Author: Tariq Bitar

In this very electronically based world of leisure, business, health, banking etc. it does seem extremely odd to hear about a legal company who do not support any electronic transfer of documentation in any shape or form.  This is most unusual in this day and age.  They don’t use DX postal services either.  That’s the special business direct post system that doesn’t go through post office services.   Years ago when working for the courts and tribunal service, I came across lots of folk who were not yet computer savvy and would baulk at the very suggestion of sending an email on any given subject  All they needed was a simple training course to introduce the concept of electronic communications.  There were many solicitors companies who were flatly refusing to accept service via electronic means – everything had to be by hand or posted in.  It probably only needed a dedicated e-learning package to bring them to the light and see how scanning and circulating documentation via pdfs is a secure and speedy way to process business matters instead of relying on snail mail!

An ancient relative of mine has always had an aura about them.  Being slightly batty and a total reclusive, over the years the relative gained the reputation of being a difficult old moo who wouldn’t mix socially.  This was such a pity because the aunt in question was simply to old to want to mix with the ‘younger set’.  Her training for the outside world, beyond the very pretty gable ended house and immaculate lawned gardens was to be allowed to take the dog out for walkies and sit at dinner, listening to all the other old biddies around her all bemoaning their lives of luxury.  She did have an indominable spirirt which we played up to and discovered her razor sharp memory had been carefully hoed to precision with early training courses.   Reading every book on a subject and then more.  Making sure she was placed with a very interesting traveller as a dinner guest.  Its so easy these days if you desire more knowledge top ups – just go online and wow, the learning world will be at your fingertips.

I don’t know if anyone takes propert shorthand typing courses these days.  I have seen some lovely jobs that still call for these skills – usually in a particularly hi end magazine recruitment pages.  They are the sort that have embassies anonymously advertising for a fantastic Girl Friday or whatever they’re called these days.  When I was growing up, this was my dream job – to be important and look after a boss.  I hadn’t got as far as deciding what kind of boss – just one who could speak nicely and not too fast seems to be my limit.  I could do a certain amount of the shorthand, but the classes at school had been interrupted by the teacher having to go on long term sick leave and she was never replaced.  I excelled with the typing side of commercial studies though.  Ahh the happy sound of a trainee typist whizzing along to the William Tell Overture . . . .