FATN Talking News, the Farnham-based charity which produces audio versions of local news for visually-impaired people on the Surrey/Hampshire borders, has embraced new methods to carry on its vital service.

Two weeks ago, FATN took the tough decision to close down its existing studio operation, as close contact while recording could increase the risk of volunteers catching coronavirus.

However, they knew the service would be missed by listeners, so looked to see if there was an alternative – and have now completed their first recording in a virtual studio in volunteers’ homes connected via the internet.

Readers Clive Wouters and Gary Cook selected stories from the online digital versions of two Herald newspapers, and read these in sequence, recorded by engineer Charles Fearnley – all in their own homes.

All three were able to hear and communicate with each other, almost as if they were sitting in the FATN studio.

Technical director Charles, who set up the new system, said: “I was quite apprehensive about how this was going to work, but in the event I’m pleased to say we produced a recording comparable to those we normally make in our real studio.

“This was in large part thanks to the professionalism of Clive and Gary, who were reading for the first time in a wholly unfamiliar environment.

“This success means we can continue to provide local news to our listeners at a time when they, and everyone else, are more isolated than usual.”

Charles also thanked the Herald for its “continued and varied support, without which we could not serve our listeners”.

FATN’s recordings can be heard at www.fatntalkingnews.org.uk – go to the recordings tab at the top of the page.