Moray Companion marks 40th anniversary
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A TALKING newspaper for blind and visually impaired people in Moray and beyond is celebrating its 40th anniversary.
The first edition of The Moray Companion was produced during the summer of 1979.
From an initial audience of just 12 people, its popularity has grown and now more than 200 people are kept up-to-date with local news and views thanks to the publication.
David and Sandra Dick, who were involved in the first edition, are among those who still create the bulletins, which are available on either cassette or memory stick.
Mr Dick said: "At the time I was a social worker for the blind in the Moray area and on visiting one of my blind clients when asked if she ever went out to events, her reply was, 'how can I, I am blind and cannot read the paper so do not know what is on'. It gave me the idea to initially just do a What's On in the area list and it grew from there.
"It really is thanks to her that the Talking Newspaper was born in this area."
The longevity of the service speaks volumes for the dedicated band of volunteers who help create the fortnightly bulletins.
Mr Dick said: "In no time at all we were able to fill a c60 cassette containing items from the Northern Scot and a selection of interesting items brought in by the volunteers.
"We began in my kitchen producing the cassette, moving on to the local library and later to premises supplied by the local council.
"In order to copy the cassettes a fast copier was required and this was kindly donated to us by the Northern Scot as part of a special anniversary year they were having."
Over the years, a variety of readers have given up their time to share news and feature items, with beer and wine making, gardening, cookery, yoga and pantomimes among topics covered.
Interviews with well-known celebrities have also featured, as have extracts from local concerts.
Mr Dick said: "So many people have helped over the years in a variety of ways it is impossible to thank them all individually so I would just like to say a sincere 'thank you' to everybody who has been a part of the Moray Companion over the past forty years."
The late Ian McConachie, a legend of the local pantomime scene and a well-known community stalwart, was involved from the start.
Mr Dick said: "He helped make the talking newspaper the success it became and I will be forever grateful to him.
"We hope the talking newspaper will continue for many years to come."
