We always love catching up with some of the wonderful people involved with the personal support service at Vision Australia 360. Print pages. Every year you get a chance to put in your preferred format. One of the narrators does a great job is John Ramsden. John. Great to meet you and thank you for your time.

We always love catching up with some of the wonderful people involved with the personal support service at Vision Australia 360. Print pages. Every year you get a chance to put in your preferred format. One of the narrators does a great job is John Ramsden. John. Great to meet you and thank you for your time.

Peter. That's a pleasure.

Peter. That's a pleasure.

How did you get started in this caper?

How did you get started in this caper?

When I retired a long time ago now, in fact, 20 years ago.

When I retired a long time ago now, in fact, 20 years ago.

Really? Yeah. Not enough to retire 20 years, blah, blah.

Really? Yeah. Not enough to retire 20 years, blah, blah.

Well, this is what we don't have video. But for.

Well, this is what we don't have video. But for.

Both.

Both.

Of us, the question obviously occurred what might I like to do be able to do with my time? And initially I started with the radio reading news down at Vision Australia. And, uh, I forget for how long I did that before I ended up in the studios reading books and magazines. But, um, yeah. So initially it was something I thought I should like to do in my retirement. And frankly, I live close handy to regional Australia, which made it very convenient, particularly if I was doing the early morning news service as one of the panel. So that's basically what led me to Kooyong.

Of us, the question obviously occurred what might I like to do be able to do with my time? And initially I started with the radio reading news down at Vision Australia. And, uh, I forget for how long I did that before I ended up in the studios reading books and magazines. But, um, yeah. So initially it was something I thought I should like to do in my retirement. And frankly, I live close handy to regional Australia, which made it very convenient, particularly if I was doing the early morning news service as one of the panel. So that's basically what led me to Kooyong.

I know you'd practice in the law beforehand and in the legal profession. Had you had any kind of radio experience before joining Virgin Australia back then?

I know you'd practice in the law beforehand and in the legal profession. Had you had any kind of radio experience before joining Virgin Australia back then?

No, no, I had not. Um, indeed, I think it was probably felt desirable that the less exposure in some place, the better. So no, I had not.

No, no, I had not. Um, indeed, I think it was probably felt desirable that the less exposure in some place, the better. So no, I had not.

As he said, he joined doing Virgin Australia Radio. And then you kind of branched out into the personal support service where you read different titles of people request uh, undertake for, uh, you know, for their benefit.

As he said, he joined doing Virgin Australia Radio. And then you kind of branched out into the personal support service where you read different titles of people request uh, undertake for, uh, you know, for their benefit.

Yeah. So it was a natural progression and I was comfortable in the environment. Got to know people in the session and the audio session. And so one thing led to another. And then ultimately with reorganization of the radio services, and I ceased doing any of that work. And for the last maybe ten years, I've been really doing nothing other than, uh, reading books, magazines for the library.

Yeah. So it was a natural progression and I was comfortable in the environment. Got to know people in the session and the audio session. And so one thing led to another. And then ultimately with reorganization of the radio services, and I ceased doing any of that work. And for the last maybe ten years, I've been really doing nothing other than, uh, reading books, magazines for the library.

We've spoken a bit about it in the past, but for new listeners turning on all the time, how does it work? Someone sends in a charter they'd like read. Do you get to choose what it is? There's, uh, David Frederick sort of say this is what you're doing, John. Uh, like it or lump it? How does it all work?

We've spoken a bit about it in the past, but for new listeners turning on all the time, how does it work? Someone sends in a charter they'd like read. Do you get to choose what it is? There's, uh, David Frederick sort of say this is what you're doing, John. Uh, like it or lump it? How does it all work?

Yeah, well, David and Robert DeGroot are really the Coordinators and the chairman who shall be allocated what I think Robert specializes in books, and although I have done a little bit of that on occasions in the past, I really don't these days tend to do that sort of work. So it's all magazines. And that's down to David, what the demand is and the timelines and who's available. And for some reason was thought perhaps I was best deployed with wheels magazine, which has been my sort of go to mainly.

