Here is one of the first meetings of the new NonGeeks network - in late 2006. It took much experimenting with meeting layout to find out what works for us within the spaces that available to us.
Gloria started Canberra's first computer coffee and chat group in the PC Users group in 1991 - and ran a small similar group in U3a for many years. She has given much encouragement towards the setting up of the NonGeeks group. Gloria for health reasons has moved to Alice Springs to be near her daughter.
It was Philip who approached various people in PCUG and U3A to try out a joint computer chat group specifically aimed at the less experienced computer users, but modeled on the very successful coffee and chat group which PCUG hosts - but which now mainly serves more experienced computer users.
John B, is a founding member of the network - and one of its pillars. He has been maintaining our contact list and also looks after the tea and coffee moneys. John has been for many years a leading figure in U3A and other community organistions and organised for us our current venue at the Cook Community Hub, in Belconnen, ACT.
Eleanor is a pillar of the group. She has organised and run many classes for U3A and the PC Users group - and is particularly expert at helping people use a search engine to find answers to their questions.
Left to right, Monty and Mike D - two of the more experienced PC users who have been helping newbies in the nongeeks group. Their contributions are most welcome. They bring many skills to the network; including engineering wisdom (Mike) and sound system savvy (Monty).
Janet has been a great participant in the nongeeks network over some time now. A keen computer user who learns new skills very quickly - and an inspiration to us all in the way she makes others feel welcome in the group.
Arthur is one of more experienced members who has conducted many classes on computing. His quiet friendliness is a real asset to the group. Arthur has earned high praise with his beginner courses at the PC Users Group.
Julian for some years gave great help to the group, looking after our finances. Pearl has been helping with collecting our club morning tea collection at the door.
We miss Graham Daly who joined our group at its very beginnings and who was so helpful to others.
Eleanor here with Helen Flynn. Helen and Julian were mainstay members of the group. Julian helped as a coordinator and with looking after some of our finances. For health reasons, Julian cannot continue in that role.
Pearl is a long standing member of the network. Her most valuable contribution is to put up on the whiteboard the questions that others are too shy to ask. Remember: the only dumb question is the one you don't ask. Pearl has recently been welcoming people as they arrive at our meeting and ticking off our attendance sheet which is required by U3A for insurance purposes.
Denise is a long time participant in the network - and has learned to use the network to get her started with computers. Denise is a most welcome participant in our meetings.
Di is also a longstanding member of our network - and another person who is not too shy to ask the questions that set the agenda for our monthly meetings.
Judy is another longstanding member of the network - and makes a real contribution to making people feel welcome there.
Left to right - Julia and Mary both make very helpful contributions to the network. Mary has kindly agreed to lead a number of our whitebaord discussions.
We watch people grow with confidence after spending some time with the group. Someone asked about ITunes - and Mary was the only one of us who really knew the answers.
Mike and Arthur are shown here wrestling with a recalcitrant PC, which insisted on projecting an image to our overhead screen at 90 degrees clockwise. We all had to lie on the floor and watch the screen from a supine position.
Margaret, a long standing member of the network, is always ready to help with whatever needs to be done.
Gwenda is always cheery and a welcoming presence to all who come to the group meetings.
Barbara is new to the group - and joining in enthusiastically.
Ingrid, who joined the network recently, shown here with Monty - who always brings his laptop to meetings and shares his knowledge with others.
Here are some network members gathered for lunch in the Irish Club bistro.
