A LEDBURY pensioner showed age was no barrier as a popular Malvern course helped him delve into the modern world of technology.
Normandy Landings veteran Ivor Stephens attended a taster computer class at Malvern Cube on January 16 and since then hasn’t looked back, with the 92-year-old going on to buy his own iPad.
Ivor, who admitted he had never used a computer before in his life before the course, was alerted to the class by his niece, Grace Elliot, and he told The Observer he has no regrets over attending.
“I didn’t realise it would be worth my while going to the course at my age,” he said. “I have never used a computer before in my life and I have never made an effort to use one.
“At my age it isn’t easy to pick this up. I can’t really ask anyone what to do because I am on my own, I can’t say I am stuck, I just have to fiddle with it a bit but that is how I learn.
“The course is a good thing, it is very helpful. If it hadn’t been for this course I wouldn’t have bothered to get an iPad.
“I don’t need to do it but it is something I enjoy.”
The course, ActivateIT, was kick-started by Ryan Seaborne and it helps people stay safe online, compare different products and get advice on different computers.
Ryan added: “The course has been a massive success since the start.
“Ivor is a very interesting gentleman, he is a very active person and I am very impressed with the fact he bought an iPad and came to one of the tablet courses to learn how to use it.
“He has been very open to embracing technology and I think there are a lot of people who think they can’t use this kind of technology because of age but Ivor has proved that isn’t the case.”
West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin has also said she will treasure the e-mail received by Ivor as it was the first he had ever sent.
Mrs Baldwin said: “I get hundreds of emails each day but I will treasure the one I received from Ivor.
“As more and more services are available online, IT really can make life easier for many people but for some of our elderly residents, it is a scary new challenge.
“There are many really bright people who are helping the local community to make the most of the digital world and I welcome the efforts of people like Ryan who are working very hard to ensure that older people don’t feel intimidated by IT.
“ActivateIT is an impressive venture and I wish Ryan all the best as he helps more and more people to get online and get to grips with computer technology.”
