Aldbourne does not only epitomise the description 'a picture postcard village' but it can also boast of its very own web site.

We find out what the introduction of the site has meant to the village.

Aldbourne, situated in a valley on the Marlborough Downs and approximately ten miles from Swindon is one of those quintessentially English of villages.

Unlike a number of similar villages around the country it remains relatively unsullied by progress and possesses a thriving community atmosphere.

This spirit is ably demonstrated at the Aldbourne Community web site which has been positively embraced by locals. There is even a site advertisement on the road signs that welcome you to the village.

With upwards of 140 visitors a day, the site caters not only for residents and expatriates of the village but also web users around the world who have an interest in the area.

The site succeeds in striving to include a multitude of village-related features and articles covering all aspects of Aldbourne life.

The Aldbourne Community Group Website

It is aptly named as you do get a real sense of community about the site. Particularly in the lively forum section where topics discussed include the promotion of local events, general chat about village issues and a handy ‘Sales, Wants and Swaps’ section.

Website chairman John May certainly feels that the site has helped to bring the village together.

"Many aspects of the site are known, not only to those with computer access but also to others who hear from friends and relatives via word of mouth," he said.

"The discussion board has definitely been a good source of communication, in particular when the village was experiencing problems with noise and massive road excavation by various contractors."

John also explained that even the local Police Constable regularly keeps an eye on the forum to gauge local views on this and other issues.

The site is regularly updated with new and useful features being added all the time and recently a property section was set up. This is a free service enabling people in Aldbourne, Baydon and the surrounding area to sell or rent their property via the site.

Other popular pages include the History section detailing the village’s 1,000 year heritage.

John said: "Aldbourne has a rich trail of historical interest which we are gradually building up in the form of articles published on the site. For example we have an excellent historical item on bell founding which was a major industry here for two hundred years."

Furthering the website motto of "for the community - by the community", the Aldbourne Website group has recently launched an Internet learning facility in conjunction with St Michael’s Primary School in the village.

With the aid of a £5,000 injection from Awards for All, computer equipment was purchased and it is hoped that both school pupils and perhaps more importantly, villagers lacking in computer experience will benefit from the facility.

Villager Audrey Barnett and St Michaels School pupils David Osborne and Daisy Ingram at the launch of the computer training facility.

John said "Technology is moving at a tremendous speed, many older people haven’t had access to it and they are being left behind. If you aren’t able to access the internet, then in the next 5-10 years you are really going to be left behind."

The facility, based at the school will be at the disposal of pupils during the day and will be available to villagers in the evenings. They will be able to receive training and advice from a team of volunteers.

Audrey Barnett who is in her 70’s had no experience of computers at all until she began attending classes.

"I was very green about it and wanted to understand what my grandchildren were talking about," she said. "It’s also a nice social thing."

For more information visit the Aldbourne Community Website.