A Balclutha woman is doing her part to spread the good news.
Connie Masters reads articles from newspapers to people who are blind or are vision›impaired through a telephone information service.
The role was set up by The Blind Foundation New Zealand, and Mrs Masters has been doing it for more than 20 years.
‘‘I quite like doing it in my spare time as something to do.
‘‘It’s very beneficial for those with low or without vision who appreciate information on everything happening in the world,’’ she said.
Vision›impaired people can access all newspapers in New Zealand, all library services, television and radio guides and voting guides through the service.
Mrs Masters said that people with low vision often have a number five dial on their phone so they can locate the buttons on the phones easily to get to the recordings.
Mrs Masters, who has taught at 15 schools across Clutha during her professional life, reads and records the Clutha Leader every Thursday as soon as she receives it in her mailbox.
The recording is kept on the service for a week and on an automated message until the following week’s edition arrives.
‘‘I have around seven regular listeners for each week, and people can listen as they please.
‘‘I read all of the articles and even the advertisements and houses that are up for sale,’’ she said.
She said she knows of several other people, some teachers, who do the same as her and says contributors can send in recordings at their leisure.
Mrs Masters enjoys giving low›visioned people the opportunity to enjoy the same things as everyone else.
