It Happened Here, Now Be Part of It

Community, History
©ShaunArmstrong/mubsta.com
Bletchley Park needs more volunteers

Bletchley Park has enjoyed an explosion invisitornumbers. Due to this unprecedented success, this historic visitor attraction needs morevolunteers, in particular stewards. The role involves helping visitors to navigate the once top secret site and ensuring it runs smoothly.

So far this year, more than 100,000 people have already visitedBletchley Park; an increase of more than 80 per cent on the previous year. An army of volunteer staff help each and every one of those visitors to get the most out of their day, helping to tell the remarkable story that lives in the very walls of this unique heritage site.

Husband and wife Ian and Helen Seddon volunteer together, as stewards andBombedemonstrators. Ian says “We both enjoy the interaction with people, even though we didn’t do much of that in our careers. It’s very heartening and edifying to see we’re attracting so many families now.” Helen adds “It’s great to be contributing to something so worthwhile. It’s all about the people here.”

The surge in visitor numbers is due in part to a very special visit a year ago, by the granddaughter and great-niece of twinsValerieandMary Glassborow, who worked together in Hut 16 towards the end of World War Two.HRH The Duchess of Cambridgevisited in June 2014 to formally unveil the rejuvenated Bletchley Park, following the £8 million, Heritage Lottery Fund supported phase onerestoration.

Another huge spike in interest followed in November, when the the Academy Award-winning film,The Imitation Game, based on the life and work ofAlan Turingand starringBenedict Cumberbatch and Keira Knightley, opened in cinemas to great acclaim.

Volunteers at Bletchley Park benefit from working as part of a passionate team, learning new skills as well as using their existing ones. They also have access to extensive resources and libraries. Full induction and training is provided. Other roles are also available in Education and Estates. To find out more, please emailvolunteer@bletchleypark.org.ukor call 01908 640404.