The ICT 1301 Resurrection Project.
Events

Past Events

*** Bromley U3A Visit Oct 2012 ***

The machine all tidied up for the Open Day !

2012 U3A Bromley Open Day Summary !

This was our Second visit from a U3A group, this time the Bromley U3A !
The trip was initiated by John Ross and his wife and was organised by Joan Armstrong. Twenty individuals who just wanted to see the machine and its location.


Joan with the clattering Magnetic Tape units behind her.

Most of the U3A group had little experience of this type of machine, although some members were aware of, and had experienced later machines such as the 1900 series.

We were most delighted with the response and the interest shown, we would most certainly do this again for the same or another U3A group who had an interest in either Industrial Archaeology, Vintage British Computers or the Darling Buds of May filming location, or maybe even all three.



John with Roger, the owner on the day.

We started with a stop off in the Farm Yard with it's distinctive Oast house backdrop and explained the behind the scene's life during the filming of the series. After we had explained that we moved on to the story behind the 1301 computer and how it had arrived at the farm to start with. Then moving into the Computer room we removed covers and showed the vital main elements of the machine and explained why it had been designed and built the way it was over 49 years ago in 1962.

For those with a technical interest we dug as deep as the audience wanted, discussing the architecture of the design and its mode of operation. Then when all were happy we powered the machine up and gave the group a chance to experience what it was like to be around a big working beast of a computer in the 1960's.

The day went well for us and we believe from feedback that it was enjoyed by all who attended ! Although it means we loose a working day and the event has to be booked around the dates that the Owner and myself are available, this second experience was most positive for all concerned .