Computing

Meeting Details

What we do

Our aim is to encourage members to discover the potential of a personal computer (PC) and to use it with confidence.

We do not offer taught courses but provide one to one support for finding your way around a PC, basic word processing, spread sheets, data bases, desk top publishing, using the internet including e mails, and the opportunity to experiment with digital imagery. Members work at their own pace either on their own projects or using workbook materials that we provide. We have a team of tutors who are on hand to help.

Favourite activities include: writing letters, keeping your money in order, building an address book and producing address labels, making cards or calendars, shopping, keeping in touch, and playing around with your photos.

The Computing group at work

Our meeting room is equipped with PCs running Windows XP and Microsoft Office, and with a fast internet connection.

Members range from complete beginners to experienced users wanting to learn something new or brush up their skills. It is possible to join the group at any stage of the term, and we can also sometimes offer a short notice place for one or two weeks in the absence of a regular member. We draw up a waiting list if the group becomes over-subscribed.

There is a charge of £1 per session, and we ask members to pay for each half-term session in advance to ensure we make a consistent contribution to the high cost of hiring the computer room.

Reports

July 2008:
From September 17th the group will meet in Room SS11 at Queen Katherine Upper School on Appleby Road where we will have the use of a large, up to date, well maintained computer suite where there will be plenty of room for both PC users and members who wish to bring their own laptops. We have booked the room from 3.45 p.m. to 5.45 p.m. but please don’t arrive early! There is free parking in front of the Upper School or on the roadside next to the school wall. The number 43 bus to Morrison’s leaves the town centre at 3.45 p.m., which is perfect timing if users get off on Shap Road near White Stiles and take the tarmac path to the school (entrance straight opposite Rosemeade Ave).

You can download and print more detailed instructions, including a map

It would be very helpful if, before September, existing members could let me know whether or not they will be returning and if new members could register their interest with me. Thank you to those of you who have already done so.
We in the tutor team look forward to seeing you all next term. The first half term of 6 sessions will run from Sept 17th to Oct 22nd with a break for half term on Oct 29th.

March 2008:
As I write the future of the Computer Group is uncertain as we have lost our ‘home’ at Stricklandgate House where the IT room is to become a heritage centre. We are researching other possible venues and hope that the Group will survive to re-emerge in September in a new form, new place, and possibly at a new time. The next edition of the Newsletter will contain details but keep an eye on the website where I will post any developments.

Very important – if you feel you might be interested in joining the Group in the autumn it would be very helpful if you could register your interest with me as soon as possible, so we have some idea of demand for places.

Margot Harvey

November 2007:
We have been delighted to welcome 2 new tutors, Ian and Andrew, to the group whose experience and know how have already contributed greatly to what we are able to offer – not least one-to-one attention.
The Group continues to evolve with more members bringing their own laptops and a growing enthusiasm for ‘silver surfing’. However as usual we cater for absolute beginners through to people who simply want to fill a few gaps in their knowledge. A fairly rapid turn-over means that the time spent on the waiting list is usually short so do give me a ring if you are interested in joining us. On the other hand if you are an existing member who wishes to leave the group – please let me know in good time. Thank you!
We will start again on January 9th and take a half term break on February 13th. Happy Christmas to all!

Margot Harvey

July 2007:
The Group will run on Wednesdays at Stricklandgate House from September 12th to December 5th with a break for Half Term on October 24th. There will be 2 sessions: 1—3 p.m. and 3—5 p.m. and there will be some vacancies for new members.
We welcome anyone who is interested, from absolute beginners, to those wishing to revise, improve, or update their skills, as well as those who simply want to share their interest or problems (!) with like-minded people. As we try to operate on a one-to-one basis we would also be very pleased to see you if you would like to join our team of tutors. The PCs at Stricklandgate House have not been updated, but the room is now ‘WiFi’ and members may bring their own laptops if they wish. So if you are interested in joining us as a regular member, or would just like a crash course in the Internet and e-mails, please do give me a ring. (N.B. If you came along last spring I would be most grateful if you could let me know, as soon as possible, whether or not you wish to return so I can make sure you have a place.)

Margot Harvey