From the Momentum Meeting on 15 March
March 15, 2007 Posted by Clare in : Digital Challenge, Bristol City Council, Events, Connecting Bristol , 1 comment so far50 people gathered tonight at Watershed for a post digital challenge discussion. A result in itself…
Looking back over the past few weeks: the final presentation to government went very well but some of the questions provoked uncertainty as the agenda seemed to have moved away from inclusion to refocusing on the transformation of government services.
As Stephen noted, it would obviously be better to stand up having won, but the conversation is now how we move on. Not winning is a set back but it isn’t the end. And, in terms of being an international showcase, Bristol has done extremely well – with significant press interest and this blog which has told our story, inviting feedback and comment and getting significant visitor numbers.
The Morning After the Announcement
March 14, 2007 Posted by Stephen Hilton in : Digital Challenge , 3 commentsYesterday Angela Smith MP kept us on our toes for as long as possible before announcing Sunderland City Council as winner of the Digital Challenge. Congratulations to the Sunderland team, they seem like a very nice lot. I look forward to working with them and with the other regional winners.
Of course, ‘we’ (the Connecting Bristol team) feel hugely disappointed that Bristol didn’t win. Everyone has worked extremely hard for a very long time. However, now that this stage of proceedings is out of the way, we can regroup, refocus and get on with the real business of delivering a Digital Strategy for Bristol.
The £2 million ‘runners up fund’ was an unexpected bonus. The Minister stressed that this investment is a sign of the faith Government has in delivering all ten bids.
The way I see things this morning is that although Bristol didn’t scoop the big cash prize, the city is still holding a winning hand. Bristol has the energy, creativity, invention and excellence that is needed to bring about real and lasting transformation – its is all still here, more people than ever recognise this and there is no stopping the momentum now…
May the Force be with Connecting Bristol
March 13, 2007 Posted by Stephen Hilton in : Digital Challenge, Awards, Connecting Bristol , add a comment“When you don’t have a charm with you, crossing your fingers averts bad luck”.
Many Bristol fingers and even a few toes will be crossed tomorrow because it is Digital Challenge final announcement day. Eight of us – Jane, Kevin, Dick, Clare, Makala, Barbara, Jaya and me will be heading to London in a minibus. At the QEII Hall in Westminster we will hear the Ministerial announcement of the winner and eat some sandwiches. Supporters and the media will gather at Watershed to watch the live webcast.
The decision is expected at around 12.45pm. The agenda is as follows:
12:00 Open and Welcome Stephen Dodson, Innovations and Challenge
Programme Director, DCLG
12.05 City of London Philip Willoughby - Chairman of the Finance Committee
12:15 Digital Inclusion and Jeff Mc Whinney, Director, Significan’t
12:30 Digital Challenge Angela Smith MP,Parliamentary Undersecretary of State for Communities & Local Government
12:45 Winner’s Announcement Angela Smith MP
12:47 Acceptance speech Winner
12:55 Closing Remarks Stephen Dodson, Innovations and Challenge Programme Director
I have spent much of the day preparing our 5 minute winning speeches and our even shorter losing media statement. At least one of them will be used. When I told my son tonight that the odds were ten-to-one against us winning he said, “well at least that’s better than when Luke blew up the Death Star – that was a million to one” …. well, I have always had a sense that the force is with us.
Watch us squirm live here
'Funniest game of all time' ends today
March 9, 2007 Posted by Clare in : Gaming, Digital Challenge, Bristol, Innovation , add a commentToday is the last day of MeiGeist, an Alternative Reality Game created by Bristol-based Licorice Film. Blending humour and short film with code-breaking and clues, 30,000 people around the world have taken part over the last 8 weeks and it has been referred to as ‘the funniest game of all time!” and “the ARG event of the year!” Read more reviews at the forum.
Hazel did a BBC Radio interview at 7.15 am this morning that is available to listen to online: http://www.bbc.co.uk/bristol. Go to listen again and select the John Turner breakfast show – the interview takes place about an hour and 15 mins in.
MeiGeist was supported by HP Labs, Arts Council England, South West Screen, Watershed and The University of the West of England.
