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.

Free laptop computer to be given to home-based business

A BRAND new laptop computer is available to be won for free in a draw being held at 12 noon at the West Somerset Business Fair on Wednesday, February 28.
The fair is being organised in the Queens Hall, Minehead, by the West Somerset Business Network, from 11 am to 6 pm.
The business network has already sent out a questionnaire to all known businesses which operate from home, and anybody who completes and returns the form will be entered into the draw for the laptop.
The form needs to be returned by February 15, and for anybody who has not received a copy, it is available from the business network’s website at www.westsomersetbusinessnetwork.org.
The aim of the questionnaire is to determine the future needs of local businesses and to gauge whether there is demand for a high-speed broadband service in West Somerset.
The business network is working in partnership with the prize sponsor, Westlabb Ltd, and questionnaire sponsor, Connecting Somerset, which is also one of the business fair sponsors.
District council cabinet member, Councillor Roger Webber, who is a director of Westlabb, said: “Westlabb, via the Exmoor Community Computer Centre who deliver the IT training, has done a fantastic job in enabling residents in rural parishes to form worldwide links via the internet.
“If people want more training, they can contact Jo Hoare at the computer centre on 01643 851594.”
Westlabb Ltd has successfully achieved its main objectives since its formation in 2004 by facilitating internet and IT training for 14 parishes within West Somerset.
It also commissioned the West Somerset Internet Community Interest Company to provide a high-speed broadband service to Crowcombe, Brompton Regis, and Luxborough, and is now considering whether to extend this service.
Anybody who would like to learn more about broadband for their business is welcome to have an informal discussion with Connecting Somerset at the business fair on February 28.

• Our photograph shows the laptop computer prize with (left to right) district council rural facilitator Angela Lamplough, Westlabb director Bob Druitt, Neil Saunders and Dave Cornish, both of Connecting Somerset, Councillor Roger Webber, and Westlabb directors Phil Brown, Iain Joyce, and Jon Summers. Photo submitted.