FREE computer training courses will be available in Buckland Monachorum following a grant of £4,705 to the Buckland Monachorum Community Partnership.
The partnership was formed a year ago when there was a need to support the groups, clubs and other organisations serving the community in the village.
In the latest edition of Outreach, the local parish magazine, it is stated that individually and separately many of the organisations might not be in a position to apply for funding from national or European sources.
'By demonstrating partnership with others and being linked to community needs, more opportunities for grant funding are available,' it says. Two grant applications have been successful so far, which was 'a very encouraging start'.
West Devon Borough Council selected Buckland Monachorum, Crapstone and Milton Combe to take part in a pilot project using the Invest to Save budget, which is funded by the Treasury.
With the partnership acting as local steering group, an exhibition was followed by a questionnaire to all households which resulted in an Action Plan to be taken forward.
Following the first grant of £7,000 from the Key Fund a large-screen projector was purchased for use with computer training in the IT suite at St Andrew's School and elsewhere.
The second grant of £4,705, from the Invest to Save Fund, is to be used for free computer training courses, available to all, at the IT suite. The courses will run in the autumn and priority will be given to residents of the three villages
Topics will include Introduction to Microsoft Windows, Computers for Absolute Beginners, Introduction to Desktop Publishing, and introductions to other Microsoft applications, e-mail and the Internet. Most topics will involve four week courses for two hours per week.
For further details ring the school on 01822 853153 and leave a message.