OVER 40 listeners, volunteers and friends attended FATN Talking News’ 46th Annual General Meeting (AGM) at Crookham War Memorial Hall in May.

President Dame Elizabeth Anson outlined the successes of the past year and thanked volunteers for their work in delivering this service to around 200 visually impaired people across Farnham, Haslemere, Hindhead, Alton, Bordon, Fleet and surrounding areas.

She said: “We have so many sympathisers within our communities in Surrey and Hampshire and we must encourage them to support us - it would be good if the different councils would also support the work we do for their ratepayers. The only grant we receive currently is a small one from Farnham Town Council.”

Although it is a free service for listeners, it costs around £8,000 per year to run in both rent and rates to Waverley to pay for FATN’s Farnham offices.

The AGM was followed by enjoyable entertainment led by local thespian and FATN volunteer reader, David Wylde, along with Chris Reeks, Lawrence Carter, Clive Wouters and chairman Ann Newson. They read a selection of poems by Wordsworth and amusing extracts from Jane Austen’s novels.

Professional singer Lizzie Hales then sang popular songs from the musicals ‘Oklahoma’ and ‘Joseph’s Technicolour Dreamcoat’, before the afternoon concluded with a raffle and tea and cakes.

FATN Talking News records news taken from The Herald newspapers and other local papers, which is sent out weekly on a memory stick or can be listened to online. For more information or to volunteer, visit www.fatntalkingnews.org.uk, or call 01252 719266.