Elwick Computer Club
The Computer Club was started by the Parish Council, in 2014, with the aim of providing access to computers and high speed broadband for those in the parish not yet ready or able to have these in their own homes or place of work. Access to high speed broadband continues to be problematic for many, with the BT 'green box' on the village green being at the very end of the line from the BT Exchange.
We started by borrowing a dozen laptops from Tees Valley Rural Community Council (TVRCC) for 6 weeks, and invited villagers to come along to the WI hall to try it out. We really needed to see if there was indeed a real desire for such a service. The Parish Clerk allowed members access to her high speed broadband connexion and we were off.
Members quickly learned not to be afraid of the machines..... through helping each other, most can now write letters, send and receive e-mails and even shop on-line! With 16 names 'on the books' and new enquiries coming in, the Parish Council concluded that there was sufficient interest to keep the club going.
A recent, successful lottery bid has meant that we are now in a position to purchase 10 laptops with appropriate software, a printer/scanner and secure storage for the equipment. A dedicated broadband connexion is to be put into the WI hall and we hope to be able to find a 'proper' IT tutor soon, to take us onto the next stage in our development. We already have two visually challenged members, so are making sure that our new computers will have 'talking software'.......
Many members bring their own laptops or tablets to the club, ensuring that new skills and knowledge gained can be practised at home during the week.
At present the club runs from 2.00 - 4.00pm on Tuesdays but, once we have the new equipment, we plan to open at least one more session a week, possibly from 5.00-7.00pm on Thursdays, to enable young people and those who work to participate. If there is sufficient interest, we could even open at other times, being limited only by the availability of the hall.
Some people have expressed an interest in researching Family History on-line, others would like to learn to manage their photographs, or to use a computer to draw/paint or even to make music....the possibilities are endless!
SO.....come and join us!
Charges are currently £15.00 per 10-week session, payable in advance; this simply covers the cost of room hire and refreshments.
