Jo congratulates Talking Newspaper on National Lottery Blue Plaque
September 13, 2005 11:59 AM
Jo displays the National Lottery Blue Plaque with volunteer Margaret Tindall, Morag Mackay and Managing Editor Alastair McPhee
Cue and Review Recording Service in Bishopbriggs had something extra to talk about this week when Jo Swinson MP received a National Lottery Blue Plaque on behalf of the project, in recognition of its outstanding achievements since receiving Lottery funding.
Cue and Review is Scotland's largest independently funded talking newspaper group, transcribing 22 print magazines and newspapers into audio formats for the benefit of visually and reading-impaired people.
On receiving the Blue Plaque, Jo Swinson commented,
"I was honoured to be asked to receive this award on behalf of Cue and Review. It is a tribute to the work of Managing Editor Alastair McPhee and the 60 plus volunteers at Cue and Review that they have received this commendation. The service has grown up locally and now serves people across a wide area. It is the kind of invaluable facility that deserves every support and encouragement."
A Lottery grant of £48,165 from the Big Lottery Fund allowed the charity to purchase much needed hi-tech recording equipment, which enabled it to more than double its turnover and reach an extra 5,000 people in a year. This was achieved by building partnerships with public and private sector organisations and encouraging them to make their print information available in audio.
The project is the brainchild of Alastair McPhee, who started his first talking magazine at Bishopbriggs High School, working out of a store cupboard. He commented,
"We're extremely grateful to receive a Blue Plaque in recognition of the impact Lottery funding has had in allowing us to expand the scope of our work. The new equipment has not only helped us to offer the service more widely but it has also improved the quality and turnover of our recordings. It has also benefited our volunteers who have found their confidence, skills and morale have improved through working with the equipment."
During the visit, Jo also recorded an article from the Herald for Cue & Review. She later commented:
"I very much enjoyed reading an article from the Herald for Cue & Review. It turned out to be an interesting and relevant piece about Angela Merkel and the upcoming German elections. It is terrific that Cue & Review have been able to purchase high-tech new equipment thanks to the Big Lottery Fund. Cue & Review provides an excellent service, and the more blind and partially-sighted people that are made aware of it, the better."
Cue and Review works with over 60 volunteers, and provides a unique opportunity for younger and older generations to mix, helping to breakdown prejudices and stereotypes between the elderly and young people.
To become a member of Cue and Review please telephone 0141-563-0306 or email information@cueandreview.org.uk. Cue and Review can be found online at www.cueandreview.org.uk
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