Entering our 15th Year, St Mary Magdalene Open Access Computer Project has run 29 courses since Autumn 1992. During this time we have offered basic courses using Microsoft Office for People who are unfamiliar with computers. The course is composed of word processing, simple spreadsheets and introduction to the Internet. In 2005 we ran two courses which ran for eight weeks each. The numbers taking up the courses have fallen over the past tow or three years and our computers need to be replaced as they are too to be up-graded Before investing in new computers we needed to find out iif there would be a demand for further courses. We sent questionnaires to all the people who have participated and asked if they would be interested in further concentrated courses on a) Emailing and Internet, b) using digital cameras, editing and printing photographs, c) downloading music, MP3 players etc., and d) desk top publishing. We received replies from 72 people which gave a clear indication that further courses would be popular particularly on Email/internet and digital photography. New courses will follow.
In 2005 we made a charge of £50 for the course with a 50% reduction for retired people. Our audited accounts are presented to the Annual Parochial Church Council and have exempt charitable status. Six members of the congregation of St. Mary Magdalene have committed their time and energy to organising and running the courses. Our Vicar, Gordon Giles, chairs our committee. The courses are supported by the parish, and the Parochial Church Council receives regular reports.
The Managing Committee The Reverend Gordon Giles Tom Abernethy John Allan Gillian Bird Anthony Bushell Colin Hawkes Maureen Rew
We are also grateful to Data Connections in Enfield Town who have taken an interest in this Project. We are also grateful for Katy Betteridge, who gave us very valuable assistance as a tutor during 2005.
