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It's always a pleasure to be able to write good news, and this issue has more than its fair share.

The big news this issue is that UK Online is coming to Gorton. This is not a promise, a plan or an idea, we're well on the way to achieving it.

There will be two UK Online centres in Gorton, one in Gorton North and one in Gorton South, both of which should open this summer and will be initially open during the day. In addition, there will be facilities at PJ's for those who might like to pop in in the evenings.

But that's not all, by incorporating from the outset, links with the larger East Manchester UK Online centres project, there will be wider access and greater opportunities for all.

So what are the opportunities? What does this mean to you?

Simply, it means that those who, for whatever reason, have no access to the Internet or to Information and

Communications Technology (ICT) can have that access through the centres. For those who have access to these things, but want to learn more about them, then they can come along and learn. That's not all though, we hope to provide a whole spectrum of learning experiences which, as many people don't give a hoot about computers in themselves, might concentrate on a variety of subjects, the technology serving only as a means to an end. Furthermore, we intend to offer different levels of involvement, from the very basic, to more advanced and accredited courses provided by professional organisations.

Each centre will have trained and qualified staff who will be there to help everybody who wants to use the facilities to get what they want from the experience, from advice and guidance to hands on tuition.

What we won't do is come around telling you that this is what you need, but what we will do is be there when you decide that we might be able to provide something for you. Make no mistake, we want to

know what it is that you want from this and will be asking you for your input starting with this issue. On pages 8 and 9 we have produced a survey. Please fill it in and return it to us, it will make a difference.

You will notice that we have a couple of jobs advertised in this issue, if you think that you would be perfect for one of these, please apply. We positively welcome applicants from all sections of the community and would be especially happy to see applicants from Gorton. And keep an eye out,

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FORUM

OPEN

MEETING

TUESDAY

16th APRIL

2002

COLLIER

HOUSE

Gorton Lane

Commencing 7.00pm

Speakers:

To be Notified

All who live and work in Gorton are welcome.