Dear Tom and SIGCIS members, First of all let me say to all those that will be coming to the ICHSTM: welcome to Manchester! Hope you'll enjoy a nice stay, interesting papers and (at least accordingly to forecasts) pleasant weather conditions. I just wanted to add a few more details to Tom's message since we have been working hard -as ICHSTM Local Organising Committee- to make sure that aside from academic sessions and papers, we could also offer an opportunity to explore the HSTM in interesting ways. History of computing is a case in point since on 22 and 23 July 2013 the Ooppera Skaala of Helsinki will put on stage the Turing Machine Opera at the MMU Capitol Theatre. The performance, a UK premiere, represents a unique opportunity to learn more about the life and career of mathematician, code breaker and computer pioneer Alan Turing. Before the opera, guests will also be invited to take part in Decode/Recode, the global networked interactive event that was designed last year to celebrate the centenary of Turing's birth. Additional information on Turing Machine Opera with Decode/Recode can be found in our website (www.ichstm2013.com/programme/guide/s/L346.html<http://www.ichstm2013.com/programme/guide/s/L346.html>) and in one of our video blogs (www.ichstm2013.com/blog/2013/06/19/the-turing-machine-opera-video-blog-preview/<http://www.ichstm2013.com/blog/2013/06/19/the-turing-machine-opera-video-blog-preview/>). Tickets can be purchased directly at the ICHSTM Events Desk (University Place) from Sunday. Alternatively, those who are interested in reserving a ticket can send an email to boxoffice@ichstm2013.com<mailto:boxoffice@ichstm2013.com>. For those coming to Manchester please also take a look at the other events in the public and fringe programmes, of which Turing Machine is part of, here: www.ichstm2013.com/fringe/index.html<http://www.ichstm2013.com/fringe/index.html> and here: www.ichstm2013.com/public/index.html<http://www.ichstm2013.com/public/index.html>). And please note that our own James Sumner has organised a special Turing walk on Monday 22. This is the ideal "appetiser" to the Turing Machine Opera (but works well also as a “main”!) and the details can be found here: www.ichstm2013.com/programme/guide/s/M384.html<http://www.ichstm2013.com/programme/guide/s/M384.html>. So join him in a short visit to the places in Manchester where Turing lived and worked. Looking forward to seeing you soon in Manchester! Dr. Simone Turchetti Centre for the History of Science, Technology and Medicine (CHSTM) The University of Manchester Simon Building Oxford Road Manchester M13 9PL Tel.: +44-161-275-5923 Fax.: +44-161-275-5699