News

35th Anniversary - Launch of "Friends of NEWSLINE" regular giving scheme

The Forth Valley Talking Newspaper Association (FVTNA) known to its listeners as NEWSLINE has been operating in the Falkirk area for nearly 35 years.  They are now offering an opportunity to become a ‘Friend’ of the charity. Twenty dedicated volunteers, whose service to NEWSLINE totals around 260 years, record an audio version of the FALKIRK HERALD on 50 weeks of the year for nearly 200 Blind and Visually Impaired Listeners.  Their Chairperson, Christine Moroney, is a founder member of FVTNA and will complete 35 years’ service on 13th November 2016.  As a listener, she exercises “quality control” on the content of each week’s recording!  Regular help at NEWSLINE is also provided by members of Falkirk & Grangemouth Rotary Clubs and Falkirk Soroptimists.

"Friends of NEWSLINE" regular giving scheme

The annual running cost of NEWSLINE is approximately £4,200 per annum which is met by grants, donations from listeners and other supporters also through fund raising.  To equip each new listener with Player, Mailing Wallets, Memory Sticks, etc, costs about £60.

Expenses continue to rise and income, particularly grants, tends to reduce.  To help counteract the financial impact this will have, a “Friends of NEWSLINE” scheme is being launched.  Anyone wishing to support the charity is invited to take out a monthly Standing Order donating a small sum to support the charity’s work.  For example, a tax payer signing a Gift Aid form and making a donation of £4 per month would, over a year, cover the cost of equipment for a new listener. Any regular donation would be greatly appreciated.  If you are able to provide financial support please email your name and address details to info@newsline.org.uk, or leave a message including telephone number on the NEWSLINE answer machine on 01324 228313 or write to FVTNA, PO Box 42, FALKIRK, FK1 1AA so that the necessary paperwork can be supplied.

Although there are nearly 900 registered people with severe sight problems in the Falkirk area. reaching new people is the biggest barrier to expanding the service. Referrals come from the Forth Valley Sensory Centre, Social Workers and the RNIB representatives at the Eye Clinic and Sensory Centre.  FVTNA, therefore, would be pleased to hear from anyone who is registered blind and would like to receive their service. This can be done by using the contact details above or registering through the NEWSLINE website at www.newsline.org.uk.

Jun 2nd, 2017

Our Annual Report for the year ended 31st March 2017 is available online and has been approved by the Committee

Download 2017 Annual Report here (PDF)

May 30th, 2016

Our Annual Report for the year ended 31st March 2016 is available online and has been approved by the Committee

Download 2016 Annual Report here (PDF)

May 28th, 2015

Our Annual Report for the year ended 31st March 2015 is available online and has been approved by the Committee

Download 2015 Annual Report here (PDF)

May 29th, 2014

Our Annual Report for the year ended 31st March 2014 is available online and has been approved by the Committee

Download 2014 Annual Report here (PDF)