Computer skills

centre

A CENTRE in Torpoint which helps people gain computer skills is experiencing a high level of demand for its services as it approaches its second anniversary.

The Torpoint Open Access (IT) Training Centre is run by the Torpoint Community Development Trust at the Trevol Business Park.

The centre works in partnership with colleges and other training bodies, enabling local people to undertake computer-based training courses and retrain without leaving Torpoint.

Alan Brimacombe, who is the company secretary for the trust, said: "The centre will have been going for two years in May and has been experiencing a high take-up of its facilities.

"Figures show that the centre is running on average at around 55 percent capacity.

"We are linked in with Plymouth College of Further Education who say we are one of their busiest out-stations.

"We have a good mix of people from all age groups between 20 and 80. Many are learning skills to help them get jobs while the older people are learning to use the internet to communicate with their families around the world.

"The centre is helping in the regeneration of Torpoint by giving local people, particularly single parents and those who are unemployed, the chance to learn skills, gain work and so increase the wealth in the town.

"We have 90 people on the books. If they are in receipt of benefits, the training is free. Funding is also available if people join the Government's Individual Learning Accounts.

"People are pleased not to have to travel to Plymouth to study. The centre saves them time and, because it reduces the amount of travelling, is of benefit to the environment."

The centre, which was initially supported by the Ratio Project, is run by facilitator Mike Mills. It is open during the day from 8.30am to 4.30pm on Monday to Thursday and 8.30am to 3.30pm on Friday, and in the evening between 7pm and 9pm on Monday and Wednesday.

For more information contact the centre on 01752 814520.

Art at Library

A TORPOINT artist has created paintings based on pictures in books borrowed from the town's library.

And now Paul Lowe is exhibiting some of his works at the library.

Paul has been borrowing the books and creating his own pictures for several years.

His works, which include local scenes and wildlife, will be on display in the library foyer until the end of this month.

Also on display at the library are porcelain character cruets made by Polly Howard who lives in South East Cornwall.

The cruets, which include golfers, farmers and pigs, are proving popular with visitors to the library.

Torpoint Fayre

was a success

TORPOINT Community School's Easter Fayre was a great success with over £1,200 being raised towards lunchtime facilities for pupils.

Entertainment during the afternoon was presented by STAG, a new band at the school. Nine players presented a variety of rock and jazz numbers with many individual performances.

A good variety of stalls sold books, toys, plants, cans of food and bric-a-brac. Cakes were also very popular and there was a pile of hot cross buns waiting for hungry customers.

A raffle for a 'Playstation' took place and raised almost £500.

The event was organised by parents from the Torpoint School Association.

Bowling Club

THE first wood of the new season will be sent down by the Mayor of Torpoint, Stan Martin, at Torpoint Bowling Club tomorrow (Saturday, April 21). It is a tradition for the town mayor to launch the new season for the club.

Police action

TORPOINT Police have been targeting the activities of three known criminals. The police report that their actions have been successful and have led to a reduction in crime.

Bridge mats

TORPOINT town councillors have expressed disappointment over the refusal by the authorities to allow disinfectant mats on the approaches to the Tamar Bridge to combat foot and mouth disease. Vehicles entering Cornwall via the Torpoint Ferry have to travel over a mat.

New officer at

HMS Raleigh

HMS Raleigh in Torpoint has a new second-in-command officer.

Commander David Knight, 48, who lives near Callington, has taken over as the Executive Officer of the Royal Navy's New Entry Training Establishment.

David has been in the navy for more than 30 years and as well as serving on ships has held a number of logistics and administrative posts at home and abroad. His most recent role was on the directing staff of the Royal College of Defence Studies in London.

He said: "My duties as the Executive Officer cover a wide range of tasks from the general organisation and security of the establishment to overseeing the discipline, welfare and administration of all Raleigh personnel.

"I am, of course, delighted to have been given the opportunity to serve close to home and aim to maintain and develop the close links already established between the Royal Navy and the local community."

David and his wife Val share an interest in country pursuits, particularly horses, and David has represented the navy at showjumping and eventing.