Newry U3A represented Northern Ireland at the National Digital Conference recently as a result of conducting computer classes based on the BBC’s online programme First Click. They were part of a Digital Champions Celebration which focused on getting all UK citizens online and celebrated the efforts of Digital Champions to inspire many more people to use and benefit from the internet. The conference was chaired by Gloria Honeyford and was addressed by the Prime Minister David Cameron. It as an action packed afternoon and evening of celebration, bringing together over 1,200 Digital Champions to encourage them in their efforts getting colleagues, friends and family online. The day was supported by Race Online 2012 campaign and brought together all of its partners and those supporting its campaign to demonstrate their latest tools, resources and products available to support people to use the internet. There was an inspiring line up of Digital Champions and VIP guests who told their stories to highlight what has been achieved and to offer encouragement to those who are working hard to bring older people online. Pat Cunningham, a tutor in Newry U3A on the First Click course and Sean Loughran a graduate of the course were privileged to represent Northern Ireland at the conference where they met the Director General of the BBC, Mark Thompson. Newry U3A is certainly doing a great job in introducing and training older people to use the computer where in addition to the First Click courses, ten other classes are offered weekly ranging from computer basics right up to image editing and website design in their computer suite up in the old Abbey Building in Abbey Yard.
