Bletchley Park

Hi Everyone,

https://bletchleypark.org.uk/our-story

Not long ago I said in another blog that I wouldn't go to Milton Keynes again any time soon. Well, somehow I have seemed to go back on my word. A colleague of mine suggested that we visit Bletchley Park together this weekend, I agreed on the condition that we weren't going to go shopping afterwards. Again, somehow we managed to shopping later on in the afternoon. I need to work on saying "No" to people.

Bletchley Park was an intriguing visit. It is possibly one of the most important sites in Britain regarding World War 2 and the impressive work done by the civilians and military working on the site at the time. It it a place with an alluring history which should be protected and not forgotten.

Alan Turing's office.

Bletchley Park showcases the huts from which Alan Turing and his teams worked on the Bombes and the lives of the WRNS operators who worked all day every day to decode messages. 

Lakeside next to the Mansion house.

As part of the exhibitions on at Bletchley, the lives of people working there during the war have been explored. In particular, I was taken by the lake in front of the Mansion house which had a couple of information panels which explained that many people would visit to sit on the lake edge during their breaks so that they could clear their heads and have romantic rendezvous. It was compelling to hear that so many relationships started and endured at Bletchley despite not being able to talk about what they were working on with each other. 

My friend and I were delighted to find out that despite being adults we were allowed to join in on the children's activities in the museum. The friendly and welcoming staff  had put together an arts and crafts day for the visiting children. The idea was to create Bletchley Park inspired Shadowboxes to take home. These boxes were created by filling cardboard boxes with anything you like including leaves, pictures, drawings, stamps and string all held together with a liberal application of glue. 

My shadow box created for Bletchley.

A great morning out overall and I highly recommend a visit. The only negative thing I would mention is that the ticket prices for entry are very steep at £17.00 for an adult and £15 for a student although I understand that the high prices are needed to ensure the survival of this historical site. 

Thanks for reading, 
Curiously Muddy