ComputerPals for Seniors Newcastle

Our first meeting was held in August 2000 and we began with just over 50 people. In the years since then our group's membership has increased to over 300 and we are still growing.

Initially we had no home - no computers - no idea of where we were going - BUT - we did have a lot of enthusiasm and people prepared to work to make the club a success. Our first "home" was at Merewether Public School where we used the school's computers in the library for about nine months. Then we moved to the Newcastle City Council Computer Training Room for all of 2001 and although the facility was excellent, we still wanted some place to call our own.

2002 saw the end result of a lot of work. We now have a permanent home at Islington Public School in a heritage building with our air-conditioned computer room and a tearoom. Our computers are networked and dual booting to Windows XP and Vista. We are currently running courses on XP and Vista, Word 2002 and 2007, Publisher, Power Point, File Management in XP and Vista, Email, Internet, Digital Photography, and Google. We also run Special Interest day courses on Taking Better Photos, Restoring Old Photos, Fiddling with Photos, Genealogy, Printshop, Scrolling Text and Jazzing up Emails. Comprehensive course notes are provided for students.

We started with only 4 men as tutors but now have over 35 male and female volunteer tutors who are the backbone of the club. Needless to say, the more tutors we have, the better the services we can provide - so more tutors are always welcome.

Our original training methods have improved considerably, with printed training manuals, a training CD and the use of a software program which allows the lead tutor to display one screen on all computers and regular Train the Trainer sessions.

At the end of 2004 and the first quarter of 2005 we saw the arrival of new desks, designed specifically for our use. Now the room looks professional and we've received numerous compliments on the practicality and appearance of the design.

Looking good!

2006 - 2008 has seen us:

• continue to expand the range of courses we offer
• increase the number of "short courses" which proved so popular at the end of 2005
• install a split system air conditioner in our computer room
• improve our tea room facilities
• increase our internet speed
• install a hearing loop for hearing impaired people
• form a digital photography interest group called Digipals
• interviewed on ABC radio

Come join us at our club. New members and tutors are very welcome. Our committee is always looking at giving something back to our members and endeavouring to improve our service to seniors. It's a new learning experience for all of us and a lot of fun, but then, that's what ComputerPals is all about!