Justin Tomlinson MP with Jeremy Holt of the Computer Museum
A museum dedicated to the history of computing has received a £3,000 grant for its education work thanks to Intel and local MP Justin Tomlinson.
The Museum of Computing, in Theatre Square, was given the money by the computer giant, which has a base in Pipers Way, following discussions between executives and the North Swindon MP.
The volunteer-run museum, which was established in 1993, will use the cash to develop its education programme, which provides information about computing.
Simon Webb, the museum's curator, who is also a professional software engineer, said, "The grant makes an enormous difference to us. We are a competely not-for-profit organisation so we don't get government or local authority funding. The grant just opens up the possibilities of what we can do".
The musuem plans to upgrade the software on the laptops used by its Saturday morning children's computer club. Organisers also plan to upgrade the hardware used for the BBC Click course, which is a computer and literacy course for those aged over 55.
Mr Tomlinson said the grant came about following one of his routine visits to Intel, when he asked whether the firm could do anything to support the museum.
Justin Tomlinson said, "I'm absolutely delighted, It will make a real difference to the museum and its activities. The museum is a real jewel in the crown for Swindon. It's something a bit quirky and different and it's a fascinating insight into the evolution or computer technology. As someone who grew up with the first wave of home computers, I was struck when I first visited the museum".
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