Eavesdropping on the W5

Sitting on the W5 bus today, I couldn't help overhearing the conversation that two older ladies began across me.

The older of the two ladies asked her friend if she'd changed her tv over yet. Her friend replied that she thought she'd be okay as she had a Freeview box and all she needed to do was retune on 1st April.

At this point, the first lady shook her head and said, "I don't know if mine is okay or not, what will happen?"

"You'll lose all your channels in April"

"Oh, well I've asked my son and he doesn't seem to know"

At this point I was bursting. I *know* about this. I went to a meeting at the BBC about this. I need to...

"Excuse me, I hope you don't mind me butting in but I can help with this. I hope I'm not being rude in asking if you're over 75? Because if you are, they'll come and do it for free"

"No, I think I need to pay 40 quid*," she replied

"No, no I'm sure you're eligible"

"I'm 83"

"Then I think you will be, have you got someone you can ask to help you look it up"

(Inwardly cursing I hadn't got the phone number on me.)

She thought for a moment and said she thought her grandson might be able to help. I said he just needed to look up free help for the digital switchover. She said she'd tell him to do it.

Looking out of the window, I realise I'm at my stop. Jumping up, I repeat that she probably has no need to pay and she laughs and says thanks, ok.

                              ****************************************************************

Do you know someone who might need help with the digital switchover? An elderly or disabled neighbour or relative? You can can point them in the direction of the Switchover Help scheme which is here: http://www.helpscheme.co.uk/en/helpscheme or there's a Freephone number:  0800 40 85 900 (must have that at the ready next time)

*the help will be free if she receives pension credit (which I didn't ask)