For the benefit of readers who did not see the article in the last issue of the Bradworthy News the following is a summary of what the above project is all about:
The project is intended to help to provide computer-based information for urban and rural communities throughout the County of Devon. Several of these communities have been chosen to act as pilot sites for the project and each has been provided with a computer system or information booth sited in a public building. The computer systems will be freely available to residents and visitors alike for obtaining information of interest and communicating with relatives and friends using electronic mail. As part of the project, the communities will be encouraged to develop and maintain their own web sites, which will be linked in a network via a new portal web service known as "Our Devon". Devon County Council is developing this service as part of the project.
On the Monday 7th June 1999, at 7.30pm, an open meeting was held in the Memorial Hall. The guest speaker at the meeting was Mr. Norman Butlin who is a Community Information Officer attached to the Chief Executive's Directorate of Devon County Council. It is he who is co-ordinating the project on behalf of the various project partners in the County.
The purpose of the meeting was:
Nine people attended the meeting and three others sent me an apology for absence.
Each person present was first asked to explain what they hoped the benefits of the project would be for them and the local community as a whole. The majority gave training in the use of computers as a principal need. It was pointed out that this could create a mismatch between the project aims and their own expectations. Although those people involved with the IntraCom Project would receive free training in the use of the computer supplied by Devon County Council, it was never intended that the system be used mainly or exclusively for training purposes. After a general discussion it was agreed that there was an unsatisfied demand for computer training courses and that the possibility of running such courses in the Memorial Hall should be explored. Mr. Peter Austin stated that commercial activity might conflict with the Hall's charitable status and suggested that the formation of a Computer Club could be one possible answer. All were reminded that some I.T. training courses are already on offer at the local Primary School.
After the opening debate, Mr. Butlin spoke at length about the background to the project, its aims and objectives and what would be expected from the local community. All were given a leaflet entitled "A Guide to the IntraCom Project" and useful handouts containing notes about the project and the role of Community Group Members. After a question and answer session, Janet Petherick, Frank Tallamy, Shaun Heard, Alan Cann, Peter Austin and Jill and Tony Dilnot volunteered to be involved in collecting local information for the web site and/or helping with the day-to-day running of the IntraCom facility. Jane Addy, Margaret Coles and Rod Stevens were not at the meeting but have confirmed their willingness to assist.
The IntraCom computer will be demonstrated to visitors and guests attending the opening ceremony of the new extension to the Memorial Hall on Friday 2nd July. The first meeting of the Community Group has been provisionally arranged for Thursday 8th July at 7.30pm in the Memorial Hall.
Anyone wishing to know more about the project or willing to offer help should attend the meeting or contact me. My telephone number is (01409) 241004.