Yeah, well, David and Robert DeGroot are really the Coordinators and the chairman who shall be allocated what I think Robert specializes in books, and although I have done a little bit of that on occasions in the past, I really don't these days tend to do that sort of work. So it's all magazines. And that's down to David, what the demand is and the timelines and who's available. And for some reason was thought perhaps I was best deployed with wheels magazine, which has been my sort of go to mainly.

Are you a car buff?

Are you a car buff?

Not especially. I'm. I do like cars and I enjoy reading about them keeping up to date, so I have a general interest, but I'm certainly not. I'm an auto mechanic or a petrol head or any of that.

Not especially. I'm. I do like cars and I enjoy reading about them keeping up to date, so I have a general interest, but I'm certainly not. I'm an auto mechanic or a petrol head or any of that.

I guess if I was guided I must be, but I don't read it and I don't know much about cars, but just in terms of general trends. They probably changed a bit over the years in terms of becoming more fuel efficient. And of course, now the electric vehicle is much more, uh, sort of on the scene.

I guess if I was guided I must be, but I don't read it and I don't know much about cars, but just in terms of general trends. They probably changed a bit over the years in terms of becoming more fuel efficient. And of course, now the electric vehicle is much more, uh, sort of on the scene.

Yeah. Massive changes. And indeed, the magazine obviously has been abreast of all those developments. At one stage I recall it was a bit of a view, I think that diesel was a better option than petrol for the internal combustion engine. We know that that fell out of favour. And now, as you rightly say, of course, it's massive concentration on electric cars, although there are some cautionary notes being sounded now as to how durable that technology may prove to be.

Yeah. Massive changes. And indeed, the magazine obviously has been abreast of all those developments. At one stage I recall it was a bit of a view, I think that diesel was a better option than petrol for the internal combustion engine. We know that that fell out of favour. And now, as you rightly say, of course, it's massive concentration on electric cars, although there are some cautionary notes being sounded now as to how durable that technology may prove to be.

Of course, the different companies involved with electric cars as well, you know, sort of Tesla was all the rage. And now companies like BYD and something they call them mainstream companies also are having a hand in it too.

Of course, the different companies involved with electric cars as well, you know, sort of Tesla was all the rage. And now companies like BYD and something they call them mainstream companies also are having a hand in it too.

Well, that's right, the Chinese have decided to really concentrate on producing these affordable vehicles and they've really changed the the map. But as you rightly say, some of the European makers have decided to specialise as well. And I think the view is that they tend to offer much more in the way of creature comforts and desirable finishes to their cars than perhaps Tesla and the Chinese have bothered to this stage. Anyway, it's been an interesting development.

Well, that's right, the Chinese have decided to really concentrate on producing these affordable vehicles and they've really changed the the map. But as you rightly say, some of the European makers have decided to specialise as well. And I think the view is that they tend to offer much more in the way of creature comforts and desirable finishes to their cars than perhaps Tesla and the Chinese have bothered to this stage. Anyway, it's been an interesting development.

John, how do you go about doing it? You get the magazine. Do you kind of pre-read it? You do some leisurely reading in your own time to prepare yourself, or do you just go in cold and do it? How do you.

John, how do you go about doing it? You get the magazine. Do you kind of pre-read it? You do some leisurely reading in your own time to prepare yourself, or do you just go in cold and do it? How do you.

Go in cold. I must say, I've got a certain familiarity with the the style of the magazine, having been doing it for so long, and a familiarity, I suppose, with the various writers. Not that I think that matters ultimately. So. No, I just I just do it cold and as is in fact, I think the case with all magazines, in all probability Australian Geographic and they're the two, I suppose that I do most no pre-reading involved.

Go in cold. I must say, I've got a certain familiarity with the the style of the magazine, having been doing it for so long, and a familiarity, I suppose, with the various writers. Not that I think that matters ultimately. So. No, I just I just do it cold and as is in fact, I think the case with all magazines, in all probability Australian Geographic and they're the two, I suppose that I do most no pre-reading involved.

Well, it's very, very noble of you because some of us need a lot of preparation for the stuff that we do, but that might say more about us than it says about you. What about have you done some titles or stuff in the past and think, oh gee, do I really have to do this? Or this is a bit of a drag to get through? You can be honest with us. It's only you and me talking, John. No one's listening.

