This is such a marvellous opportunity for Oxtalk to receive much needed funds for the purchase of the digital equipment that will be required for Oxtalk listeners.

Good wishes,

Margaret Simpson 

Chair of Oxtalk

Muriel Whitrick and Rita Allen, two of the founder members, joined around 80 guests to celebrate this event at OXSRAD Sports Centre in Marston.

Cllr Bob Price, Leader of Oxford City Council, thanked all the past volunteers and Radio Cherwell for the use of their premises, praised the long term support of a much appreciated service and toasted the future of OXTALK.

The OXSRAD Choir, conducted by Olivera Rainbird, entertained the guests with a cheerful and lively programme. The audience were invited to join in singing some of the songs.

Margaret Simpson, the Chairman, says: “ From start to finish it was a happy event. It was so good to have so many of our listeners and volunteers meeting, for many for the first time. The celebration was prepared, and organised on the day, by very supportive members of the OXTALK Committee, and we owe them a very big ‘thank you’. My thanks also to you, the listener, for attending, and to the volunteers, past and present, who support OXTALK – good wishes to the next 30 years!!”

Preparations are continuing for Oxtalk’s 30-year celebration at the OXSRAD Sports Centre in Marston on the afternoon of 18th July 2009 – 30 years to the day of the first meeting to explore the idea of producing an Oxford talking newspaper.
 
Chair of the organisation, Margaret Simpson, is keen to hear from listeners, volunteers and those who has been invloved with Oxtalk over the years who would like to attend the event, at which the Lord Mayor of Oxford will be present and where music will be provided by the OXSRAD choir.
 
Transport could be available for those requiring assistance travelling to and from the venue. Please email mail@oxtalk.org or call 01865 453403 if you would like more details before 25 June 2009.

Margaret Simpson, Chair of Oxtalk, comments: “This is a wonderful landmark celebration in Oxtalk’s history and we are really looking forward to celebrating the achievements of Oxtalk past, present and future. The world has changed signficantly in 30 years but, in many ways, our role for our listeners has changed very little in all that time. Technology may move forward at a pace but we remain with one goal – to keep our members informed of the news in their local area.”

Comments Margaret Simpson, Chair of Oxtalk: “We are extremely grateful for the generous donations received as a result of the recent street collections. To those who contributed – and, of course, to our committed team of volunteers – I would like to extend my warm thanks on behalf of Oxtalk.”