Joy Killip is in her 100th year. As she approaches the birthday that’ll make her a centurion (on the
2nd of April 2024), this extraordinary lady, proudly holds that continuing to volunteer as a reader for
the ‘N-Vision’ weekly Talking Newspaper (which she set-up) is what “keeps her alive.”
Since 1966, Joy has volunteered continuously for the us – and still devotes several hours each and every week. This is more years and commitment than the average person gives to paid employment!
‘N-Vision’ is based in Blackpool, and has been providing services to local visually impaired people since 1910. For much of that time, it has been known as ‘The Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre Society for the Blind’.
After many years of fundraising for the charity, she launched our Talking Newspaper with her
husband, Don, in 1977. She’d tried to understand what it must be like to live in darkness; and
imagined what information those people needed; and what they might like to be entertained by.
That led to the inception of the service – which began with readings from the local ‘Gazette’. Joy
also hassled the council to get permission for it to include recordings of magazines – which, back
then, was a very modern idea.
47 years later, around 50 committed volunteers record about 10 hours of audio a week – which is
now sent on USB sticks, to approximately 200 people within the areas of Blackpool, Fylde and
Wyre – with some of the service also available online, too.
When asked what keeps her motivated to keep going, Joy said “I love it; it keeps me alive. I live,
eat and breathe Talking News.” She added: “The people keep me going because they are all so
nice, and so appreciate what we do.”
Joy is a true superstar and an inspiration, and deserves the highest recognition for her services to
the local community of Blackpool, Fylde, and Wyre. The Talking Newspaper that Joy set-up, is just
one of the many ways that ‘N-Vision’ helps those living with sight loss.
If you’re registered with a doctor’s surgery in the Blackpool, Fylde or Wyre areas, you can contact
the Low Vision Centre for a free assessment – on 01253 36 26 96. You could then be enjoying the
information, news, and humour of Joy (the oldest ‘N-Vision’ volunteer reader), and the rest of the
team.