Well, it's very, very noble of you because some of us need a lot of preparation for the stuff that we do, but that might say more about us than it says about you. What about have you done some titles or stuff in the past and think, oh gee, do I really have to do this? Or this is a bit of a drag to get through? You can be honest with us. It's only you and me talking, John. No one's listening.

Oh, okay. Well, I needn't feel too troubled. Oh, Peter, one of the magazines that is in demand. I have on occasion been asked to fill in when the more seasoned readers are not available is the silicon chip. And I found him. I found that a serious struggle because I really have no knowledge. And let's be frank, little interest in that technology. And so that was a struggle, because even recognizing the symbols and the words and was a big task. And so that was far from my favorite pastime. And the other side of it, of course, is that if you don't have a familiarity, then you tend to be very slow. So it doesn't really help to get the work done. But in the past I have on occasions been asked to narrate a book cover to cover, and the most challenging without question. One of those was the autobiography of an American chess master who described move for move, about half a dozen of his most remarkable games against fellow chess masters. And that was a challenge for someone who only dabbled in chess as a student many years ago and didn't pretend to know anything about it. So that was a challenge, but I enjoyed I enjoyed the challenge.

Oh, okay. Well, I needn't feel too troubled. Oh, Peter, one of the magazines that is in demand. I have on occasion been asked to fill in when the more seasoned readers are not available is the silicon chip. And I found him. I found that a serious struggle because I really have no knowledge. And let's be frank, little interest in that technology. And so that was a struggle, because even recognizing the symbols and the words and was a big task. And so that was far from my favorite pastime. And the other side of it, of course, is that if you don't have a familiarity, then you tend to be very slow. So it doesn't really help to get the work done. But in the past I have on occasions been asked to narrate a book cover to cover, and the most challenging without question. One of those was the autobiography of an American chess master who described move for move, about half a dozen of his most remarkable games against fellow chess masters. And that was a challenge for someone who only dabbled in chess as a student many years ago and didn't pretend to know anything about it. So that was a challenge, but I enjoyed I enjoyed the challenge.

What about as far as your voice? You got a great, strong voice. Any secrets to that, John?

What about as far as your voice? You got a great, strong voice. Any secrets to that, John?

Yes, I suppose practice. I have a lot of a lot of talking in my time, for one reason or another. But, um. Yeah. Well, I thought that probably that an area that required the use of the voice was something I was better able to handle than various other activities.

Yes, I suppose practice. I have a lot of a lot of talking in my time, for one reason or another. But, um. Yeah. Well, I thought that probably that an area that required the use of the voice was something I was better able to handle than various other activities.

What about, for example, what you drink or read before reading? Do you have you got a routine in that area or are you pretty sort of flexible?

What about, for example, what you drink or read before reading? Do you have you got a routine in that area or are you pretty sort of flexible?

Oh, yes. Um, at one stage in retirement, I took up some singing with the teacher, and she used to admonish me because I didn't temper my enjoyment of milk coffee. And she pointed out to me that that didn't sit well at all. In fact, it affected the vocal cords. And so I try to I don't need to try and avoid it because it's not something that's on tap, particularly down in the studios. But, uh, no, no, just keep lubricated with water and, um, yeah, that's all there is to it.

Oh, yes. Um, at one stage in retirement, I took up some singing with the teacher, and she used to admonish me because I didn't temper my enjoyment of milk coffee. And she pointed out to me that that didn't sit well at all. In fact, it affected the vocal cords. And so I try to I don't need to try and avoid it because it's not something that's on tap, particularly down in the studios. But, uh, no, no, just keep lubricated with water and, um, yeah, that's all there is to it.

What about during Covid, John? Because obviously, you know, a lot of people are isolated. Uh, you know, the sort of service that you're providing would be almost more important than other times of their time with Vision Australia. Did you work through Covid or how did that work out for you?

What about during Covid, John? Because obviously, you know, a lot of people are isolated. Uh, you know, the sort of service that you're providing would be almost more important than other times of their time with Vision Australia. Did you work through Covid or how did that work out for you?

