Jennifer Stirratt and Andrew Edgington are volunteer speakers for the Community Fundraising Team in the South West. Since receiving their three days local training with a friendly group of prospective speakers, they have given nearly 30 talks to a wide variety of groups in the Bristol area. They have been successful in raising awareness and in attracting much-needed funds for the Talking Book Service, since April 2010 they have raised a fantastic £3,251.
Andrew says : "I have been an RNIB volunteer since I retired in 2006 and I enjoy talking to groups. My mother in law was an avid member of Talking Books and it was great to get the chance to help spread the word and raise funds to support this much loved service. Jennifer - who uses the service - is a delightful friend and I love supporting her. We are a bit of a 'double act'. We give one or maybe two talks most months. I drive and help Jennifer in to the venue. I normally introduce our presentation by saying how I became a volunteer, then add some background about RNIB's aims in general and the history of the Talking Book Service, with a few facts and figures.
"I always encourage people to get their eyes checked regularly. I then hand over to Jennifer who would admit that she was a little nervous at first, but is now a wonderfully clear, fluent and inspirational speaker. It's a privilege working with her. The groups we meet - Rotary, Probus, Church groups - are always very warm and welcoming, and very appreciative of what we're doing. I've made a lot of new contacts through volunteering and I would recommend it to anyone who likes people. Don't be daunted by the idea of giving a talk - you will be well trained, you don't have to talk for too long, and audiences are very friendly."
Jennifer says: "When I was asked if I would become a public speaker, I was terrified because I had never done anything like it before. However, after losing my sight 15 years ago, the Talking Book service played a large part in helping me see that my life had not come to an end and helped me gain confidence and gave me a great deal of pleasure. I now really enjoy my role as a speaker as it gets me out. I like meeting people and making new friends and working as a team with Andrew is a real bonus. I really believe it has given me a purpose, and I am able to help other people realise that life has a great deal to offer."