David Hamilton - Blog

Today I had the pleasure of chairing the APLAWS International User Group here at Fenland Hall. We welcomed visitors from around the world, as well as authorities from across Britain. Guests came from as far as Germany, India and even South Africa!

Joining up

APLAWS is a computer system designed to manage local council websites. There is no license fee to use it and it's largely maintained by a community of local authority technical gurus - a great example of joined up working in the public sector.

Our portfolio holder for IT Councillor Kit Owen opened the event with a warm welcome and explained how technology will play an important part in the way we deliver council services in the future.

Setting the tone

It was a real pleasure to have Bill Thompson along as guest speaker. He gave an interesting and thoroughly enjoyable presentation entitled "Building the virtual world". He told us about the future of the internet and emerging technologies that local authorities could adopt. Bill is a regular on BBC TV and Radio and started the Guardian Newspaper's first website.

(Above) Bill Thompson and David Hamilton in front of the APLAWS International User Group logo.

A day to remember

Everyone enjoyed the day. For many it was their first visit to Fenland, and they were quickly taken with our unique landscape. It's a great privilege to be able to host events like this - it puts Fenland firmly on the map and I hope many of the visitors will go back to their authorities, universities and companies and tell them what a great place they've been to!

(Above) Some representatives from the APLAWS User Group in front of the Civic Entrance at Fenland Hall - it was a tight squeeze!

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