On Tuesday 2nd September, we hosted our latest TechFest65 event at St Barnabas Church, Winchester. Back by popular demand, TechFest65 is a free, hands-on session designed to help people over the age of 65 get to grips with everyday technology in a fun, friendly, and supportive environment.
Why Tech Fest Matters
Modern technology can feel overwhelming, especially with the constant pace of change. TechFest65 was created to break down barriers, offering older adults the chance to ask questions, try things out, and gain confidence in using digital tools that make everyday life easier.
From online shopping to connecting hearing aids with mobile phones, technology can open up new possibilities—but only if people feel confident in how to use it. That’s exactly what TechFest65 set out to achieve.
A Fantastic Turnout
The event attracted a great number of attendees, with visitors asking a wide variety of practical questions, including:
- How to download bank statements
- How to resize pictures for bus passes
- Connecting hearing aids to a mobile phone
- Online shopping tips
- Creating a photo library
- Setting up a new laptop without losing apps and pictures
- Accessing local bus timetables
- Understanding cloud storage
- Sending a voicemail on WhatsApp
The feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Everyone told us how much they enjoyed the session, with many already asking when the next TechFest65 will be taking place.
Special Thanks
Events like this wouldn’t be possible without the support of our wonderful community. We’d like to say a special thank you to:
- Heather Wilkins and Reverend Ed Dines for kindly allowing us to use St Barnabas Church – the perfect venue.
- Sudhakar Achwal (Cllr) and his wife, Viv for their support and encouragement.
- Sacha Welsh from Citizens Advice Bureau for invaluable advice on completing online forms and spotting scams.
- Graham Topping, a highly regarded figure in the community, for his continued support.
- Our dedicated volunteers and staff, who gave their time and expertise to help make the day such a success.
We were also delighted to receive a personal thank you from the Mayor, who said:
“It was a real pleasure to attend and to see the valuable support being offered to the older generation in using smartphones, tablets, and laptops. Events like this make such a difference in helping people stay connected with their families and reduce the sense of isolation that can so easily arise in today’s busy world.”
Looking Ahead
The success of this year’s TechFest65 shows just how valuable these sessions are for the older generation in Winchester. With so much enthusiasm and demand for more, we are already looking forward to planning future activities.
A huge thank you once again to everyone who attended and supported TechFest65. Keep your eyes peeled for further information on other events and activities coming soon.
