Council class will help get you connected
The wonders of modern technology now mean families from across the globe can stay connected, and new classes offered by East Renfrewshire Council can help you learn how.
Silver surfer June Bannister made sure the whole family saw her brother, Bob at the Christmas dinner table - even though he was more than 3000 miles away in Canada.
The 75-year-old from Barrhead placed a computer on the table and set up a video call on Skype, so everyone could see and chat with Bob, at his home, in Ilderton, Ontario.
June learned computer skills at her local library and now she’s urging others to learn how to Skype at free classes, run by East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure.
The sessions are being held at various libraries in East Renfrewshire over the next few months and June reckons the Skype video calls - where you can both see and talk to someone over the internet on an iPad or tablet - is ideal for keeping in touch with family and friends, no matter where they are in the world.
June explains:“We’d set up a computer at the dinner table and when we did the video call, it was as if Bob was with us. I’ve been Skyping Bob for years, and it’s great that we’re able to‘ding’ each other, as we call it, when we know each of us is going to be online.
“I’ve also been able to watch his grandchildren grow up, whereas before we used Skype, we would just phone each other.
“We’d be talking for about an hour and a half on the phone and it would cost a fortune, but once you get online, a Skype video call doesn’t cost a penny.”
June added:“Being able to see the person you’re talking to makes all the difference and it’s almost like they live just down the road and you’ve popped in to see them.
“I’d encourage people of all ages to learn how to Skype, especially as these classes being held in East Renfrewshire libraries are free.”
Skyping can bring families closer together - even if they are spread around the world.”
Visit: www.ercultureandleisure.org/ LibraryEvents or call 0141 577 3738 to find out if there’s a Skype course near you and book your place.