Cledwyn Jones uses Internet skills to research for a new book

Cledwyn Jones is 90 yrs of age and lives with his wife in Bangor, Gwynedd. Cledwyn is well known throughout Wales as a member of Triawd y Coleg (‘The College Trio’) – a popular singing group that was formed by students of Bangor University in 1946. Cledwyn is delighted that he can listen to recordings made by the trio over 60 years ago for the BBC on YouTube.

Cledwyn has written three books in the Welsh language on the history of his home village, and on local dignitaries of the middle ages. It was whilst undertaking research into his books that Cledwyn was awakened to the possibilities of the Internet as a research tool. He attended some computer classes but was unhappy with the lessons, finding them too technical and not teaching him what he wanted to know.

 

Then, Cledwyn saw a local news article about the Get IT Together project in Gwynedd and contacted Daniel Richards, the Gwynedd Project Coordinator, to get help in finding a suitable course. Daniel linked Cledwyn up with a course run at a local library where he could learn about Google and email. Cledwyn was delighted with the lessons and how they met his specific needs and is now researching WW2 RAF bases in the UK for a new book.

Cledwyn said:

“Having someone who understood my needs was crucial for me. I have no interest in Excel or games and I can use a keyboard. I just wanted someone to give me clear instruction, and the patience to help me through my mistakes. Daniel listened to my needs and paired me up with a tutor who listened to my questions.”

Cledwyn flew Lancaster Bombers in the RAF from 1941 to 1945, until a serious accident led to a stay at the Queen Victoria Hospital in East Grinstead. During his hospitalisation, Cledwyn was under the care of Sir Archibald McIndoe CBE, a pioneering New Zealand plastic surgeon who worked for the Royal Air Force during World War II, greatly improving the treatment and rehabilitation of badly burned aircrew. After leaving the RAF, and having no interest in flying a desk, Cledwyn went to Bangor University to take up his studies in order to become a teacher, and eventually a lecturer in Bangor University, teaching Welsh and RI, before retiring in 1979.

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