NDC’s Wireless Network has almost arrived. As you know we have been reporting the progress of the project for some months, and now we are at the final few steps before we can launch. Hundreds of residents and schoolchildren have successfully applied for reconditioned PCs, which will enable them to access the NDC Portal. The portal will provide information on all sorts of local services. In this issue we feature somebody who has played an important role in promoting the use of technology to the older generation.
Flying the flag for the elderly
It’s not difficult to find where Stuart Davis (60) gets his passion for technology and computers from. He has spent most of his working life in the heart of the media industry in London, having started out as an Engineer for BBC TV. After stints with London Weekend Television and Border TV, Stuart then became Operations Director for a company that made music, commercials and pop videos.
In 1984 he became Chief Engineer for 20th Century Fox Video, and then in his most exciting phase he was whisked off to places such as Beirut and Bombay when he worked for NBC Worldwide. “I’ve had a few bombs shot at me”, he confesses.
Deteriorating health put paid to Stuart’s high flying antics, but he eventually found his way to Nottingham in 1989, and lived at Forest Road for nearly 15 years. “I started up a company of my own, building websites, software and graphics. I also became the Evening Post’s computer correspondent in 1991.”
Unfortunately, Stuart suffered a violent attack during a burglary and had his sight affected as a resulted. “The business ended at that point and I knew that sheltered accommodation was probably the best thing for me.”
So two years ago Stuart came to Runnymede Court on Portland Road. But not one to sit around while the years pass him by, Stuart is still keeping himself busy and inspiring many of his neighbours. Stuart successfully applied for a grant through NDC’s Community Support Fund in 2005 to develop an ICT room for Runnymede, and has now been working with NDC staff and board (Ashley Collins is a resident board director who lives at Runnymede) to build a brand new purpose-built ICT suite which will incorporate new equipment and the wireless network.
“The wireless network is a really exciting experiment for NDC, and one that I’m glad to be a part of. The new room has ventilation, which was a problem with the old room. But my hope is that we can go further with the training, and get some professional help on that side. I’ve put together a manual for the residents, which has worked well”
In spite of his health problems, Stuart took it upon himself to train the residents, and it seems that he has no intention of slowing down just yet. “I am in fact just finishing off a CD manual, which will self-load on to PCs and take people through step by step.”
Stuart’s passion and drive has played a vital part in helping NDC developing ICT provision for elderly people, and he is one of the local champions of the community ICT strategy.
We’ve been working with Eluse and First Data to offer residents the chance to apply for free reconditioned wireless PCs, which can be used to access the community portal via the wireless network from home. As the PCs start winging their way into people’s homes, we’ve received some comments of thanks. Donna Sheffield of Birkin Avenue said: “My eldest son Jamell suffers from ADHD and I was advised by his doctor that a computer would do him good. As a single mother with two other smaller children I was not in a financial position to do this, so I applied to NDC, crossed my fingers and waited. When the PC arrived the kids were so excited, especially Jamell. It has made such a difference to him, and I can’t thank NDC enough.
Thanks to Angie Gregory from Residents’ Voice for interviewing Donna.
