PRESS RELEASE

LIGHT A CANDLE WEEK – END

People will be asked to light a candle as a symbolic gesture at fund raising events in aid of Talking Books Wales

“Light a Candle Week- end ” will take place between 21-23 October and hundreds are expected to take part throughout Wales.

“It is better to light a candle than curse the darkness” is the old saying and we think that by providing audio books for 450 plus visually impaired people in Wales, we bring a little ray of light into their lives,” said Sulwyn Thomas, chairman of Talking Books Wales, or Llyfrau Llafar Cymru.” The idea is simply for people to stage one event during that week-end with a view of raising money for our service. Lighting a candle will be a symbolic gesture, giving the event an added significance. Ours is a voluntary service and we rely on grants and donations to survive. We thought it would be a good idea to involve as many people as possible to help us in a practical way by arranging a coffee morning, perhaps, or a cheese and wine evening, a sponsored walk, or a whist drive. It is up to them. We are very much aware that communities in Wales are involved in raising money for national events such as the National Eisteddfod and the Royal Welsh Show. Well, why not stage an event and split the proceeds for one day?

The possibilities are endless and we will welcome suggestions so that we can paste them on our web site and Facebook page.

” When we meet many of our recipients, we realise how important it is for them, who are visually impaired, to be able to hear the latest Welsh books on CD or in other digital formats. We have recorded over 2000 Welsh books, and English language books of Welsh interest. Between 30 and 40 new books are recorded every year, as well community newspapers and magazines. Two part time staff are employed to record and administer the operation, but we rely heavily on volunteers. A generous National Lottery grant ended last year, so now we have to survive on our own two feet. An all Wales response to our Light a Candle Week end would go a long way to ensuring the future of what we think is an important contribution to those who are unable to enjoy the delights of the printed word,” added Mr Thomas

Talking Books Wales’ predecessor was the Welsh Cassette Scheme, which was started by Rhian Evans, in Carmarthen in 1979. Her eye sight was diminishing and was unable to read her favourite books in Welsh.

“There were plenty books available in English from various sources, but Welsh titles were non existent,” said Rhian ” So I started recording one or two books at home, and everything mushroomed from there. I am very proud that the service has developed into an all Wales operation and over 450 recipients are very appreciative of what goes on in Tŷ Llafar, Carmarthen. By supporting this new initiative, we can ensure the future is even brighter for the service and for those who receive our audio books.”

For further formation please contact Linda Williams. 01267238225 or Sulwyn Thomas 01267235385