KIND-HEARTED tributes have been flooding in for a dedicated founder of the South West Dorset Talking Newspaper.

Arthur Stubbs, 88, who lived in Rodwell, Weymouth, died at Portland Community Hospital on December 19.

Mr Stubbs was the much-loved husband of Audrey, dad to Barbara Noel and Sue, and grandad to Kylie, Damien and Amy.

The South West Dorset Talking Newspaper for the blind (SWDTN) started in 1988 and continues today providing news for people with a visual disability.

Mr Stubbs was one of the organisation’s founding members. He and wife Audrey joined in 1988 and even hosted recordings of the newspaper in their own home. By 1990, Mr Stubbs had become technical officer and chairman of the fundraising committee.

Talking newspaper member Eleanor Smith said: “Arthur was so committed to the newspaper and worked so hard – he was one of our founding members.

“He did a great deal on all counts – a lot of newspaper recording was done in Audrey and Arthur’s lounge and the copying and despatching was always carried out in their attic.

“Arthur did so much work getting the studio set up and every week without fail was over in the Portland studio by 8.30am ready for the volunteers to arrive.

“Not only did he work Wednesdays but he also very conscientiously went over every Thursday morning to send out any wallets which had been delivered late, ensuring listeners did not miss a week.

“That to me showed the dedication and commitment he had for the newspaper and he really enjoyed working with everyone.”

Mr Stubbs retired from the newspaper committee in 2010 but still continued as a committed volunteer, giving technical help and fundraising.

Mrs Stubbs also retired from her secretarial role the same year after 22 years of voluntary service.

Eleanor Smith added: “Technology has obviously changed things tremendously but Arthur even had a hand in the big change over.

“It is certainly down to both Arthur and Audrey that the newspaper has become what it is today.”

A funeral service will be at Weymouth Crematorium at 1.45pm tomorrow.

His family request family flowers only. Instead, donations can be given in his memory to The South West Dorset Talking Newspaper, to which Arthur gave many years of service and which gave him many happy memories.

The newspaper depends on volunteers to provide free distribution of recordings.

To join the newspaper or for more information call Ann Sawtell on 01305 782602.