The elderly residents of a sheltered scheme will take delivery of their first computer on 14th December. The machine, which been generously donated by the Wantage & Grove Lions, will enable the 29 residents of Grovelands Court, Grove to go on-line and surf the net. Jill Clarkson, the Scheme Manager said, Residents were really inspired by a computer course that Oxfordshire County Council Adult Learning Centre ran here for free last year.
The residents asked me to investigate getting a computer, so I approached the Lions. I'm so pleased with the outcome. Many of those living here have arthritis and find it difficult to write with a pen. Typing letters on a computer is easier for them. Some are interested in doing their shopping on-line and our social committee may produce its own newsletter. We'd liked to invite elderly people in our neighbourhood to come in and use the computer, once it is installed.
The Association has helped to fund several computer courses for residents at Grovelands Court, St John's Court and Maude House in the last 12 months.
Betty Taylor, one of the residents at Grovelands, commented, I think it's wonderful that the Lions Club are giving us our own computer. I enjoyed the computer course that was organised - the word processing was particularly interesting for me. Now I can do my own posters for the Residents' Committee. People from St Johns and Maude House came over for it and everyone agreed it was very good.
Sylvia Crossman, president of the Wantage and Grove Lions Club, said they were only too happy to help the residents out. Jill Clarkson asked us whether we were prepared to donate some money towards a computer for the Grovelands scheme. We went away and thought about it and decided we wouldn't just donate some money - we'd give them the whole computer!
The computer will be presented at a sherry and mince pie reception at 7.00pm on Thursday 14th December. Some of the residents who will use the computer will be available for interview. Please let Emily Griffith know if you would like this opportunity to speak to them.