In October 1992, Malcolm Beazley AM, Founder and International President of Computer Pals Across the World, wrote to the President of Warringah Shire Council, Cr Brian Green, seeking assistance to set up a Computer Pals for Seniors Club in the area.
Malcolm had become interested in the concept whilst a school teacher at a North Shore High School, where he encouraged his students to communicate with other students around the world, using the internet. A Computer Pals Club for Seniors was already operating in Lindfield and corresponding with other Seniors around the world.
Cr Green responded to Malcolm Beazley's request by asking Council's Aged Services Section to investigate the possibility of forming a Computer Pals for Seniors Club and a grant of $4000.00 was set aside to buy a computer, printer and modem. That is when Val Brown, Council's Community Development Officer, became involved. It appeared to be the sort of project that would easily fit into Council's program for Seniors Week 1993.
In January 1993, an inaugural meeting was held in the Forestville Senior Citizens Centre with Malcolm Beazley as Guest Speaker. The meeting had been promoted in local Probus Clubs and other community groups, with an invitation to come along, bring a friend, and hear about the possibility of setting up a Computer Pals for Seniors Club. The response was enthusiastic so another meeting was called on 11 February 1993, when a Steering Committee was formed. John Turner was President, with Wal Anderson as Vice President, Albert Cook as Secretary, Venn Cranmer as Treasurer, along with Val Brown, Bryan Shepherd, Peter Hall and Brian Fox on the steering committee. This small group of enthusiasts visited the Lindfield Club, but decided that the Club in Forest would be based initially on teaching computer skills to seniors by seniors. (see Honour Roll of first 14 Members.)
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Warringah Shire Council agreed to make space available in the Memorial Hall complex and to provide a computer and chair. Elaine Dabbs, of Lindfield Computer Club also participated in those early meetings. Finding a secure venue for the new club, with room for setting up the first computer and seating for prospective teachers and students was a major hurdle. Initially the club used a very small room at the front of Forestville Senior Citizens' Centre, with furniture made by members and gleaned from elsewhere. Membership fees had to cover rent and other costs involved in running a community organization.
The group worked hard and was able to hold the “Grand Opening” of the club on the 30th of March, 1993, in the Senior Citizen’s Centre. The Shire President Cr. Brian Green and Malcolm Beazley attended as special guests. The new computer, printer and modem had been purchased and Wal Anderson and others with computer skills demonstrated the equipment to those attending.
Councillor Brian Green presided and was happy to announce that his council would donate a Wang 286 computer and a grant of $4000 to cover the purchase of another computer and the first 6 months rent. Club membership reached 20. Coaches, as trainers were then known, were appointed and members started booking in for training. Contacts were established with the Moocooboola and Eastern Suburbs computer clubs for seniors.
In May the committee decided monthly meetings should be held on the fourth Thursday of each month, an arrangement that stands today. Cr Julie Sutton was guest of honour at the first monthly meeting in June 1993, when she formally presented the Wang computer from WSC. She continues to be a great supporter of the club today, as Patron. June also saw the launch of the club Newsletter with Albert Cook as editor.
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By July, 1993, the committee contained many familiar names (Daphne Cooper, Beth Schurr, John Turner Wal Anderson, Albert Cook, Venn Cranmer, Alf Rogers and Bryan Shepherd).
Planning began for an election of a management committee to replace the steering committee at the first AGM in October. Within a month, the committee had expanded to include Marie Washington (Social). Venn Cranmer initiated the practice of “naming” club computers when he dubbed the club’s PC as “TOM” indicating Totally Obedient Moron. There were 5 daily duty trainers: Ted Coyle (Monday), Alan Quirk (Tuesday), Wal Anderson (Wednesday), Venn Cranmer (Thursday) and Albert Cook (Friday), with Alf Rogers on genealogy by appointment.
The first AGM was held on the 28th of October 1993, when Val Brown presided over the election and also provided the welcome news of a further $1,450 grant from the Warringah Shire Council for the purchase of a 486 PC. The elected committee persons were: John Turner, president., Albert Cook, secretary, Reg Flew, treasurer, and Daphne Cooper, Beth Schurr, Marie Washington, Wal Anderson, Venn Cranmer, Bryan Shepherd and Alf Rogers. At that time Entry Fee was $10 and quarterly subs were $15. During August the club moved into what had been the Senior Citizen’s library, and although not very much larger at least we had space to spread out just a little, and Albert Cook made what he referred to as the ‘rolling calendar’ which enabled members to make training appointments for the current week and also three weeks ahead.
