Clarborough and Welham IT Group has reopened its doors to residents of Bassetlaw – not just those from Clarborough, Welham or Retford – with its usual five-week programmes, which began in early October on Wednesday mornings and Saturday afternoons.
Following the group’s successful adoption of Ubuntu Linux to replace Windows 10 on its laptops, the next set of classes in November and December 2025 aims to build on this encouraging progress. All Clarborough and Welham IT Group classes are held at Clarborough Village Hall (DN22 9LN) and are open to everyone over the age of 18, regardless of where they live. Each session begins, after introductions, with a short ‘gardeners’ question time’, giving participants the chance to request topics they would like to cover. The group has an extensive collection of pre-prepared worksheets on a wide range of frequently requested subjects, all provided free of charge.
These resources can be accessed on the IT Group’s website, which is part of the Clarborough and Welham community website (www.clarborough-welham.org.uk). From the home page, select Local Groups, then IT Group, followed by Learning Resources from the blue links at the top of the page. All materials are available as PDF documents that can be viewed online or downloaded for personal use, though they remain subject to copyright.
The forthcoming November–December classes will continue to focus on Ubuntu Linux laptops. Familiarity with Ubuntu can be a valuable addition to a CV, as many businesses and organisations are exploring its advantages. As an open-source system, it is free to individuals and cost-effective for businesses, while maintaining excellent compatibility with Microsoft applications and files.
Other topics will include installing and using another open-source product, LibreOffice, which closely resembles Microsoft Office 365 but is both more powerful and free. The classes will also cover GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program), another open-source application that offers extensive tools for editing photos from cameras or mobile phones. Participants will also receive advice on sourcing the best-value, high-quality photo printers available online.
There are two blocks of classes:
- Wednesdays: 10.00am to 11.30am, from Wednesday 19th November to Wednesday 17th December
- Saturdays: 1.00pm to 2.30pm, from Saturday 22nd November to Saturday 20th December
Each five-week block costs £40.00. Participants can use one of the IT Group’s Ubuntu Linux laptops or take their own device. To book a session, contact Greg on 01777 700918 or email clarboroughwelham@gmail.com