The meetings with Digital UK that I chaired at some of the sheltered housing complexes in the West End yesterday, to allow constituents to raise complaints and concerns about TV reception - and on the issue of the digital switchover - proved extremely successful with over 120 residents attending. Actually 123 residents and a lovely, well-behaved dog! See pictures below.
I am indebted to Alan Cowie, the former Grampian TV presenter - who spoke at the meetings. Alan is assisting Digital UK’s effort to liaise with people to ensure that their TV and digital questions are addressed and answered. He is excellent at covering the issues and engaging with the audience. Many elderly people in particular had questions about how they ensure they continue to receive television reception after the switchover and it was appropriate to hold these meetings at sheltered housing lounges in the area.
I am indebted to Alan Cowie, the former Grampian TV presenter - who spoke at the meetings. Alan is assisting Digital UK’s effort to liaise with people to ensure that their TV and digital questions are addressed and answered. He is excellent at covering the issues and engaging with the audience. Many elderly people in particular had questions about how they ensure they continue to receive television reception after the switchover and it was appropriate to hold these meetings at sheltered housing lounges in the area.
Digital UK are the experts regarding the digital switch-over and what I found particularly useful for the explanation of the Digital Help Scheme which aims to help those aged 75 and over and persons with disabilities get digital equipment and installation at little or no cost, a scheme being led by the BBC. It seems like a very good scheme for elderly and disabled people and it is important that residents are given full information about it in advance of the switch-off of the old analogue television signals in summer 2010.
As a result of the meetings today, I have taken up some individuals’ TV reception complaints and am - as always - pleased to assist any other West End residents with them.
As a result of the meetings today, I have taken up some individuals’ TV reception complaints and am - as always - pleased to assist any other West End residents with them.
Above : Alan speaking to Pennycook Court residents
Above : Morven Terrace Sheltered Housing meeting
Above : The meeting at Blackness Court
Above : The doggie audience!