New College Nottingham (ncn) adult learner Philip Orme has created calendars for 2008 depicting the local countryside, using skills learnt during ncn computer courses at St George’s Centre in Netherfield.
Philip, 63, spent 27 years working in Nottingham at Boots, where computers were introduced shortly before he took early retirement in 1997.
Having been a keen photographer for many years, especially during the 1960’s, 70’s and 80’s, Philip took up his hobby again seriously in 2005. This time he started using a digital camera.
Having scarcely used a computer before, he bought a PC in 2005 and then enrolled onto an introductory computer course run by ncn.
He says: “I have thoroughly enjoyed every minute of the courses. I’ve learnt a lot and the class is very friendly-you can go at your own pace”
A keen cyclist, Philip had a cycling accident this year which required repeated trips to hospital, but he carried on attending the course regardless and has produced more than 80 calendars so far for friends, family and acquaintances.
He has combined his photographic flair with IT skills to produce beautiful images for the calendars, which he creates purely for the pleasure of sharing his pictures with others. The two calendars, ‘Moods of Nature’ and ‘Native Flora and Fauna’ feature photographs taken in local countryside such as Lambley and Woodborough.
Philip has now completed a range of modules at ncn and moved onto a more advanced programme.
Tutor Jacqui Doar comments: “Philip has progressed very well. It was during his studies that a suggestion occurred for him to share his photographs using digital media. He worked extremely hard to produce his calendars”
Philip plans to continue making calendars and progress his computer skills in the future. He says: “It is all thanks to my tutors and their teaching that I have managed to produce the calendars and put my hobby and computer skills together.”