"You've always got your nose stuck in a book" That was my mother from the kitchen where I was supposed to be drying the dishes. From the age of five I had loved reading so it was very depressing to find about three years ago that I was losing my sight aged 88.
A blind friend introduced me to Calibre Audio Library, a national charity which lends audio books to anyone who is unable to read print. The service is free. It is supported by fund raising and voluntary contributions. It does not receive a government grant.
My books come on memory sticks. These are about the size of a small latch key and are sent post free in a small zipped up bag which will go through a letter box. I have a small box called a Boombox Plus which cost me about £30. The memory sticks slot into the top of this box which is powered by either a mains lead or a battery . The box also incorporates a VHF radio. It is very simple to use and is portable so with the addition of a pair of plug in earphones you can listen in the garden! I do have a computer but it is not needed with the Boombox Plus.
The library has over 8,000 books.There are wide categories including biographies, diaries, thrillers, detective stories, family sagas, history and many of the classics. A lot of the books are read by actors which I enjoy as they can do all the different voices! There is also a very important children's section. I read on average two books a week. I love Calibre.
I ws listening to "In Touch a BBC radio 4 programme for visually impaired people when I heard a request from a man who wanted help for his 90 year old father who could no longer read. I sent an e mail to In Touch to tell them about Calibre. As a result I yesterday had a most exciting visit from Lee Kumutat, a delightful,friendly lady who is an interviewer on the programme. Lee, who cannot see, came on the train from London to Hove accompanied by her guide dog, Josh, a beautiful golden retriever.
If something more exciting doesn't turn up there will be a very brief interview with me on Tuesday at 8.40 p.m.
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Ramblings of a nonagenerian (vintage 1923). Grew up in Lambeth in the 20s and 30s. Lived and worked in London during World War II. I have been attempting to do the Telegraph Cryptic Crossword since 1939! (My daughter says I *have* to write this, but I am troubled as it sounds so conceited.) I bought my first computer aged 85 and am continually frustrated by the vagaries of the technological age.
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