Many readers will be aware that this Group was
reconvened last May and considers the operation
of any computer related activity of the Society.
Some are obvious: the computer suite at the
Research Centre, the website, the eMail
discussion group, projects using computers and
workshops or meetings for members. Less obvious
is the database for the bookstall and its stock
control, our intention of 'being a stall holder'
at GenFair and the proposed database for the
Berkshire Name Index.
We have now reviewed all the computing
activities of the Society and organised the
Workshops and Surgeries that you see advertised
elsewhere in this journal. Our meetings are in
two parts with 'business' in the first part
followed by a demonstration or discussion.
In order to continue our activities, to start
new ones and to avoid all the work filling to the
same small group of people we need more
supporters. We are especially in need of people
who are willing to lead all or part of a Workshop
and to answer technical questions at the
Surgeries. These are the main ways in which the
Society can now support and help those who rarely
if ever use the Internet. If you have a computing
skill and are prepared to give some of your time
to the Society (even as Secretary to the Group)
please come to a meeting (held every six to eight
weeks and advertised on the website) or to a
Surge or email the Computer
Steering Group.
Open Days and Conferences. The Group
will have a computer area at the Society Open Day
at Abingdon on Saturday, 19th May 2001. We are
also involved with the joint SoG/Berkshire FHS
Computer Conference being planned for Saturday,
20th April 2002 at Theale Green Community School.
Email Discussion Group. This group is
for the benefit of all members of the Society
with access to the Internet. Some still do not
realise that it's not just for those with
'Berkshire Interests' but for all those who wish
to exchange views on any family history interest
or relevant computing topic. Quite a number of us
(including me) have no known ancestor from this
part of the world. There are over 240 members in
the Group and you can subscribe by email to join the
Discussion Group giving your name and
membership number. We exchange about 30 messages
a week in winter and 10 in summer. All 'surname
interests' posted to the Group are also put on
the website.
Website. Our website at www.berksfhs.org.uk
has undergone a substantial 'make-over' and
improvement in the last six months. The site
includes our publications and sections on the
Research Centre and each of the branches.
Recently we have introduced the index of the
volumes in which each name in the 1851 Census of
Berkshire appears and a list of 'members'
interests'. If you would like to submit
information or have ideas for the website then
email the webmaster.
