St Mary’s College has set up the intergenerational Computer Club which is attracting around 25 elderly local residents to its weekly meetings.  Pupils from years 4, 5 and the sixth form provide the silver surfers’ with one-to-one advice and support as they guide them through the ins and outs of using computers and the Internet. 

St Mary’s former Head Girl Michelle McDougal with Derek Billing.

The project is part of St Mary’s work in support of the Society of St Vincent de Paul, an international Catholic voluntary organisation which works to create a more caring society.  The Society encourages parishes, schools and similar organisations to moveout into their local community, or to invite community members in, with the aim of offering a wide variety of support and assistance.  St Mary’s has a long tradition of sixth form students getting involved in this type of community work and this scheme is now being extended to involve younger pupils as well. St Mary’s Head of Sixth Form, Daniel Magill, commented: ³We’re delighted at the success of the Computer Club which demonstrates what these two age groups can achieve when they work together towards a common goal.  The ladies and gentlemen who attend really seem to look forward to the weekly meetings and I know our pupils do too.

Monica Wright pictured with pupils Ruth Evans and Michael Turnock.