At the January meeting, 1994, Cr Brian Green when officially opening the new office, presented a 486 PC to the club, taking the total number of computers to three. In February, Wal Anderson succeeded John Turner as president and Bryan Shepherd became vice-president
In March 1994 the club received a Premier’s Award for outstanding service to the community. Membership passed 60, necessitating a second search for a larger office. Hilary Doulton, Area Manager for WSC, was very helpful in planning a shift to one of the stage dressing rooms in the Memorial Hall. Later that year, in September, the Wang PC was replaced by a 486DX2-66 (Harry), which also had a CD-ROM drive. This kept the number of PCs at three. At the second AGM, Colin Ward joined the committee with responsibility for equipment (and has been in trouble ever since!).
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Over the Christmas break 1994, we moved into the space previously used as a male dressing room for stage productions in the Forestville Memorial Hall. Nick Donnay, Reg Flew and Colin Ward worked hard to manufacture a special long bench to accommodate the three PCs. Nick designed a method of securing our equipment in the event that the ‘dressing room’ was required whenever a concert was held in the Memorial Hall. The additional furniture needed for this security system was constructed by Nick and Reg at Nick’s home at Beacon Hill and was so made that it could be stored out of sight when not in use. Being of rather stout construction several other members were called upon to assist in the transportation to our clubroom at Forestville. (Approximately 5kms away).
Membership had reached 90 by the time we got into the new office in January 1995. At that time we had 3 computers – Tom, Dick and Harry and a copier kindly donated by the Centre Management Committee. The new facilities attracted more new members, placing pressure on the new office space almost as soon as we moved in. The club’s fourth computer (Lucy) was donated by Russell Spurr and updated with parts donated by Alf Rogers and Albert Cook. With so much more space now available Alf made a larger “Booking Board” which enabled members to make appointments more easily for training.
August 1995 saw us with 14 trainers and 133 members and with the comfort of a carpet on the office floor thanks to George Beck. About the same time, Microsoft introduced Windows 95 with a massive publicity campaign that boosted public interest in computing. Polly, the 386SX PC was given to the infant Tramshed club. At that time Lucy was our top machine, with a 540 Mb C drive, 8 Mb of RAM, a 1 Mb video card and a 4 x CD-ROM. A new Canon colour printer (BJC 4000) was added to the stable in September.
The third AGM (October 1995) saw Wal Anderson step down from the presidency so he could spend more time helping other clubs to become established and also obtain media publicity for all NSW computer clubs for seniors. Bryan Shepherd took over from Wal; Colin Ward became vice-president and the rest of the committee continued in office, with the addition of Phyl Clucas and Jan van der Hilst.
Viruses started to become more prolific and annoying in 1996 and at Reg Flew’s suggestion, a dedicated virus checking PC – Vera – was installed. Colin Ward provided good advice through the Newsletter on their control (and still does!) The club held a Computer Fair in March, 1996 which attracted many visitors and new members. Then, in April, the Manly Warringah Pittwater Federation of Senior Clubs awarded the McAskill Trophy (named for Frank McAskill, once a councillor of WSC) to the club and the club continued to flourish. During May, Ray Jack started courses on using the Internet. Bill Burton started Macintosh training using David van Kool’s own Apple machine, Ted Coyle ran PAF programs, Colin Ward started Excel training and Venn Cranmer introduced Windows 95 to the club’s repertoire. In July it became clear that the club would henceforth be responsible entirely for its affairs, including all necessary forms of insurance, so discussions began about incorporation.
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Having provided excellent secretarial, editorial and training services to the club from its inception, Albert Cook decided it was time for others to share the load (and sadly also needing time for looking after his ailing wife) he resigned from Computer Pals. George Stephenson became the Secretary and Colin Ward became the second newsletter editor. The fourth AGM (October 1996) saw Colin Ward elected president, Nancy Jenkins vice-president, Reg Flew treasurer, with Gerald Kent, Daphne Cooper, Bryan Shepherd, Wal Anderson, Jan van der Hilst, Phyl Clucas, Venn Cranmer and Nick Donnay on the committee. The club was still growing, with 17 trainers, well attended monthly meetings and some 150 members, several of whom assisted with library duties, newsletter folding and distribution, office cleaning and afternoon tea for monthly meetings.
