apply for it by a variety of methods. Visit their website at www.hamiltonsound.co.uk or email join@hamiltonsound.co.uk.

Listeners or their family can also call 01698 307733 or visit the Forum on Disability, Campbell Street, Hamilton.

To celebrate Hamilton Sound’s first 25 years, South Lanarkshire Council held a civic reception at the council’s headquarters in Almada Street.