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Village Computer Club |
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Village Computer Club |
Early in 1992, Derek Greig, Martin Bond and the late Jim Oliver, all recently retired and having limited hands-on DOS computing experience, met informally to pool their limited knowledge to try to keep their machines operational. Unscheduled informal meetings were held in each others houses.
The arrival of Windows immediately demanded a new approach to computers and computing. It was decided to meet on neutral territory and Mrs Wilkins kindly offered the growing club a Monday evening, twice monthly meeting slot in The Village Studio. In September 1993 a general meeting decided that the group should become the Village Computer Club, and that meetings should be held twice a month. Occasional joint meetings were held with Ford Computer Club (now closed).
The new Windows-based operating systems encouraged a greater public interest in computing and the VCC invited contacts of their members to share their experiences of the new Windows environment. It was the 'Village' club to try to encourage membership from the five villages in the immediate vicinity of Walberton. Twice - monthly meetings were alternately formal with a speaker/demonstration or informal with members bringing in their sick systems - hopefully to have them 'sorted'.
Over the next few years, very experienced computing professionals joined and the VCC moved up a couple of gears and acquired a new motivation. The demands of the internet for a dedicated dial-up connection meant moving meetings from the Studio to the Walberton Village Hall.
With a paid-up membership now exceeding 40 the club has maintained its general format of informal and formal evenings twice a month. Club members were delighted to welcome Ian Greenslade as Chairman from 1996 to 2001. He advanced the 'computing experience' of members beyond a level that could not even be imagined at its foundation in 1992. When Ian retired his chairmanship, the Club was fortunate to be able to welcome Jim Noble as its new chairman.
Jim transformed the running of the club with a fresh sparkling approach and a very warm welcome to all existing and new members. The club continues to welcome new members, no doubt attracted by the mix of old and newer technologies it now covers in its formal and informal evenings.
Who, in 1992 (apart from a few professionals!), could possibly have begun even to imagine the developments in computers and computing that have taken place since 1992?
Derek Greig
Autumn 2004