That's a very good question. It's a lifetime ago. Um, I have difficulty recalling. Truth of the matter is, as you rightly point out, if you're in a soundproof cubicle, you weren't sort of exposed particularly, but I really don't recall during lockdown. But grief, I think I've chosen to put those days out of mind as much as I can, because certainly in so many ways, a sense of lost opportunity and time. But I don't recall if, in fact, we continued and I don't think much changed. And as I say, I guess being solitary pastime, sitting in a studio with just a microphone in front of you didn't give you the chance to spread or catch the dreaded Covid, but I honestly don't recall what happened. The phrase.

That's a very good question. It's a lifetime ago. Um, I have difficulty recalling. Truth of the matter is, as you rightly point out, if you're in a soundproof cubicle, you weren't sort of exposed particularly, but I really don't recall during lockdown. But grief, I think I've chosen to put those days out of mind as much as I can, because certainly in so many ways, a sense of lost opportunity and time. But I don't recall if, in fact, we continued and I don't think much changed. And as I say, I guess being solitary pastime, sitting in a studio with just a microphone in front of you didn't give you the chance to spread or catch the dreaded Covid, but I honestly don't recall what happened. The phrase.

The word.

The word.

Disappeared. I don't think my memory's going. I remember, I just. Yeah, I remember that.

Disappeared. I don't think my memory's going. I remember, I just. Yeah, I remember that.

Yeah. You're just pretty worried about what you were reading.

Yeah. You're just pretty worried about what you were reading.

Yeah, well, I just do not recall. What what happened? I'll have to ask when I'm down there tomorrow.

Yeah, well, I just do not recall. What what happened? I'll have to ask when I'm down there tomorrow.

I don't know, like, obviously, you know, you read, you do what you need to do and then get on with your day sort of thing. But you kind of think about the impact that it's having on people. I mean, the opportunity to have 360 print pages each year transcribed into your preferred format, that's a huge thing for someone who might be battling or having a bit challenging as far as reading information goes. It's a it's a wonderful service.

I don't know, like, obviously, you know, you read, you do what you need to do and then get on with your day sort of thing. But you kind of think about the impact that it's having on people. I mean, the opportunity to have 360 print pages each year transcribed into your preferred format, that's a huge thing for someone who might be battling or having a bit challenging as far as reading information goes. It's a it's a wonderful service.

Yeah. Look, I think obviously it is valuable work that the section does. And yeah, look, I'm pleased to be able to contribute in some small way. But yeah, look, I think it's a really excellent service that that is offered. And one thing I've often wondered about, to be honest, is just how many people are able to avail themselves of the service. Interesting to know what the numbers are in terms of readership.

Yeah. Look, I think obviously it is valuable work that the section does. And yeah, look, I'm pleased to be able to contribute in some small way. But yeah, look, I think it's a really excellent service that that is offered. And one thing I've often wondered about, to be honest, is just how many people are able to avail themselves of the service. Interesting to know what the numbers are in terms of readership.

I'm sure there'd be some very regular takers, if you like, or consumers, but then there'd be people that for one else would want a recipe or a knitting pattern or something, you know, read onto audio as well. So I'm sure it'll be a movable market, as it were. Hey, John, we're out of time. It's been an absolute delight speaking to you. Congratulations on you and or congratulations to you and all those that are involved. It's as I said, it's a tremendous service. Long may it continue. And thank you for spending just a little bit of time with us today.

I'm sure there'd be some very regular takers, if you like, or consumers, but then there'd be people that for one else would want a recipe or a knitting pattern or something, you know, read onto audio as well. So I'm sure it'll be a movable market, as it were. Hey, John, we're out of time. It's been an absolute delight speaking to you. Congratulations on you and or congratulations to you and all those that are involved. It's as I said, it's a tremendous service. Long may it continue. And thank you for spending just a little bit of time with us today.

Thank you Peter.

Thank you Peter.

That's Sir John Ramsden, one of the wonderful narrators for the personal support service. If you want to find out more, if you know someone that thinks they could benefit from this, give Vision Australia a call 1300 847 466. We'll also put the information up with our show notes.

That's Sir John Ramsden, one of the wonderful narrators for the personal support service. If you want to find out more, if you know someone that thinks they could benefit from this, give Vision Australia a call 1300 847 466. We'll also put the information up with our show notes.