King’s Award for Voluntary Service goes to Mid-Ulster Talking Newspaper
The Mid-Ulster Talking Newspaper Association has been awarded the Kings Award for Voluntary Service 2025.
This is the highest award a local voluntary group can receive in the UK and is equivalent to an MBE.
The Mid Ulster Talking Newspaper Association is a registered charity and since 1971 has produced a weekly talking newspaper and magazine, entitled ‘Soundtrack’, for up to fifty visually impaired and print impaired people throughout the Mid-Ulster area.
Its volunteers digitally record news and articles from local newspapers, and create an audio magazine with a miscellany of items and articles including short stories, interviews and reminiscences from local people. Our listeners receive their weekly ‘Soundtrack’ on USB flash drives delivered free, by post, and on smart speaker.
Michael May, Chair of The Mid Ulster Talking Newspaper Association said: “I am proud and delighted that our talking newspaper has been recognised. This award is an acknowledgment of the commitment of our volunteers who support and make possible the production of ‘Soundtrack’, our local talking newspaper and magazine.
"It is through their dedication and diligence that we continue to provide this important service. I would also thank the many hundreds of listeners for staying with us over the years and the scores of past volunteers who gave of their time so freely.”
Representatives of The Mid Ulster Talking Newspaper will receive the award crystal and certificate from The Lord Lieutenant of Tyrone, Sir Robert Scott KCVO OBE. In addition, two volunteers from The Mid Ulster Talking Newspaper Association will attend a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in May and June 2026.
The Mid-Ulster Talking Newspaper is one of 232 UK charities, enterprises and voluntary groups to receive the prestigious award, this year. The dedicated volunteers of the Talking Newspaper contribute to enhancing the lives of their sight Impaired listeners in all communities and neighbourhoods throughout Mid Ulster.
The King’s Award for Voluntary Service aims to recognise outstanding voluntary work by local groups in supporting their communities. It was created in 2002 to celebrate the late Queen’s Golden Jubilee and was continued following the accession of His Majesty the King. 2025 marks the third year of the King’s Award for Voluntary Service.