It was a bit of a culture shock to have to get up early, and get out of the house. Well, early is debatable I suppose, in this case it was 8AM, isn’t really that early (I can imagine my readers moaning – “what is he on about”?) Anyway, I was heading up to Thorngate Halls.
Thorngate is hosting an InfoFest. That is a collection of stands (I didn’t count them, but I’d guess 30+) of groups advertising their services, with members of the public having a wander around and finding out who is offering what.
I had offered to help at the u3a stand. I found, particularly at the shed, that I quite enjoyed talking to people about the u3a, and getting them to say what they are interested in, to see if I can identify an interest group that aligns, or possibly a new group that inspires an interest they hadn’t realised they had.
There was one particular chap this morning, from whom I got the distinct impression was almost desperate to make contact with people, and after a brief chat it became clear that he was another example of what I’m going to describe as “digitally deprived” – I am sure that there are people out there who wished they were! No computer, and no intention to get one.
I can remember the days (thirty years ago – wow!) when I taught Computing for the Terrified. Nearly everybody then, could have been described as digitally deprived. What was very common then, is becoming a rarity now. I feel much sympathy for people in that situation, but there really is little that I can do about it.
I like to think that I encourged a couple of people to at least look at u3a for prospective membership.
In the afternoon, I went into the shop. A bit of a dilemma, I didn’t really enjoy it, but at the same time, I don’t want to give it up.
