I would like to able to set up a web-site about some social activities without too much grief. If the course would also include a low cost host for the completed web so much the better.

To be honest, there aren't many available. However, you can read about web design and learn about coding for free, if you have the time and patience to do so.

There are also many books available on the subject to help you kick-start a website quickly and easily (or so they would have you believe!)

I've listed below a couple of links that I think might be of use to you.

Might I also recommend the Sitepoint books. You can get them on Amazon.

Good luck!

Heres a couple good freebies

http://www.webdesignfromscratch.com/

http://www.webmastercourse.com/

Complete website tools for easy design here

http://AMHarris.profitmatic.com/doityour...