Posted: 05/07/18
Martyn reaps reward for helping others
For Martyn Walker, enrolling and succeeding on courses at West Nottinghamshire College has become second nature to him – and now he’s scooped an accolade for his dedication and efforts.
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County Councillor (and Deputy Leader) Reg Adair, left, presents Martyn with his honourable mention
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Martyn (centre) with classmates Paul Shorter (left) and David Cantrell (right) at Mansfield Library
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Martyn working on his latest piece of classwork in Mansfield Library
Martyn, 57, from Sutton-in-Ashfield, has attended over twelve short courses in the last eight years through the college’s community learning team, which offers over 250 courses in the Mansfield and Ashfield area including subjects such as digital photography, languages, crafts, IT and more.
It’s Martyn’s love of all things IT related and helping others to enjoy the subject that’s kept him coming back for more, and earnt him an honourable mention following the winner and runner-up in the Adult Learner of the Year category of the Inspire Awards 2017/18.
Martyn was one of over 300 Inspire awards nominations and he was the first guest to take to the stage and be warmly welcomed by television presenter and journalist, Geeta Pendse, then receive his certificate from Nottinghamshire County Councillor (and Deputy Leader) Reg Adair.
Inspire is a charitable community benefit society which delivers cultural and learning services across Nottinghamshire. Its second awards evening was held on Thursday 21 June in Beeston Library, celebrating winners, runners up and honourable mentions of shortlisted individuals, groups and teams.
Martyn was nominated by his tutor David Griffiths, who has taught him on a number of IT short programmes, going back to 2011. He has studied programmes such as Introduction to Excel Spreadsheets, Internet Safety for IT users, Powerpoint Presentations, European Computer Driving Licence, Microsoft Office Skills and many more.
David highlighted in particular Martyn’s willingness to help others in class, based at Mansfield Library on West Gate, whenever he can, giving them confidence, enthusiasm and support.
David said: “Martyn first studied through the college many years ago and for the last three years he has regularly enrolled on a number of IT courses. He has rarely missed a course and is always enthusiastic but more importantly he offers to help me when the classes are very busy.
“He willingly offers his help to classmates who are often of a mixed ability. He’s most certainly a cheerful character and outside of class he routinely drums up support for our courses at his local church. He thoroughly deserved to be put forward for an Inspire award and I hope we continue to see Martyn in future classes.”
Martyn said: “When I first started learning with the college, I had a computer at home and just wanted to learn to use it, so I came to enrol on IT courses. I enjoyed them so much I just carried on.
“I love learning about all things IT. Most of the courses I study are about six-weeks long, and as well as picking up new skills I get pride from learning something new and helping others. No two classes are the same and I get a lot of enjoyment from them. I’m also very proud to have been presented with an honourable mention.”