After months of painstaking effort and discussions with government departments, especially by George Stephenson, the club was formally incorporated on the 10th of December, 1996
Other computer clubs for seniors were starting up and a national body was under consideration. All this growth was forcing us to look for larger accommodation, but meanwhile group courses expanded, with PrintMaster, Xtree Gold, Spreadsheets and Word Processing included in the several programs available.
At the fifth AGM, (October 1997) Colin Ward continued as president, Nick Donnay became vice-president, Alf Rogers secretary, Reg Flew treasurer, while Daphne Cooper, Pat James, John Speers, Phyl Clucas and Jan van der Hilst made up rest of the committee. John was also Public Officer, having succeeded George Stephenson after the latter resigned. Rising costs caused fees to rise to $20 entry, $20 per quarter or $60 annually.
By February 1998 membership reached 178 and the club was able to provide committee and other assistance for the running of the first Australasian Computer Seminar for Seniors. It was held in the then Menzies Hotel Sydney in March, under the leadership of Nan Bosler, president of Northern Beaches computer club. On the 7th of August, 1998, ASCCA (Australian Seniors Computer Clubs Association) was incorporated with Nan as president and Colin Ward as one of the two vice-presidents.
The 6th AGM (October, 1998) saw the then current officers, Colin Ward, Nick Donnay, Reg Flew and Dick Manuell, continue as president, vice-president, treasurer and secretary respectively, with the other five committee people – Daphne Cooper, Phyl Clucas, Pat James, John Speers and Jan van der Hilst, returned unopposed.
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By January 1999, membership exceeded 200 and the pressure was building up for a new, larger office once again. The issue was resolved in March when Rosemary Loughnane (WSC Area Coordinator) graciously vacated her office at the front of the Memorial Hall for our use. Thanks to the many volunteers who helped shift and re-install the equipment, build new furniture and paint the office, we were able to do the job quickly and economically. The move, our fourth, had cost about $900. Our rent had doubled but the new facilities were great. An additional phone line was installed and connected to Robbie, the Internet computer, making the total number of computers eight. The work was completed in time for us to hold an Open Day as part of the annual Seniors’ Week activities. Our club website opened in April.
Volunteer Office Assistants commenced work in June, relieving trainers of the need to handle phone calls and visitors in addition to their primary teaching role. Membership reached 234 in July and there were 18 trainers, and five Office Assistants, along with librarians, newsletter folders, newsletter editor, office cleaners and many others all helping to make the club run smoothly and economically. Dick Manuell succeeded John Speers as Public Officer.
With the approach of the year 2000, many software suppliers beat up the “Y2K” issue and there were many discussions in the club about preparing for that possible disruptive event, but with wise counsel from senior members we survived intact.
At the 7th AGM (October 1999) Reg related that John Carey, a member of Belrose Probus Club, has been our Honorary Auditor for the six years that we have been operating. John has resigned due to other commitments and on behalf of the Club Reg presented John with a commemorative clock to show our appreciation of John’s efforts over so many years. As Reg declined to re-nominate as Treasurer, Paul Brenac was elected un-opposed to that position, Reg remaining on committee, as did Colin Ward, Nick Donnay, Dick Manuell and Jan van der Hilst. Newly elected Marie Bailey, Darrell Hatch, Fay Stewart, and Archie Macnaughton completed the management team. Pat James became our Honorary Auditor. Membership reached 250. This was an important point in club development as the committee had determined that the existing number of trainers could not cope with more than 250 members in the existing office. As a change to a larger office was not possible in the Hall complex, it became necessary to introduce a waiting list for applicants for membership. (This continued for almost three years under Reg’s supervision). The new millennium (according to some) dawned on January and the “2YK” scare turned out to be a fizzer, as the club experienced no disruption whatsoever. Darrell Hatch became the new Training Coordinator. He also began refurbishing older 486 computers and lending them to new members without machines so they could practice at home and get an idea of their future computer needs. A new I-Mac, complete with printer and modem was purchased in January, to the delight of the Tuesday Mac group.
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The 8th AGM (October 2000) saw Colin Ward continuing as president and Dick Manuell as secretary, Reg Flew elected as vice-president and Paul Brenac as treasurer. Marie Bailey, Fay Stewart, Darrell Hatch and Jan van der Hilst were re-elected and Archie Macnaughton joined the committee. The club’s membership was stable and so were the finances. Membership of ASCCA continued and there were over 30 clubs affiliated with ASCCA.
