The club was formed in the September of 1982, by some young computer enthusiasts from Sir Frederic Osborn School, in Welwyn Garden City, Herts. They found a suitable site at the Campus West library, and advertised the first club meeting in shop windows and by word of mouth.
A large number turned out for the meeting; some bringing along their micros. In those days the latest computers were Sinclair ZX81, Sinclair Spectrum, BBC Micro, Vic 20 and the Newbrain. The meeting lasted two hours, and everyone went away promising to return for the next one.
Another meeting took place, but soon after part of the committee decided to resign, and a shake up took place. The committee shrank to two until a third member joined soon after the second meeting. After much discussion, it was decided to move the meeting away from the Campus, because it was proving to be too expensive. The committee looked for a suitable building.
Two weeks later it moved to the Panshanger Youth Club in Herns Lane, Welwyn Garden City. It was decided that club meetings should take place every 1st and 3rd Friday in the month. The name of the club was changed to 'Basic User Group'. Over the next few years the numbers were steady at around 10-15 per meeting.
In 1985 the club's name was again changed to 'Panshanger Computer Club' because it was felt that it represented the area in which the club was situated.
In 1987 the meeting dates were changed to every alternate Friday. The reason for this is that it would be easier to remember when the next meeting was and it meant that the time gap between meetings would be constant. Unfortunately, two of the founding committee members had to resign due to personal commitments. Indeed a great blow, but fortunately two other club members were drafted in.
In 1989 the club organised the first club outing to British Aerospace. It proved to be an oustanding success for all concerned.
In May of 1999 after about 16 years at the Panshanger youth club we moved about 100 yards down the road to Panshanger Junior School in the road directly opposite our old premises (road name Daniells). How lucky to find excellent premises within walking distance of our old venue.
Soon after our move to new premises our Chairman, John Stonier, fled to Yeovil to marry his fiancee - Without John's efforts over the 16 plus years he has been associated with the club we would NOT be where we are today. He resigned as Chairman and all it leaves is for us to wish him and his good lady all the best and hope they will stay in contact via the club's online contact facilities.
The ever willing club secretary Mark Empson has taken on the newly created club committee position of 'General Dogsbody'. Mark, along with John Stonier, was one of the original members of the club and so it is in 'good hands'.
At the start of the 'New Millennium' we have an enthusiastic membership and excellent committee; Mark Empson is the mainstay of the club as Secretary, Dane Koekoek of the Acorn platform's Werewolf Software fame steps in to John Stonier's shoes as Chairman, Frank Treviss launders the club funds under the guise of treasurer, Claudia Lane is the club advertising representative, Lynne and Robin Fairbrother keep members fed and watered by looking after the catering (Lynne's cakes are delicious) and I (Geoff Lane), fiddle about with the web pages.
During the summer of 2001 some faceless accountant decided we were not paying an economic rent and as such the cost for our evening of entertainment was increased from £15 to £60, this could not go on as although, due to good club finances, we could absorb a loss for a while this would have caused us to become bankrupt very soon. So, after many enquiries we moved into older but just as nice premises at the Hyde Association - still Welwyn Garden City but about 5 minutes by car away from Panshanger.
It is interesting to note that orginal membership consisted of dedicated Computer enthusists who were mainly adults. The present membership appears to have a good mix from teens to senior citizens and all mix well and exchange ideas.
We are also well aware that with the internet one's location is of no great importance so, with this in mind, we are now trying to cater for visitors to our web page as well as visitors to our club. We are offering an online facilities and IRC meets. We are also looking in to other online possibilities and if any visitors to our page have any ideas please feel free to leave a message on our guest book or email via the links on our page.
The club aims to cater for all aspects of computing and all levels of expertise. Subjects discussed range from Programming to Desk Top Publishing - Communications to Accounting. The games side blows hot and cold and at the time of updating this page (Nov 99) there is a small interest in the games section of our club
Members attending the club bring a number of different computers with them, many Acorns and various flavours of PC along with one regular member who runs Linux on his machine.
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