BCS Berkshire Branch newsletter – December 2011
Welcome
This month we have the AGM and Christmas Party, two training courses, and some interesting talks. Just one of the talks is advertised here.
For more, check out the new BCS Berkshire Branch website
News
New Website and Newsletter
We are trying out a new website and newsletter. Both have teething troubles but we hope they will soon improve communication for all our readers – no matter what web browser, email application or firewall you use!
Do you have an interesting life? – Berkshire schools are looking for inspirational speakers
If you have an interesting life in computing, why not tell local schools about it and enthuse the next generation of computing professionals? There are many opportunities to give talks to small groups of secondary pupils. Members of the Thames Valley Hub of Computing at School are coming to the AGM so If you would like to get involved then do come along or email the Chair to start a discussion on how you can get involvded.
Chair’s Report
This has been an amazing year. We have greatly increased the number of events we hold for members. We now hold at least one event per week and often two or more. We hold events with local Branches and advertise their events. We even had one event, at the Copa bar, with a virtual presence from a Branch in the USA! We have gone international with our virtual meetings in SecondLife where we hosted a play by foreign learners of English and have supported the delivery of real life CPD qualifications to scores of UK teachers. We have increased our involvement with local charities. Members have given up their time to train staff at Braknell Forest Voluntary Action in the use of social media so they can stay in touch with their donors, volunteers and clients. There is always a huge demand for our members to develop databases and websites for local charities. We are engaged with the Thames Valley Hub of Computing at School and have sponsored prizes, given lectures, and atteneded careers days and evenings at local schools. We have built up a great relationship with Oracle and have supported Microsoft in its outreach to users and to school children. We have supported TeenTech and signed up HQ to supporting its national role out. We have introduced not one, but two, new newsletters and web sites. All of this has been made possible by the tremendous support we get from HQ and the energy and enthusiasm of our members and the members of the Branch Committee and Branch Council. A really proud moment was when Mike Underwood, a past Chair of the Branch, received a BCS Certificate of Appreciation. Well done Mike and well done to you all. Whoever is elected at the AGM, let’s pull together to make 2012 an even better year.
Forthcoming events
AGM & Chritmas Party – Tuesday 6 December at 19.00 in the Copa Bar, Reading
Come and hear what the Berkshire Branch Committee and Council have done for you throughout the year. Tell us what you want for Christmas and the new year! Vote in the elections and then party the evening away with silly hats and cake.
Meet the Ice Warrior – Monday 12 in the Déjà vu Bar and Eatery, Reading
Café Scientifique have organised this talk on a wintery theme.
Free Two Day Course on Lean Quality Assurance – Monday 12 to Tuesday 13 December in London
On-line booking is essential for this course so see the description in December’s events on the website.
Free Two Day Course on Project and System Level Requirements – Wednesday 14 to Thursday 15 December in London
On-line booking is essential for this course so see the description in December’s events on the website.
More…
See current events
See future events