Nick Walton introduced Graham to the class and went on to say that the reason that he was invited was that part of their course work was to write a letter to their local MP and invite him to present course certificates. Posting the letter is not part of the course but Freda Horton, one of the students, said, 'I posted it because I'd made a lot of mistakes whilst working on it and, after all my hard work, I felt that I had to do something to show the benefits of my hard work!”
In reply Graham said, 'I was very pleased to receive your invitation to visit the class today to present the certificates for the 'Getting Started on the Computer Course'. The hardest part of starting any new venture is taking the first step and I must congratulate you all for taking it on this course. I have been trying to get my Mother to start a computer course for ages, and now I can tell her about your achievements. I have just been visiting the Daresbury Science Park who are developing new technologies for both the 21st and 22nd Centuries, but just as important for me is visiting a group of people who have just taken their first steps on a computer in the 21st century. I sincerely congratulate all of you for starting your journey.'
Nick Walton added, 'Thank you for your words of encouragement. I always say that this Getting Started course is the toughest of all the courses we do here at the Telematics Centre. That’s because it takes real guts to come through the door that first time. You don’t know what you will be asked to do and you don’t know the other people who will be in the class with you. So, well done everybody. I am really proud of you all and what you have achieved in these six short weeks.”