About me

Watford Gap

Watfordgap (Paul Webster)

Keep it simple – that’s what we’re always told.

About Me

I’m Paul Webster – based at NAVCA in Sheffield who were part of the ICT Hub from 2005 until it closed in March 2008. My work was started as part of the ICT Hub but has continued to receive funding from Capacitybuilders to co-ordinate the work of nine ICT Champions for the 3rd sector – one based in each region of England.

This has come full circle as I was was born and bred in Sheffield before moving away to work for ICT companies (they called it Computer Programming in them days, son) in Leeds, London, Chester, Manchester and Mansfield amongst others.

Just prior to working for the ICT Hub I managed a computer reuse and refurbishing scheme, something that was hugely rewarding to see computers being put back to work… and youngsters being trained and put back to work too.

I may delve into my past ICT history from time to time, or bore you with tales of “how it used to be in Sheffield”, or even how the only football team in the city are fairing (the red and white ones) – but do stop me if you’d rather I didn’t.

Why ‘watfordgap’ ?

Back in 2005 at an early ICT Hub meeting someone (also from the North) said to me “It’s great to have you working as part of the team as these Londoners don’t think anyone understands technology or is using ICT or computers north of the Watford Gap”   ….. and it just stuck !

As you will read on these pages I know that ICT and innovative uses of technology do exist up here in, but that there are still areas (in both the north and the south) where communities have not grasped the full potential of technology and where there is not enough ICT infrastructure support to go round. But there is willingness and interest to be working on it.

About this blog

So, what is the point of this blog ?

It’s to show a number of things related to ICT / computers / technology etc in the 3rd Sector.

Giving you snippets into my travels around the country, working with the network of ICT Champions and local infrastructure organisations.

Showing the importance of organisations properly planning their ICT, budgeting for it, having systems and back-ups in place should things go wrong so that they can operate more efficiently in their core activities.

Showing how social media tools, open source and new technology can be used by organisations to be more effective in reaching to their audience.

To record some of the more mundane / entertaining stories from my travels, which could cover railway coffee, random meetings with fellow Tweeters or why it rains every time I go to Manchester!

Contact me (by email is usually the best way) at paul.webster@navca,org.uk

Notice

I work at NAVCA (National Association for Voluntary and Community Action). Everything here, however, is my personal opinion and is not read or approved before it is posted. Opinions, conclusions and other information expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of NAVCA.