Laptop computer win starts Beryl on the internet

A WEST Somerset woman has won a laptop computer after reading a free publication explaining to people in rural areas why and how to go online.
The booklet was published by Connecting Somerset, which has hailed it a huge success as nine out of 10 readers said they were now ‘much more likely to use the internet than they were before’.
The guide was distributed to individuals and communities in rural areas of the county, including West Somerset, the Blackdown Hills, and the Mendips.
Titled ‘Internet and Me’, the booklet was written in plain English to help anybody who felt they were being left behind by computers and the internet to catch up.
Three readers won computers to help start them off with the internet as part of a special prize draw which featured in the publication.
The top prize of a new Dell laptop computer was presented to Beryl Priddle, of Minehead, at a special winners’ presentation.
And high-specification refurbished desktop computers, donated by Community Computers UK, were presented to the two runners-up, Martin Smith, of Wells, and Pauline Gillard, of Glastonbury.
Connecting Somerset project leader Dave Cornish said: “We are absolutely delighted with the impact made by ‘Internet and Me’, as many people in more rural areas were starting to feel excluded and intimidated by the internet revolution.
“It is great to see so many new internet users getting on-line in rural communities right across the county - particularly our lucky prizes winners, thanks to the generous support of Community Computers UK.”
Community Computers UK is based in West Monkton, near Taunton, and refurbishes computer equipment donated by businesses and individuals, for subsequent use by youth clubs, schools, playgroups, charities, students, and anybody who receives State benefits.
Connecting Somerset is funded by Somerset County Council, the South West of England Regional Development Agency, the European Social Fund, and Business Link Somerset.

• Our photograph shows Beryl Priddle receiving her new laptop computer from Connecting Somerset’s Matt Ballard. Photo submitted.