It's never too late to learn computers

Date published: 17 October 2011

James Roycroft (aged 86) was called a dinosaur by his son – so he plucked up the courage to discover the wonders of the web.

The Prestwich pensioner went along to Bury Library’s new computer centre to see about learning computer skills, having had no experience of using one before. He was immediately booked onto one of the free Get You Started sessions which are open to everyone at all of Bury’s libraries.

James said he felt very encouraged by the help given to him by the library staff and said it was fantastic that you could visit any library to use this first-class facility.

He added: “Imagine - you can write a letter with no pen or paper or even use a stamp – it’s fantastic what you can do on computers. Recently, when trying to book a ferry for my holiday, I was having problems just trying to find the telephone number but when I used the internet all I had to do was let my fingers dance across the keyboards and it came up before my very eyes.”

Although James doesn’t have his own computer he is now thinking of getting one. He likes to keep active physically but also said that using computers also helped to keep the grey cells active. He added: “I think the system they have in Bury libraries is a capital idea to help the older generation to learn about computers. People ought not to feel intimidated. Plucking up the courage to ask for help is the hardest bit and then it all just falls into place.”

Inspired? Then contact your nearest library to book your free Get You Started course or book a special Go Online session at any one of the following Community Centres and Libraries:
• Topping Fold, Bury - 0161 253 7890
• Moorside, Bury - 0161 253 6471
• Dumers Lane, Radcliffe - 0161 253 5521
• Brandlesholme, Bury - 0161 253 5010
• Coronation Road, Radcliffe – 0161 253 5443
• Bury Computer Centre – 0161 253 7089