Rural Community Gateway

By Neil Paterson

What's your project?

Airlie Hall Silver Surfers

Where is it?

Based in Airlie Village Hall, Airlie, Angus. Every Wednesday morning from 10 am – 12 midday.

Who's involved?

A group of mainly older ladies run an open access ‘Cyber Café’– but everybody regardless of age or gender is welcome to come along and enjoy the associated projects, the tea and home cooking, and the blether!

The group especially welcome anybody who wants to learn more about how to use computers or the more popular software programmes. They will happily provide support and guide novices through the practical aspects of how to use the internet and various programmes. Everybody who attends Silver Surfers was a beginner at one time, and they provide their help in a comfortable and supportive environment.

How is it funded?

The group has an excellent reputation for raising funds both by producing their own publications through IT projects and by applying to funders.

Most recently they have been awarded monies towards purchase of new IT equipment from the Allen Lane Foundation and free Broadband Access via BT’s Community Connections scheme. They have also won awards in recognition for their contribution to social life and education in the community from Angus Ahead and the Scottish Adult Learner’s Partnership.

They also receive support from Angus Council Community Learning and Development Service and the University of Dundee School of Computing, who are always interested in researching how older people use and relate to IT developments.

When is it funded to?

N/A

Biggest achievement so far?

Researching, designing, laying-out, financing and publishing their own publication about the History of Airlie, sold to raise funds for the group in 2006.

Any downsides so far?

Equipment breaking down is always a problem – as is the need for ongoing support to help the group learn new software applications.

Also, while the group is very grateful to the Hall Committee for the recent effort they have put into providing the group with a dedicated, lockable space in the hall for their equipment –  with more people coming along all the time, space can be an issue!

Any advice needed from Rural Gateway users?

The group has got Skype and webcam equipment and is very keen to link up with any similar groups that they could communicate with ‘live’ on Wednesday mornings. All suggestions will be welcomed! Please see contact details below.

Further Information

Co-ordinator, Mamie Bruce-Gardyne
Tel: 01575 530 293
Email: Airlievh53@btinternet.com
or
Neil Paterson, Community Learning and Development Worker
Angus Glens, Fairlie House, Kirriemuir
Tel: 01575 574 989
Email: PatersonN@angus.gov.uk

• Privacy
• Help
• Contact Us
• Disclaimer