KEEN computer buffs in Bromsgrove and Redditch are being offered a chance to learn more about computer coding, with a new club being set up at Heart of Worcestershire College.

The Coding Club, which is being organised as part of the Raspberry Jam scheme, will let people experiment with their own Raspberry Pi computers, tiny credit card sized computers, which can be plugged into a screen and a keyboard, and let people try out their own electronic projects to create spreadsheets and games, as well as being able to look more closely at hardware, software, and coding.

Kevin Brace, blended learning advisor at the college, said: “I have followed the rise of the Raspberry Pi for a few years now - and felt it was time to learn more, by diving head in. Martin Eyre and I both attended a recent Raspberry Jam at a school in Stourbridge. We were both inspired to start a regular club based in the Midlands. I'm a beginner and am keen to meet like minded people where we can learn about coding and tinkering with this mini computer in a mutually supportive environment. I felt this was a golden opportunity to start and promote the club as an enrichment opportunity to our students in Bromsgrove and Redditch; and to the local community.”

Local IT solutions company, Redland Business Solutions, is pitching in to help sponsor the club.

Mick Catherall, delivery and operations director at Redland, added: “This is a great initiative that we are proud to sponsor. It will interest people of all ages; we may even meet and develop future employees. Learning and playing with the Raspberry Pi in this way is a great way for people understand how technology really works in a safe, friendly and fun environment.”

The club is being launched with a free event at the Bromsgrove campus, which is taking place on Tuesday, April 14 from 6.30-9pm. The event is aimed at adults, but under 16’s are welcome to attend as long as they are accompanied by a responsible guardian.

For more information, and to register for the first free session, visit eventbrite.co.uk/e/a-slice-of-pi-tickets-16265792423.