The enthusiastic septuagenarian internet users aim to demonstrate how using the internet and digital tools can be a fun, easy and engaging method of spreading words.

During Words in Winter their business, Quince Farm Imports, will run three competitions out of Clunes. Mr Gellatly said the aim of the competitions was to promote the town of Clunes, its businesses and community groups to a wider audience.

‘‘Participants will also be encouraged to use digital tools they may not have tried earlier,’’ he said.

One of the competitions that should be of particular interest is the QR code Literary Quest. 

‘‘Eight Clunes businesses will display a QR (quick response) code on their front window that, when scanned with a smartphone or tablet, it will link to an audio file of a reading of a passage from a book,’’ he said. 

‘‘The participant’s task is to recognise the novel or book. Better still if they can also name the author.

‘‘If they don’t immediately recognise the passage, or if they don’t have a smartphone available there is a further clue inside the shop.’’

Participants can then enter the business and look around with the potential of finding not only their clue but also becoming more familiar with the business. 

Participants enter the competition via the website www.spreading-words.com 

Two other competitions that will have the minds ticking over are an Instagram photographic competition and a Geocaching treasure hunt.

All online entry forms, information and links to necessary apps can be found at: www.spreading-words.com.