Hayman Goes Haywire!

Susan Hayman

I've been computerised - and let me tell you that at the moment it is still painful!

When I left school in the dim and distant past with my GCEs including shorthand and typing, little did I expect or even know that many years later I would be operating not a manual typewriter, not an electric typewriter or even an electronic typewriter (yes. there IS a difference - or rather there WAS a difference). but that I would be doing word processing noch on a super-duper (well nearly) state of the art computer, I didn't even know what a computer was.

And not only word processing but your actual computer work, receipts, bills, membership, etc. I'm learning a new language - I can 'adjust' and even 'reverse adjustments' (the mind boggles), you'd be surprised at the difference between 'forward slashes and 'backward slashes', the 'main menu^' is not an evening in Blooms, and the 'requery box' is quite useful. The trouble is that after I had my initial training I went on holiday for two weeks, so it is now like starting all over again. Other shul Administrators who are old hands at this have all been extremely helpful and it's a wonder they are still talking to me.

Head Office of the United Synagogue has, over the past few years been passing on lots of the work they used to do for individual shuls to those shuls, e.g. annual membership accounts, Gift Aid details, etc. etc. so their computer system had to be learnt by the Administrators. Some took to it like ducks to water. but as I can't swim, you can imagine my feelings. I put it off as long as possible, but at the end of last year I was told by the Financial Representative that I 'would be going live' in January.

Computer training sessions take place on a regular basis and it is surprising what can be learnt by listening to other people asking questions. There are several people throughout the organisation who are 'trouble shooters' and are extremely helpful to us new users.

I am happy to say that I survived three days of training and the New West End is 'live'- I can see the virtues of the system and when I have learnt everything (well, most of it) it will be extremely quick. It's all gradually falling into place. The idea is that it will have all your membership details together on one 'page' rather than my having to go to several files in the cupboard to look for the information. To this end, we will shortly be sending out our version of a "Census Form" which PLEASE complete and return to me so that I can update our records.

At last we've arrived in the 21st century and I have to admit that it's been a bit of a culture shock, so if there is a mistake on your annual account, please have a little patience.