SturTech -Sturminster Newton Community Learning Centre

Sturminster Newton Community Learning Centre is in the Lydden room within the town's community building The Exchange.

We are open as a Drop-in every Wednesday from 9:30am till 4:30pm (last drop-in 3pm) & Monday from 9:30am to 12:30 (last drop-in 11:45) or you can make an appointment via 01258 475272; Email to snclc@btconnect.com or Dorset Digital Hotline 01305 221048 Our friendly volunteers are ready to help.

• Use the PCs on your own
• Get help with learning about computers (and tablets and smartphones etc.)
• Get help and advice (bring your own laptop-tablet-etc. if you wish).
• Problem solving (bring the device with a problem if possible)
• Follow a course or individual topics

There is no charge for using the computers nor for help and advice.

Equipment: The centre is well provided with 8 PCs and  tablets , plus a range of popular software and ancillary equipment. More Details.

Courses: We run a range of 11 courses mostly as individual (or with a friend) lessons- introducing a range of software and topics. More Details.

 Help and Advice: Our Volunteers have a range of general and specialist IT knowledge and include IT professionals, they will do their best to help.

Lydden Room, The Exchange,

Old Market Hill

Sturminster Newton,

Dorset  DT10 1QU

01258 475272

snclc@btconnect.com

We are members of Dorset County Council’s Digital Champion Network and partner Stuminster’s Library to provide full computer support and learning facilities locally.

We are a member of the UK On-Line Centres Network which offers access to a range of on-line short courses called "Learn my Way" - we can register you here, its free to use. If you want to register at home you can use our centre code - 6071.

You can also use the BBC Webwise facilities for absolute beginners:

We are very grateful to recent and past sponsors:

The Exchange who provide and service the Lydden Room.

Dorset Partnership for Older People Programme (POPP) who helped fund startup equipment and some new technology equipment in 2014.

Microsoft UK who’s community scheme enabled all our equipment to be updated to latest versions of Windows and Microsoft Office in 2010 and via the Technology Trust again in 2013 and 2016.

Sturminster Cheese Festival who funded our Sage software in 2011 enabling us to teach Sage accounting and improve employment prospects of our “graduates”.

The Co-Operative Community Fund who provided two new computers with large touch monitors (2014).

Sturminster Newton Town Council who provided a new computer in 2015.

Hall & Woodhouse - Replacement computers and new technology - including VR in 2016.

                             -  Large presentation monitor for use of all community groups in the Exchange -2019

Waitrose - Computer with capacity to support new technology - including VR in 2016. Smartphone

               demonstration equipment 2019.

ASDA - New Monitor  2017

Lloyds Bank (via Good Things Foundation)  - Wall Monitor, replacement printer &room hire 2018/20

Sturminster Newton Community Orchestra  - Assistive and Therapeutic Technology 2018; Printer

Blackmore Vale Masonic Lodge  - Assistive and Therapeutic Technology 2018; Printer

William Williams Charity  - Two Windows 11 Computers  2021. Funding for two Windows12 computers when avavailable.

We can help with most PCs, Tablets and Smartphones as well as Digital Cameras, Sat Navs, Smart Assistants and Displays, VR systems etc.

We have examples of Apple and Android Tablets and our volunteers have their own Smartphones but we can’t have examples of every type so bring your own equipment if you have a problem with the device.

The manufactures believe that they have made their devices so easy to use that most people do not need a manual and no user guide is included but there are online manuals available  and Youtube videos. We can find your devices manual and give you access to it.

Technical Tips

• What to do if your phone is stolen
• On Line Banking Guides click here
• If you think you may be being scammed dial 159 to safely talk to your bank.
• Take care not to sign up to ‘push notifications’ - maybe with cookies. If you get notifications saying you have viruses etc. they are not dangerous in themselves unless you click on the links or call the number. Ignore them, then we can show you how to block them.

Technology Tips      click here

Notices

We are open for drop-in (problems, advice, set-up, upgrades & learning): see times below.

Or Book an appointment by Email to snclc@btconnect.com or phone

01258 475272 .

Artificial intelligence Seminars Wednesdays 2:00pm:

Introduction and Next Steps

Please enquire for dates and booking.

We can help you start to use the NHS web site and local BlackmoreVale Practice website.

Home of the Town Newsletter -

“What’s Happening in Stur”

Click here for current and recent editions and features including new Town Guide and Trailway guide (April 2025).

Also how to sign up to receive Emailed copies and to submit articles/events etc.

Smartphones have become an essential part of modern life. They need not be expensive - our current recommendation is approx. £70, for which you get a phone, a good camera and everything a tablet does including your digital assistant.