HORSHAM – 13th June 2026
Roundabout Talking News, the charity supporting the visually-impaired community in Horsham and the surrounding areas, is pleased to announce the recognition in HM The King’s Birthday 2026 Honours List of its former Chair, Jon Dean. Mr. Dean, who has been made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to Blind and Partially Sighted Residents of Horsham, was Chair of Roundabout Talking News for over 40 years, between 1982 and 2024. He comments: “I am rather overwhelmed to have been recognised in this way, and the honour has come as a complete surprise. It has always been important to me to serve those in need in the local community and, since stepping down from Roundabout Talking News, I am very happy to see that the charity continues to go from strength to strength.” Current Chair of Roundabout Talking News, Carol Dilley, adds: “Everyone at the charity,
and our listeners, are delighted for Jon. We simply wouldn’t be where we are today without his dedication, vision and leadership. This honour is richly deserved.”
Mr. Dean will attend the investiture ceremony to receive his honour in the coming months. Roundabout Talking News was established as a charity in Horsham in 1978. It provides weekly local news and information in audio format for the visually-impaired and other listeners who have difficulty accessing the printed word. A team of volunteers gathers local news from a variety of sources, edits and records a weekly news digest, which is distributed with a magazine programme. Registered listeners may opt to receive a memory stick via the Royal Mail’s Articles for the Blind service and listen using a player provided by the
charity. The programmes are also available via the Roundabout Talking News website (https://horsham.mytn.uk/), by telephone (01403 850851) or via Amazon Alexa. These services are provided free of charge, and the charity is funded entirely by donation, bequest and community grants.
For further information contact:
Shaun Hammond
shaunrhammond@gmail.com / 07918 747594