The objective of the Diocesan Digest is to relieve the blind, or the partially-sighted, or those labouring under some temporary or permanent incapacity or disability which makes reading a strain, by the provision of a regular monthly edition of recorded tapes each of 90 minutes duration. 

Do you know someone who is visually impaired?

If you do know someone who is registered visually impaired, and who you think might benefit from these tapes, then call the Sound Magazine at St Mary's House, Lichfield on 01543 306030. To assist our tape distribution through the Post Office free postal service, it would help us if you could give us the full name and address, including the post code, plus a contact telephone number. NOTE: It is only available to those registered visually impaired.

Principles of the Diocesan Digest

The principles of the Digest are to involve members of the congregation of Lichfield Cathedral in providing a service, and by so doing encourage among listeners and participants the fellowship and caring attitudes of a Christian community. To share thoughts, news and events occurring mainly within the Diocese, and certain issues relating to national and international Christian thoughts and activities with listeners.

History of the Diocesan Digest

In the Spring of 1988 the Director General of the BBC opened the BBC Radio Stoke studio in The Close of Lichfield Cathedral. It is in regular use by many organisations, giving a direct link into local and national radio. Shortly after the opening the then Dean, The Very Revd. John Harley Lang, approached Cliff Vawda, a regular member of the congregation who is blind, with an idea to form a unique sound magazine for the visually impaired in the Diocese. This idea grew, and in March of 1989 the Diocesan Communications Officer, Robert Ellis ran an informal weekend training session. It was so successful that some dozen members of the congregation set about making the first pilot tape. At this early stage the talents started to appear among the volunteers, and the Diocesan Digest was formed. The group set up a formal constitution in July 1989 and sent out the very first edition in September 1989 to thirty nine visually impaired people throughout the Diocese. It doubled in distribution within the first five months, and currently sends out over 500 tapes. The tapes are issued monthly, free of charge to the visually impaired within the Lichfield Diocese.

The Diocesan Digest was officially registered as a Charity by the Charity Commission on 11th June 1990 under Registration Number 702995, having previously already registered with Staffordshire County Council on 16th January 1990 in accordance with the National Assistance Act 1948.

In September 1992, the Digest moved into its new own studio for copying and recording. The extensive internal refurbishment of the building and new equipment was entirely funded by the Digest from an appeal and from successful fund raising events.

In December 1997, the one hundredth edition of the Sound Magazine was recorded and distributed.

On Sunday, 26th September 1999, the Cathedral held a special Choral Evensong in celebration of ten years of the Digest. Over 400 people attended and we were privileged to have Dean Lang, our founder, to welcome everyone at the start. There were over 150 Digest recipients present with colleagues, and the Cathedral Choir sung the Digest signature tune - All things bright and beautiful by John Rutter.

Funding

The Dean and Chapter kindly contributed an initial small grant to start the association. Today, the Diocesan Digest is entirely funded by donations and fund raising activities organised by the management committee. It has received grants from the Central TV Telethon Trust, the Police Charities, and the Conduit Lands Trust. It is a worthwhile organisation and any help is greatly appreciated. A major benefactor to the Digest has been the St John's Hospital Trustees of Lichfield, who gave a significant contribution towards the purchase of the Association's own quality tape copying equipment in December 1990.

Currently the Digest costs about £1,750 per year to operate, including purchase of tapes, wallets, insurance, and electricity, so if you want to help with this wonderful voluntary work for the visually impaired, then please send your donation to The Honorary Treasurer.