Norfolk OAPs learn to tweet ...

Rob Garratt Thursday, February 18, 2010
6:36 AM

Rob Garratt

Older people are often the first to admit that they can be left dumbfounded by modern technology and youth fashion - whether it be programming the DVD recorder, facial piercings or sending a text message.

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Older people are often the first to admit that they can be left dumbfounded by modern technology and youth fashion - whether it be programming the DVD recorder, facial piercings or sending a text message.

And young people are too often at odds with their elders, dismissing their archaic practices, well-worn anecdotes and music.

But both age groups are this week learning that they have more in common than they might think, thanks to a four-day project which sees teenagers and pensioners sharing their respective skills and knowledge.

Youngsters aged between 12 and 14 have been dabbling in retro activities like ballroom dancing - while those that think Tweeting is what birds do have been getting lessons on how to send a text message.

Yesterday the two groups stood shoulder to shoulder for a dance class that covered the foxtrot, waltz and quickstep alongside the cha-cha-cha, samba and jive.

Following a dance with a 13-year-old partner, Ron Newstead, 84, from Bilney, said: “It's interesting, it brings back memories.”

Dance teacher Xavier Navarre said he was impressed with the standard of foot movement shown at Dereham Leisure Centre. He added: “It's been exciting - the younger people helping the old and the old helping the young.”

On the sidelines 81-year-old Fred Redmann, from Trinity Road, Dereham, gave his verdict: “The older ones are better dancers, they have more experience.”

But Ross Palmer, 13, of Briar Close, Dereham, admitted: “I feel like a bit of an idiot to be honest. It's a bit embarrassing because the music is not my type.”

He added: “It has been fun and I like trying new things - but I won't be doing it again in case my parents see me.”

Earlier this week the youngsters visited Dereham's Meeting Point, a day centre for the over 50s, where they learnt slower-paced occupations like crib and dominos, before sharing their knowledge of operating a mobile phone.

Today will bridge the generational gap with a session tracing communications across the decades, from typewriters to the internet, at Gressenhall Museum.

The programme was organised by Breckland Council and Norfolk County Council's The Right Direction project, and brought together around 15 youngsters from the Dereham area.

Organiser Emma Fletcher, a Right Direction key worker, said: “It's breaking down barriers - I'll be happy knowing that if the young and old people bump into each other in town now they'll stop and say 'hi'.”