RECENTLY the Times highlighted Janet Mashford's search for premises to continue her computer training classes.

I would like to say how much she would be missed by so many of us should the search be unsuccessful.  Many of her students are senior citizens who  have been helped on the path to computer independence by Janet and her help is ongoing.  

My own experience is a case in point. I am 86 and  when I began lessons with Janet I did not have a computer as I was really just dipping a toe in the water to see how I felt, but I can now email, shop online and skype.  To be able to shop helps to keep me independent, skype and emails keep me in touch with family and friends worldwide.

These things are important as we grow older and  are less able to get out and about and the friendship of other students is an added bonus.  

We are all hoping that something will turn up to keep these classes going as their absence would leave a real gap in our lives.

Iris Thomas