Warringah Shire Council kindly made a Community Development grant of $2000 to the club in April 2001 towards the purchase of a laptop computer to enable trainers to visit housebound members.
Bill Burton, the only experienced Macintosh trainer, had to retire from running the Tuesday Apple group and individual training was offered to Mac members. Regrettably, this did not suit many Mac people and the need for the I-Mac declined to the point where Mac training ceased and the computer was sold. Marilyn became the replacement PC. Having noted in May that GST and general rises in costs would force another fee rise; this occurred in October when the Entry fee rose to $25, quarterly subs to $25 and annual subs to $70.
The 9th AGM (October 2001) resulted in a few changes. Colin Ward remained as president, Reg Flew as vice-president and Paul Brenac as treasurer, with Archie Macnaughton becoming secretary, and Marie Bailey, Gay Savage, Fay Stewart, Darrell Hatch, and Dick Manuell completing the committee.
The year 2002 started with a new editor, Alf Rogers, for the club newsletter. There was also a call for volunteers to help in ASCCA’s city office, but the response was rejection! It could be said that the club was in a stable maintenance mode. The committee watched expenditure carefully, a task made easier by the treasurer installing a Quicken accounting system. This facilitated regular comparisons of budget forecasts with actual expenditure. Rental costs were the most significant expense item, followed by insurance. Membership stabilized around 250 members, with a steady flow of new members balancing the outflow of those deciding to resign. In an effort to attract more members to become trainers, a “Train the Trainer” course was introduced. Five courses have been run to date and have included people from three other computer pals clubs.
At the 2002 AGM, it was agreed to add an additional officer, vice-treasurer, to the team, and Jack Wilson was elected unopposed. The rest of the committee and officers remained as for the previous year. During the year Paul Brenac became the fourth editor of the Newsletter, while continuing also as treasurer.
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As the year 2002 drew to a close, Forest Computer Pals for Seniors looked back with pride on its achievements, with well over a thousand people having benefited from its tuition and fellowship. It also enjoyed the present time with its volunteer trainers and other voluntary workers helping members to improve their capacity to cope with modern electronic systems and looked forward to continuing to serve seniors in the Forest and nearby areas.
The year 2003 commenced with much ‘party planning’ and our tenth Anniversary celebration was held on 27th March in the newly built Forestville Arts Centre and was very well attended. A warm welcome was extended to John Turner, Daphne Cooper, Wal Anderson and Bryan Shepherd and all were introduced to the gathering as being members on the very first day of the Club formation. Daphne Cooper and Bryan Shepherd have continued their membership throughout the lifetime of the club and Reg presented both Daphne and Bryan with a Souvenir Coffee Mug, bearing the club logo, to show his personal appreciation of their continuous support.
We were thrilled to have Val Brown able to attend, especially as we had lost contact with her for quite some time, and happy to welcome ASCCA President Nan Bosler. Both of these ladies accepted the invitation to cut the Birthday Cake and much cheering followed this event. HAPPY TENTH BIRTHDAY!
Since 2003 the club continued to provide seniors with appropriate computer skills to help them keep up with the modern world and assisted others, such as the Brewarena/Warringah Photo Exposition, designed to promote educational activities among unemployed young people in those sister communities, in similar fields. Internet activity had been very popular and so had digital photography. The club offered courses in that medium, thanks to the drive of Paul Brenac and Sandra Brophey. The management committee was led by Colin Ward as president, Paul Brenac as vice-president, Jack Wilson as treasurer, Archie Macnaughton as secretary, Darrell Hatch as training coordinator, and Gay Savage, Faye Stewart and John Ray completing the committee. Dick Manuell succeeded Paul Brenac as newsletter editor. Windows XP became the standard operating system for the club’s eight computers and numerous additional programs were added to the machines. Malcolm Fell took on the formidable task of maintaining the functionality of club computers. The club also acknowledged the fine work of its voluntary trainers in helping seniors improve their computing skills.
During Seniors’ Weeks, the club held Open days that attracted many guests and opened their minds to the utility of computers. Membership remained fairly constant around 250 and the total number of seniors who have benefited from its training exceeded 1500.
 

Prepared by Dick Manuell, November 22, 2002
Amendments by Reg Flew, November 28, 2003.
Extension by Dick Manuell May 18, 2007