The Woody Project

Old Computers for Old Codgers

Recycle Your Old Computer

Many of the older generation have been left behind by the internet revolution. Often having spent their working lives in occupations utilising traditional skills not requiring the use of computers. Now approaching or into their retirement they may have thought about trying to access the internet but are daunted by the initial set up cost and the fear that they may not be able to master the required skills.

The aim of the Woody Project is to give old codgers the chance to experience the internet by providing them with second hand computers, tuition and technical support. Many competent PC users update their equipment and not knowing how to dispose of the old equipment they simply store it out of sight. This old equipment, which may be slow and with limited memory by current standards, may be ideal for an old codger accessing the internet for the first time.

How You Can Help

We need complete and working computers running Windows XP or good spec Windows 98 that are capable of running XP.

Who Qualifies

Any old codger who got left behind by the internet revolution.

Maybe there is someone who is not short of cash who is considering purchasing a computer but is reluctant to make the commitment because they are not sure if they will be able to understand it. In that case they could borrow one of our machines for a few weeks and we can provide some tuition.

Equipment

Any equipment we pass on will be Windows XP, internet ready, pre installed with free anti virus, adware, spyware and firewall programs. Obviously the recipient needs to have a telephone connection. We can advise on Internet Service Providers, a good start on deciding on choosing an ISP can be found on the BBC website.

Dereham Area

In the Dereham area the project is run by Frank Shaw, an old codger who has only had a computer for five years but has done a considerable amount of studying of the subject and obtained The Certificate in Information Technology and Computing from the Open University. Frank was previously a technical instructor in the Royal Air Force.

Frank can be contacted at this email address

Attleborough Area

David Schleising is the Attleborough area project leader. Another old codger, David has 12 years of computer experience and has also completed a number of Open University computer courses.

David's email address is

Tuition

It is not our intention to replace existing computer training as supplied by such places as Dereham Learning Centre, but just to give sufficent knowledge for our old codgers to access the internet and send emails. Our training objectives are listed HERE.

Technical Support

Technical support is provided by Kevin MacMillan, a full time computer professional. What KeV does not know about computers is not worth knowing.

Cost

We do not charge for our services or for passing the equipment on.

Grant Aid

Following a successful bid for a grant aid from The Community Champions Fund we have formed a committee and produced a constitution prior to opening a bank account in the name of "The Woody Project".

Recipients so far

Old codger Tony from Toftwood

Codgeress Edna from Attleborough.


Old soldier and old codger, Bill, from Scarning.

Another codgeress called Edna, from Dereham.

Jim, the old codger from Toftwood.

Another old soldier and old codger, Patrick, from Dereham is our sixth recipient.

Ex air traffic controller and old codger, Howard, was our seventh recipient.

The eigth went to old codger Vic from Newton St Faith.

A lady from Attleborough is the ninth recipient.

Audrey, Norwich, got the 10th.

No. 11 is old airman and old codger, Peter, from Dereham.

Rosalie from Beetley is 12th.

Bette from Stoke Holy Cross is 13th.

14 and 15 went to the Attleborough department (Keith and Sandra).

Holme Hale old codger David is the 16th recipient. David now has a new PC which we helped him set up. He has retuned the old one to us for further recycling.

Jean from Littlefields is No. 17.

Maggie, Dereham, received the 18th.

No. 19 is old codger Moira from a nearby village.

Sylvia and Jim are now officially old codgers having received number 20.

Chris, Sandy Lane, number 21.

Number 22, Postman Pat.

After some persuasion Dave from Moorgate admitted that he was an old codger and we gave him number 23.

24 - Phyllis

25 - Gav

Old soldier JB, No 26.

27 - To Rosemary, near Shipdham.

28, 29 and 30 to three ladies in Attleborough who are doing a word processor course.

We have also given tuition and advise to Ann, Mike, Pam, Wendy and Roy on their own computers.

We hope that if our recipients don't take to the computing game or if they are so keen that they decide to upgrade their equipment that they pass the old computer on to someone else or return it to us for further recycling.

Feedback

See feedback from our recipients HERE.

Publicity

Thanks to the Eastern Daily Press and Dereham Times for the publicity they gave us. HERE

Bramerton Computer Club

The club meets on the first and third Sunday of each month. Any one, young, old, male or female will be welcome. You can come along just to visit for an afternoon before you join to see what goes on. The cost to join is £5 for the year and £2 for any one Sunday. This includes cups of tea or coffee. You can bring your PC, laptop, printer, or any other gadgets just to use or get help with. If you are just learning with any program Word etc. someone there should be able to help you. Contact Alan Cornelius for further details.

Woody

The project is named after Mike Wood, an old codger friend of ours who passed away recently. He disliked computers with a passion because he did not understand them.