All aboard to surf the web

Residents of Bracknell Forest Homes have been making the most of a nine-week computer course on the local council’s Adult Learning bus.

Tenants of Dennis Pilcher House and Rowley Close have been bringing their surfing and computer skills up to scratch.

Dennis Pilcher resident Maggie Day said: “I have enjoyed the learning bus. My new skills will help me keep in touch with my daughters with modern communication that they use. I’ve also treated myself to a new digital camera for the summer holidays so I’m looking forward to seeing pictures on the computer and being able to print them.”

The initiative has been led by the housing association working closely with the Adult Learning team. The over 50s residents have been honing their skills for web messaging and talking online, internet browsing, email, word processing and creating digital art. Residents said they are looking forward to being able to keep in touch with friends and family overseas using the internet and looking at photographs, using the computer at the sheltered scheme.

Wendy Smith, also a resident at Dennis Pilcher House, added: “I used to use a computer at work so this has brought back some of my skills and has been a very enjoyable refresher. I will be able to keep in touch with my two daughters and we can play games.”

Linda Wells, housing and community services director at Bracknell Forest Homes, said: “This is an exciting initiative and residents have jumped at the opportunity to learn how to use computers, including the internet and email. For many this is a first experience and now they can keep in touch with friends and family in different time zones around the world.

“This is part of Bracknell Forest Homes’ community development project and fits in with the Silver Surfers Day which was in May. We were thrilled to work with the council’s adult learning service and plan to offer more community development opportunities during the year.”