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Back in 1996/7 the RCHME worked with ALGAO to organise the first meeting of what was then known as the 'SMR Software Users Group'. That meeting was held at the RCHME's offices in Berners Street in London, we anticipated that about 40 people might come but the room was packed! We put additional seats in the aisles and RCHME staff had to stand outside! Since then meetings have gone from strength to strength. The original intention was to discuss software issues but it was clear from the beginning that SMR officers wanted to discuss a broader range of issues. To reflect this the name of the group changed from the 'SMR Software Users Group' to the 'SMR Users Group'. Then in 1999 the RCHME and ALGAO began talking about producing what was to become 'Informing the Future of the Past'. A working group was set up and following a meeting of the 'SMR Users Group' in Leicester in June, with the help of the ADS, the email discussion list 'SMRForum' was created. The list was intended to help SMR officers to contribute to discussions about the SMR manual. The second posting to the list was from myself to invite comments on the SMR manual project brief. Just like the 'SMR Users Group' meetings, SMRForum has gone from strength to strength. A broad range of issues have been discussed and the membership has grown steadily and includes those with an interest in SMR issues from across the UK and a broad range of institutions. The breadth of interest and involvement in both meetings of the 'SMR Users Group' (which sometimes also seems to be referred to as SMRForum) and in this discussion list seem very good developments. RCHME/EH & ALGAO seem to have started a discussion forum which is maturing very nicely. all the best, Kate -- Kate Fernie Project Officer Archaeology Data Service: The Dept of Archaeology, University of York, The Kings' Manor, York, YO1 7EP, UK email: [log in to unmask] tel: 0044 (0)1904 433973 http://ads.ahds.ac.uk http://www.britarch.ac.uk/HEIRNET/