CHURT

Computer Centre

The computer centre restarts on Wednesday September 24th. Beginners at 3.0pm and advanced at 4.00 p.m. For detailed arrangements please phone Murray Reece on 01428 712701

For a number of years there has been a Computer Centre in Churt It was set up as part of the Government's programme "Computers for all". To get this idea going Surrey Community Action devised its own programme drawing on Government provided funds. The Surrey idea was two-fold. First there would be a traveling circus that would visit Village Halls and Community buildings for three-day shows to introduce people to computers and arrange follow up in whatever form that might take. The second prong was to set up single village centres where the local parish council or enthusiastic volunteers were prepared to establish a centre.

Churt was the first village in Surrey to take up the offer of a village computer centre. An agreement was signed and some £l0,000 of computer equipment was provided. The centre was established at the Community Centre in Parkhurst Fields, as it was the only building with secure storage accommodation, but it has now moved to Murray Reece's house. The Centre is normally open in the Autumn and Spring terms each Wednesday running from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. It is staffed by volunteers who teach and learn themselves.

What happens there?

In recent months the Computer Centre has become a bit of a Social Club. Interested people work on the computer problems they have encountered, interspersed with discussion about football, domestic problems etc., etc.

What is surprising {and should encourage prospective newcomers} is the lack of basic knowledge by people who have happily used a computer for some time. e.g. Do you know the purpose of the `control S' and `control P' functions ?

Do you know of the control/alt/delete way of getting out of trouble?

Are you aware that the easiest way of getting out of a frustrating problem is to unplug the computer, have a cup of tea - or something stronger - and start again? The centre caters for all levels of users, particularly those who have never used a computer at all. Over the years many people have started their computer work at the centre and quickly became established users.

So if you. are interested (and you should be.~ pitch. up at Murray's on a Wednesday at 4.00 p.m. It may be a good idea to check the opening time by phoning Murray Reece on 01428 712701.