Bexhill Senior Citizens Club goes hi-tech

THE cheery crew in the upstairs classroom chorus a welcome then return swiftly to their screens.

Soon the subdued "click-click" of keyboards resumes as the lesson continues.

School? No. College? No.

This is an information technology class at Bexhill Senior Citizens' Club where age is no barrier and learning is clearly fun.

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Retired optometrist Bill Bowyer is 81 and believes in remaining young - he didn't retire until he was 80!

His experience is typical of many club members who, in addition to short-mat bowls, sequence dancing, ballroom dancing, dominos, keep fit and a host of other activities offered by the Senior Citizens' Club in Eversley Road, find IT classes richly rewarding.

Bill says: "I have been coming about two years altogether.

"It's altered my life entirely. It's opened up a new world for me.

"I come here, I not only learn something new every time but you meet such nice people.

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"The teachers here are fantastic. I have progressed no end since I came to IT classes."

Bill is learning how a combination of digital cameras and computer technology has revolutionised photography.

"I learn something new every week. I enjoy myself - and I am the only 'boy' in the group...

"We all help each other. It is a friendly atmosphere."

Around the room are seven computer work stations and an administrator's station. Over the summer break another two computers will be added.

Pat Jarrad prefers to bring in her own familiar laptop,

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She says: "It's the best two hours of the week for me. I wish it was all day...! I absolutely love it.

"George, the maintenance man here, is terrific. He will come to your home and put the laptop right if there's a problem.

"When I first came here I could do e-mails and go on the Internet but that was all I could do.

"This is my second session of six weeks."

Greetings cards designed on-screen by class members stand on the mantleshelf as Pat adds: "I have printed out all the notices they need and done new address cards for myself after my move.

"I can make business cards - It's very satisfying.

"I am more confidence on my laptop at home now."

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Referring to class teacher Shirley Earl, Pat said: "She is so helpful. If you are trying to do something and get stuck it she helps you."

The classes are as satisfying an experience for Shirley as they are for the class members.

The classes were set up by Ian Betts and Peter Joyce seven years ago.

Shirley says: "There were no computers for everyone in those days. They had to manage with a projector screen downstairs!"

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The scheme took off when the club obtained the funding to set up the first-floor classroom.

Now volunteers like Shirley Earl and Kathy Viggers run classes for beginners, for those taking the "next step" and for those learning digital photography.

Shirley says: "It is so popular. My class is fully booked until January 2008.

"They all enjoy it so because they are relaxed and they work at their own speed.

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"Usually there are two of us so you can give them all the time they need."

A college course gave Shirley the training needed to produce lesson plans and structure classes teaching.

The facilities of the Senior Citizens' Club are available for a membership fee of just 12 a year - plus a first-year 3 joining fee.

Computer tuition is 2 per two-hour session.

The fact that as an end-of-term treat, 14 students took their teachers for a meal at The Wheatsheaf sums up the atmosphere in the classroom without age barrier.

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