Alan Turing’s 109th birthday this year saw the issue of new £50 Bank of England notes bearing his image and celebrating his achievements in mathematics, computer science and codebreaking.
This Wednesday 8th September, his nephew, Sir Dermot Turing will chair a panel discussion about what Alan’s legacy should be for the 21st Century, at the Old Courthouse in Knutsford where he was tried for gross indecency on 31st March 1952.
The panellists, drawn from backgrounds in education, science, politics and academia, will consider the implications of Alan Turing’s life and wide-ranging accomplishments, with a particular focus on diversity, education and STEM subjects. They include the CEO of Manchester Pride, Mark Fletcher, Dr Anjali Mazumder from The Alan Turing Institute, Dr Natasha Ellison from the University of Sheffield, the founder of BBSTEM, Kayisha Payne, International Director at the UK Department for Education, Zamila Bunglawala, and the Chief Cashier from The Bank of England, Sarah John.
Alan Turing is well known as a key figure in the World War 2 codebreaking effort against the Enigma machine, and as someone whose life was profoundly affected by his conviction for gross indecency at Knutsford on 31 March 1952. But is that what Alan Turing stands for? What should his legacy be for the Twenty-First Century?
Practical information
Plan for the day
01.00 PM – Guest registration opens
01.30 PM Welcome and Panel Session
02.30 PM Informal reception, tours and exhibits<
03.30 PM Guests depart
How to get there
Knutsford Courthouse is situated at Toft Road, Knutsford, WA15 0PB (OS grid reference SJ 75157 78436) Phone 0330 1373770 www.flatcaphotels.com/the-courthouse/ Parking is available.
Travel by train
Departures from London Euston 0840 (arrive 1124), 0940 (1224), 1040 (1324); one change at Stockport.
Departures from Manchester Piccadilly 1040 (arrive 1124), 1141 (1224), 1241 (1324) (all direct services).
Knutsford station is approximately 2 minutes’ walk (up steps onto Toft Road, then turn right) from the Courthouse. For disabled access a taxi service is available.
Disabled access to the Celebration
Disabled access to the Courthouse building is at the rear.
