Literacy learner converts new skills into rugby hardback

A Coleg y Cymoedd learner has used his new literacy and computer skills to achieve recognition by selling over a hundred copies of a self-researched book.

Martyn Ham, who is currently attending a Coleg y Cymoedd Adult Basic Education class in the community at Cynon Infants in Mountain Ash on Wednesday mornings, is an author of a fascinating new book focussed on his local rugby team.

Martyn, who has been collecting data on the subject for a couple of years, joined the class to enhance his computer skills so that he could use technology for more in depth research and to learn to create documents using a variety of applications.

Using the skills developed in his Literacy and Computers class, run in the community in conjunction with Communities 1st, Martyn decided to collate his research to inform the Mountain Ash rugby club book ‘The Old Firm’s Proud Past’ which gives a season by season account of a great era of rugby for Mountain Ash Rugby Club from its formation in 1875 until 1940 when the Second World War intervened.

The 600 page book was first published in late 2015 and has sold over 100 copies to the local rugby club and library for £17 each.

Commenting on the project and his time studying with Coleg y Cymoedd Martyn said: “The class helped broaden my knowledge of I.T. which helped when I put the book together. If anyone has an interest in learning I.T, I’d recommend coming along and learning the basics about the Internet, E-Mail, letter writing using Microsoft Word, and making simple arithmetic much easier by using Microsoft Excel.

The class has a pleasant atmosphere with different pupils progressing at their own speed, and if you have a question, it will be answered. I am very grateful to Ruth Barclay, the course tutor, for the part she’s played, and would like to put my thanks on the record.”

Community tutor Ruth Barclay said: “Martyn has come such a long way with his computer skills, he is a very avid learner. He had mentioned previously wanting to put all of the research he had gathered into creating a book, but it is fantastic to now see a very impressive looking book that is already selling copies. He deserves a lot of recognition for all of the hard work he has put in.”

If you are interested in attending classes in the community to improve your skills please contact 01443 816888.

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