At Sheringham town community newspaper. North Norfolk England UK.

SHERINGHAM BROADBAND

A big thank to everyone who registered their interest. We have well over the required 500 registrations of interest. In the next 2-3 weeks we anticipate that BT will make an announcement regarding the date the broadband service will be available. Based on previous form it will be in late February or early March 2004. BT will need to put new equipment in the local phone exchange, which is why it takes this long. So what should you be doing now if you want broadband next year?

Right now - very little except making sure your existing Internet Provider will allow you to switch or cancel if you decide to change to broadband. If you connect to the Internet with one computer using a standard modem and a standard phone line, the swap over should be relatively straightforward. However, you will need a PC with at least Windows 98, a free USB connection port and a new broadband modem. The service works with most Macintosh systems. USB ports became standard on all PCs around 5 to 6 years ago. If you have a very old PC without USB ports, or running Windows 3.1 or Windows 95, then it may be time to think about asking Santa for some help, if you want broadband! However don't go out and buy a new broadband modem just yet.

Some broadband service providers are throwing in "free or reduced price" broadband modems, so don't splash out on a new broadband modem just yet. Confused? Need help? Local broadband Internet provider Paston Chase is offering free advice. You can contact them on 01603 502061 or support@paston.co.uk. In future articles we are explaining what to look for in a broadband service provider. We will also be explaining the importance of having some form of firewall to protect the information on your PC and the options that you have in this respect. This is particularly important when you move a broadband service, as your PC is more vulnerable with the broadband service, more on this in later articles. Plus what to do if you have a network of computers that needs broadband.

For now..... well done everyone and remember, there is no need to rush into signing up with any broadband provider. It only takes two weeks to change to broadband and its not available until February 2004 at the earliest, so you have plenty of time.

We have now been going for a whole year!

Yes, @ Sheringham is one year old and getting stronger each issue. There have been several side effects from the paper, the main one for us here in the office, is that we have been able to meet so many lovely people in Sheringham. This town is full to the brim with people willing to help one another and we should all be very proud to be part of this comunity.

We at the paper would like to give our heartfelt thanks to all the businesses who have enabled this to be possible. You must remember, that without their support through paid advertising we would not be able to go to print.

Also thanks to Vic for his controversial column and Anon for his excellent Cartoons. As for the coming year... please keep the stories, letters and photographs coming. We are only as good as the content and that comes from you, the readers who we also thank for their kind comments. Thank you. Ed

RAFA Sheringham & District Branch
The record Wings Appeal now tops Ł9000

At the Branch Fish & Chip Supper on Tuesday 28 October, the Chairman Derek Shrigley announced that the final figure for their record breaking Wings Week Appeal had now risen to over Ł9000. This represents a 37% increase on 2002. Over 60 members and supporters packed the hall to maximum capacity. Present were Sqn Ldr Williams and three other RAFALOs from RAF Coltishall. The President, Sir Colin Turner paid a special tribute to Miss Margery Nelson, who had been collecting at each Wings Week for more than 22 years and had raised some Ł1800. To mark her 90th birthday he presented her with a potted plant and a card signed by those present.